Lovable Michigan Travel Deals: Memorial Weekend stays, wine happy hours

The travel deals keep pouring in as prime vacation season gears up across Michigan. We try to share a good mix with you each week, whether you’re planning a multi-day stay at a nice resort or you’re just in the mood for a little daytrip adventure.

This week’s deals include an historic spot on Mackinac Island with a view of the harbor. It even comes with a little lilac sapling to take home (we love this!). And then there’s a Mid-Michigan outdoor adventure spot with daytrip hiking itineraries all spelled out for you. For wine lovers heading Up North, we’re sharing a Happy Hour special with you.

Here are this week’s travel finds:

Black Star Farms

This award-winning winery has two tastings rooms – one on Old Mission Peninsula and its flagship location near Suttons Bay. They are good spots to visit anytime, but working their Happy Hours into your trip planning is always a win. Here are the details:

Black Star Farms Happy Hours in the Tasting Rooms: Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m.

• 50% off wines by the glass
• 10% bottle purchases to go
• Rotating cocktail specials

Crystal Mountain Resort

Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville has a fast-approaching deadline for a Memorial Day Weekend stay: Reserve two nights of lodging over the holiday weekend by Friday, May 17 and get a third night of lodging free.

“This Memorial Day weekend, celebrate the start of a Crystal Mountain summer with exciting events and activities for everyone,” resort staff said. Find all the details and a list of the activities on the website here.

“This special offer is available when staying Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27 in hotel, suite, or condominium accommodations.”

You can make a reservation online, or call 855-819-4221.

Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island

One of Mackinac’s historic landmarks is offering a sweet deal to early-season travelers.

Island House Hotel, which is Mackinac’s oldest hotel, sits directly across from the marina and has a fantastic waterfront view. The sprawling hotel is not only a state landmark, it’s the only hotel located within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park and is actually owned by the state.

Right now, Island House is offering a Spring Special through June 15. You can find the package details on the website here.

“Treat your taste buds to new seasonal dishes masterfully crafted by expert chefs. Stroll through freshly decorated storefronts adorned with the latest Michigan-made treasures. Relax and enjoy the fresh air while rocking on the porch, as the harmonious clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages creates a timeless soundtrack to your spring escape,” hotel staff said in advertising the Spring Special.

Package Details:

• For 2024 stays arriving between May 3 and June 15
• Accommodations in a room style of your choice
• Take home a live Mackinac Island lilac sapling
• Includes a full breakfast each morning in the 1852 Grill Room
• Includes a slice of chocolate Mackinac Island fudge from Ryba’s Fudge Shop
• Includes round-trip Mackinac Island ferry tickets

Spring Color Tour in Clare County

Finding adventure in the Middle of the Mitten is not hard to do – you just have to know where to look. The Clare County tourism bureau is rolling out the welcome mat for what they call “Spring Color Tours.”

“Clare County is called ‘The Gateway to the North’ for good reason; most of our county is undeveloped wooded lands that turn into an amazing display of color during the spring,” tourism staff said. “With colors and scenery rivaling fall, we invite you to explore Clare County on a Spring Color Tour.”

The tourism bureau there has sample itineraries and travel tips all ready for you, so you don’t have to do a lot of research before you head out on the road. You can find more on the Color Tour route and maps on the website here.

“The route is all primary roads and will be well worth the journey,” tourism staff said. “If you have more time to enjoy the colors, traveling throughout any part or our county and walking the Green Pine Lake Pathway hiking trail would be well-worth your time.”