Wow just got back into the burbs from a magical weekend in Mackinaw Island. Two friends of mine Madeline & Jake chose to celebrate their love and marriage in Mackinaw Island.  I haven’t been to Mackinaw for quite a few years, maybe the last time I was there was 07 or 08 !

Growing up, my summer Camp Walden would have a “special day” activity where each age group would venture off to Mackinaw for the day. I think i’ve been there about 12 times now. I started going to Camp Walden of Cheyboygan when I was 9 years old!  Cheboygan is one of the closest cities to Mackinaw. The bus ride over to the ferry dock never felt so long.

This time around was different my honey love and I drove from the suburbs up to Mackinaw City.  We purchased Ferry Tickets for Shelpers in advance and paid for parking on site ($15 for 3 nights! not bad).  The ferry ride is about 20 minutes and you have awesome views of the Mackinaw Bridge, the Grand Hotel & the fort.

It is so funny how this island takes you on a trip back in time as there are basically no cars on the island ! everyone bikes, walks, or rides horse drawn carriages. The only cars on the island are emergency vehicles.  There are 4 fire trucks, 2 police cars and 1 emergency car(kinda like an ambulance).

This trip was different as I was in town for 2 friends wedding vs running to the local pay phones to call and talk to my parents for the first time in a few weeks.  It is funny to think kids at camp now probably don’t even know what pay phones are! we used to dial our parents on a collect call to get ahold of them.

The fudge shops are just as i remembered them  – Murdocks, Ryba’s and Joanne’s ! There is always of course Sanders too. I don’t really love it as much I used to but the smells are just as pungent and delicious.

It really felt like a Pure Michigan weekend – we got to explore in nature on the first morning with a 2 hour bike ride around the island which was organized by the Grand Hotel and the 2nd morning we kayaked to Arch Rock for 2 hours. I loved being able to just be in the present moment and embrace the beauty around me. I have to admit i did bring my cell on the kayak as its really cool new and water proof !! my life jacket happened to have a zip pocket so why not  – right?!

We rode in horse drawn carriages all around the island. It’s a little immature but I couldn’t help but laughing when the horses start pooping while walking and driving us around !! The 1st night we went off to the Pinky Pony Bar. Honestly it felt like a right of passage for me – this was always the cool place the counselors went to drink . It was like i learned about alcohol from camp and this was the place to have some – and now here i am 28 years old doing it !  The live music was fabulous and lively. We went over to Island Pizza for a late night snack after.

The 2nd night we took the carriages “into the woods” which is on the property of the Grand Hotel. Btw we stayed at the Grand Hotel – like OMG !! this place is so cool and really takes you back in time. Each room is individually designed and funky! Our room was bright and pineapple themed.  I was out of my mind as I love Pineapple vibes !  The Grand Hotel is home to the world’s largest porch about 660 FT long!

Pics to come in the next post with more to the story !!

xo Linz