Going on a getaway before welcoming a new little one into your life has become a trend for millennial parents-to-be. From Boyne Mountain to the Inn at Bay Harbor, here are a few of our favorite Babymoon destinations in Northern Michigan.
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To celebrate welcoming our baby boy into the world very soon and my husband’s birthday, we decided to take a weekend for ourselves where there was no nesting, no baby showers, no to-do list and nothing but time to focus on self-care and relaxation. Or, as many are starting to call it, a babymoon.
Before booking, there were a few things on our list we needed to consider. First, a location within an hour’s radius from Munson Medical Center where we’ll be delivering this little one— just to be safe! Second, a place that could accommodate a prenatal massage around the 35-week mark. And finally, a destination where we could get away with minimal walking (well, waddling these days) but still have an enjoyable time.
The final verdict? Boyne Mountain! Ticking off everything on our list, plus some, we knew we could have a comfortable, relaxing and entertaining getaway. With the help of the Boyne team, we booked our stay at Chalet Edelweiss and prepared for a mini-getaway.
Related Read: Alpine-Inspired Chalet Edelweiss Opens at Boyne Mountain Resort.
Our Stay at Chalet Edelweiss
Upon check-in, we were offered complimentary beverages—Matt opted for a local beer while I snagged a strawberry sparkling water—and we sipped as the friendly and knowledgeable staff gave us the low-down on the property, available activities and what to expect during our stay.
From there, we were led to the proper lot for weekend parking and shuttled by golf cart to the newly renovated Chalet Edelweiss. From the alpine-inspired décor to thoughtful amenities such as the pour-over coffee station or eucalyptus-scented spa shower spray, we were immediately transported. So much so, it didn’t even stress my husband out when he realized he left his entire bag for our stay at home (don’t worry, as I’m writing this our hospital bag is already in the car so we don’t have a repeat of this situation). Thankfully, the team at Boyne was able to get him a few of the necessities he left behind and, luckily enough, the XL-sized crewneck sweater and M-22 T-shirt I planned to use as my maternity pajamas during our stay would be just enough to get him through the weekend. The only thing missing? A pair of swim trunks, which we easily picked up at the on-site Boyne Country Sports.
Best Babymoon Activities & Dining
Once we were settled in, there were five key activities that made our Boyne Babymoon unforgettable. I highly recommend booking or enjoying all four if you can!
1. Scenic Golf Cart Ride | Since we checked in Friday night, Saturday was our one full day to make the most of the resort. Starting with the scenic golf cart ride was the best decision we could have made. We did a 1-hour rental where we ripped around on the designated trails and drove through most of the resort’s property including everything from the golf course to Deer Lake. We stopped for a quick to-go drink at the golf course that we could take to the beach. This was a fun way to get a lay of the land and truly feel like kids again ourselves for a little while.
2. SkyBridge Michigan | As the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, this HAS to be one of your stops. We hopped on the chairlift to get to the bridge entrance and were (already!) greeted by stunning views on our way up. Once we reached the top, we got off and headed over to the entrance where we could scan our access cards and prepare to take on this 1,200-foot-long and 118-foot-high pedestrian bridge. The whole time we were in awe of both the design of the bridge and the endless views of the region—it truly was stunning. Once we reached the end of the bridge, we made a quick stop at the on-site food truck and game area where we relaxed and enjoyed the sounds of Jakey Thomas. After that, we headed back across the bridge for some final views and one last chairlift ride down.
3. On Site-Pools | We were able to check out both on-site pools during our stay which was a true treat for my very pregnant body. We did a few hours of floating and witnessed many couples, families and groups of all ages enjoying the clean pools and hot tubs—and just laying out to catch some rays in the beach chairs.
4. Prenatal Massage | One of the highlights of the trip had to be my prenatal massage. My sweet husband booked it for me on Sunday before checkout to end the trip on a high note. Upon entrance, I got right into my supplied robe and flip-flops, enjoyed a few Zen moments and sipped on some hot tea before being taken back to my room for 60 minutes of pure bliss. My therapist was incredibly thoughtful and spent the first few minutes making sure I was perfectly adjusted and supported by a pillow and then went on to massage my back and every limb with care. I left feeling much lighter than when I arrived—which is saying a lot since I’m carrying a baby who’s in the 85th percentile.
5. Delicious Dining | One final thing not to be missed: the crave-worthy dining options on-site. We enjoyed daily breakfast at Everett’s, where we took advantage of the pancake and omelet bar, fresh-squeezed orange juice and stocked buffet. Saturday, we enjoyed lunch at Forty Acres Tavern where I ordered the most incredible Caesar salad and my husband got the chicken sandwich, recommended by our sweet dining neighbors from New Mexico, that was bigger than his head. Yes, I did steal some of the chicken to put on my salad. And finally, we enjoyed a late-night post-swim dinner from Trophy Room Pub & Pizzeria consisting of cheesy bread and a pepperoni and pineapple pizza for two.
More Michigan Babymoon Destinations
Considering a Babymoon soon? Here are three more of our favorite local spots that would make for a relaxing getaway before you welcome your little one.
Inn at Bay Harbor | Our first pick on the list is actually known to offer the occasional Babymoon package. Typically offering a two-night stay, breakfast daily and spa gift card The Inn at Bay Harbor is a great option for Babymooning in the Petoskey area. Even if they don’t have the package available during your stay, they make it easy to plan a getaway for the two of you before you become three. Explore the Inn’s current packages here.
Mission Point Resort | Next up is our favorite Michigan Babymoon option for the family not too close to their due date (since it’s on Mackinac Island!). Take the ferry over for a stunning stay at a resort that offers bike rentals, history tours, a putting course, outdoor pools and hot tubs, plus one of the most iconic lawns where you can relax in an Adirondack and take in gorgeous views overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Learn more about Mission Point’s getaway options.
Hotel Walloon | Also offering up specials for every season, Hotel Walloon makes a great Babymoon destination for those looking to make the most of their weekend getaway. From romantic packages to recently earning the title of Travel + Leisure’s best resort in the Midwest, it’s no wonder everyone who stays here wants to come back. Check out Hotel Walloon’s current special offers here.
More Northern Michigan Getaways to Explore:
