Michigan wasn’t on my immediate travel radar, but when your best friend lives there and it’s her birthday weekend, you make it happen. I booked the trip to celebrate her, explore somewhere new, and spend some quality time after too many months of FaceTime catch-ups. What I got in return was five days of small-town charm, big-city buzz, amazing food, and memories I’ll hold onto for a long time.
First Stop: South Haven — A Perfect Lakeside Reset
The trip started with two days in South Haven, where my best friend lives. It’s a peaceful little town right on the edge of Lake Michigan, and it immediately slowed me down in the best way. After a busy stretch at work, I didn’t realize how much I needed to wake up to quiet mornings, walks by the water, and coffee without a to-do list in front of me.
We stayed close to the water and spent most of our time walking the pier to the red lighthouse, catching up on life, and watching the sunset from the beach—yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. We explored downtown, grabbed breakfast at Phoenix Street Café, browsed cute boutiques and antique shops, and of course stopped at Sherman’s Dairy Bar for ice cream (pro tip: go with the classics, like butter pecan or chocolate chip cookie dough).
South Haven has that nostalgic, laid-back energy that makes everything feel intentional. It’s perfect for lifestyle content, and if you’re looking for partnerships with coastal brands, boutique inns, or road trip sponsors—this town is pure visual gold.
On the Road: Detroit Bound for Birthday Celebrations & Opening Day
After soaking up South Haven’s calm, we road-tripped to Detroit, a few hours east, and an entirely different vibe. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect: It was Opening Day for the Detroit Tigers and the start of my best friend’s birthday weekend. The city was alive. Streets were packed, bars were buzzing, and you could feel the excitement surrounding Comerica Park.
I’d never experienced an Opening Day like this. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, being part of that energy is something special. Fans everywhere, music pumping, and that contagious feeling of “we’re all in this together.”
That night, we went to The Yard at Corktown—a great outdoor spot that feels like a beer garden meets block party. Think string lights, a live DJ, picnic tables, and an easygoing crowd of Tigers fans winding down after the game. It’s exactly where you want to be post-game when you’re not ready for the night to end.
Where I Stayed: The Godfrey Hotel Detroit
During my time in Detroit, I stayed at the Godfrey Hotel, and I’m so glad I did. It’s modern, clean, and stylish with just the right amount of luxury. The rooms are beautifully designed—sleek but comfortable—and the rooftop bar has an incredible view of the skyline (hello, golden hour photo ops). It’s walkable to a lot of the city’s best spots, which made it easy to keep the weekend relaxed but full.
Day 2: Birthday Dinner at Gray Ghost & Cocktails at The Empire
The second night in Detroit was the heart of the trip: my best friend’s birthday dinner, and we went all out. We booked a table at Gray Ghost, one of the city’s most buzzed-about restaurants—and it lived up to everything I’d heard. The space has this effortlessly cool industrial-chic vibe, and the food? Phenomenal.
We shared small plates (get the scallops, thank me later), devoured the Snapper, and sipped cocktails that felt both classic and creative. The staff was friendly, the vibe was celebratory but intimate, and it felt like the perfect place to toast to my friend’s birthday.
After dinner, we made our way to The Empire, a cocktail lounge that’s moody, modern, and just glamorous enough to feel like a proper night out. The drinks were thoughtful and well-crafted, the playlist was vibey, and it gave the night the kind of “we’re adults but still fun” energy we were going for.
Why This Trip Meant So Much
Yes, this trip was about exploring a new state—but more than that, it was about reconnecting with someone who matters deeply to me. Celebrating my best friend in her city, experiencing her favorite places, and discovering new ones together made every moment more meaningful.
For anyone thinking about visiting Michigan: do it. The contrast between a peaceful place like South Haven and a high-energy weekend in Detroit makes for the perfect itinerary, especially if you want your content to reflect a balance of calm and adventure.
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