Crystal Mountain, Michigan

Feb 15, 2026

First Getaway as Dads

There is a specific kind of nervous energy that comes with planning your first "big" trip after becoming parents. You’re no longer just packing a weekend bag and hitting the road; you’re coordinating nap schedules, milk supplies, and wondering if the restrooms en route will actually have changing tables.

For our first family getaway with our son, Bruno, we chose a place that has always felt like a four-season paradise to us: Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan. Just a six-hour drive from home, it felt like the perfect distance—far enough to be an escape, but close enough to manage if things went south.

As it turns out, things didn't go south. They went north—perfectly. Here is how we navigated our first mountain retreat as a family of three (plus Grandma!).

The "Mitten" Road Trip: Pro-Tips for New Dads

The drive through Northern Michigan is beautiful but traveling with an infant adds a new layer of strategy. We learned quickly that the "stop and stretch" is no longer optional.

The Pitstop Strategy

Our first milestone was crossing into "The Mitten." We stopped in Dundee at the Russell Stover Store. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs, and honestly, every parent deserves a little chocolate reward for surviving the first couple hours of a road trip. A quick caffeine fix at Tim Horton’s followed, and we were powered up for the rest of the trip.

The Changing Table Win

We had our first "public changing" milestone in Clare, Michigan. We stopped at Culver’s, and we have to give them 10 points: the Men’s Restroom actually had a clean, accessible changing station. Bruno was fascinated by the silver toilet flusher—a much more industrial view than his nursery ceiling!

Pro-Tip: If you’re driving through the dark for any length of time on a road trip with a baby or even a toddler, bring a battery lantern with a red light function. We used this for the last hour of the drive; it allowed us to see Bruno in the back without the harsh glare of the car’s dome or reading lights, keeping him calm and sleepy.

Home Base: WinterGreen Condos

When we arrived at Crystal Mountain, we were assigned a WinterGreen Condo. If you’re able, for a family trip, skip the standard hotel room and go for something more spacious.

This two-bedroom condo was exactly what we needed. With a full kitchen, a fireplace, and a loft-style second floor, it felt modern yet cozy. We set up Bruno’s Pack ‘n Play in the upstairs seating area, and because it’s winter in Northern Michigan, the sun rises late enough that we didn't even have to worry about the skylights waking him up early.

Our first night was the definition of "Dad Life" bliss: we ordered a pizza from Betsie River Pizza & Subs, lit the fireplace, and watched the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony from Milan.

Days 1 + 2: Finding Our Frozen Feet

One of the best parts of Crystal Mountain is the food. We started nearly every morning at The Wild Tomato. Their breakfast buffet is a lifesaver for parents—fresh fruit, quiche, burritos, and (most importantly) bottomless hot coffee.

Our first day was spent mostly relaxing in the condo, but Edward and I did manage to enjoy a horse drawn surrey ride. We were welcomed at the Crystal Center (building with the clock tower). Horses Curt and Don did all the work for us!

First-Timer Adventures

While Momma Debbie hung out with Bruno at the condo, Edward and I decided to try Cross-Country Skiing.

Let’s just say we have a new respect for the sport. It was significantly harder than we anticipated! The boots clip in, but your heel stays free so you can "walk" on the snow. We accidentally ended up on a "more difficult" trail before checking the map, and I may have taken a few soft falls into the thick snow, but it was a blast.

The Magic of the Shuttle

If you’re staying on-property, use the shuttle! We took it to The Thistle for dinner at Kinlochen, a Scottish-themed building that looks like a rustic castle.

The food was incredible—blackened Scottish Salmon over butternut squash risotto and a perfectly cooked steak. But the highlight was our server, Haven. She was so wonderful with Bruno that we actually ended up seeking her out later in the week. That’s the thing about Crystal Mountain—the staff begins to feel like family.

Day 3: Core Memories and "Hoot"

By the third day, we were in a rhythm. We realized that a successful family vacation isn't about doing everything; it's about the small, intentional moments.

Art and Kindness

Our server at breakfast, Audra, shared stories with us about finding beach glass on the shores of Lake Michigan. On our final morning, she surprised us with a gift: a 4x6 beach glass scene she had made herself for Bruno to take home. It was a humbling reminder of how much kindness there is in the world.

Build-A-Buddy

Grandma and Bruno spent the morning at the Park at Water’s Edge making a "Build-A-Buddy." Bruno now has a snow owl named “Hoot,” stuffed with eco-recycled filling and a "heart of courage." We’re pretty sure "Hoot" is already one of his favorite words.

Ice Skating & Snowshoeing

My mom and Ihit the ice rink in Barr Park while Edward and I later managed to squeeze in a "Golden Hour" snowshoe hike through the Michigan Legacy Art Park. It was so peaceful and beautiful that we actually hopped on Facebook Marketplace and bought our own pair of snowshoes the moment we got home!

The Journey Home: Frankenmuth + Beyond

Checking out was as simple as a phone call. As we loaded up the car, we felt a massive sense of accomplishment. We did it. We traveled, we explored, and Bruno handled it like a champ.

On the way back, we stopped in Frankenmuth for lunch at Michigan on Main. If you’re traveling with a baby, the Castle Shops at the Bavarian Inn have a perfect family restroom for mid-trip changes. We grabbed some gifts at Cherry Republic and one last treat at the Russell Stover in Dundee before pulling into our own driveway.

Final Thoughts for Dads Planning a Trip:

1. The Gear Matters: Don't forget the plastic zipper bags for "blowout" emergencies in the car and a disposable diaper pail.
2. Accept the Help: Having Grandma with us meant we could have a "date night" dinner or try skiing while Bruno napped.
3. The Staff is Your Best Friend: Don't be afraid to build relationships with the resort staff. They made our trip feel personal and special.

Crystal Mountain gave us exactly what we needed for our first outing as dads: adventure, relaxation, and a few "Hoot"-filled memories. We’re already looking at dates to come back this summer.