The Romantic Michigan Getaway We Didn’t Know We Needed

Let’s be honest, between the chaos of everyday life, never-ending to-do lists, and calendar battles, carving out quality time with your partner isn’t always easy. 

That’s why I want to share our getaway to Jackson, Michigan, to inspire your next trip (or feel free to steal our itinerary, because we had the perfect weekend and I’d recommend it to anyone).

This under-the-radar region of Southcentral Michigan surprised us with its perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and local charm.

From a fairytale experience of a four-course dinner at Helmer Castle, to a vibrant downtown mural walk and ice cream at RJ’s Metropolitan, to a peaceful paddle on Vandercook Lake – every stop invited us to slow down, laugh more, and reconnect.

Thank you to Experience Jackson for hosting Awesome Mitten on this amazing romantic getaway for two!

A Fairytale Dinner at Helmer Castle

When I first heard about Helmer Castle, I was a bit taken aback. A castle? In Michigan? In Jackson? For some reason, I was having more trouble envisioning it.

Luckily for me, I didn’t have to let my imagination run wild for long. We booked a private dinner for two at Helmer Castle, and I couldn’t wait to learn more about how this castle ended up here. 

A European-Inspired Castle in Southern Michigan

We were first greeted by one of the owners of Helmer Castle and the trusty castle dog at the driveway, where we learned more about the castle’s history. 

Helmer Castle was built in 1929 by Max Helmer, a concert violinist who fell in love with castles while touring Europe in the 1920s. Inspired by a Roman hall he admired in Nuremberg, Max built his own six-story stone tower on one of the highest points in Southern Michigan using over 500 tons of local fieldstone. 

Once completely private, the castle has passed through several owners and remained closed to the public until recently. Now, you can reserve Helmer Castle for an enchanting wedding or a romantic private dinner date.

Four-Course Dinner Fit for Royalty

After learning a bit more about the castle and the owner even offering to snap a few photos of us (we never get pictures of just the two of us, so that was a real treat!), we entered to be greeted by a table for two. 

We worked with Joy ahead of time to finalize our four-course dinner menu from a curated list of options, and it couldn’t have turned out more perfectly. We enjoyed a steak, a shared appetizer, salads, two sides of our choice, and a dessert to end the night – all prepared by a talented private chef.

A Private Tour of the Castle

After dinner, we enjoyed a private tour of the castle, where we gained more insight into its past and the people who had lived here before the current owners. A tour of the castle tower is included in your dinner, and I wouldn’t miss it! 

We had the choice to enjoy our dessert in the dining room or at the tower, and since it’s not every day that you can say you ate strawberry shortcake on top of a castle, I answered yes to the tower before my husband could veto me with the air-conditioned option. 

Dining in a castle in Jackson, Michigan, was an unexpected and absolute delight. It was one of those experiences I won’t forget. The setting was full of history, the food was fantastic, and the hosts were just as lovely as the meal itself. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale for the evening, and we left feeling full, grateful, and ready to plan a return visit. 

Scenic Nature Hike at MacReady Nature Reserve

Our weekend getaway was filled with hidden gems in Jackson County, including a beautiful nature hike at the MacReady Nature Reserve.

As an avid AllTrails app user, I had become familiar with this Reserve owned by Michigan State University. However, the detailed maps and descriptions of the building were a true gift. You could snap a photo to take with you on your walk and head out on the trail. 

This is a demonstration forest managed by Michigan State University, featuring an educational trail system where hikers and visitors can observe firsthand the ongoing research. We ultimately decided on the red trail system, but I am excited to come back and try out the blue and yellow with the rest of the family. 

Note: There are bathrooms available here, but at the time of our visit, they were closed. Please plan accordingly for your visit. 

Tasty Eats & Drinks at Ogma Brewing

After our hike, we continued on to make our way to downtown Jackson. We had big plans for the evening, so we decided on an early dinner at Ogma Brewing. Usually being a cider drinker, I looked over the menu and landed on their Evergold Sour – a flavorful blueberry sour. 

My husband tried their burger and was impressed. Lighter options appeal to me with the humidity of the summer, and the hummus plate on the menu jumped out at me immediately. It was exactly what I envisioned: delicious, and the perfect pairing with my sour. 

Playful Vibes & Sweet Treats at RJ’s Metropolitan Ice Cream Co.

Right next door to Ogma Brewing, RJ’s Metropolitan Ice Cream Co. is a must-visit in Jackson. The bright decor, playful vibes, friendly staff, and delicious menu are sure to put a smile on your face.

It took us a minute to take in all of the fun pieces of decor throughout this classic ice cream and burger shop. You could just tell as soon as you walked in that this place is a vision of joy and love. 

After hearing the founder’s story, you’ll understand even more the thoughtful touches throughout the shop. The shop is named in memoriam for their son and was created as a way to navigate through grief and leave a legacy of love. 

RJ’s was the perfect place to grab an after-dinner dessert, and my husband and I both treated ourselves to ice cream before we explored more of Jackson. 

Bright Walls: 75 Vibrant Art Murals 

What more could you want for a romantic getaway than art and a walk? 

After enjoying some ice cream from RJs, we walked out the door and were immediately immersed in art. Bright Walls was a public art and mural festival hosted annually in Jackson from 2018 to 2022, when the festival ended because, in so many words, they ran out of walls. 

What an incredible experience it is to walk through downtown Jackson, where art is around every corner. Since we were on a romantic getaway, we were drawn to pieces that mentioned love, but it was fun taking a walk and pointing out our favorites. 

While we took a more relaxed approach to finding out favorites, Bright Walls has a handy mural map to research all 75 vibrant murals and plan your walk around your must-sees.

A Peaceful Walk in the Emma Nichols Garden

On our mural walk, we stumbled upon the Emma Nichols Garden. This alleyway was recently renovated, not too long ago, and renamed in honor of Emma Nichols, a brave, formerly enslaved woman who escaped and settled in Jackson by using the Underground Railroad. 

You will find the small alleyway full of murals, sculptures, trees, flowers, and string lights. It’s a peaceful little pause when you are walking in downtown Jackson, and we were so glad to have discovered it. 

The Annual Hot Air Jubilee at Ella Sharp Park

After dinner, dessert, and a stroll, we made our way to the Hot Air Jubilee at Ella Sharp Park. Vendors and food trucks lined the park, making it simple to grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir to take home.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for the Friday evening launch, and it was so much fun to watch the skilled pilots take off into the sky. We waited for their return so we could enjoy the night glow portion of the evening – something we normally wouldn’t be able to do with young kids along! 

It was incredible watching the pilots, their teams, and volunteers ready the field as it filled with each balloon. 

Note: Mark your calendar for this amazing annual event that happens in late July!

The Cascades: A Magical, Colorful Waterfall

After experiencing the night glow at the festival, we weren’t quite ready to end our evening since we had this newfound kid-free time. 

The Cascades were inspired by a visit to Barcelona by William Sparks, who brought his vision to life back in Jackson by creating this manmade waterfall. The Cascades feature a series of six fountains and 16 waterfalls, brought to life by thousands of LED lights and a system that circulates 2,000 gallons of water each minute to create its signature light and water shows. 

The climb to the top of the waterfall on the gorgeous staircases that flank the structure provided a special moment to pause and connect with my husband. For this trip, for just the two of us, watching The Cascades light show was such a perfect end to our evening. 

Of course, we’re already planning a return trip as a family to enjoy the mini golf and splash pad with our kids.

Comfort & Convenience at Holiday Inn Express

Our stay at the Holiday Inn Express offered all the amenities we needed for a comfortable and relaxing weekend. Our king suite was spotless, the staff was welcoming, and the complimentary breakfast featured a variety of hot and cold options to start the day off right.

The hotel also includes a fitness room, where my husband got in some extra steps, and a pool, which I had a chance to check out. While trying out new locations all over Michigan, having a familiar point of lodging throughout the state offers a bit of comfort as we try new experiences.

A Peaceful Paddle on VanderCook Lake

While we have kayaked as a family before, my husband and I realized we had never been out on the water together, just the two of us, even after being together for almost 14 years. 

We ventured to Vandercook Lake, and our first stop was at the outpost there at the lake, Quiet World Outdoor Sports. You’ll find the rental process easy and beginner-friendly. Having a launch right there makes getting out on the water, even if it is your first time, as easy as possible. 

The weather could not have been more perfect for our adventure, even as the small storm system was preparing to move in to arrive later in the day. The wind had picked up, but navigating Vandercook Lake was easy with its size and openness. 

You’ll find a water trail map if you want more adventure, but staying on Vandercook and having a relaxed paddle was perfect for us. 

Afternoon Coffee at Sol Azteca

Off the water, we stopped at Sol Azteca for an afternoon pick-me-up. This newer restaurant in Jackson offers a full menu of authentic Mexican cuisine as well as specialty coffee. I knew I had to try a caramel iced latte, which tasted as good as it looked. 

Two Iconic Jackson Coney Dog Restaurants

Though the origins of the coney dog have long been debated, many say Jackson, Michigan, is the birthplace of the coney dog. Having never tried one before, I knew our Jackson getaway was the perfect time to change that.

While there are multiple options for coney dogs in Jackson, Michigan, we knew that for our lunch, we wanted to take two iconic Jackson spots head-to-head. Luckily, they are on the same block, just opposite corners. 

We started off lunch by sitting at the counter of Jackson Coney Island, which was established in 1914. Sitting at the counter, we both ordered one coney dog each (mine sans the onion, but my husband opted for the real experience) and a fry to share. 

After enjoying the coney dog, we walked just to the next corner and perched ourselves at the counter of Virginia Coney Island, also established in 1914. To avoid any discrepancies in our experience, we placed the exact same order: one coney dog each with a fry to share. 

We each walked away with a favorite (though I’ll keep mine a secret, you’ll have to try them both and decide for yourself!). Experiencing my first coney dog in Jackson, Michigan, the place where it all began, made for a fun and memorable lunch.

Local Goodies at Gilbert Chocolates

After lunch, we decided to walk to grab a thank you gift for the grandparents who were watching our children for the weekend. Our destination: Gilbert Chocolates, a beloved local shop celebrating 125 years of chocolate-making.

The 125th anniversary Michigan Box was the perfect choice to bring home to my in-laws, but with so many tempting treats lining the shelves, I couldn’t resist grabbing a few goodies for the kids too. 

Historic Horace Blackman Park

We continued our walk through the heart of downtown Jackson and discovered Horace Blackman Park, a stunning green space featuring picnic tables and lush green areas, in front of the historic Congregational Church, which predates the Civil War. Named after a pioneer of Jackson, it is the oldest park in the city, situated in the same location as the original town square. 

Nostalgic Treasures at Jackson Antique Mall 

Having some before our next reservation, we made our way into the Jackson Antique Mall as we continued our walk. The Jackson Antique Mall has floors filled with antiques and treasures around each corner. 

I love seeing each booth and what each collector has been drawn to in the past, in terms of designs and collectibles. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it here. 

It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane together as we found some items from our childhoods. Discovering which items each other gravitated towards, and why, made a surprisingly fun way to connect.

Friendly Competition at Axe Play

We continued on our journey on foot to Axe Play. I had made reservations for 2 p.m., their opening time. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by friendly staff and introduced to our axe coach expert.

I had forgotten to wear closed-toe shoes, but thankfully, they had rental pairs available. (Pro tip: wear closed-toe shoes when you visit. However, if you forget, don’t worry. They offer comfortable rentals at a reasonable cost.)

We had never tried axe throwing before, but I’m already hooked. I love a good, friendly competition, and even though we were beginners, our axe coach walked us through every step and made sure we were taken care of the entire hour.

I even earned a “unicorn,” three bullseyes in a row, which scored me a souvenir unicorn sticker and headband to remember the moment.

We ordered a mocktail to sip while we played, but there are plenty of drink options to choose from. I’d recommend Axe Play to anyone looking to try something new on a date, especially if you enjoy a little fun competition.

Elevated Dining at Atlas Restaurant

As we walked into Atlas Restaurant in Brooklyn, I was immediately struck by the visual beauty of this relatively new spot. I was also thankful I’d made a 6 p.m. reservation as the place was full of energy and patrons enjoying their Saturday evening.

Known for its global flavors, the menu didn’t disappoint. My husband went with the Greek Chicken Platter, exactly the kind of dish we love to order out, since it’s tough to replicate at home, and he proudly joined the clean plate club. With mocktails, vegan options, and creative plates, there’s something for everyone here.

The attentiveness and warmth of the staff, from our welcome at the host stand to the service assistant and our server, truly elevated the experience. Connecting over delicious food and cocktails was the perfect way to end a full day of exploring Jackson County.

Morning Reflections at Falling Waters Park

The next day, neither of us managed to sleep in, so we started our early morning with a short drive to Falling Waters Park. I had saved this park on my Google Maps years ago because of its rich history, but I hadn’t had the chance to explore it until now. Being so close, it felt like the perfect way to start our day.

Located just north of the Falling Waters Trail at the corner of Hammond Road and Cross Road, the park is a bit like an open-air museum with a historic log cabin. Here you can walk through and imagine what life might have been like for the Huron Potawatomi who first lived here.

Local Flavors at Mama’s Mercantile & Eatery

After visiting Falling Waters Park, we took a drive to Grass Lake for brunch at Mama’s Mercantile & Eatery. With a hot cup of coffee in hand, I enjoyed the Farmer’s Loaded Skillet while my husband started his day with a hearty breakfast sandwich.

You can truly taste the difference at a restaurant that prioritizes locally sourced ingredients and partners with Michigan producers for everything from spices and syrups to proteins and honey. Every bite was packed with flavor and intention.

The Whimsical Fairy Forest

Whenever I am near Grass Lake, I always make time for The Fairy Forest, whether I have my kids with me or not. It is magical to see how the forest transforms from visit to visit. Sometimes it reflects the seasons, other times it’s a subtle new detail that adds to the charm.

It’s a quick stop, but if you’re enchanted by all things whimsical, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

A Sweet Ending at Sandhill Crane Vineyards

Wanting to wrap up our trip with a little more time to connect, we headed to Sandhill Crane Vineyards. This family-owned vineyard is deeply rooted in the community and proudly produces wine using Michigan-made ingredients.

We shared a cider flight on the wrap-around deck, soaking in the peaceful views of the vineyard. Afterward, we wandered through the rows of grapes and visited the goats behind the tasting room, an unexpected delight.

Kitchen Little, an on-site café now operated separately by Chef Jake Osburn, offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and shareables to enjoy with your Michigan-made drinks. Slowing down in the vineyard with a taste of cider in hand was the perfect way to end our trip. 

The Romantic Michigan Destination We Didn’t Know We Needed

Exploring Jackson together, just the two of us, brought all sorts of surprises. I had no idea that Jackson was so walkable, and we enjoyed most of our trip by parking once and venturing to our next destinations on foot. 

Taking it slow and walking allowed us to soak in much more of the beautiful art that adorns the walls of the city’s buildings throughout the downtown area. We were glad we stepped out of our comfort zone and tried new-to-us things like axe throwing. We are already making a list of what we want to try on our next date night. 

If you’re looking for a way to slow down, reconnect, and create new memories, I can’t recommend Jackson enough.

Thank you again Experience Jackson for showing us the romantic Michigan destination we didn’t know we needed!