Secrets of the Mid West: Chicago and the Great Lakes

Spend two days taking in Chicago, one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. The Windy City was coined the 'Second City' in competition with New York City but in reality, Chicago has everything the Big Apple has. It boasts incredible architecture from the world's top architects, including Sullivan, Burnham and Frank Lloyd Wright and stunning natural surroundings with its Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. It's a city that can be discovered on foot as well as by bike, subway and boat.
Things to do and experience – Wander through the parks, especially Millennium Park by Lake Michigan, dotted with sculptures and interactive fountains with giant screens. Stroll along Lake Michigan. Visit one of the countless museums. In the evening, see a stand up-show on Broadway or a sporting event, or chill out in a secluded blues or jazz bar.
Optional - An evening at Andy's Jazz Club (dinner and concert), one of the most iconic clubs on the South Side and West Side where many jazz legends have performed.

Collect the hire car and drive to Milwaukee on Lake Michigan (approximately two hours). Spend two nights in the Warehouse District, where the renovations and entertainment illustrate this lively city, home to the Brewers baseball team, the breweries they were named after, and Harley-Davidsons. The latter has a museum just on the other side of the river. The hotel sits on the edge of the railway line in a former five-storey, brickwork warehouse dating back to 1907. It has been converted into a gorgeous boutique hotel and is perfectly in-keeping with this beautifully-renovated old structure. Brick, wood, beams, chocolate and caramel tones and the provocative works of photographer Charles Dwyer and sculptor Amber Van Galder work together alongside the salvaged materials and vintage furniture to create a rather surprising, arty and sophisticated vibe that one would expect to see more in New York or Chicago.

Wisconsin's largest city borders Lake Michigan and its buildings and museums and chemical, textile and automotive industries, sit in an otherwise wild natural setting. The art of brewing beer has been taken to another level here. The city was founded by a Frenchman, and a strong German community settled in the 19th century, both influences that can still be felt today.
Things to see and experience - Relax on the lake's sandy beaches. Go on a sailing trip on the lake. Hire a bike and explore. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum and marvel at the museum's spectacular architecture, resembling a bird's wings.
Included in the itinerary - Tickets to the Harley-Davidson Museum, which tells the story of the legendary company against the US's historical background and ever-changing fashions. Hundreds of models are exhibited, with interesting information about the engineering of racing cars, film extracts and temporary exhibitions...

Head north driving along Lake Michigan to Ephraim, at the tip of the Door Peninsula (approximately three hours). Spend two nights in a charming B&B nestled in a lovely garden, facing Green Bay. There's a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and the New England-style interior design is charmingly old-fashioned. The suites and rooms are very pleasant and some even have a fireplace and kitchenette. The terrace, garden with sun lounges, swimming pool and sauna are all available for guests.

The tiny village of Ephraim borders Lake Superior and the Peninsula State Park. It's the perfect base for exploring the Door Peninsula, including the lighthouse trail (the peninsula has a dozen or so lighthouses), the wine trail, neighbouring villages and the small island of Washington Island, sand dunes, beaches, cycling, boat trips and kayaking... It's also a great place to try 'fish boil', boiled fish with herbs prepared in a huge cauldron - a traditional Scandinavian meal and a staple in the area.

Head north to Michigan to arrive at the small city of Marquette, on Lake Superior (approximately five hours). Spend a night in the town's beautifully renovated historic hotel, just a few minutes from the lake. The area is especially loved for its natural surroundings, perfect for hiking in the forest or kayaking or paddling on the lake, with the protected area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore just a stone's throw away. Colourful cliffs, sand dunes, waterfalls and wild shorelines complete this picturesque scene.

Head east towards St. Ignace (approximately three hours), leaving the hire car to embark the ferry (30 minutes) and arrive at peaceful Mackinac Island (where vehicles are banned; only bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are allowed). Spend two nights in a small, peaceful and picturesque B&B, one of the first establishments built on the island in 1870. The B&B echoes the gentle charm of Victorian times, highlighted by the stunning roll top baths. Wood furnishings, floral linen and rocking chairs on the veranda all add to the charming atmosphere.

This tiny island, covering just four square miles, has similar vibes to Cape Cod and is one of Michigan's main sights. Mackinac Island, nestled in the strait separating Lake Michigan from Lake Huron, was once a valuable port in the fur trade. Cars were banned in 1898 and only bicycles, horses and carriages are allowed. The island is very popular with visitors and really comes into its own at the end of the day, when the last ferry leaves the harbour. That's when the real charm begins.
Things to see and experience - Cycle around the island on the M-185 that runs alongside the crystal clear waters (the only state highway with no cars). Hiking on the shores or inland. Visit Fort Mackinac, a beautifully-preserved historic fort. Stroll through alleyways lined with Victorian homes. Visit a fudge factory; made from sugar, butter and milk and flavoured with chocolate, vanilla, nuts and peanut butter. It's the local speciality and one of America's finest inventions.

Get the ferry back to St. Ignace then head south-west to Traverse City (approximately two and a half hours), Michigan's 'cherry capital', surrounded by vineyards, orchards where you can pick your own fruit and beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan. The small city centre has a fun, young-at-heart and arty vibe, with plenty of coffee shops, small boutiques and food trucks. Spend a night in the old warehouse district of Traverse City in a modern, friendly hotel with spacious rooms and a rooftop overlooking the lake. Just a short walk away is Warehouse MRKT, an indoor shopping area with a view of the city and which has interior design shops, a florist, a gym, cafes and restaurants.
Must-see - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a spectacular beauty spot with forests, beaches and impressive sand dune formations.

Continue south to Saugatuck (approximately three and a half hours), a tranquil retreat between sand dunes and Lake Michigan. Spend two nights in a B&B full of character, with contemporary interior design, luxurious comfort and delicious breakfasts served in your room...

Saugatuck is a small town that was established in the early 19th century and enjoys a sheltered location on a curve of the Kalamazoo River (Kalamazoo meaning 'boiling water' in the language of the Potawatomi people), just before it meets Lake Michigan. With its art galleries, boutiques, marinas and beaches, it has become an authentic holiday spot for city dwellers in search of much-needed fresh air. It's also popular with artists and the city is home to the famous OxBow school of art.
Things to do and experience - Arrive in the city centre and wander the boutiques, art galleries and studios, bars and small cafes. Relax on Oval Beach or enjoy countless water activities: kayaking, paddle boating, sailing, fishing. Go cycling or snowshoeing (depending on the season) in Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Practise sunrise yoga to get in shape. Work on your swing on one of the golf courses next to the city. Go wine tasting in a local cellar. Watch a concert or theatre performance at the Saugatuck Centre For the Arts or a live outdoor show during the festival season. Sip a local craft beer, cider or glass of wine in a trendy bar...