Breakfast: Meet Midtown Midland for starters, when you begin your day like locals do at Live Oak Coffeehouse. Come for the kombucha on tap, locally roasted specialty coffee, and Traditional (or Crustless) Quiche. Return multiple more times while in Midland to feel welcomed at this “warm & inspiring place of gathering”.

Ride On: Expore the Pere Marquette Rail Trail for up to 30 naturally gorgeous miles, including a loop around Chippewa Nature Center. Or, stop by Ray's Bike Shop at City Forest and pedal through a 520-acre mecca of mountain biking trails and beautiful scenery.

Venture Out: At Chippewa Nature Center, you'll discover a 1,200-acre haven of woodlands, wetlands, and rivers, with 19 miles of trails for hiking. Admission is free, and the serenity of the Pine River Overlook and Observation Tower are unforgettable!

Drop In: Rent single or tandem, sit-in or sit-on kayaks from Ike’s Mobile Kayak Rentals. Take a guided tour or an on-your-own paddle, whichever floats your boat! Nor'East Outdoors offers pre-set trips on the Chippewa River, too, with high-quality kayaks and paddleboards to choose from.

Lunch: Dip Downtown to grab some lunch! Try Proper Taco for house-made sauces, corn tortillas, the Oaxaca or Carnitas Tacos, and sides like Cactus Dip. Bite into the crispy, flavorful crust of a wood-fired sourdough pie from Pizza Baker, or order up at Amazing Deli for 25 fresh specialty sandwich options to choose from.

Dinner: Dine on regional Italian cuisine at Gratzi, and taste fresh pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza, prime meats, and top-catch seafood (even Alfredo da Tavola tossed table-side in a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano). Or, sample meats smoked low & slow at Molasses Smokehouse & Bar, and discover the key ingredient of all St. Louis-style barbecue: molasses.

Game On: Take in a Great Lakes Loons Friday-night game at Dow Diamond! A High-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the LA Dodgers, the Loons play 70 home games and you’re sure to have a ball at one!

After the game, pop by Larkin Beer Garden’s outdoor shipping container bar and enjoy the laid-back feel, live musicians, plentiful brews, and a rotating lineup of food trucks throughout the season!

Seize the Night: Toast to the start of your fabulous weekend at Midland Brewing Company, and raise your pints of Three Mile Marker Hefeweizen while lounging fireside on the lawns of the outdoor Red Keg Beer Garden.

Or, end your first evening at Downtown's Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom — a distillery, brewery, and winery in one! Order the frothy Blue Jasmine Fizz or the double dry-hopped Hazy IPA.

Breakfast: Indulge right at the top of your day! Enjoy Crêpes et Amis (and their Good Morning Paris crêpe with brown sugar and smoked ham). Or, dine at Café Zinc to savor European-style breads and pastries, made fresh in-house daily, and delicious options from a French Dip Benedict to Bread Pudding French Toast.

Fresh Fun: Stay Downtown to spend some time marveling at The Tridge, Midland’s iconic three-legged pedestrian bridge! Built over the confluence of two rivers, each leg of The Tridge spans 180ft and links recreation areas to Downtown.

If you're visiting May - October, head to the Midland Area Farmers Market and spend your Saturday stocking up for a picnic! Gather artisan goods and fresh market finds at one of the largest farmers markets in the state, or grab eats to-go from the on-site food trucks.

Lunch: Head to Dow Gardens to picnic amidst 110 acres of botanical gardens, dotted by mature trees, rippling water features, and colorful flowers (with more than 35,000 annuals in spring and summer alone). Spread your blanket on rolling hills of grass by The Pines Home (and consider touring this historic gem while you’re here).

Dinner: Experience ONe Eighteen, an American tavern with mid-century modern styling, a seasonal menu, Chef’s Premium Selections, and classic cocktails. Or, taste farm-to-table gourmet — from Mushroom Risotto to Coq Au Vin — at Aster. Savor red wine-braised Bison Short Rib or Mussels with coconut curry and end your meal with a delicately crafted cocktail.

Two Brews: Cozy up at MI Element Grains & Grounds for an after-dinner brew (craft beer or coffee) and choose from a selection of fresh-baked goods while you listen to live local musicians.

Good Evening: Time it right, and you might be in town to catch a performance at Midland Center for the Arts! From concerts and comedy to Broadway productions, MCFTA is a sure bet for a memorable evening — and the on-site Pendulum Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before or after the show!

Breakfast or Brunch: Depending on what time you arrive at Grove Tea Lounge, enjoy made-in-house baked goods and a delicious hash for breakfast, or a Hot Granny Sandwich (turkey, bacon, Granny Smith apple, and balsamic onion jam, served on ciabatta) for brunch. Sip hot or iced loose-leaf tea, kombucha on tap, or a latte with house-made syrup.

Or, get your morning boost from a cup of specialty grade, sustainably grown, and locally roasted Creation Coffee. Pair your java with a cinnamon roll (served warm), frittatas, or a house-baked bagel.

Head Over the Hill: Dahlia Hill, that is, to experience (April – November) eight terraces blooming with more than 300 varieties and 3,000 gorgeous dahlias! Enjoy the garden sculpture and artist Charles Breed’s working studio and museum on-premise.