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Isn’t it about time for a break? With so much talk of work, work, work, it’s easy to forget that life exists outside the office. The mere thought of an escape—waves lapping at your feet, breeze at your back—is enough to produce a sigh of relief. So to offer you a way to escape the rat race, we found six awe-inspiring destinations within a day’s drive. From art in Saugatuck to skipping stones in Duluth, roller coasters by Lake Erie to rocking on a porch on Mackinac Island, we searched within a 13-hour radius to highlight must-visit spots. For the best road-trip experience, we also researched the best pit stops along the way. Now gas up and get outta town!
Maps may take time to load, depending on your Internet connection speed. Click the text link below each of the maps to open a larger, more interactive version, view/modify the directions, or see travel times. To learn more about each of the destinations below, pick up a copy of our May print edition, available on newsstands across the metro area and online.
Escape Routes Overview
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The Art Coast of Michigan: Saugatuck/Douglas
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Lake Erie Thrills in Ohio: Kelleys Island, Put-in-Bay, Sandusky, and Cedar Point
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Discovering Wisconsin's Slower Pace of Life: Door County
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Relaxing on the Carolina Coast: Hilton Head Island
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Step Back in Time: Mackinac Island, Michigan
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Cruising Minnesota's North Shore: Duluth
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By Margaret Bauer and Jarrett Medlin