Last weekend, I had the awesome privilege as a blogger to travel to my happy place — Northern Michigan, specifically to stay and review Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge, located in Alanson. While people looked at me like I had three eyes when I said I was heading to the Petoskey area during winter, I brushed it off knowing the awesomeness in store.
As we drove north, I literally got emotional taking in all the beauty of the snow, the beautiful white birch trees and millions of pines we passed along the way. I just felt a sigh of relief to getaway from all of life’s distraction — even for two nights.
After 3.5 hours in the car, we arrived at our destination. My 4-year-old asked if we were at the North Pole. I couldn’t blame her thinking, it felt like it!
Walking into the lodge was everything we envisioned our Northern Michigan getaway to be: friendly faces, a chandelier made of antlers and a blazing fire inside and out, surrounded by welcoming adirondack chairs. I mean, couldn’t you relax and spend some time here?
Lucky for us, a cancellation meant we were upgraded to the River View Suite. Talk about the SUITE life. It was the most amazing place we’ve ever stayed. A full kitchen, a massive shower to fit our entire family, plenty of beds {sleeps 12!} and even a gorgeous balcony overlooking the river. I told my husband I could easily live here.
I love that all the suites include a kitchen. This is crucial with small children!
When it comes to accommodations, you truly can’t get better than this place. The staff didn’t know I was a blogger, but I felt like a VIP. They were SO friendly. My favorite was Janet who literally walked from table to table during breakfast, chatting with guests. You just don’t get this experience in chain hotels. And how about this game room? So fun for adults and older children.
Not only was the service friendly and impeccable, there were also so many extra perks to staying at the lodge for smaller children. My girls loved a mini lodge under the stairs. My 2-year-old just kept saying “My house!”
Other things we loved: Free popcorn in the lobby in the evenings, free snowshoes available for use, the awesome outdoor fire pit, and a beautiful and clean pool, complete with a hot tub and waterfall.
Best of all? Room packages start at $79/night during the off-season, which makes this an affordable destination for Michigan families. {See standard rates here.}
The lodge is conveniently located about 20 minutes from Petoskey and 20 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge. The location was perfect! And you could not beat this view of the Crooked River.
During our stay, we also enjoyed the nearby attraction The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods, date-filled cookies from the local bakery Dutch Oven, walking around downtown Petoskey and enjoying lunch at Julienne Tomatoes and even had great pizza in the Northern Michigan airport nearby in Pellston called Hoppie’s Landing. I only wish we had more time to explore…and eat. So many great places to try!
Downtown Petoskey is full of charm — tons of fabulous shopping and dining
Had it just been the hubby and I, I am sure we would’ve loved skiing or renting snowmobiles and enjoying the eclectic variety of wineries and restaurants in the area. Love that it’s kid AND adult friendly! SO many great things to do during ALL seasons.
Cross in the Woods is a free destination just 10 minutes from the lodge. Stunning!
Overall, it was such a memorable weekend, and I am already looking forward to our next stay at the lodge. If a tropical vacation isn’t in your budget, I highly recommend checking out Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge for a spring break destination!
Book online here: http://www.staffords.com/crooked-river-lodge-259/.
Where are your favorite Pure Michigan destinations?
Kalyn Ernest says
We LOVE Petoskey! We also love Bay Harbor, that is where we go for our BabyMoon!
Danielle Heit says
We love Traverse City and Petoskey. Also traveled to Happy Lake last year and loved it. 🙂
Devon says
We love Long Lake.
Melissa says
My favorite spot is Muskegon.
Laura Campbell says
We love traveling in Michigan and showing our children it’s beauty!
Stephanie Pohl says
We love so many Michigan destinations but our favorite is camping at Ludington.
Ashley Edwards says
Ludington!
Mackey says
The RiverWalk and the Marriott downtown.
Vickie says
We have so many favorites- but we love to go to East Tawas for a quick visit.
Betsy says
We love Mackinaw City!
Nicole W says
We love visiting Roger’s City on Lake Huron
Jen says
There are so many great places to visit in Michigan, but we really love Traverse City.
Stephanie Olmsted says
We like Holland or Mackinaw City.
Niki C says
We love traveling throughout MI, especially the little towns along Lake Huron in the thumb region and along the Lake Michigan coast, up near Frankfort, etc.
Krystin says
We LOVE Luddington and try to get up there every year! We’ve never had a bad place to stay when vacationing around this great state!
Kim says
We love Indian River and Mackinaw Island!!! ❤️
Renee says
Love grand haven.. Musical fountains. Clear beaches and cute stores to explore.
Kimberly hall says
We like Marquette and St. ignace.
Tonya says
I’ve never been to Michigan with my family. I know, it’s hard to believe since I live in Ohio. So close…
Ashleigh @Being Cheap is Easy says
We actually haven’t travelled around the state much with the kiddos–we are looking for a nice little weekend trip!
Jessica Mueller says
Mackinaw Island is a beautiful place to visit in the fall.
lisa mcgeen says
Lewiston
Wes S. says
I absolutely love vacationing in Northern MI. Anywhere North of Lansing. But I’m especially fond of Indian River, East Tawas, & Grayling.
Laura says
We haven’t been many places yet but we liked traverse city 🙂
Elisa Gruss says
South Haven Lake MI
Chris B says
Petoskey is great but I’m a sucker for Mackinaw!
Lindsey says
We have two favorite places: Lewiston where our family cabin is just 55 minutes south of Mackinac City. And we love and adore all things Mackinac City and Island. We stayed at the Grand Hotel on our honeymoon as well as the Mission Pointe Resort and Harbor View Inn. We went there a few times after we were married. We are planning an anniversary back. Just can’t get enough of it. =)
Liz @ Yes/No Films says
I’ve never been to Petoskey and I bet it would be a great weekend trip in May or June! My parents and I went to Mackinac Island/City once and that was great. My FAVORITE favorite place would probably be Grand Haven.
Tesa says
This place looks amazing! It looks like you had a wonderful time and your post and pictures have convinced me that we need to add this to our list of must do’s.
We love going to Sleeping Bear Dunes & Traverse City.
lace says
Lot’s of places! I loved Ludington as a kid and Holland is great as well. Spent many summers in Traverse City.
RLL says
Traverse City area is a family favorite! So many amazing restaurants and they’re getting more family friendly each year.
Carol Kelley says
We love Traverse City and Mackinac and Holland.
Dave says
Traverse City is my favorite been going there since I was a kid camping at the state park with my parents.
Kara D says
I love Traverse City because there is so much to do!
Alecia Shovan says
We enjoy frankenmuth! Have not had a chance to experience traverse city but hear amazing things!
Holly says
We love being anywhere away from home but Coldwater is always a favorite.
Jenn says
Our favorite place is Presque isle. We’ve been camping there for almost twenty years.
Angela Watts says
We haven’t gone anywhere in MI as a family. This could be the beginning of something great for the family.
Nicole @Little Blog on the Homestead says
Um, what isn’t my favorite place in MI! Michigan rocks! I am partial to my hometown of Holland, love Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, and always have a good time in Traverse City!
Christa says
I LOVE Torch Lake! Up until 1 yr ago, my family had a cottage on the lake. I think it will forever be my “Happy Place”!!!
Jen@BigBinder says
We love camping in Ludington!
AMS says
Frakenmuth
Amy says
Michigan has so many beautiful places it is hard to pick one favorite, anyplace on the water is great! I really love Tawas…great sunrises!
Kelly E says
Grand Haven or Mackinac!
Kim Simon says
There are so many great places to stay, one of my favorites is Higgins Lake
Mary Hitchings says
I yet to have a found a place in Michigan that I didn’t love!
Shannon Price says
Love everything about Michigan! Favorite places are Grand Rapids, Trav City, Detroit, and Lansing. SMITTEN WITH THE MITTEN!!!!
Katie Dudde says
Our favorite MI destination is Frankenmuth! We can’t wait to go every fall!
Melissa says
I love East Tawas. We would go every summer if we could.
Christopher Sorel says
Love to go up to Saint Ignace
keri m szawara says
Alpena is an AWESOME lil city!!
Matthew M says
We like Ossineke but would be happy to try Petoskey if we win.
Emily M says
We head to lake huron in the summers and love to spend time on the beach!
Amy Y says
We love road trips!!!!! So anywhere in Michigan is our favorite.
Lori Who Needs A Cape? says
We love so many great destinations in our state, but Mackinac Island has to be our #1 loved location.
Pam Wickman says
We love Ludington State Park! The BEST
Jessica Buckley says
Our favorite travel destination in Michigan is Pentwater. Perfect for a weekend getaway 🙂 Also our family cabin in Lewiston. Love the fresh air up there!
sarshie says
Traverse City, Paradise, Crisp Point Lighthouse, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor (favorite!), Frankfort
Rosana says
We love heading to Mackinac or Frankenmuth with the family so would LOVE to explore more of the upper-lower peninsula! 🙂
Kristin says
The homestead resort is amazing!!!
Patti Margarita says
We love to camp at all of the state parks! So wonderful!
Rox Petoskey says
Petoskey and Frankenmuth!
Karen Vines says
we love going to Empire!!
Karen Evans says
We love love love Petoskey. From the bay to the little park, from watching baseball games to grabbing a coffee at Roast and Toast, it has everything. I would live there if I could!
Lisa W says
We love going to Grand Haven!, We love the cities near Lake Michigan.
Crystal Eidson says
We spend lots of time in Port Austin at our family cabin!
Dave says
We love to visit Frankemuth. It really is Fun Town!
Andrea herman says
We love frankenmuth! Best little town!