Detroit to South Haven, MI, via Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo

A specialty coffee shop, featuring an in-house roastery and diverse hand-brew methods.
When it comes to beloved (and delicious) locally-owned-and-operated businesses in Ann Arbor, Zingerman's tops the list. What started with a counter delicatessen and small food shop down the street from Ann Arbor's Farmer's Market in the early 1980s has in the decades since grown into a mini empire that also includes Zingerman's Bakehouse, Zingerman's Coffee Company, Zingerman's Creamery, and Zingerman's Candy Manufactory, plus a couple of several full-service restaurants.
Located alongside several other Zingerman's businesses on Ann Arbor's Southside, Zingerman's Coffee Company is a wonderful AM pick-me-up and introduction to the company's fresh, local, from-scratch ethos. The building houses Zingerman's in-house roastery — you can watch the action from inside the café — and coffee bar, which offers six hand-brew methods (e.g., pour over, Chemex, French press) as well as a list of espresso beverages and options for non-coffee drinkers, too. The café's Toast Bar features sweet and savory toasts made with different Zingerman's breads and spreads (naturally). It's also a good stop to pick up some of Zingerman's famous Zzang! candy bars — you know, to save for "later". 🅿️ On-site parking is available.

The largest stadium in the United States, serving as the iconic home field of the University of Michigan Wolverines football team.
En route to downtown Ann Arbor, it's impossible to miss the enormous structure that is Michigan Stadium, also known as "The Big House." With a seating capacity upwards of 107,000 spectators, the home field for University of Michigan athletics is the largest stadium in the US. (By comparison, the largest US stadium to host professional NFL games seats 85,000, and the largest baseball stadiums can seat around 56,000 at max capacity.)
Although the stadium isn't open for drop-in visits or regularly-scheduled public tours, you can (optionally) take a quick detour onto E. Keech Avenue for a photo op with the iconic yellow-on-blue "M" sign, plus the outline of the stadium in the background.

If you can't make it up to Northwest Michigan's cherry-growing region, the next best thing is a visit to Cherry Republic, a one-stop shop for all sorts of delicious food goods made with Michigan-grown Montmorency cherries. The varietal skews more tart than some others, which brings a whole different sweet-tart flavor profile to jams, salsas, barbecue sauces, dried fruit-and-nut mixes, chocolate-cherry treats — even summer sausage. The shop usually has a few products out to taste, and knowledgable staff are happy to offer recommendations or answer any questions you may have about this flagship Michigan crop.

From Ann Arbor, we're heading deeper into the countryside — the first stop being the quaint village of Saline, which was founded in 1832. In the nearly two centuries since, Saline's population has grown quite a bit, but the main downtown strip is full of character and historic charm. Plug in at the Downtown Saline Parking Lot to charge up in advance of a couple of longer driving legs and enjoy the village on foot for a bit. (That's the best way to window shop, after all.)
Type: CCS 2 plugs Power: 50 kW

Housed in a 1917 building that was once the public library, McPherson Local is a brilliantly curated representation of Michigan's diverse artisan and maker community. In fact, the shop only stocks "Made in Michigan" goods, representing more than 120 small businesses from across the state. From home goods to food goods, handmade jewelry and candles, pottery and postcards — there's a bit of everything here. Even if you're not a huge shopper, it's interesting to see such an eclectic mix of homegrown creativity in one place.

There are quite a few surprises in store for the first-time visitor at Salt Springs Brewery. For starters, the brewery-restaurant occupies a historic building that was originally a Methodist Church, constructed in 1899, and the vaulted ceilings and original stained glass remain intact. (Finished with modern lighting and an antler chandelier, the interior's quite striking.)
The brewery-restaurant may as well add smokehouse to its repertoire, too, because house-smoked meats are a reoccurring theme of the gastropub menu, as is the prevalence of ingredients from local farms and other local purveyors. Really, you can't go wrong with whatever you order here, whether it's a local mushroom white pizza or smoked Ruben pizza, the Michigan salad, the colossal fish sandwich (with Lake Superior whitefish), or the brewmaster's beer burger — but definitely start with an order of house smoked chicken wings.
(Closed Mondays)

Come back to your car to continue the journey.

A road trip across Michigan wouldn't be complete without stopping at a local winery or cidery. As fortune has it, you have the best of both worlds at Cherry Creek Cellars. Stopping in for a tasting at the old schoolhouse on property here is a wonderful opportunity really take in some of the beautiful rural countryside you've been cruising through.
All ciders are crafted with Michigan-sourced apples and the wines — which range from dry and crisp cool climate whites, to Old World reds, to fruit forward blends (using Michigan's cherries and raspberries) — are made with either estate grown grapes or other Michigan-sourced varietals. There's a small food menu available, as well. (Closed Mondays)

Time to take a break from driving to recharge — and the historic town of Marshall, MI, is just the place. The Green Street Surface Parking Lot is located adjacent to the town's historic core, which feels straight out of another place and time, thanks to the concentration of Victorian Era buildings.
Type: CCS 6 plugs Power: 55 kw

While the EV charges, take a stroll through town to see what piques your interest. Unique shops along Michigan Avenue include The Mole Hole, a gift shop with a little bit of everything — including a working 1927 Barton Theater Organ (closed Sundays) as well as The Plaid Herb, which features antique furniture, textiles, home goods, seasonal decor, and other bric-a-brac (open Thurs-Sat), across the street.
Feel like a refreshment? Schuler's Restaurant & Pub has been serving locals and visitors alike for more than 100 years and counting (closed Mondays). There's a nice patio for sunny days, but be sure to check out the ambiance inside, too. Serendipity & The Brew is your go-to if you're craving a coffee or espresso beverage, tea, smoothie, or a frozen blended concoction (try the frozen hot chocolate).

Come back to pick up the car.

Welcome to the House that Bell's Built — you've arrived at the original location of Bell's Brewery, which from humble origins in Kalamazoo has grown into one of the top craft breweries in the US today.
Since relocating its main brewery facilities to a 5-acre site a few miles away in Comostock Township, the original site today houses Bell's Eccentric Cafe, plus a beer garden and general store. For devout fans of Bell's, visiting the Kalamazoo site is almost a right of passage; as a bonus, Bell's Eccentric Cafe always has rotating small-batch experimental and exclusive beers on draft that can't be found elsewhere.

A luxurious Victorian-style bed and breakfast, offering elegant adults-only accommodations, gourmet breakfasts, and a garden bistro.
Spend the night in a cozy B&B not far from Lake Michigan and the Black river. There you will definitely have an opportunity to stroll along the scenic embankment before going to bed.
Please note that this hotel is exclusively for adults. There are many other family-friendly accommodations in the area if you're traveling with children. 🅿️ On-site parking is available.