Although the first signs of Spring have begun to appear, the March weather still has a few chilly tricks up its sleeve. As winter comes to a close, many people pack their bags and head to some tropical destination for an end of the season escape but work schedules and daily responsibilities can make that difficult for others.
However, you don’t need to run away from home to take a little Spring break and unwind. It’s easy to forget that our hometown is a destination for someone else and there are lots of fun things to do nearby if we just take a minute to look around.
This week at Eastbrook Homes, we’re exploring “Stay-cations” and the hidden treasures right outside our own front doors.
West Michigan
For West Michigan homeowners, March can be a mix between snow showers and sunshine. However, the sidewalks are mostly clear and it’s easy to spend a day exploring cities like Grand Rapids or Muskegon.
If you are looking to spoil yourself, start by checking into the Amway Grand hotel. Built in 1913, the same year Grand Rapids native, President Gerald R. Ford, was born, the building originally housed the Pantlind Hotel, then considered one of the 10 finest hotels in America.
Purchased in 1979 by the Amway Corporation, the hotel was renovated and improved, re-opening after the addition of the glass tower in 1981. The immense gold leaf ceiling and two beautiful chandeliers welcome guests to Grand Rapids, which Forbes magazine calls “One of the 10 best downtowns in the U.S.A.”
There are plenty of other hotels in Grand Rapids as well, including the City Flats and JW Marriott, both of which put visitors within easy reach of a variety of music and theater venues, restaurants, and some of the hottest breweries in America.
While visiting Grand Rapids, there are some must-see museums and other attractions including the G.R. Ford Museum, which includes collections that present the life and times of President Gerald Ford.
Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan area are home to a wealth of attractions. The beaches of Lake Michigan, picturesque at any time of the year, are just a short drive to the west. For winter sports enthusiasts, Muskegon’s new Winter Sports Complex offers skiing, ice skating, and one of only four luge tracks in the United States.
As a stay-cation destination, it’s hard to top West Michigan and all the area has to offer.
Greater Lansing, Michigan
Lansing is still one of the hottest jobs and housing markets in the U.S. and offers residents a fun way to take a break without taking off. Lansing even hosts a yearly event called “Be a Tourist in Your Home Town.”
Lansing also hosts more than 60 festivals and events every year, earning the city’s title as the Festival Capital of Michigan. Events include the Michigan State University Science Festival, a multi-day collection of guest speakers, hands-on activities, and demonstrations highlighting science, technology, and more.
Lansing is also home to the Capital City Film Festival, which presents live bands and a showcase of films celebrating independent artists and their work. Lansing stay-cationers can also tour the city’s unique Old Town neighborhood to experience some of the very best art and entertainment venues in Michigan.
The Greater Lansing area is also home to a rich cross-section of Midwest history, where visitors can take in subjects that include the family-oriented Impression 5 Science Museum and the Abrams Planetarium, located on the Michigan State University campus.
Whether you are stay-cationing close to home in Lansing or making a special trip to experience this beautiful Michigan destination, be sure to see the Michigan State Capitol building with its huge cast iron dome.
You don’t need to fly halfway around the world or spend a fortune to enjoy a fun-filled break from the last of the chilly Michigan weather this year. Stay home and slow down, or stay local and see the great attractions in your own backyard to make a “Stay-cation” feel like a real vacation.
If you are shaking off this winter’s cabin fever, it might be time to call the Eastbrook team to discuss your dream house. Contact us today and see why Eastbrook Homes always give you more home for your money.
