June 2011 Mackinac Island
Despite a wet greeting as we disembarked, we enjoyed gorgeous weather the rest of the trip. The lilacs were in full bloom all over the island. Their scent as well as that of the many fudge shops (and, OK, the horses) tantalized our senses.
The 18 of us filled the B&B and kept our "housemother" Nancy occupied. We jumped right in the day of arrival with wine tasting at a local inn. Following that, we did a History and Legends walking tour then enjoyed our welcome dinner.
The next morning we boarded a carriage and headed for the Surrey Museum, Butterfly Conservatory, Arch Rock and Ft. Mackinac. At our own pace we then visited 5 historic buildings in town.
The following morning was filled with a Walk and Talk with a botanist, expert on lilacs, and a Science of Fudge Demo and tasting at one the fudge shops. That afternoon offered a choice of a private group carriage ride or bicycle rental. It might sound impressive that those on bikes circled the entire island, until you learn it's only 8.2 miles around. That evening we enjoyed a local comedian, although to those present it will forever be known as the Chris & Bonnie show. But, what happens on Mackinac, stays on Mackinac!
On our last full day we visited the Grand Hotel where Somewhere in Time was filmed and we listened to a fascinating lecture on the hotel's history--which is pretty intertwined with that of the island itself. In the afternoon we headed out for a Lighthouse Cruise on Lake Huron. Even the docents were impressed with how smooth and glass-like the lake was that day. We wrapped up the trip with a Grand Finale Dinner; our table was set in front of a huge picture window through which we could see the harbor and lighthouse. Fittingly, as we strolled back to our B&B, we could hear the sounds of Taps drifting down from the Fort.
We all left a piece of our hearts on "our" island and at "our" house.
The 18 of us filled the B&B and kept our "housemother" Nancy occupied. We jumped right in the day of arrival with wine tasting at a local inn. Following that, we did a History and Legends walking tour then enjoyed our welcome dinner.
The next morning we boarded a carriage and headed for the Surrey Museum, Butterfly Conservatory, Arch Rock and Ft. Mackinac. At our own pace we then visited 5 historic buildings in town.
The following morning was filled with a Walk and Talk with a botanist, expert on lilacs, and a Science of Fudge Demo and tasting at one the fudge shops. That afternoon offered a choice of a private group carriage ride or bicycle rental. It might sound impressive that those on bikes circled the entire island, until you learn it's only 8.2 miles around. That evening we enjoyed a local comedian, although to those present it will forever be known as the Chris & Bonnie show. But, what happens on Mackinac, stays on Mackinac!
On our last full day we visited the Grand Hotel where Somewhere in Time was filmed and we listened to a fascinating lecture on the hotel's history--which is pretty intertwined with that of the island itself. In the afternoon we headed out for a Lighthouse Cruise on Lake Huron. Even the docents were impressed with how smooth and glass-like the lake was that day. We wrapped up the trip with a Grand Finale Dinner; our table was set in front of a huge picture window through which we could see the harbor and lighthouse. Fittingly, as we strolled back to our B&B, we could hear the sounds of Taps drifting down from the Fort.
We all left a piece of our hearts on "our" island and at "our" house.