We left a lovely hotel this morning (The Westin at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport). See below.
We then flew to Pellston, Michigan (I never heard of it either), from the Pellston Airport (PLN) we then took a shuttle to a ferry. After a 16-minute ride, we were docked at Mackinac Island. We have also seen the spelling “Mackinaw” and that mystery was soon solved. We were informed that the French originally inhabited this area and named it Mackinac. When the British came they called it Mackinaw. Both are pronounced the same way (Naw not Nac).
After getting off the ferry we were told to walk across the street and get a horse and carriage ride to the hotel. They said that carriages arrive “every 30 minutes give or take a few”. After waiting a bit I looked at Apple Maps and saw that the hotel was only half a mile away so we decided to walk. It is very safe to walk here because the only things you will see on the streets (other than pedestrians) are bicyclists and horse-drawn vehicles. On the way to the hotel, we saw a number of interesting sites.
Then we approached this magnificent sight. See below
As you can see, the view of the hotel is spectacular. They boast of having the longest porch in the world (I have read it is 660 feet and 668 feet, you can choose). In addition to the outside being a thing of beauty check out these inside shots.
After checking in we lounged around the property which included a stop at the Cupola Bar (the highest point of the hotel). While sitting there enjoying drinks (we had water) and appetizers (we had burrata with tomatoes and warm artichoke dip) you can look out over Lake Huron and chat with your fellow travelers. The bar also has this lovely chandelier.
After a little more hotel exploring and chilling in the room, it was time for dinner. For dinner, at the Grand Hotel, men and women must wear formal attire. Here is a shot of me in my blazer.
Patrice wore an elegant gown with a plunging neckline that caused everyone to turn their heads to get a look. She won’t let me publish it because our children might see it.
For dinner, we had the “red” menu. The hotel rotates menus (red, green, and yellow). For appetizers, we chose wild mushroom risotto and melon and Parma ham.
Next, we had Corn Gazpacho and White Asparagus soup.
Salads followed. We had heirloom tomato and cucumber salad with buffalo mozzarella, mint, and peach vinaigrette.
The entrees were beef tenderloin and pork chops.
For dessert, we had their signature dessert called “Grand Pecan Ball”. We also had vanilla bean crème brûlée. I wanted to try the crème brûlée to see if it was as good as what I make.
After that full meal, I told Patrice it was time to work out. Unfortunately, the gym was closed. So after finishing the blog, it is time to go to sleep. We have another fun day ahead.
(Patrice here, he said nothing of the sort in regards to going to the gym. We didn’t even look).
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 