Sun, July 19: Depart Indianapolis and arrive in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a walk in the park. Not just any park, but the famed, 185-acre campus of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Enjoy lunch and time on your own to stroll through the indoor and outdoor gardens including 15,000 square feet of tropical flora, carnivorous plants, Victorian era flowers, and seasonal flowers. Meander through quiet walkways and meadows while enjoying the shade garden and relish the tranquility while perusing the 8-acres of the Japanese garden. Meet back up for a narrated tram tour through the exquisite sculpture garden showcasing art from sculptors of the late 19^th century to the present. Continue on to Traverse City and check in to the waterfront Hotel Indigo featuring rooftop views of West Grand Traverse Bay. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)

Mon, July 20: This morning, take a tour at Rennie Orchards to learn about this family farm. Since 1938, the family has been giving people the chance to enjoy Michigan’s finest cherries. Grab a bucket and pick your own cherries to enjoy during your trip, or you can even have some shipped home. Next, travel through the rolling hills of Grand Traverse County to the Music House Museum where automated musical instruments and players are lovingly restored and displayed. Two instrument enthusiasts not only restored the instruments, but also the early 1900’s barn where a collection of music boxes, phonographs, radios, and jukeboxes ranging from the late 18^th century to1950s are showcased. Another staple of northern Michigan would be wine! Make a visit to the Rove Estate Winery, whose tasting room sits at the highest point in the county providing breathtaking views and the perfect conditions for making award-winning wines. Spend the evening back in Traverse City at your leisure to relax by the waterfront, or stroll through the historic streets, shops, boutiques, and restaurants right outside your hotel. (B)

Tue, July 21: Today is the day for all things Michigan: cherries, fudge, dunes, and horse-drawn carriages. Depart Traverse City for Glen Arbor to experience Cherry Republic. Founded in 1989, they still operate today under their core values of “Life, Liberty, Beaches, Pie,” while offering over 200 items of all things cherry. Enjoy a bite to eat and even take some time to walk the flagstone paths through the gardens. Stretch your legs and grab some amazing photos along the Lake Michigan Overlook and scenic drive of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore before heading to Mackinaw City. After your ferry ride to Mackinac Island, transfer by horse-drawn carriage to the fabulous Grand Hotel. Grand it is — since 1887, this famous hotel has been welcoming guests to come and take a stroll or relax on the world’s longest porch — 660 feet lined with geraniums and rocking chairs. This National Historic Landmark prides itself on continuing the air and charm of yesteryear within its individually designed guestrooms and public spaces, afternoon tea, and exquisite dinner and dancing. Tonight, dress up for dinner in the Main Dining Room (Salle à Manger) of the hotel. Afterward, enjoy live music and dancing. (B,D)

Wed, July 22: Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the Main Dining Room and start your day with a carriage tour of the island. Afterward, the day is at your leisure. Rent a bike; take a stroll along main street and see all the shops, restaurants, and pubs; visit Fort Mackinac; hike through the woodlands or do some birdwatching; explore Arch Rock; or surround yourself with the grace and beauty of butterflies and tropical gardens in the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House. Or, stay at the Grand Hotel and enjoy high tea; swim in the 220 foot, heated pool; try your hand at tennis or pickleball; or enjoy the quintessential summer lawn games of bocce and croquet. Tonight, enjoy another delicious dinner at your leisure at the Grand Hotel. (B,D)

Thu, July 23: After breakfast at the hotel, make your way back to the mainland and continue on to Indianapolis. (B)

Hotel Indigo, Traverse City, Michigan.

Located in Traverse City’s trendy waterfront Warehouse District, this new hotel is a short walk to Grand Traverse Bay and the beach. Highlights: in-room coffee maker • complimentary high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi access • two restaurants • bar/lounge • fitness center.

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan.

A classic American resort by anyone’s standards, the Grand Hotel has been named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as “One of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations” and a National Historic Landmark. Watch the sunsets over the lake from the world’s longest porch (600 feet). Highlights: each room is uniquely decorated • in-room coffee maker and mini bar • five restaurants • five bars • tea room • spa • 18-hole golf course • Esther Williams Swimming Pool (heated, outdoor) • fitness center • four tennis courts • duck pin bowling alley • live music, including the Grand Hotel orchestra • horseback riding on bridle paths • family games, including bocce ball, croquet, putt-putt golf, and a giant outdoor chess board • bicycles for rent • no tipping policy (fees apply for some activities).

(Casual resort wear is appropriate during the day at the hotel, just avoid midriff tops, sweatpants, or cut-off shorts along with no sleeveless shirts for the men in all areas inside the hotel with the exception of the Cupola Bar. Because every night is special, after 6:30pm, a coat and tie are required for the gentlemen — no jeans or shorts, and for the ladies, dress slacks, dresses, or skirts and blouses are preferred.)