Oct 25, 2012 |
I grew up in Michigan before we transplanted to California many years ago. [Okay, not that many…]
We lived in the LP (Lower Peninsula), just under an hour outside of Detroit. My Grandma lived in Alpena, and every summer my Dad would drive us up there for a week or longer. I loved summers in Alpena, because it also meant we would visit Mackinaw.
Mackinaw City on the northernmost tip of the Lower Peninsula is connected to the Upper Peninsula by the famous Mackinac Bridge: This five-mile suspension bridge is the third longest in the United States, and 12th longest worldwide.
Mackinac Bridge [Photo courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
There are so many wonderful memories of visiting Mackinac City and the Bridge. But the one memory I’ve yet to make is staying at the Grand Hotel.
Have you seen the movie Somewhere in Time starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour? It was filmed at the Grand Hotel. It’s such a romantic, historical location. Such a beautiful movie. I highly recommend it!
So imagine my jealousy I mean jealousy I mean thrill for Danny and his family when I heard they were making the drive across the Bridge to take the Ferry (cars aren’t allowed on Mackinac Island). I begged for a plane ticket photos and they obliged. Until I get there myself… I’m living vicariously through their story and these photos.
“Let’s see. What did I like best? That’s easy. Sitting on the world’s longest covered porch (660 ft) in a rocking chair, sipping a beer and looking out on the Straits of Mackinaw. It wasn’t a terribly relaxing weekend (a LOT of walking) so that brief respite was delicious.
I would take Mackinaw Island in the fall over any other time of year. First off, the rates are much lower. It’s also much less crowded. And the colors. Oh, the colors.
Laura and I marveled at the fact that we’ve been all over the world, but this was only her second time on the island. And she’s never seen the other side!
The smells are awesome. Whether it’s the ubiquitous fudge shops, the many restaurants or just the crisp, clean smell of fall. Even the horses leave an odor that makes you smile and think “Pure Michigan.”
My favorite island sound? The clopping of hooves. Hearing it right outside your hotel window is magical. It made me wonder if there is a relaxation cd with that sound. I would love to fall asleep to that every night.
The shops are so eclectic ( I bought juggling pins in one, a green Guinness soccer jersey in another) so there’s something for everyone.
And whatever form of recreation you prefer, it’s all there. Walking, biking, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, golf. No cars, skateboards or roller blades, though.
I could go on (haven’t even talked about history which is, for my money, the richest part of the island) but I won’t.”
Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Room 366, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Straits of Mackinac [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Hallway, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Big Porch Ale from the Cupola Bar [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Breakfast at the Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
World’s Longest Porch [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Porch View, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Horse-Drawn Carriage [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
This image was taken from inside the Cupola Bar. The seating reflections make it look like there are displays in the trees.
Mackinac Island, MI [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Mackinac Island [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Exterior, Room 416 [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
Somewhere in Time Suite [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
The Grounds, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
The Lawn, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]
You may also enjoy reading:
Dear Michigan…
Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA
Dear Amy, I’m Just So Sorry For Your Loss.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE MOVIE:
[AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK]
Oct 24, 2012 |
In one week, it will be Hallowe’en. In one week and one day, it will be November! Yikes! I’ve been pulling double-duty on the Blog this last week. While I’m posting every day, I’m also reviewing product and formulating my giveaways to start November 1. I’m super excited to be partnering again with Scharffen-Berger chocolates and Aroma Housewares. New sponsors include Klutz Books, CLR Cleaning Product, and Winnie’s Inky Fingers.
Our weather has cooled drastically and the winds have ushered the leaves off the trees. Not completely, but enough to carpet the ground. I cleaned out the fireplace and changed the furnace filter. That pretty much takes care of our winterizing out here. Oh, that plus wearing socks. Cuz the Flip-Flops just aren’t warm enough any more.
The World Series starts tonight, and I’m so very happy! Although I’m saddened that my beloved Yankees missed it again, I’m glad the Tigers are getting their chance.
My friend Danny took his wife to Mackinac Island, Michigan over the weekend and sent me some photos. What a rotten souvenir! I’d rather have a plane ticket! (Just kidding, Danny. I’ll still take the photos.) I’ll write about their trip tomorrow. For today, you get this teaser:
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
Even though it’s spelled MACKINAC (with a “c”), it’s pronounced “MACK-IN-AWW”. Some people wrongly spell it Mackinaw. There’s Mackinaw City which is at the very north tip of the Lower Penninsula of Michigan. Then you take the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinac Island. It’s a shorter version of the Indian term, Michilimackinac, which references the entire straights that surround the area.
I’ll have more history and photos for you tomorrow. Well, the O’Rourkes will. I’m just the conduit, living vicariously through text messages photo posts.
I’ll be volunteering at the local Trunk or Treat next week, but I haven’t yet figured out in what capacity. I can host my own trunk, help with the set up, greeting, or even hang around the Bounce House.
Whatever I do, I’m pretty sure a Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice will be a part of it.
Autumn Bliss
[I know… you’ve seen this photo before. But it was my first Instagram, and so delicious to boot. It’s worth the repeat, dontcha think?]
Do you celebrate Hallowe’en? What do you do to usher in the holidays?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
“What’s the Word?” Wednesdays is a link-up that allows other bloggers and readers to share whatever they want to talk about. Think of it as a virtual coffee date with some great friends. What’s going on in your world? Tell us all about it!
A few things to remember:
- Each week’s link-up is valid from Wednesday through the following Tuesday. So if you link a post today, you can still come back and link another post tomorrow! In fact, you can link up as many posts as you want.
- If you add a link, please put the badge on your post as well.
- Each week has a new link-up. Please make sure you grab the correct Badge Code.
- Be sure to check out what others are posting, and even leave a few comments.
- You can now show your “likes” by voting for your favorite links.
So, c’mon. Join the conversation. After all, a great coffee date is one where everyone gets to chat, dontcha think?
Oct 23, 2012 |
The debates are over. In two weeks, America will chose a President. Will he be the same one we’ve had for four years, or someone new?
The polls are neck-and-neck on this one. Every day sees a slight change for this, a small hope for that.
Contests and conversations are everywhere. Jet-Blu is offering free flights if your candidate doesn’t win. 7-Eleven is running their “7-Election” coffee campaign. Front yards, wire poles, and every print ad in America right now seems to have an opinion.
There is no perfect candidate. There is no one person who will come in and miraculously fix what’s wrong. America is not perfect. But let’s also admit that not everything is wrong. Somethings will take a while to fix, somethings aren’t really broken.
There are a few thoughts that have bothered me in this political season.
- I’ve heard people say their vote won’t count, so they just won’t vote. Whether their candidate is the underdog, or not on the list at all, they’re opting to abstain from voting altogether.
- I’ve heard people say that since the choice is “the lesser of two evils”, they will vote for a Candidate “C”… someone who has their values and principles but no chance of winning.
- I’ve heard people complain about the extreme negativity this season. It must be true… I’ve seen complaints and finger-pointing all over Facebook. (When did it become unacceptable or “stupid” to have a different opinion?)
I care very deeply about being an American. I’m proud to be American. I love living in America.
Please. Don’t throw your vote away on a third candidate. Don’t sit and do nothing.
Between the two top choices, pick the one who best represents your beliefs and issues, and VOTE.
Oh, and the same goes for your local governments as well. A President has to start somewhere. The person you put in local office today could be your Executive Leader tomorrow.
So please. Choose wisely. And VOTE.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!!
