US Car Rental Advice

[breezer]

Breezer and family are going on holiday next month to Mitchigan (Coldwater) and will be hiring a car for the duration.
I have looked on the rental sites but have no idea what would be a suitable vehicle for 2 adults, a teenager, a two year old and a 10 week old baby.
Will you americans advise me on a good vehicle please.

Also any suggestion on places to visit, remembering it will be late October when we are going.

I look forward to your advice.

Breezer

[agallag]

I would recommend a Minivan of some sort for that crew. As for places to visit, I don't know much about Michigan, but I'm sure Doc Mordrid could help you out with that.

If you're up for a drive, Chicago is about 3 hours west, and Toronto is about 6 hours east. Both are very nice metropolitan cities.

[Dr Mordrid]

It's M-I-C-H-I-G-A-N and not Mi-T-chigan

I'd agree with renting a minivan. I have both Dodge and Plymouth minivans, which are the most popular in this area. Decent mileage for their size and lots of room.

I would, however, recommend one with a small V6 in any brand instead of a 4 cyl. V6's can keep up with Michigan traffic while the 4 bangers are a bit anemic.

Michigan freeway drivers usually treat speed limit signs as a suggestion and not an absolute limit

Definitely check out The Henry Ford museum and Greenfield Villiage in Dearborn. These will take almost a whole day each, but you won't believe what's in there. Fortunately they are adjacent to each other. There is also a steam train that circles G. Villiage. This can be a hoot for the kids and it gioves you a good overall view of things.

http://www.thehenryford.org/default.asp

The Henry Ford is simply one of the best museums in the US.

Greenfield Villiage has all manner of historical buildings including the Wright Brothers bicycle shop, Thomas Edisons laboratory etc. etc. etc. etc.

There is also an IMAX theater on the grounds, so check its schedule.

Bring plenty of bux though because both have some great stuff to buy, including hand-blown glassware done right in front of you in G. Village. There are tons of other crafts persons who also make things for sale.

Both also have special events, most of which will be listed on their website.

Seriously: these are MUSTS if you are visiting this area.

There is also the Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills Michigan. They are also great must-see's of this area.

http://www.cranbrook.edu

You'll also want to check The Fox Theater and nearby Greektown in downtown Detroit. Don't worry about what you've heard in the media; the theater district and Greektown are safe.

The Fox is an old Art Deco palace-style theater that is just freakin' GORGEOUS with great shows every night.

http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=63&category=locations

And this is just the lobby

Greektown is a whole street of Greek/Medeterranean reataurants with a casino for good measure

Casino site....

Greektown restaurants etc.

On the corner between them is a comedy club that's very popular. Down the street the other way are Ford Field (home of the Lions football team) and Comerica Park (home of the Tigers baseball team). Both are BRAND NEW world class stadia.

Example: Ford Field



If you have any other special interests (theater shows, sports facilities & events, car shows etc. etc.) just let me know and I'll check what's going on.

Dr. Mordrid

[gt40]

without question, If you are planning any amount of driving with that crew, get a minivan!
Any will do you fine, all rentals are fairly new so they should be all fairly reliable. A domestic (Ford/GM/Chrysler) would be the most economical.
you should expect to pay between 30 - 50 US per day.
Have a Great trip!!