If you’re not familiar with Mackinac Island, it is an island in northern Michigan right before you cross the bridge to the upper peninsula. You take the ferry over from Mackinaw City, and it is all wheel charm, not a motorized vehicle on the island everything is done via horse and carriage, or you bicycle.
The Grand Hotel
The grand Hotel is the majestic building on the island that you cannot miss. It is prominent and historic and over 130 years old, but the charm and aesthetic remain the same. There are still real keys to the rooms, you dress up for dinner (5 course meal), dancing to an orchestra, and all the things that you would expect from days gone by. The decor is beautiful the setting is enchanting, and we loved every second about staying there. Of the 388 rooms, no two are alike and just look darling ours was. Even canopy beds.
Pics in the Parlor and of the Terrace Room
Our view was of the Lake and the famous Ester Williams swimming pool.
Secret Garden
The hotel grounds are so beautiful, but probably my favorite is the hidden secret garden, where in the spring there are oodles of tulips and daffodils, and then replaced by annuals in the summer to create the most beautiful display of Flowers. If you look up high at the beautiful Grand Hotel.
The Front Porch
Something else enchanting about the hotel is the front porch. It is 660 feet long and the longest porch in the world. So fun to sit out there on the rockers, relax, and people watch!
The Flowers
Oh my goodness, you thought mine and my mom’s flowers were gorgeous. You should’ve seen the ones on the island! We were in flower heaven. Most of the homes display beautiful flowers, as well as all the charming displays and baskets in town! Absolutely beautiful.
Wings of Mackinac
I love me some butterflies, so imagine walking into a tropical oasis where there are hundreds of them! Some of the prettiest butterflies I’ve ever seen! They would even land on you. The cool thing that happened is that three of them the same ombré shades as my mom’s hat,
landed on top of it, and would not fly off, lol.
Bonus: Fredrick Meijer Gardens
We knew we wouldn’t be ready to go right home after leaving the island. We had always wanted to go to the Frederik Meijer botanical gardens in Grand Rapids so that’s exactly what we did on the way home on the most beautiful day! We are members at a local botanical garden, so we were able to get in for free and they were spectacular! It’s about 50 times bigger than the one in our town so we will have to go back because we barely had a chance to see all but were able to tour the Japanese gardens and Sculpture Park.
Grateful to spend these wonderful days with my mom! The perfect, traveling companion. Have a wonderful weekend, my dears!
xoxo
I have been as a child but really want to go back. My aunt lives in Grand Haven and I think that could be a half way stop on the way. What a nice little getaway. I would be so enchanted by the butterflies!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun trip, so much beauty and charm!
ReplyDeleteIt's on my bucket list to go to the Grand Hotel! That secret garden and those flowers are incredible! Love that first pic of you and your mom. So glad you had a good time with her. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.kathrineeldridge.com
What a beautiful time for you and your mom- thank you for sharing- loved following along :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such a fabulous weekend! That hotel is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a place I would like!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! Literally everything... you and your mama, that hotel (that is on my bucket list), the grounds, the butterfly garden, the botanical garden. What an incredible getaway!!
ReplyDeleteYou both are lovely. Your mom’s skin is lovely. What makeup does she wear!
ReplyDeleteWe are having a granddaughter due in February.
reevesdebbie08@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful looking hotel. How fun to get away with your mom and I love all of your outfits. Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful place to visit. Beautiful and cooler: oh yes! And spending time vacationing with your mom, even better!
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Mackinac Island is on my travel bucket list after seeing these gorgeous photos. The flowers...wow! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful ladies at a beautiful place! I also love your outfits! I have never been to Mackinac Island but I have heard so much about it and I hope to visit one day. Have a wonderful weekend lovely friend! XO, Caroline
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous time with mom, Andrea. Those memories are priceless. And I love how people still dress up for dinner and that garden is amazing,
ReplyDeleteXOOX
Jodie
We were on Mackinac Island in May, during an unusual heat wave if you can believe that. It was gorgeous. We didn't stay on the island, but just went there during the day. Your mom is so beautiful. I love all the clothes/outfits she wears.
ReplyDeleteWow! All of that is so beautiful! Looks like such a lovely trip.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! What a relaxed place that islands must be. Did you do some cycling too?
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a fun place! Love the cute bedroom too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun trip! I remember going to Mackinac island when we were kids but did not stay on the island. The hotel looks amazing! And those gardens are stunning!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink
What a lovely trip, two lovely ladies. All the flowers, so beautiful. We have traveled a lot, but not to Michigan. Why not, I wonder. We have been to the Butchart Gardens twice on Vancouver Island. Stunning, one of my favorite places. I always point out nice house sites to my husband 😝 Please share where to find the pretty white top you are wearing in the porch photo. I wear a lot of sundresses and, being older, wear tops under them. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to go there ever since I heard about it! It's almost worth a special trip from Oregon! :) Thanks for sharing your great visit - always love to see you and your mom together!
ReplyDeleteYay for Mamma time! You both are too cute. I love the hotel too! Reminds me of one we have in Northern CA called The Madonna Inn :)
ReplyDeleteShauna
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Everything is beautiful and I love the floral skirt with the tanktop.
ReplyDeleteThe butterfly adds a special touch too.ha.
Lisa
This is on my bucket list! The food, flowers, butterflies, architecture and sites. Yes please! You are your mama look gorgeous, as usual! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love Mackinac Island and went there on my honeymoon. I never got up there with my children though. I'd love to revisit!
ReplyDeleteI always love that y'all take these trips together! Your room was the absolute cutest!
ReplyDeleteYou and your mom look lovely. The hotel and vacation area looks so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAww, it looks like you and your beautiful momma had a fantastic time! I've never heard of Mackinac Island, but it looks absolutely amazing!! Love all of these beautiful photos, and that Grand Hotel looks nothing short of stunning!
ReplyDeleteMake Life Marvelous