historic - Frankly, My Dear . . .

Dear Michigan… Again.

Feb 14, 2013 | 4 comments

Michigan.org is having a Pinterest contest. The lucky winner receives a trip for two to stay at the Grand Hotel.

The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

Yup. That Grand Hotel.

All you have to do, is create a Pinterest Board “Pin to Win: Michigan in Love” and pin what makes Michigan romantic. Needless to say, my board is already created.

Sure. I don’t have too much. Only 14 pins. But oh, my! The fun I had putting this board together.

And since I haven’t blogged for nearly two weeks, what a wonderfully fun way to get back into it.

I do love Michigan. I miss my Michiganders. And I would so love the opportunity to visit again.

How well I remember the three-and-a-half hour drive each childhood summer, as Dad would come home from work on a Thursday night and the next morning we were packed and on the road to visit Grandma in Alpena. Those weeks of romping through the wilderness. Those were the days when I was fearless. When garter snakes and daddy-longlegs encouraged me just as much as dragonflies and wild daffodils.

I remember Kensington Park and how we made it a game: who would find the most animal tracks, or hear the birds? Feeding the ducks was always an adventure in itself. But to go in the fall, with the crisp leaves breaking under our shoes, emitting that wonderfully earthy aroma. That’s Michigan to me.

I miss the four seasons. The green of rain-soaked grass. The red and gold autumns. The bitter white winters. And the blossoming springs. Right now, Mom and Dad would be in the basement green room, pushing seeds into starter cups. It would be weeks before we would see results. But this time of year, the low flourescent lights would hang on their chains urging the plants to come alive. And slowly, the garden would start to grow.

Memorial Weekends were the best. For a few weeks before, Dad tilled the ground. And on Saturday, we planted. And hoed. And raked. And watered. And made a most glorious, muddy, nature-filled mess of ourselves. By the end of the weekend, rows of seedlings were staked and growing. Corn. Tomatoes. Lettuce. Rhubarb. Green beans and snap peas (my favorites!).

We’d dip in the pool to cool off, enjoy Dad’s barbecue, and head to town for parades and fireworks.

I grew up in Michigan. I often see pictures of familiar sights, and it’s amazing to me that while much has changed, much has stayed the same.

I can’t watch Somewhere in Time or a Cadillac commercial without feeling pride at my home state. Yes, I’ve been removed far too long, but I still consider myself a Michigander.

My desire to revisit The Mitten even inspired me to send them an email last summer:

Hello,
I’m a former Michigander now located in Southern California. I run a daily blog (http://FranklyMyDearMojo.com), and am an active travel reviewer as well through Trekaroo.com, and other sites. I’ve kept in contact with my Michigan friends and we’re wracking our minds to find a way for me to revisit The Mitten. I realize this is a completely off-the-wall proposition, but I’m wondering if there’s a possibility of receiving a trip sponsorship? In return, I would write about my journey from start to finish on my Blog which I link to LinkedIn, StumbleUpon, Tumblr, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook. I would also love to place your ad/button on my Blog directing my readers back to your site (regardless of sponsorship). My trip is in need of airfare and minimal expenses only, as I would be staying with friends throughout the state. I have people in Sturgis, Saline, Hartland, Brighton, Howell, Alpena. I’m interested in revisiting Frankenmuth, Holland, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Lansing, the Great Lakes, Mackinaw, Kensington Parks, the Parshallville Grist Mill and seeing the many colors of Autumn. Any other excursions, I leave up to my friends as impromptu tour guides.
I grew up in Hartland, and look forward to returning to my roots.
I’m aspiring to do a multi-part Blog series that would include various topics such as: the Geography of Michigan, the economic difference, Political climate, historical attractions, wilderness/farming aspects, weather, family based activities, heritage stories… It would more likely lend itself to writing a short book based on my travels. I run my own writing/editing/publishing company (www.NewInklingsPress.com).
Any and all sponsorship I receive would be properly recognized and acknowledged in print, including but not limited to my Blog and all social media sites.
Again, I thank you for your consideration of this extremely unique proposal.
I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Sincerely,

They’ve yet to respond. But I don’t lack hope. One way or another I’ll find my way back.

Michigan is so much more than a state. It’s memories. It’s my foundation. And I do so long to return.

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

You may also enjoy reading:
You’re Gonna Make It After All
Dear Michigan
Destination: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Rest in Peace, Patrick O’Rourke

Sweeten my tea and share:

Destination: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

Oct 25, 2012 | 12 comments

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]

I remember once as a child, Dad parked the car as he decided whether or not to make the drive: The winds were blowing fiercely and we watched the bridge sway and lightly billow above the waves of the Straits of Mackinac.

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]

After arriving at the Hotel, they checked into their room

Room 366, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

With a stunning view of the Straits.

Straits of Mackinac [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

Even the hallway is ambient.

Hallway, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

Being the sometimes-food-blogger that I am, I craved details on their indulgences.

Big Porch Ale from the Cupola Bar [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

They teased me with their breakfast menu.

Breakfast at the Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

The world’s longest porch, at 660 feet in length, offered them an opportunity to relax in the quiet atmosphere.

World’s Longest Porch [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

This stunning view off the porch shows the lengthy drive.

Porch View, Grand Hotel [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

As automobiles aren’t allowed on the Island, the preferred methods of travel are walking, bicycling, and even these gorgeous horse-drawn carriages.

Horse-Drawn Carriage [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

This time of year, the Island’s natural beauty comes alive with autumn leaves coloring every horizon.

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]

This gorgeous view of St. Anne’s Church encompasses the surrounding beauty as well.

St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Mackinac Island [Photo Courtesy Danny O’Rourke]

I specifically asked them to capture the Rooms featured in Somewhere in Time: 117 and 416. To my dismay, there is no Room 117 but Room 416 has since been designated as the Somewhere in Time Suite.