This weekend, Mike and I will be making the three hour journey from Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI for a little weekend getaway.  It’s been a few weeks in the making with a couple of missteps but we are finally going!  This budget trip is a much needed vacation, as you can tell, these past few weeks have been interesting to say the least.  It will be a wonderful distraction to be able to explore a new city for a couple of days and relax in a different setting.  We have both never been there, so I’m excited to see what Grand Rapids has in store for us.  I am trying very hard not to over-plan, something that I am guilty of doing for a lot of trips, so we can explore the city at our leisure.  Right now, our only plans are to sample beers at some local breweries (specifically Founders Brewery and Brewery Vivant), explore the Eastown neighborhood, take in the Frederik Meijer Gardens, and check out the many antique stores in the area.  I love antique stores, so for me, the best part about driving there and back is that I can buy all of the antiques that our car can carry!  I’ve read that Grand Rapids has a great culinary scene, so I’m sure we will have some delicious meals while we’re there.  I am particularly looking forward to Electric Cheetah and Cherie Inn, both of which have rave reviews.  We’re going to be staying at the City Flats Hotel, which is a very cute Boutique Hotel that happens to be close to a lot of things we want to check out.  The weather will be a touch warmer than it is here in Chicago, so I can finally break out some of my warmer weather clothes!  Here is what I’m packing for the 30-odd hours we will be there:

• (1) pair of black pants
• (1) t-shirt
• (1) tank top
• (1) skirt
• (1) cardigan
• (1) pair of pajamas
• (2) pairs of socks
• (2) pairs of undies
• (1) bra
• (1) scarf
• (1) hat
• Make-Up bag with the usual suspects
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Hair brush
• Paul Mitchell Salt Spray

Because we are driving, we’ll also have a bag for the car with snacks and water and my current crotchet project.  And let’s not forget the road trip playlist, here are the jams:

• “Smooth Sailin'” by Leon Bridges
• “Alive” by Sia
• “Have Mercy” by Erin Allen Kane
• “Walk Through Hell” by Say Anything
• “Uptight (Everything is Alright)” by Stevie Wonder
• “True Love Way” by Kings of Leon
• “Hands to Myself” by Selena Gomez
• “Latch” by Disclosure & Sam Smith
• “Let it Go” by James Bay
• “Cheated Hears” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• “Tracks of My Tears” by Aretha Franklin
• “French Navy” by Camera Obscura
• “Animal” by Neon Trees
• “Lemon Eyes” by Meg Myers
• “Cry to Me” by Solomon Burke
• “***Flawless” by Beyoncé
• “Here Comes Your Man” by Pixies
• “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn
• “Cupid” by Sam Cooke
• “Now, Now” by St. Vincent
• “A Decade Under the Influence” by Taking Back Sunday
• “Blister in the Sun” by Violent Femmes
• “Closer” by Tegan and Sarah
• “Roll Up Your Sleeves” by Meg Mac
• “Starlight” by Muse

It’s approximately an hour and half of music, which is precisely my allotted time before Mike will take control of the radio for the rest of the trip.

I am so excited to go on this weekend getaway, and I am extra happy to be able to travel with my favorite travel buddy again.  See you soon, Grand Rapids!

Have you ever been to Grand Rapids?  Any recommendations?