Budget-Friendly 5-Day Michigan Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Detroit

Detroit, United States

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rose's Fine Food

Start your day with a delicious and affordable breakfast at Rose's Fine Food, known for its locally sourced ingredients and cozy atmosphere.
Rose's Fine Food is located in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood, a 15-minute drive from downtown Detroit.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts

Explore the impressive collection of art at the Detroit Institute of Arts, including works by renowned artists like Van Gogh and Diego Rivera.
The museum is a short 10-minute drive from Rose's Fine Food.
$14, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lafayette Coney Island

Enjoy a classic Detroit experience with a coney dog at Lafayette Coney Island, a beloved local spot since 1914.
Lafayette Coney Island is a 5-minute walk from the Detroit Institute of Arts.
$5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Belle Isle Park

Spend the afternoon at Belle Isle Park, a beautiful island park offering great views of the Detroit skyline and various attractions like the Belle Isle Aquarium.
Belle Isle Park is a 10-minute drive from Lafayette Coney Island.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bucharest Grill

Indulge in delicious and affordable shawarma at Bucharest Grill, a local favorite for Middle Eastern street food.
Bucharest Grill is located in the Corktown neighborhood, a 15-minute drive from Belle Isle Park.
$8, 1 hour
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Day 2: Art and Culture in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, United States

9:00AM

Breakfast at Angelo's

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Angelo's, a popular diner known for its delicious pancakes and friendly service.
Angelo's is located in downtown Ann Arbor, a 40-minute drive from Detroit.
$12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the University of Michigan Museum of Art

Discover a diverse collection of art at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, featuring works from around the world and various time periods.
The museum is a 10-minute walk from Angelo's.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Frita Batidos

Enjoy a unique Cuban-inspired meal at Frita Batidos, specializing in tasty fritas (Cuban burgers) and refreshing batidos (fruit shakes).
Frita Batidos is a 15-minute walk from the University of Michigan Museum of Art.
$10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Stroll through Nichols Arboretum

Relax and take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens of Nichols Arboretum, a peaceful retreat within the city.
Nichols Arboretum is a 20-minute walk from Frita Batidos.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Tio's Mexican Cafe

Savor affordable and tasty Mexican cuisine at Tio's Mexican Cafe, a cozy restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere.
Tio's Mexican Cafe is a 10-minute drive from Nichols Arboretum.
$15, 1 hour
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Day 3: Discovering Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, United States

8:30AM

Breakfast at Wolfgang's Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Wolfgang's Restaurant, a local favorite known for its delicious omelettes and friendly service.
Wolfgang's Restaurant is located in downtown Grand Rapids, a 2-hour drive from Ann Arbor.
$10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Explore the stunning gardens and impressive sculpture collection at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a must-visit attraction in Grand Rapids.
The park is a 15-minute drive from Wolfgang's Restaurant.
$14, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Green Well

Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at The Green Well, a sustainable restaurant offering a variety of fresh and flavorful dishes.
The Green Well is a 10-minute drive from the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Downtown Grand Rapids

Take a leisurely walk through downtown Grand Rapids, known for its vibrant art scene, unique shops, and historic architecture.
Downtown Grand Rapids is within walking distance from The Green Well.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Stella's Lounge

Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and affordable comfort food at Stella's Lounge, a retro-themed bar with delicious burgers and vegan options.
Stella's Lounge is a 10-minute walk from downtown Grand Rapids.
$12, 1 hour
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Day 4: Magical Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, United States

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake House

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at Pancake House, known for its fluffy pancakes and scenic views of the island.
Pancake House is located near the ferry docks on Mackinac Island, accessible by a 3-hour drive and ferry ride from Grand Rapids.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Fort Mackinac

Step back in time and explore the historic Fort Mackinac, offering panoramic views of the island and engaging exhibits on military history.
Fort Mackinac is a short walk from Pancake House.
$13 (includes admission to other historic sites on the island), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pink Pony

Enjoy a casual waterfront lunch at Pink Pony, a popular restaurant known for its delicious fish tacos and refreshing drinks.
Pink Pony is located near the marina, a 10-minute walk from Fort Mackinac.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bike around Mackinac Island

Rent a bike and explore the scenic beauty of Mackinac Island at your own pace, cycling along the island's historic roads and picturesque coastline.
Bike rentals are available near the marina and offer hourly rates.
$10/hour, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Seabiscuit Cafe

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Seabiscuit Cafe, a charming restaurant known for its comfort food and welcoming atmosphere.
Seabiscuit Cafe is located in the heart of Mackinac Island, a short walk from the main street.
$20, 1 hour
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Day 5: Traverse City Wine Country

Traverse City, United States

9:00AM

Breakfast at Slabtown Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Slabtown Cafe, a cozy spot known for its homemade pastries and hearty dishes.
Slabtown Cafe is located in downtown Traverse City, accessible by a 4-hour drive from Mackinac Island.
$10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Wine Tasting at Chateau Chantal

Experience the beauty of Traverse City's wine country with a tasting session at Chateau Chantal, a picturesque winery offering a variety of wines.
Chateau Chantal is a 20-minute drive from Slabtown Cafe.
$10 (includes tasting of 5 wines), 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Little Fleet

Enjoy a diverse and delicious lunch at The Little Fleet, a food truck park with a variety of culinary options to choose from.
The Little Fleet is a short walk from Chateau Chantal.
$12, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Old Mission Peninsula

Take a scenic drive along Old Mission Peninsula, known for its vineyards, cherry orchards, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Old Mission Peninsula is a 30-minute drive from The Little Fleet.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cooks' House

Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at Cooks' House, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering creative dishes made with local ingredients.
Cooks' House is located in Traverse City, a short drive from Old Mission Peninsula.
$25, 1 hour
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