Five Must Visit Midwest Spots before Summer Ends

1.  Culver, Indiana, "Cape Cod of the Midwest"
Hidden off the highway so the crowds are manageable.  Your own private "East Coast" here in the Midwest.

A world of fun and relaxation away from the city bustle awaits visitors lucky enough to discover the treasures of Culver, which stretches along the glistening waters of Lake Maxinkuckee, the second largest in Indiana.

Weekenders and vacationers head to the water for sailing and fishing or just a refreshing dip off the community beach. On land, they might take in a round of golf or an afternoon of biking. You’ll find unique shops and boutiques that sell fine art, antiques, sweets and more; restaurants that offer delicious fare with everything from down-home breakfasts to upscale cuisine, and comfortable lodgings to tuck into at the end of the day.

Culver is home to the world-renowned Culver Academies, a private co-ed boarding school, that counts actors Hal Holbrook and Joshua Logan among its alums. 

Visitors love to watch the school’s legendary Black Horse Troop during Sunday afternoon parades. The Troop has been in Presidential inaugural parades since 1913.

Culver, IN Website: Click here

2.  Glen Lake Cottages

See why ABC Good Morning America viewers voted Glen Arbor, in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the number one place to visit in the US!  ALONG THE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKE SHORE.  The Glen Lake Cottages are tucked in amid mature oaks & lofty white birches. Their crystal clear sand-bottom spring-fed Lake teems with a variety of wildlife and fish. Take Guided Nature Walks in the Park, see dappled twin fawns, swans, ducks & geese from the compound and docks... fish, swim and climb the Dunes. Winner of the Good Morning America's 'Most Beautiful Place in America' Contest. Click here 3.  Camp Forest Springs - A few openings for August Family Camps Family Camp 5 Aug 3 – Aug 9, 2014 (Sun – Sat) • Speaker: Philip DelRe Family Camp 6 Aug 10 – Aug 16, 2014 (Sun – Sat) • Speaker: Rob Rienow Family Camp 7 Aug 17 – Aug 23, 2014 (Sun – Sat) • Speaker: James Engle Labor Day Family Weekend Aug 29 – Sep 1, 2014 (Fri – Mon) • Speaker: Martin Giese Click here to find the details or to register for Family Camps 2014 Summer staff 2014 Camp Forest Springs.                                                      Taste sweet flavor of community. 4.  Petosky and Charlevoix, Michigan A road trip to adjacent towns on Little Traverse Bay is a memorable way to wave good-bye to summer. Petosky, Michigan A walk along Petoskey's shoreline will prove the word mist is both a noun and a verb in magical places by the sea.  I liken it to the northern most parts of the British Isles for several reasons. First, as early as mid-August the inevitable march to autumn is beginning with cool early mornings requiring the heat of a cup of coffee. Secondly, is the desirable northern breeze coming inthrough your screens. Charlevoix, Michigan View of Downtown Charlevoix  Sea Fever by John Masefield I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by, And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking, And a gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray dawn breaking. I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.  5.  Buffalo Joe's in Evanston and Chicago, IL Wings and Burgers at three locations.  Order ahead to take to a park?  Too messy! So enjoy the restaurant's ambiance indoors. You'll become a regular no matter how far the drive.  Click here Even better than Buffalo, NY