(Spring) Break the Monotony

7 family friendly escapes where you won’t run into your neighbors

Jan. 27, 2018

Spring break is around the corner, warm weather is calling, and hordes of Northern Michiganians are feverishly planning their getaway to the usual spots: Florida, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. While both regions are great, their increasing popularity is making it harder to call them escapes. If you want warm weather without the risk of running into Frank from the IT department, consider these comparably priced, sunny destinations. Just don’t dawdle — airline prices can change daily, and lodging fills up fast. Prices here, found in January for dates at the end of March, are representative.

Dallas, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the fun! This metropolitan area has something for everyone: history, shopping, parks, and in the neighboring city of Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas, the area’s most popular attraction and home to thrill rides, shows, and all sort sof family friendly activities. On a more sedate day, have lunch and check out the wares from area craftsmen, artisans, and farmers at the 26,000-square foot Dallas Farmers Market. History buffs will lose themselves in the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Be sure to visit Uptown, the most walkable district in the whole city and chock full of eclectic bars, restaurants, shopping, parks and beer gardens. For the best of the rest, the excellent DART rail system in Dallas can make getting around the big city mostly painless.

Don’t miss: Visit the Perot Museum with 11 permanent exhibit halls, and the Journey to Space exhibition only through May 6. An adventure for all ages.

Getting there: Flights from Traverse City average just over $600pp. Flying out of Grand Rapids can save you up to 50 percent on airfare. Flying from Detroit is even more affordable, and there are direct flights available. The drive is about 1,300 miles, or approximately 19 hours.

Lodging: Hotels in the core area start at $160. The beautiful Hotel Indigo Downtown is close to DART and offers a downtown and Uptown shuttle.

Charleston, South Carolina
There’s something about the southland in the springtime. Not only is the year-round rich history and exquisite architecture available but also beautiful, warm beaches. The Charleston peninsula boasts all three. Start with a visit to the Historic Charleston City Market, where you can grab some tasty fixins and sweet tea, then head down to Waterfront Park for a picnic. Tired of walking? Jump on the water taxi to see the whole harbor (and dolphins, too).

Don’t miss: Walking tours are a great way to get to know a new area quickly. Free Tours by Foot offers two-hour tours with history, humor, and … no set price.

Getting there: Expedia yielded flight options starting around $600pp from Traverse City. Flights from Grand Rapids were a little higher in cost, and Detroit prices were only marginally less than Traverse City. It’s close to 1,100 miles from the Grand Traverse area, so you’re looking at potentially an 18-hour drive.

Lodging: There are exquisite luxury hotels that are postcard-worthy (if you have the budget), but if you something close to the action and around $200 per night during the spring break peak. A nice option is Bluegreen Vacations King Street: an all-suite hotel with kitchenettes, on the peninsula, close to everything. www.choicehotels.com. 480-653-9330. Homewood Suites by Hilton-Charleston Historic District is another good choice in the $200 range. 843-724-8800.

Nashville, Tennesee (pictured above)
Music City. Only 11 hours by car (about 700 miles) and you can find yourself immersed in one of America’s most authentic cities and — according to TripAdvisor — one of the best for family vacations. Stroll the Broadway strip for live music every day (free in many venues), and take a detour to the Shelby Street pedestrian bridge for amazing views. Shopping, shows, history, culture — it’s all here.

Don’t miss: Opryland should be high on your list. For the little ones, be sure to visit Adventure Science Center, or the Nashville Zoo with a Jungle Gym Travel + Leisure named one of the world’s coolest playgrounds.

Getting there: If you don’t mind a full-day drive, you can save loads of money, and likely miss the summer construction season. Flights from Traverse City start at $480pp; $280 from Grand Rapids, and $250 non-stop from Detroit.

Lodging: People say if you ever get a chance to stay at the Opryland Hotel, do it! Now dubbed the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, if you can squeeze $250+ per night, you’re treated to far more than just a hotel. The resort can be booked through www.marriott.com. For the outdoorsy type, rent a campsite at Two Rivers Campground in Music Valley with full hook-up sites, a pool, and playground. www.tworiverscampground.com. 

Branson, Missouri
Branson is known as a family vacation destination. It’s a small town that delivers big with nearly 100 live shows; “Silver Dollar City,” an 1880s-style theme park; and loads of Ozark mountain outdoor activities. Take a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway through the Missouri countryside, or tour the beautiful Table Rock Lake on the Showboat Branson Belle.

Don’t miss: The Titanic Museum is an experience you won’t forget. The museum mixes detailed reproductions with actual artifacts and allows visitors to walk through a true-to-scale reproduction of the ship’s Grand Staircase, explore the bridge, and more. With interactive exhibits and personal touches, this museum is a treat for the whole family.
Getting there: Flights start at $350pp, but most airlines only service the Springfield-Branson airport, which is 50 miles north of town — so you would need a car. The drive from northern Michigan will be about 14 hours, or nearly 900 miles.

Lodging: The Grand Country Resort might be your kids’ favorite hotel, ever, thanks to its on-site water park, go carts, and arcade. A family room that sleeps four starts at $120 per night and includes access to the water park! 888-514-1088. www.grandcountry.com. Cooper Creek Campground has 75 full hook-up sites, 2- and 3-bedroom cabins, boat rental, and trout fishing! 417-334-4871. www.coopercreekresort.com.

Pack Your Passport
Looking for something a little more exotic? Consider leaving the country—passports required, of course. Tammy Ensman at Journease Travel in Traverse City gave us some tempting all-inclusive options that are far enough away to make you forget winter ever happened but close enough to justify only one week’s stay. Ensman has one warning: peak travel prices are higher than normal this year, and there are numerous variables to each package (affecting prices). Book as quickly as possible, and call for current pricing: 231-313-5396, www.journeasevacations.com.

Riviera Maya Mexico
March 22–29
Round-trip flight from Traverse City to Cancun, Mexico
7 nights at Riu Palace Riviera Maya
All-inclusive
Includes round trip airport transfers and tax
$1,900 per person (double occupancy)

The Riviera Maya offers some of the best all-inclusive family resorts and boasts beautiful blue water. Take the kids snorkeling or on a day trip to visit Mayan ruins in the area.   

Dominican Republic
March 22–28
Round-trip flight from Traverse City to Punta Cana, DR
6 nights at Ocean Blue & Sand
All-inclusive
Includes round trip airport transfers and tax
$1,710 per person (quad occupancy)

The Dominican Republic is the most-visited Caribbean island. It’s a great beach destination with friendly locals and interesting history.

Costa Rica
March 22–29
4 nights at Hotel Arenal Springs in La Fortuna (breakfast included)
3 nights at Riu Guanacaste (all inclusive)
Includes flight from Grand Rapids to San Jose and return from Liberia to Grand Rapids
$2,300 per person (double occupancy)

Costa Rica is a diverse country offering beautiful beaches, the stunning Volcan Arenal, cloud forests, and much more. Don't miss rappelling down cliffs through waterfalls in La Fortuna.