Love and Life

Michigan Part II
Mackinac Island

Friday afternoon after working, we drove up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Mackinac City, where we caught a ferry to Mackinac Island. I didn't know much about Mackinac Island, just what Ryan had told me and what I had heard from Nanie and Popsie (Popsie took Nan there many years ago, and Nan swears it's her favorite place on earth). I soon learned why.

One of the longest bridges in the world (or something like that) we traveled over it to catch the Ferry to Mackinac.

First glimpse of the island and The Grand Hotel (Known from Somewhere in Time)

Sun over the island.

So festive and so cute.

Sunset over the harbor.

Mackinac Island is somewhat untouched from the rest of the world. No cars are allowed on the island -- people get around by Horse and Carriage and bikes. There are quaint B&B's in old historic houses, and the Grand Hotel, which boasts the largest porch in the world, also has an old-world charm. We enjoyed hikes, riding tandem around the island, lots of fudge, the butterfly house and escaping the hustle and bustle of city-life--however, my favorite part of the island was that the flowers were in full bloom: lilacs and peonies were everywhere and I stopped at every chance to "smell the roses" (or poenies in this case).

What our hike looked like -- most of it was on paved paths, but we definitely got lost at some point and were in the weeds!

I love the wildflowers.

Cool arch.

Us in front of the arch ... "Can we get more arch in that picture?"

Click on the photo to see it bigger. Gorgeous views of the water.

Yes, this is how people get around. It's weird to wake up to the sound of clattering horse hooves at 6am.

OMG. LOVE.

The poppies were gorgeous too.

I was in heaven right about now....

Beautiful butterflies.

Ryan was lucky and got to make friends with one.

Funny, right?

Ah, the lilacs were amazing!! Going out for dinner.

Dinner on the bay. Delicious and gorgeous.

You guys, I am obsessed.

The grand hotel

Dahlia the size of my face. Seriously.

Grand Hotel rules and regulations. You can't get into this place without wearing a dress after 6pm. That's why we went back the next day to sneak in (you typically have to pay $10 just to get inside the place). It was cool but not that cool.

Yes, those are ALL peonie bushes in front of this gorgeous house overlooking Lake Michigan.

Manicured lawns. I kind of miss those in Chicago.

Us on the longest porch in the world!

Our B&B - their gardens were so beautiful.

Bike ride around the island. The views were like this the whole time!

I loved riding tandem! We actually did this ride twice -- once on single bikes, then on tandem. So great both times!

One more sniff before we left the island...

I can't wait to go back to Mackinac Island! Looking at my photos, I am realizing they don't do this place justice-- you must go some time! It's absolutely stunning and a great chance to get away and enjoy the simple things in life. Like your amazing husband and beautiful flowers.