Great Lakes staycation

Believe it or not, Michigan is a great place to vacation, or staycation if you're from the state. I am a born and raised Michigander, and I am still finding new places here to give me get away feels. Michigan is surrounded by water, and my love for the beach is undeniable. There are a few cities here I would recommend for a weekend getaway. One of those cities is Traverse City. I visited Traverse City for a weekend birthday getaway when the ideal island vacation wasn't feasible. The city is about 4 hours north of Detroit right off of the lakes. There are numerous resorts along the waterfront, and different companies offer all different kinds of water sports right at some of the resorts.

At the time, I had never been parasailing or jet skiing, and that was at the top of my summer to do list. I’d always wanted to parasail and jet ski and I was able to find a company, TC water sports, who had a combined package to do both for just $160. I was able to make reservations for my group of  7 for our desired time online with no problem. My friends and I hit the road from Detroit to Traverse city around 10:30 a.m. to make it for our 3 o’clock reservation.  After changing into our bathing suits and signing waivers, the TC watersports staff were ready to take us out onto the water.

No wait time at all.

We took a speedy boat ride pretty far out into the water where the shore looked like nothing more than a spec in the distance. We were harnessed on the ride out. Once we reached a far enough distance, they stopped the boat long enough to get us strapped to a parachute. Just that fast, the boat took off, and we were sent off the back of the boat into the air. Riding at least 100 feet in the air off of a boat attached to a parachute may sound terrifying to others, but it was so peaceful for me. The view of the city from that high, the beauty of the deep blue water going on for miles under me, the cool breeze of the wind, and aside from me and my friends discussing how crazy this experience was, it was very still. I loved every single second of it, and would highly recommend it.

Jet Skiing was a TOTALLY different story. That was an adrenaline rush I was not ready for. I kind of felt it in my gut that things were about to get crazy, but I already paid so I went for it anyway.The second I hit the gas, I promise I felt like my head was 1 foot behind the rest of  my body. I didn’t know how to manage that kind of speed. Lol Once I was out into the water, I watched my friends venture out so far I couldn’t see them anymore. Me on the other hand, I created a flow. Going back and forth along the shore. Far enough that I could see NOTHING in the water because it was so deep, but close enough that I could keep my eye on the resort. I was terrified I’d go too far out and get lost. Cleary, I was not made for jet ski life. However, I made the best of it and still managed to enjoy myself at 80 miles per hour. Lol

After our eventful day on the water, we called it a night with some dinner and drinks. We reserved a room at the courtyard marriot through expedia. I felt more comfortable booking with a hotel chain I was familiar with (which was a great choice btw). Check in was a breeze. Our room was clean, and cozy, and the staff was great. We were back on the road and headed home by noon the next day. Though it was a quick getaway, We had a great time. I was absolutely perfect for a staycation Or weekend get away.