Day Trips from Hillside Manor

If you’re here for a few days on vacation, you may be looking for day trips you can take from Hillside Manor. Listed below are trips that are less than a 90-minute drive from Hillside Manor. Let’s explore a few of your options:

1. A DAY IN DETROIT - At only a 45-minute drive, this is one of the closest day trips to visit the nearest big city. Detroit is rather legendary. Some from out of town will question its safety. Significant revitalization efforts began with the reopening of the Book Cadillac Hotel in 2008, and Detroit has been on an upward trajectory since then. Here are several options for your itinerary: 

• Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts - it’s a spectacular museum. Ticket prices range from $6 for kids to $14 for adults. Residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties can attend for free. Take a guided audio tour, or book a tour with a docent to explore the exceptional art collection. If you’re there on a Friday night, enjoy an eclectic concert in Riviera Hall, and don’t forget to check out what’s playing at the Detroit Film Theater.
• If you’re visiting during the spring, summer, or fall, be sure to check out a Tiger’s game at Comerica Park. The stadium is right downtown, across the from the Detroit Opera House. It’s a beautiful, outdoor stadium. Maybe you’ll get as lucky as I was when I attended the game on June 12, 2007, when Justin Verlander pitched a no-hitter! You just never know in baseball!

Check out Detroit River Sports for some off-the-beaten path kayaking through the Detroit River, around Grayhaven Island, past the Fisher Mansion and by the waterfront residences of the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. When you return, enjoy dinner at Coriander, a tasty farm-to-table open-air concept right next door. 

You could also opt for a public or private Riverboat Cruise, a sailing trip, or spend the day exploring the continuously revitalizing Detroit Riverfront before heading to the beautiful and rugged crown jewel, Belle Isle. Enjoy a hike, picnic, a trip to the Nature Center, or kayaking around the island. 

• Other venues of note include The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Opera House (for opera AND dance) the Detroit Repertory Theatre in Highland Park, the Detroit Historical Society , The Scarab Club, and Motown Museum. 
• Don’t forget to make reservations at some of the best restaurants in town! 

2. CRANBROOK & ROCHESTER HILLS - About a 45-drive straight north from Detroit (or nearly an hour from Ann Arbor) is a suburb called Rochester Hills, Michigan. On your way up, I’d suggest stopping by Cranbrook Art Museum to explore their campus, grounds, and art museum. Once you’re in Rochester Hills, you’ll see there is a beautiful, walkable downtown area with ample shopping and dining options. A stand out in the fall is taking a trip to Yates Cider Mill. And two stand-outs most times of the year are the Stoney Creek Metro Park and the spectacular Meadowbrook Hall.

3. HIKING IN PINKNEY - This beautiful area is about a 30-minute drive from Ypsilanti. Pinckney Recreation Area is known for its extensive trail system and chain of 7 lakes. There are 26 miles of multi-use trails. This state park has a variety of activities including boating, fishing options, camping, and two public beaches at Silver Lake and Halfmoon Lake. My favorite activity is the hiking though. If you’re looking for a full day adventure, the 17.6 mile Potawatomi Trail would fit the bill. Or, if you want to hike for a few hours of gorgeous views, The Chain of Lakes Trail (7.8 miles), Silver Lake to Blind Lake Trail (7.9 miles), Gosling Lake Trail Loop (5.9 miles), and Silver Lake Trail (2.5 miles) would be great options. Visit alltrails.com for the full list. 

4. CHECK OUT WINDSOR, ONTARIO! - If you’re traveling with your passports, this option can be quite fun. You’ll head to Detroit, and your most important decision will be whether to cross over via the bridge or the tunnel. I prefer the tunnel. It’s just cool. You’ll need a bit of money for the crossing. Once you’re across, you’re immediately in downtown Windsor. Right on the waterfront, you’ll find Caesar’s Windsor Casino. But, if you’re not a gambler, the dining scene in Windsor is absolutely worth the trip.

The Cook’s Shop is one of my favorites. You walk downstairs to a cavernous room that screams “old-world” Italian. Empty wine bottles serve as candle holders with wax dripping down them. They make several dishes table side. Try the Caesar Salad. I’d also come in the mood for pasta because their pasta is homemade. It’s a great date spot or special occasion dinner. 

If you’re looking for fun and trendy, check out Funky Chow Kitchen - another spot you’ll arrive at by walking down steps. You can sit right in front of the sushi bar and watch the magic happen. They have fun drinks, an upbeat vibe, and very tasty food. This is a fun night out!

And for a really unique and eclectic option, try Ukranian Restaurant The food is delicious and very affordably priced when you need your pierogi and cabbage roll fix. It’s in an old house on a nondescript Windsor neighborhood street. You’ll question whether you’re in a restaurant or a house until your nose adjusts to the smells!

Beer lovers (and cookie lovers) will love The Cookie Bar. The place is tiny with bright neon lights, but the cookies are big, freshly made, gooey, deliciousness, and the beers are eclectic Windsor beers for the true beer enthusiast!

Across the street, whether it’s a pre-dinner drink spot, a post-dinner drink spot, or just a drink spot, Maiden Lane should be on your list of places to visit. Speciality cocktails galore, small tasty treats and a very chill, but sophisticated vibe make this a place a real standout. While you’re here, take a stroll down Maiden Lane, where the back alley features swaths of murals from famed local street artist DENIAL.

Be sure to walk along the Windsor Riverfront during the day. You’ll see great views of Detroit, which is really fun to do if you walked the Riverfront on the other side. 

Other venues to check out while you’re in Windsor include, the Windsor Symphony  or sharing space with the Windsor Symphony, catch a movie at the Capital Theatre instead. The beautiful theater that houses both was built in the 1920s! Or, if you prefer visual art, check out the Windsor Art Gallery, now called Art Windsor Essex. Finally, here is a list of festivals that Windsor hosts if you’re lucky enough to visit when one is taking place!