Quilt Adventures

Those of you that have traveled with us in the past on one of our Quilt Adventures probably know that we have been checking states off our “States List” for many years.  That’s one way that we home in on where to go each year. This time it’s Michigan! Well, Pam has been there now as she scouted our Michigan Quilt Adventure last Fall.  So some of this year’s trip will be new to Lynn! It’s always fun scouting out places to visit, sights to see, and more!

Michigan Quilt Adventure – August 18-24, 2025

This year’s adventure begins in Chicago.  After our arrival we’re off to visit one of our favorite shops in Chicago, the Quilters Trunk. Our last visit there was in 2016 for the Chicago/Shipshewana trip.  The shop was fairly new at that point and we’re happy to see that they have thrived.  It’s a contemporary shop with lots of inspiration and fabric choices.  Let the shopping begin! After a short walk, Horse Thief Hollow is a great place for dinner on your own.  They have great burgers and other choices, not to mention the local IPA brews.

Our hotel in Chicago is the Marriott Fairfield Downtown.  We will be there for two nights. Breakfast is included.

On Tuesday we will visit the Field Museum in the morning where you can explore the many exhibits there. While at the Museum you’ll have time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy the Architectural River Boat cruise.  This is something we’ve done before and its always an interesting way to “see the city.”  You’ll have the balance of the afternoon to explore the city on your own.  Dinner on your own this evening.

Wednesday we depart for Michigan.  After a stop at the Cracker Barrel (Grandville, MI) for lunch (on your own), we’ll visit our second quilt shop, Calliope Quilts (www.calliopequilts.com).  Our last stop for the day is the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum where you’ll enjoy a self-guided tour.  After our museumvisit, we’ll check in at the Amway Grand Plaza which is adjacent to and connected to the DeVos Place Convention Center, home to the AQS Grand Rapids Quilt Show.  Enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel or in one of the nearby restaurants.

On Thursday, we’ve planned another day of adventures.  Our morning begins at Smith-Owen Sewing & Quilting, yet another outstanding quilt shop that specializes in Viking/Pfaff sewing machines and has a wide variety of quality cotton and sewing notions.  From there we’re off to a nearby Olive Garden for lunch on your own. After lunch, we will check in at the Frank Lloyd Wright Meyer-May House.  There we will split into two groups.  Half will remain on the motorcoach for a 90 minute driving tour with a local Step-on Guide. We’ll explore Heritage Hill and Grand Rapids and learn a little bit about the history of the area.  The other half of the group will split into groups to tour the Meyer-May House.  We’ll then reverse the tours so everyone can “see it all.” After the tours we’ll return to the hotel.  Dinner on your own this evening.

On Friday, we’re headed to Holland, MI.  Founded by Dutch Calvinists in 1847, the city of Holland is an outpost of Dutch culture and tradition in the midst of the American Midwest, home to dikes, canals and even an authentic Dutch windmill.   Our first stop in the morning will be at Birtles Fabrics (birtlesfabrics.com).  Then we’re on to Windmill Island Gardens.  The historic windmill 'de Zwaan' is the highlight of the park and stands amongst 36 acres of exhibits, gardens and natural areas. After our visit to the gardens, you’ll have time to explore downtown Holland where you’ll find a nice selection of restaurants for lunch as well as some shopping.

After lunch we will tour the Cappon and Settler Houses which tell the story of Holland’s earliest settlers. The Cappon House, a beautifully restored Italianate Victorian, was once occupied by Holland’s first mayor, Isaac Cappon, and his 16 children. Family members lived in the house until 1979 and many personal belongings still remain. Just five doors down, in stark contrast to the Cappon House, is the Settlers House, the quaint cottage of an everyday working-class settler.  After a busy day, we’ll board the Holland Princess for a dinner cruise on Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan and cruise past the BIG RED lighthouse. 

Saturday is our day at the quilt show.  The show is open from 9:00 to 4:00 pm.  The hotel is connected to the convention center so you can wander back and forth as you choose. The AQS shows are always a showcase for fabulous quilts and a great selection of vendors (most of whom we don’t see on the west coast). In the evening we have planned a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

Sunday morning, it’s time to return to Chicago and fly home.

Please complete the registration form and mail in with your deposit of $250. Please note that we do anticipate that this trip will sell out.  We will collect reservations until April 11.  At that time, if we have more reservations than we can accommodate, we will conduct a lottery and notify you as to whether we can confirm you.