10 day itinerary for New York Stare Road Trip Covering Albany And Buffalo Then Michigan Ending In Chicago

Itinerary

A 10-day road trip from New York State to Chicago, with stops in Albany, Buffalo, and Michigan, sounds like an amazing adventure! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances sightseeing, local culture, and some delicious eats along the way. Buckle up!

## Day 1: Arrival in Albany, NY

• Morning: Arrive in Albany. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Explore the New York State Capitol. Take a guided tour to appreciate its stunning architecture.
• Lunch: Grab a bite at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen for some local flavors.
• Evening: Stroll along the Hudson River at the Corning Preserve. Enjoy the sunset views.
• Dinner: Dine at Jack’s Oyster House, a historic spot known for its seafood.

## Day 2: Albany to Buffalo, NY (Approx. 2.5 hours drive)

• Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel or a local café. Hit the road to Buffalo!
• Afternoon: Arrive in Buffalo and visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.
• Lunch: Try the famous Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar.
• Evening: Explore the Albright-Knox Art Gallery or take a walk in Delaware Park.
• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at The Dapper Goose, known for its farm-to-table dishes.

## Day 3: Buffalo, NY

• Morning: Visit Niagara Falls (just a short drive away). Take a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist for an unforgettable experience!
• Lunch: Have a picnic at Niagara Falls State Park or grab something at a nearby café.
• Afternoon: Explore the Cave of the Winds for a closer look at the falls.
• Evening: Return to Buffalo and relax at Canalside, where you can enjoy live music or just take in the waterfront views.
• Dinner: Try Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant for a cozy dinner.

## Day 4: Buffalo to Detroit, MI (Approx. 4 hours drive)

• Morning: Depart Buffalo after breakfast. Enjoy the scenic drive through Western New York.
• Lunch: Stop in Erie, PA for lunch at The Brewerie at Union Station.
• Afternoon: Continue your drive to Detroit. Check into your hotel upon arrival.
• Evening: Explore the Detroit Riverwalk for a lovely evening stroll.
• Dinner: Dine at Selden Standard, known for its seasonal menu and vibrant atmosphere.

## Day 5: Detroit, MI

• Morning: Visit the Henry Ford Museum in nearby Dearborn to learn about American innovation.
• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Ford’s Garage, a fun, car-themed restaurant.
• Afternoon: Head back to Detroit and explore the Detroit Institute of Arts.
• Evening: Check out the Motown Museum to dive into the city’s rich musical history.
• Dinner: Try Iridescence, a fine dining experience with stunning views of the city.

## Day 6: Detroit to Ann Arbor, MI (Approx. 45 minutes drive)

• Morning: Depart for Ann Arbor after breakfast.
• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Zingerman’s Deli, a local favorite.
• Afternoon: Explore the University of Michigan campus and visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art.
• Evening: Stroll through Kerrytown for some unique shops and local vibes.
• Dinner: Dine at The Chop House for a classic steakhouse experience.

## Day 7: Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, MI (Approx. 2.5 hours drive)

• Morning: Depart for Grand Rapids after breakfast.
• Lunch: Stop at Founders Brewing Co. for some local craft beer and pub fare.
• Afternoon: Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park for a beautiful blend of nature and art.
• Evening: Explore the downtown area and check out local shops.
• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at The Green Well, known for its sustainable menu.

## Day 8: Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, MI (Approx. 1 hour drive)

• Morning: Head to Kalamazoo after breakfast.
• Lunch: Try The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange for a fun atmosphere and great food.
• Afternoon: Visit the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and take a stroll through Kalamazoo Nature Center.
• Evening: Relax at Arcadia Creek Festival Place if there’s an event happening.
• Dinner: Dine at Principle Food & Drink for a delightful culinary experience.

## Day 9: Kalamazoo to Chicago, IL (Approx. 2 hours drive)

• Morning: Depart for Chicago after breakfast.
• Lunch: Arrive in Chicago and grab a deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s.
• Afternoon: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago to see some world-class art.
• Evening: Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and enjoy the city skyline.
• Dinner: Dine at The Girl & The Goat, a trendy spot with a creative menu.

## Day 10: Explore Chicago

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to Millennium Park and snap a photo with the Cloud Gate (The Bean).
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Eataly, where you can sample various Italian dishes.
• Afternoon: Explore the Field Museum or take an architecture boat tour on the Chicago River.
• Evening: Wrap up your trip with a visit to Skydeck Chicago for breathtaking views of the city at sunset.
• Dinner: Celebrate your last night at Alinea (if you can snag a reservation) for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Final Thoughts

What a journey! This itinerary offers a mix of culture, history, and delicious food, with plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful landscapes of New York and Michigan before ending in the vibrant city of Chicago. Make sure to take lots of pictures and enjoy every moment of your road trip! Safe travels! 🚗✨