Michigan's Great Lakes make an idyllic backdrop for several romantic restaurants.
The beauty of Michigan's four seasons, and its surrounding Great Lakes make it a picturesque spot for romantic outings. Michigan boasts vibrant cities, quaint villages, and waterfront resort towns, many of which house some of the Midwest's most romantic restaurants. Couples looking to mark a special occasion with a memorable meal, or taking a last-minute romantic getaway will find their choice of romantic dinner spots in Michigan. Does this Spark an idea?
The Whitney
The Whitney is an iconic mansion in downtown Detroit. Built in 1894, the 52 room mansion was home to the Whitney family. The property was bought and opened as a restaurant in 1986. Guests can enjoy a romantic dinner in their choice of three separate dining rooms on three different floors, or arrangements can be made for a private dinner in one of the many smaller rooms, some of which house one of the mansion's 20 fireplaces. The ornate, Renaissance-style decor spills out onto the lawn of the mansion, which is hidden from street view by tall hedges and which hosts garden tea and jazz parties on antique lawn furniture. The Whitney features cuisine that they describe as "elegantly American," with specialties including seafood, veal, lamb and beef. The Whitney is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Reservations are encouraged, especially for private dining areas.
The Whitney
4421 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
313-832-5700
thewhitney.com
Carriage House Dining Room
No list of romantic Michigan dining would be complete without including a restaurant that is "up north" and on the water. Mackinac Island, and the Carriage House Dining Room, in the Iroquois Hotel, is one of Michigan's most picturesque spots for a romantic dinner. Overlooking the straits of Mackinac, the Carriage House offers classic American fare, making use of local ingredients in each season. Open for lunch and dinner, the Carriage House menu features fresh seafood, steak and pork options, among others. Guests may dine in the dining room which features floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the water, or on the outdoor veranda. Diners can complete their romantic evening with a drink at the piano bar and an overnight stay at the gorgeous Iroquois Hotel. Reservations are not required at the Carriage House, but are accepted.
Carriage House Dining Room
Hotel Iroquois
7485 Main St.
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
906-847-3321
iroquoishotel.com
The 1913 Room
For diners looking for a romantic night out on the west side of the state, The 1913 Room in Grand Rapids will create a memorable evening. The restaurant is located in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. In 2002, it was awarded the AAA five-diamond rating, the first such award in the state. The 1913 Room is elegantly decorated, offering guests dinners with a french flare amid Louis XIV decor. Chef Christian Madsen, voted Grand Rapids' best chef of 2008 by the readers of Grand Rapids Magazine, employs his culinary expertise to deliver dishes such as scallops, filet mignon and duck a la orange, all with a contemporary twist. The 1913 Room is open only for dinner, and while reservations are not mandatory, they are suggested.
The 1913 Room
187 Monroe Avenue NW
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-774-2000
the1913room.com
Tags: Carriage House, 1913 Room, Grand Rapids, Carriage House Dining, Dining Room