Do you have plans yet for Thanksgiving? What about New Years Eve?

Have you heard of rafting in the winter?

It’s already August and for many families that means summer is winding down as we stare down the start of school in just four to five weeks. That may have you thinking about a last-minute vacation, but where should you go? There are plenty of places to explore in Michigan that you may have never been to. We spoke to Jill Halpin, the Founder of the My Michigan Beach website, to get her advice on where to go in Michigan.

Looking for a great vacation with all kinds of new experiences, like perhaps visiting a winery? Throw in some live entertainment and great restaurants and you have yourself a fun getaway. Well, you might not need to travel as far as you think.

For those dads who enjoy golf, Treetops Resort is one option for a golfing getaway.

If the dad in your life loves golf, a trip to a resort where there are five courses might be the perfect gift.

But for others -- namely parents who have had to juggle their remote work and their children’s remote schooling and general care -- the circumstances are less than ideal. In some states, parents were willing to pay upward of $2,000 for time alone. AdWe want to hear from you: If you were able to secure a weeklong vacation for yourself, away from your family, where would you go? Whether you’re new to parenting or a seasoned vet, we recently launched our Kidding Around Newsletter to share with you parenting topics that you care most about. Check out, and maybe sign up for, our newest Newsletters right here.

So when realty service website ISoldMyHouse.com asked American parents what they would hypothetically pay for one week of rest and relaxation away from their family, Michigan’s average response was in the hundreds: $592, to be exact. On average, parents across the U.S. said they would be willing to pay $873 for a week away from their children and significant other. AdIn states like New Hampshire, Nevada and North Dakota, surveyed parents were willing to pay more than $1,000 to get away. Parents in West Virginia were willing to pay the most for a week of alone time, with the state’s responses averaging $2,448. We won’t be emailing you every week; you’ll only hear from us when there’s something to say.

This article is sponsored by Traverse City TourismThe fall season in Michigan is a beautiful time of year. Jillian Manning, PR Manager for Traverse City Tourism explained how it’s a great time to visit Traverse City since many places to stay, shop and eat are open and operating. The Traverse Wine Coast has more than 40 wineries where you can try cherry wine while enjoying the fall weather. If you would rather drive, there are different routes starting in Traverse City where you can see all of the beautiful fall colors. Traverse City Tourism asks that you wear your mask and follow social distancing guidelines while visiting.