Celebrating turning 40 with a midwestern roadtrip!

What do you do when you and your BFF both turn 40 within months of each other?  Plan some kick ass road trips in a hot ride, that's what!

In a little over a week, Bad Kitty and I land in Detroit where we pick up a Ford Mustang (and if there is a god it will be a Shelby Mustang) and head to Mackinac Island for a weekend of fun and relaxation. All you Somewhere in Time fans (and I know you are out there), HOLLA! Yes, we are visiting the Grand Hotel that magical place where Christopher Reeve traveled back into time (just by thinking real hard about it) to meet his beloved, played by a winsome Jane Seymour. We will tour the island, interview the proprietor, and bring that cult classic to life via the magic of Twitter and blogging like only we can. And there will probably be vodka.

Then we head back down the coast (which seems odd to say refering to a state that doesn't border an ocean) to Detroit to meet Ford's Master of all Time, Space, Dimension, and Social Media, Scott Monty, for a tour of Ford and to hear about their latest product line up and company plans.  Then we jump in another Ford—one of their hybrids—and cruise down to Chicago for BlogHer! Where there will certainly be vodka.

Do you live in Detroit or Northern Michigan or Chicago? Want to meet us for relaxin' on Mackinac Island, for drinks in Detroit, or for a Hot Doug in Chicago—we arrive a couple of days before BlogHer—to help us celebrate our 40th birthdays (Bad Kitty's was in May, mine is in October)? Drop me a note in the comments and I'll hook you up with our itinerary! If you can't celebrate with us but have suggestions for places we should stop along the way let me know! We are seeking out the best local food (from fancy to fried), the oddest roadside attractions, and the prettiest vistas.

Read all about our 10 day adventure on 40 Whatever. Even if you can't come with us, you'll be with us, know what I mean?

Comments

[Pam]

Mackinac is always about the fudge and taffy for me. On the drive from Detroit there's signs for a town called Frankenmuth,where they sell christmas stuff all year round. I haven't been, but I'm sure it would be a kitschy good time.

[LiAnn]

I'm so jealous!!!! I want to go with you guys to Hot Doug. When you have a Chicago dog, think of me!

[tj]

all for vodka in chicago.

[Erin]

Ha- Someone beat me to the fudge on Mackinac. Enjoy!

We go to Pentwater in a week, and watching sunsets over Lake Michigan always messes with my HI born husband's head.

[alison @ cluck and tweet]

We live in Northern Michigan, Harbor Springs, to be exact, but I grew up in St. Ignace, one of the gateways to the Island. I'm not one for shameless plugs, but I wrote a little bit about Michigan on this post http://www.cluckandtweet.com/2009/06/michigan-its-not-as-bad-as-you-think.html

The west side of Michigan is as beautiful a place as you'll find in the world. Really. But it's not exactly on your way to Detroit. The Island is most magical at night after the last ferry has left. And there's a reason tourists are called Fudgies in this part of the world.

If you can take the time to wander to the pinky side of Michigan, check out Petoskey and Harbor Springs. If you have time to check out the UP, look up Tahquamenon Falls and drive to Cedarville, a cute little UP town.

I hope you have the time of your lives. The Grand is simply that and the Mussers who own it are gracious and unassuming. When my husband attended college in New York state he had friends who couldn't believe that our lakes rival the ocean. They do.

I hope you love it as much as we do.

[Karen]

HOLLA! I loved that movie. I will definately be following your adventures...have BIG fun!

[Mara]

We just had a 50th wedding anniversary party for my in-laws who in 1959 drove to Mackinac for a 3-day honeymoon lo these many years ago. They stayed in motels for a few bucks a night and splurged on fudge. (I also think she got pregnant since DH's older brother was born exactly 9 months later when my mother-in-law was at the ripe old age of 19.)

Happy Birthday and I hope you have a great trip! I'd love to hook up with you at BlogHer - I'll be arriving Thursday night.

[EmmieJ]

In addition to the BBQ place I already sent you (http://www.beanscornbread.com/), there are two other places you should consider. If you take the direct route from Detroit to Mackinac (I-75) I whole heartedly endorse a stopover in Frankenmuth where you should try Zehnder's fried chicken. According to their website (http://www.zehnders.com/new-site/restaurant/index.htm), Zehnder’s is America's largest family-owned restaurant. In addition to their famous fried chicken, they serve these noodles that are drenched in butter and topped with crushed saltines (or something like that) that are to die for.

If, however, you decide to take a more westerly route (or perhaps on your drive back down to Chicago), head west to Jackson and stop off at The Parlour, an old fashioned ice cream parlor. According to their website (http://www.visualalchemy.net/deforest/parlourjackson/jackson_history.html), “The Parlour boasts the biggest portions of ice cream, sundaes and shakes in Michigan.” Hubby and I attempted to eat their Dare to Be Great (21 scoop) sundae. (http://lifebehindthecurve.com/2009/04/09/do-not-try-this-at-home/)

If I think of anywhere else, I’ll let you know. Have fun on your trip! It sounds like it’s going to be a blast!

[Miss Behavin]

I heart that movie and I love Mackinac Island. I've been there a few times.

[erin]

Thump, thump. (That was my heart beating a bit faster at the thought of that movie).

Have a wonderful time!!! Drive safe.

[TheAitch]

AWESOME! I am soooo jealous. Of your trip, not of turning 40. Ha Ha!

[Asianmommy]

Sounds like a wonderful trip!
If you're looking for crab in Chicago, go to Bob Chinn's. For dim sum, go to the Phoenix Restaurant. For noodles & bubble tea, try Joy Yee's.

[Aimee Greeblemonkey]

Have a ROCKIN birthday!!! I will miss you at BlogHer!