Before we went to Michigan, my mom kept talking about "The Bridge" and how we just HAD TO drive across "The Bridge." Well once we got to Cheboygan, we finally figured out that she was talking about the Mackinac Bridge.
The Mackinac Bridge connects the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan and acts as the border of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and charges some lovely tolls. Driving was out.
Instead, on our second day on Macinac Island, we woke up early and took a ferry that would give us a "seagull's eye view" of the bridge.
Really, all this meant was that the ferry ride to the island would be about 15 minutes longer and we would ride under the bridge. Now we can say that we've been on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Plus, we got some cool pictures.
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan & Lake Huron
Lake Huron
The rest of the ferry ride was just as beautiful as the day before.
Once we arrived on the island, we started the walk to the Grand Hotel.
The hotel was opened in 1887, and boasts the longest front porch in the world.
While the hotel claims its modern updates will make guests feel at ease, it's the old charm that shines through. It's first important to note that almost no cars are allowed on the island. If you arrive by ferry, your luggage will be picked up by a horse-drawn buggy.
Coca Cola and Chandon are delivered to porch-sitters by bicycle. Waitresses bring other drinks, like champagne and cocktails, as well as yummy snacks.
In addition to the strict dress code to which waiters abide, the hotel also requestS visitors abide by a dress code: no halter tops, tank tops, or cut off shorts by day and dresses/skirts and blouses (ladies) or suit or sport coat, necktie and dress slacks (gentlemen) by night.
Now, they do charge visitors a $10 fee to roam about the hotel grounds, but we never saw anybody collecting fees nor did anybody ask us to pay one. Instead we sat in rocking chairs, sipped cocktails, and looked out over the balcony at the lake.
Once we finished our cocktails and hummus plate, it was time to return to Cheboygan for the wedding.
After the wedding, we were woken up at 8 a.m. by a massive thunderstorm that flooded our tent. Then we drove 4 1/2 hours to Flint, MI. We woke up at 4 a.m. the next day to catch a flight, and arrived in Baltimore around 10 a.m. A short 24 hours later, we were driving to Lexington, VA, and moving into our new home.
It was definitely hectic, but I am so glad we were able to visit Michigan. Now I am going to unpack the last of our boxes before Dixie eats all the cardboard.
