[KP]

Grand Rapids here...anyone else from the area, besides Dylan McKay?

 

[techgirl321]

I don't live there, but I plan to run the Borgess Run for the Health of it half marathon in April. It will be my first half. Why this one for a first half you ask? My Maiden name was Borges and I have friends in Kalamazoo and the surrounding area.

 

[Dylan McKay]

Are you still in for the Borgess half?<br><br>
I was thinking about driving down to run the Borgess half. Granted, I'm not really in any sort of racing shape (unless you count "round"<img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">, but was going to jog it regardless.

 

[sdp]

So, here's my dilema.....Grand Rapids marathon and Detroit are on the same day (I'm pretty sure). Even if they're not they are both in October and I cannot swing both. Which to run (probably the 1/2)? I have family in the metro detroit area but I thought a few of the KR 30's were doing Grand Rapids......what to do.....what to do....

 

[KP]

Sara, I of course vote for Grand Rapids <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[sdp]

I absolutely knew you would!!! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> GR is a consideration b/c you guys are there. I'm starting a new training plan / club May 7th. It's a 5-month program and I don't know yet if I'll be ready for a full or a 1/2.<br><br>
Which reminds me.....how's the house coming?<br><br>
Do you guys ever head upnorth during the summer? We have a place 1 hour south of Mackinaw and spend 7-10 days there each summer. Trying to convince my DH we should swing through (not really on the way) GR on our way up this year.

 

[KP]

House is coming along nicely...more pics soon.<br><br>
Didn't head up north last year but it was our first summer here...any suggestions?

 

[sdp]

Depends on what you like to do. The west side (Traverse City, Charlevoix, etc) are nice. Both can be busy during 'the season'. Sleeping Bear dunes is nice. Both have shopping and lake recreation. The UP has some great parks (Taquahmenon Falls (I'm not spelling it right - The Rootbeer Falls). If you like history, Mackinac Island is a good place to spend the day (there's a fort there, nice scenery, no cars). I'm not as familiar w/ the east side of the mitten. Lots of good rivers to fish and canoe / kayak in.

 

[Last Place Jason]

North east side of the mitten:<br><br>
If you own a boat, the inland waterways are nice. If you like off-roading, the Black Mountain recreation area southeast of Cheboygan is pretty good.<br><br>
If you like to drink, Mackinaw Island actually has a pretty vibrant night life (for a small island without cars). If going to the island, take Arnold Line- fastest boats. Don't stay at the Grand Hotel, it sucks. Rent bikes, they are a pain to transport.<br><br>
There are a few good restaurants in the eastern side of the tip. It's not quite fine dining, the the Brown Trout in Indian River has exceptional food.<br><br>
Mackinac City has some shopping, but most is tourist-trap quality crap. TC, Charlevoix, and even Petoskey have pretty good shopping. It's not Rodeo Drive, but not bad for Northern Michigan.<br><br>
If you like gambling and want to venture to the Eastern UP, Sault St. Marie is the place to go. While there, head over to the Canadian side and enjoy their Labatt's (its heavenly). Also, I hear they have some good strip joints.<br><br>
sdp- is your place in Gaylord?

 

[sdp]

Why, yes it is. We're on the lake not too far from the State Park. The <b>Brown Trout</b>, huh? I'm putting it on our list for this summer while we're up north.