Nick Balberman

The Paint Creek Trail in Rochester, a Detroit suburb, offers guests a gorgeous landscape and a wonderfully paved recreation trail. Perfect for walking, running, biking, skating and anything in-between, this former railway bed was the first rail-to-trail project in the state. The 8-foot wide paved trail stretches for nine miles and has plenty of free parking nearby.

Art aficionados will not want to miss a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the most significant art collections in the country. This gigantic museum covers 658,000 square feet and features over 100 galleries filled with everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to today’s top contemporary works.

Right by the Renaissance Center, the GM Plaza and Promenade along the Riverfront has plenty for lovers, young and old. With a spectacular water feature known as the Fountains and a breathtaking view of the city’s impressive architecture, this area is perfect for a romantic rendezvous, lazily strolling along after a long day. Stop by any of the many restaurants and shops that line the promenade for an enjoyable rest.

You will also find the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory in Belle Isle Park. This gorgeous greenhouse and botanical garden covers 13 acres. Built in 1904, this conservatory still overflows with beautiful plant life. Formal perennial gardens, annual flowerbeds, a rose garden and lily pond garden surround the domed conservatory, which is filled with exotic tropical and desert plants.