posted by justincredible

Any beach towns in Michigan that would be good for a long weekend this summer?

Tons. How far north you trying to go?

posted by justincredible

Any beach towns in Michigan that would be good for a long weekend this summer?

Not sure about the surrounding towns, but I've wanted to go to Torch Lake for years. 

posted by Laley23

Tons. How far north you trying to go?

I'd love to be within 6 hours of Cincinnati. Grand Haven is about 5:45 away.

posted by justincredible

I'd love to be within 6 hours of Cincinnati. Grand Haven is about 5:45 away.

Grand Haven is really nice. The nature gets more beautiful the further north you go, but until Traverse the towns get a bit smaller. Grand Haven is kinda the best of both. South Haven is also really nice. Decent little town, walkable, good restaurants and bars. Boating town with good public beaches. Probably closer for your drive.

I’ve stayed at Michigan City (Indiana) when I was younger, but have no memory. My parents said it was nice though lol.

Holland is going to be a big(ger) city feel, which, knowing you, you won’t want. So I wouldn’t even bother looking in that area. I’d focus my search on New Haven and South Haven, then go from there. All along the coast you can find little towns and beaches. 

Between those two is Saugatuck State Park (Sand Dunes) which would be a fun half day trip, if you wanted. It’s nothing compared to Sleeping Bear Dunes, which is up near Traverse City, but it’s still really cool. 

Any good golf courses around those areas? My wife wants the beach, but I'm looking to play 18 each day.

posted by justincredible

Any good golf courses around those areas? My wife wants the beach, but I'm looking to play 18 each day.

One of the top 10 courses in America is just up the road. Arcadia Bluffs. 

Just up the road = about 2 hours. But honestly, it’s well worth it. It is truly a gorgeous course.

posted by Laley23

One of the top 10 courses in America is just up the road. Arcadia Bluffs. 

Just up the road = about 2 hours. But honestly, it’s well worth it. It is truly a gorgeous course.

Yeah, I looked that one up. It looks awesome.

posted by justincredible

Any beach towns in Michigan that would be good for a long weekend this summer?

I spend a lot of time in New Buffalo, MI (and Michigan City, IN). It's only about 4.5 hours from you. It's a blast. Great golf courses, lots of breweries and wineries, and great private beaches. Nice casino (Blue Chip), too.

posted by justincredible

Any beach towns in Michigan that would be good for a long weekend this summer?

We go to Lake Michigan side of Michigan 1-2x every summer.  St. Joseph, New Buffalo not bad.  Warren Dunes state park is awesome for hiking, with a great beach.  St. Joseph has nicest sand and beach, in my opinion.  Grand Haven and South Haven are nice.  We went to Holland/Saugatuk last summer, and loved it.  LOTS to do with a nice state park and nice beaches.  Oval Beach in Saugatuk is really nice, with some good hiking.  Lake Michigan is freaking awesome. 

posted by justincredible

Yeah, I looked that one up. It looks awesome.

Of the “top courses” I’ve played, it ranks in my top 3. 

1. Pebble Beach
2. Crystal Downs
3. Arcadia Bluffs
4. Whistling Straights
5. Inverness
6. Pinehurst 2 (disclosure, we played well before anything was bloomed, and the course was pretty brown w/painted fairways)
7. Medinah
8. Forest Dunes
9. Crooked Stick
10. Desert Mountain

Forest Dunes is also a gorgeous course, but not quite close enough. But if you ever go central northern Michigan I definitely suggest checking it out. And if you know anyone who can get you into Crystal Downs, DO NOT pass up the chance. Top 5 course in America, imo.

I just got asked to go to Seoul, SK. For work, for 10 days, on June 23. right after several work events and a massive trade show. FUCK!

I'm stoked to go, I've never been to Asia, but the timing is making my head spin. I also have to give an extensive presentation in front of our dear leaders. 

 

posted by Automatik

I just got asked to go to Seoul, SK. For work, for 10 days, on June 23. right after several work events and a massive trade show. FUCK!

I'm stoked to go, I've never been to Asia, but the timing is making my head spin. I also have to give an extensive presentation in front of our dear leaders. 

 

That is pretty legit.  I have only heard good things about Seoul.  Enjoy that Korean BBQ. 

Same here. My friend lived and taught English for year. Only said good things about the city itself...one of the most advanced in the world, clean, awesome arcitecture, etc. 

I'm not thrilled about the work aspect though. The HQ bosses and Koreans as a whole are cold af. It should be an interesting challenge.

Following up on my Michigan question, my wife booked us a B&B in South Haven in late July.

posted by justincredible

Following up on my Michigan question, my wife booked us a B&B in South Haven in late July.

Enjoy! I was here early August last year. Weather was spectacular and the beaches are really nice.

posted by Laley23

Enjoy! I was here early August last year. Weather was spectacular and the beaches are really nice.

Have you golfed at Hawkshead or Beeches?

posted by justincredible

Have you golfed at Hawkshead or Beeches?

Have not. Some of our group was able to go in early and play 18...not sure what course it was though. Somewhere near and they said it was solid.

posted by Laley23

Have not. Some of our group was able to go in early and play 18...not sure what course it was though. Somewhere near and they said it was solid.  

Gotcha. Both courses are within 6 miles of the B&B, and both look like decent links courses. I'm planning on playing both while we're there.

posted by justincredible

Following up on my Michigan question, my wife booked us a B&B in South Haven in late July.

My son and his in-laws rent a house and they go up there every year the first week in July, and they love it...btw, without looking back, I think I was the one who suggested SH when you first asked...nice!

edit: I'll ask him what course he and his FIL play when they're there....also, if you or your wife like blueberries, this place is a MUST (their chocolate covered BB's are insane!)

https://www.theblueberrystore.com/

posted by vball10set

My son and his in-laws rent a house and they go up there every year the first week in July, and they love it...btw, without looking back, I think I was the one who suggested SH when you first asked...nice!

edit: I'll ask him what course he and his FIL play when they're there....also, if you or your wife like blueberries, this place is a MUST (their chocolate covered BB's are insane!)

https://www.theblueberrystore.com/

Justin, he said they mainly play Beeches, and when I asked him his thoughts, he said "it's fine, nothing fancy but they keep it in decent shape. It's kinda links style"...hope this helps.

posted by Automatik

I just got asked to go to Seoul, SK. For work, for 10 days, on June 23. right after several work events and a massive trade show. FUCK!

I'm stoked to go, I've never been to Asia, but the timing is making my head spin. I also have to give an extensive presentation in front of our dear leaders. 

 

That's awesome man! Hope you enjoy it. I've had 2 different friends teach over in SK. 1 loved it so much she found a full time job there. I think she has been over there for like 4 years now. 

posted by vball10set

Justin, he said they mainly play Beeches, and when I asked him his thoughts, he said "it's fine, nothing fancy but they keep it in decent shape. It's kinda links style"...hope this helps.

I appreciate you asking. Knowing that they keep it in good shape is good enough for me.

Designated Survivor Season 3 on Netflix...have only watched 3-4 episodes, but his campaign manager is awesome.

Looking to book an international flight to Costa Rica.  Will fly out of Chicago, 4 people.  I am not a frequent flyer, so looking for expert advice.  When is best time to book a flight?  I passed on a flight 2 weeks ago ~$1600.  It's up to ~$1800 now.

posted by ernest_t_bass

Looking to book an international flight to Costa Rica.  Will fly out of Chicago, 4 people.  I am not a frequent flyer, so looking for expert advice.  When is best time to book a flight?  I passed on a flight 2 weeks ago ~$1600.  It's up to ~$1800 now.

I'm no expert either, but using Google flights seems to be the best idea to find flights. A quick search looks like there is a Spirit flight for around $350-450 per person. There are date grids and price graphs on google flights as well which are helpful. It also seems that Tuesday nights the prices seem to be the cheapest of the week, but that could by an old wives tale that I've heard.