By: Ashmar Mandou

Enjoy a picturesque evening exploring the grounds Door County, or relax along the beachfront in Sleeping Bear Dunes, or enjoy a romantic getaway in Hocking Hills. This weekend take advantage of the three-day weekend and gain some inspiration from these charming towns across the Midwest.

Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
A weekend at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire, Michigan is such a memorable getaway. You could spend the entire weekend on the beaches of Lake Michigan and playing on the towering sand dunes. It is one of the most picturesque places in the Midwest. You might want to dedicate a full day at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Dune Climb is accessible five miles north of Empire. The full experience is about 3.5 miles of sand dune climbing and descending to get to Lake Michigan.

Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
For theater-lovers, summertime means outdoor Shakespeare. But in downstate Illinois, that takes on a fresh new form. Want improv Shakespeare? Sing-along Shakespeare? Or just a performance of his classics? Starting in June, and running through mid-August, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington-Normal reveals its ode to the Bard. Other draws to the area: Bloomington’s restored 1800s buildings house farm-to-table restaurants, shops and live-music venues. Inside the three-story courthouse, a museum highlights the area’s historical treasures.

Hocking Hills, Ohio
A weekend getaway in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio is perfect for couples. There are quaint cabins and inns tucked away in the woods throughout this southern Ohio region. The Hocking Hills is Ohio’s natural retreat, attracting people who are looking for a day hike or a quiet weekend. You will want to start in the Hocking Hills State Park near Logan, which has more than 2,300 acres of forestland.

Door County, Wisconsin
The 100-step climb to the top of Cana Island Lighthouse in Bailey’s Harbor rewards visitors with some of the best views of Lake Michigan’s Door County shoreline. Walk along the rock-ledge shore for great photo ops of the 1870s-era lighthouse, or stack stones and leave a little statue behind. All along the peninsula, roadside cherry stands, state parks and small towns keep visitors coming back.