Travel

Mackinaw Bridge Tour

A once in a lifetime opportunity!  You and a guest will enjoy a Tower Tour of the Mackinac Bridge.  Ascend to the top of the north or south tower and  take in breath-taking views of the Straits of Mackinac, the island, the fort and the bridge.  Then it's over to Mackinac Island where you will enjoy a two (2) night stay at the historic Island House Hotel on beautiful Mackinac Island.  Also included in this package are two (2) tickets for round-trip transportation to Mackinac Island aboard the Star Line Hydro-Jet Ferry and two (2) tickets for a carriage tour of the island.

Donor: Mackinac Bridge Authority, Island House Hotel and Star Line

New York, New York!

Take in all of the sites and sounds of the "Big Apple" with this first-class trip to New York City.  Your trip begins with $800 in Marriott gift cards for two (2) nights accommodations at the New York Marriott Marquis. Located in the heart of Times Square and the Broadway theater district, this Midtown NYC hotel sparkles with updated hotel rooms and suites, high-speed elevators and six hotel restaurants and lounges. With area attractions such as Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios and Central Park just minutes away, a stay at this Broadway hotel ensures that entertainment is just around the corner.  Also included is a $700 VISA gift card to create the trip of your dreams.  Choose from a number of Broadway shows or dine at any one of the outstanding restaurants in the area including The View, New York's only revolving rooftop restaurant located in the Marriott Marquis Hotel!  To get you to New York, we've included airfare for two (2) via Delta Air Lines.
Donor: Telecommunications Association of Michigan and Delta Air Lines

 Grand Traverse Resort Golf Getaway

Enjoy a two (2) night golf package for two (2) at the beautiful Grand Traverse Resort.  Included in this getaway are two (2) nights in the Hotel or Tower; one (1) round of golf for two (2), including cart, on any of the resort's wonderful courses - The Bear by Jack Nicklaus, The Wolverine by Gary Player, and Spruce Run; and breakfast for two (2) in Sweetwater.

Donor: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

French Chateau -- European Romance Package
Visit the Lorie Valley and Paris with this great "European Romance" package!  This trip includes five (5) days and four (4) nights accommodations for up to four (4) people in a 1,000-year-old Abbey in Pontlevoy, France.  Ten centuries ago Benedictines founded this Abbey which is now a 42-room chateau surrounded by wineries and breathtaking historic sites.  Visit some of the famous Loire Valley chateaux such as Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Chambord which are minutes from the Abbey, as well as the home and museum of Leonardo Da Vinci.  The package also includes:  $1,000 for travel expenses, four (4) round-trip TGV tickets to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport, a car, champagne and wine tasting/reception(s), and four (4) entrance tickets to one (1) castle of your choice.
Donor:  Murray D. Wikol and Nannette P. Wikol, and Great Lakes Comnet 


Family Vacation at Lake Missaukee

This is the perfect family get-away.  Enjoy one (1) week at this quaint three (3) bedroom, 1.5 bath, Cape Cod cottage on Lake Missaukee in Lake City.  The cottage sleeps 8-10 comfortably, so there's room for the whole family!  The cottage offers a sandy beach and is just minutes from the county park boat launch and near a small boat/jet ski launch.  The beautiful, clear lake is great for swimming, boating, water skiing, or tubing.  Bring a paddle boat, kayak or row boat and tool around the calm pristine lake waters.  In the evening enjoy happy hour gazing over the water and watch a beautiful sunset, or build a fire and enjoy some s'mores! Donor: Mary & Mark McDaniel          

Garland Golf Cottage

 This is perfect for a group of golfing buddies or couples!  Enjoy a two (2) nights accommodations in this beautiful log cottage at Garland.  The cottage features two (2) bedrooms, with separate bathroom - upstairs bedroom has two (2) queen beds; downstairs bedroom has two (2) double beds.  Cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, gas fireplace and outdoor gas grill.  Most weekend's there's live entertainment at the Garland Lodge.   Donor: Jim & Dianne Byrum       Self-Driving Tour of Ireland

Here's your opportunity to create the Irish vacation of your dreams!  This gift voucher offers you a choice of several Irish vacation packages, including a seven (7)-day self-driving tour of Ireland, offered by IrishTourism.com.   For example, you could choose the self-driving Best of Ireland Tour which is a seven (7) night tour based on Ireland’s most famous sights including Trinity College and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin; Powerscourt House & the Waterford Crystal exhibition in the south east; Blarney Castle and the Cobh Heritage centre in Cork; Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry; the Cliffs of Moher and the ‘Burren Landscape’ of County Clare; as well as the Aran Islands and Connemara in County Galway; and Ireland's most visited attraction, the ancient Megalithic Tombs at Newgrange. There are 4 choices of accommodation; 7 nights in Hotels, B&B's or Manor Houses, or a stay involving 2 nights in a quality hand-picked B&B, 3 nights in Hotels and two nights in one of the wonderful intimate Manor House Hotels.  Again, the choice is yours!  This package also includes airfare for two (2) via Delta Air Lines to London, England.

Donor: Telecommunications Association of Michigan and Delta Air Lines     Thunder Bay Snorkeling Trip

Excitement and history join together beneath Michigan’s own Great Lakes.  Join archeologists on a guided tour of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the only freshwater marine sanctuary in the United States.  Weather permitting, this boat tour will include snorkeling historic shipwrecks in the Bay.  The package is for up to six (6) people and equipment is included.  Tour date to be arranged between May-September, 2010, based on availability, and will be departing from Alpena.  Also included is a $200 gift card for overnight accommodations at the Alpena Holiday Inn.     Donor: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary       Chateau Whistler, British Columbia

Home of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, this trip takes you to British Columbia and the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Whistler.  This package includes four (4) nights deluxe accommodations for two (2), along with breakfast each morning.  Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler hotel defines mountain luxury.  With true ski-in and ski-out convenience and on-site golf course, the classic elegance of this landmark Whistler hotel offers a modern alpine setting for unsurpassed guest service, exceptional dining, full resort amenities, a Vida Wellness Spa.  And to make this an ultimate vacation package, we've added $1,000 for your travel and leisure expenses!     Donor: Friends of Children's Trust Fund and The Sterling Corporation     BOYNE Unlimited Golf Package

Attention all golfers, here's your chance to bid on a great golf getaway.  This package for two (2) includes one (1) night's lodging with choice of deluxe accommodations in the Main Lodge at Boyne Highlands Resort or Mountain Grand Lodge & Spa at Boyne Mountain Resort, plus unlimited golf with cart on your choice of seven of BOYNE's spectacular golf courses.   Donor: BOYNE      Minneapolis Opera Package

Enjoy a weekend of culture, shopping, dinning and the opera, February 4-6, 2011, with this Minneapolis Opera Package.  Included are two (2) nights accommodations for two (2), along with amenities, at the Grave 601 Hotel.  Located at the confluence of business, theatre and entertainment districts, in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the hotel is connected by Skyway to the entire shopping and business district.  On Saturday evening, February 5, 2011, you and your guest will enjoy Gaetano Donizetti's opera, "Mary Stuart," presented by the Minnesota Opera.  Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. . .this opera tells the story of two of history's most commanding women, Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots.  Judith Howarth (Mary) and Brenda Harris (Elizabeth), star as the dueling divas.  Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.  After the opera you'll get a chance to meet the conductor, Anne Manson.  Also included is $300 for dinner and amenities at the hotel, along with $500 for travel expenses.  Donor:  Anne Manson, Conductor of The Minnesota Opera, Cynthia Williams, and Telecommunications Association of Michigan    Jamaican Villa

Enjoy a one (1) week vacation for up to seven (7) guests in this private Jamaican villa.  Located in Duncan, halfway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, this four-bedroom home is nestled in a quiet, residential gated-community, and includes a pristine pool with a spacious patio and spectacular ocean view.  The villa is showcased by its meticulously landscaped gardens and serene backyard terrace.  A two-minute walk takes you to a beautiful private beach, where you'll find a recreation area, convenience store and bar.  Guests are responsible for food purchase, but can depend on a splendid in-home cook for all preparation, as well as light housekeeping.

Donor: Mr. Peter Lavender   Chicago Getaway

This is a Chicago getaway to remember!  This package begins with three (3) days and two (2) nights deluxe accommodations for two (2) at the luxurious Fairmont Chicago.  Located in the heart of downtown Chicago there are plenty of things to do in the Windy City.  Shop the Magnificent Mile or the Oak Street boutiques, visit the many museums, or take in a Broadway show - all are within walking distance of your hotel.  Also included in this package is a three-hour Lake Michigan dinner cruise.  A candlelight dinner, music and the never ending view of Chicago's breathtaking skyline await you and your guest for a perfect ending to your day!

Donor: Nancy J. Moody  and Friends of the Children's Trust Fund    Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

This is the perfect trip for rest, relaxation and a little wine!  You and your guest will enjoy four (4) days, three (3) nights deluxe accommodations at the award-winning Fairmont Sonoma Miss Inn and Spa.  The Inn is the ultimate Wine Country destination oasis with spa, golf and a Michelin award winning restaurant, blessed by natural mineral hot springs in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California. Donor: Telecommunications Association of Michigan   Dog Sledding Getaway

Come enjoy a true "Alaskan" dog mushing experience in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Iditarod veterans Al Hardman and Jim Conner will host a total of six (6) people for a two (2) day experience.  You will enjoy the chores of operating an Iditarod dog sled camp, as well as the joys of riding the runners behind an Iditarod dog sled team in the great outdoors!  Your stay includes one (1) night lodging in the host's cabin, with two (2) lunches, one (1) dinner and one (1) breakfast provided.  The camp is available between January 15 and March 1, 2011.

Donor: Alcan Kennels    Ultimate California Wine Experience

This is the perfect trip for rest, relaxation and a little wine!  This ultimate California wine experience begins with five (5) days, four (4) nights deluxe accommodations for two (2) at the award-winning Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa.  The Inn is the ultimate Wine Country destination oasis with spa, golf and a Michelin award winning restaurant, blessed by natural mineral hot springs in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California.  Then you and your guest will enjoy a Napa winery tour and tasting at one of the member wineries of The Wine Institute.  Also included is airfare for two (2) to San Francisco, a $500 gift card for leisure expenses, and $100 in Hertz gift cards to make this truly the "ultimate" California wine experience.  A few ideas – limousine service for your wine tour, a trip to the spa or a round of golf.  It's your choice! Donor:  Telecommunications Association of Michigan, Delta Air Lines, The Wine Institute and Friends of the Children's Trust Fund   Winter Break Break-Away at Walloon LakeLocated on beautiful Walloon Lake, this family "winter break" package at Camp Michigania offers the perfect way to relax after the hectic holiday season.  This vacation package is for December 26-29, 2010, and includes:  food and lodging for up to four (4) people in one unit of a three-four unit cabin, with private bedroom and bath; a welcome reception and dinner on December 26; breakfast on December 29; and outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.  Enjoy the breathtaking winter landscape of Northern Michigan or warm up and get cozy in front of a fieldstone fireplace and enjoy conversation, board games, cards, or reading. . .what a great way for your family to bring 2010 to a close.   Donor:  University of Michigan