Weekend Trip: Taking It Easy In Grayling, Michigan

Weekend Trip: Taking It Easy In Grayling, Michigan // Perfect for a weekend getaway, Grayling is filled with beautiful forests, water activities, and more! [Wading in Big Shoes]

Do any of you feel like you need a getaway to recuperate after this winter? Last weekend, Brad and I headed to Grayling with a group of friends to take advantage of warmer temperatures and some spring sunshine. As it turns out, a little downtime with nature gave us just the jumpstart we needed to hit the ground running this week.

Weekend Trip: Taking It Easy In Grayling, Michigan // Perfect for a weekend getaway, Grayling is filled with beautiful forests, water activities, and more! [Wading in Big Shoes]
We rented a cabin on the AuSable River with three other couples—a beautiful, three-story structure with vaulted ceilings and lots of windows to enjoy views of the woods. Settled far off the main road, we were just steps away from the water, which ran right behind the back yard.

Weekend Trip: Taking It Easy In Grayling, Michigan // Perfect for a weekend getaway, Grayling is filled with beautiful forests, water activities, and more! [Wading in Big Shoes]

In between outdoor activities (our group split time among kayaking, fishing, and disc golf), we enjoyed hanging out at the house, making meals, roasting s’mores on the campfire, and playing board games together. We also took a few trips to downtown Grayling, which provided just the right amount of commerce (a coffee shop, ice cream, restaurants, and souvenir shops) without overshadowing the weekend’s “get away from it all” theme.

Love this mural in downtown Grayling, Michigan - via Wading in Big Shoes
Loved this fun mural in downtown Grayling!

One of my favorite parts of the trip included hiking through Hartwick Pines State Park. There’s something so relaxing about the quietness of the woods. . . nothing but sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and your own footsteps. It makes me so excited that summer is just around the corner and so are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy nature even more!

Weekend Trip: Taking It Easy In Grayling, Michigan // Perfect for a weekend getaway, Grayling is filled with beautiful forests, water activities, and more! [Wading in Big Shoes]
Above, Top: Beautiful views inside the Hartwick Pines State Park
Above, Bottom: Inside “Chapel in the Pines” at the Hartwick Pines State Park

How are you jump-starting warm weather season? Where are your favorite places to get away and enjoy nature?

Weekend Trip: Taking It Easy In Grayling, Michigan // Perfect for a weekend getaway, Grayling is filled with beautiful forests, water activities, and more! [Wading in Big Shoes]

Hi! I'm Jennifer.

Southwest Virginia born and raised, I moved over 500 miles to Southeast Michigan with my husband in 2011. Since then, I’ve been recording my adventures here, bringing you stories as I explore the “mitten state,” the midwest, and beyond.

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