Michigan Part 2

We did a little day trip to Mackinac Island since we were only 2.5 hours away. When I woke up that morning I wasn't sure it would be worth it, but I am sure glad we went. 

We used Shepler's ferry to get to the island. Mackinac doesn't allow cars. It only allows horse and buggy which is what makes it so quaint.  If you call a taxi, a horse and buggy will show up to pick you up. It's like something out of the old days. 

We went on a beautiful day. It was actually almost too warm for late May. Our carriage driver said it was the warmest day of the year so far. 

The Mighty Mac

Arriving to the island... It is seriously beautiful. 

I had a plan for the day, and luckily it all worked out. As soon as we got there we bought tickets for our carriage ride and had enough time to grab a quick lunch and do a little shopping. 

Modern day Paige in what looks like the old days. 

I loved seeing the horses. They are cared for by their carriage driver and are well loved. 

There were huge puddles like that all over the place. Lol! 

I figured a carriage ride was the fastest way to see as many things as possible on the island. We saw a lot and learned a lot as well. Next time, I would like to just walk around and see things myself. I saw a lot of shops I wanted to go in as we were driving by but didn't get to once the ride was over. 

The houses were so pretty, everything was so pretty on the island. I can't imagine living there. It would be a different lifestyle. 

The Mackinac Island Post Office 

They also have their own courthouse and police. I highly doubt there is much (or any) crime on the island. 

This church is apparently a popular place to get married. Our carriage driver said one day there were seven wedding in a row. 

There were two parts to the carriage ride. The second half was in the state park. The first half was a lot more scenic. I actually could have skipped the second part, but I wanted to see arch rock so on we went! 

The whole reason we went on the second half of the carriage ride was just to see this. Now that I have seen it from this angle, I'd like to see it from the bottom looking up next time. 

Once we were let off our carriage ride we walked down a hill to see the prettiest views. I can't explain how gorgeous Mackinac is. It almost doesn't even look real in these pictures. 

After some souvenir shopping and a starbucks run we headed back. 

Until next time Mackinac! Hopefully we will see you again next summer!

The final two days of our trip were rest days, and they were glorious! Some of us slept in which is a wonderful thing. 

We spent a lot of time out here enjoying the nice 70 degree weather and playing in the sand.  

This view never gets old. Michigan is a place I could visit over and over again and never get tired of it. 

Adam had his own sand castle building operation going. He sat out here for hours trying to figure out the best ratio of sand and water to make the perfect sand castle. I was laughing just watching him. 

After three hours of playing these are the sand castles he made. Impressive! ;) 

 I love this house so much, and the owner is awesome too! This is the third time we have stayed here, and it's been great everytime. We found it on a whim four or five years ago, and I am so glad we did. Maybe someday we can own a house like this and live there in the summers. I can't describe how wonderful it is. 

We spent seven glorious days at this house in Sutton's Bay. I am always sad to go home, because I never know when we will get to come back. I love this house and part of Michigan so much. Until next year, Michigan! I look forward to seeing you again. :) 

Michigan vacation ~ Part 1

We went to Michigan the day after school let out for summer break.  There is something about Michigan that keeps us wanting to go back again and again. The towns are charming, the water is beautiful, and the weather is perfect. There isn't much more you could ask for in a vacation.  

We were so ready for a vacation once school let out. This was a great way to kick off summer vacation. 

We had a great drive there. It takes about 8.5 hours which is not a bad drive for us. Paige and I start getting antsy the last couple of hours, but it's all worth it once we get there. 

This is our third time staying at the same cottage, Point Sunnyside, in Sutton's Bay and it's absolutely wonderful! The view can not be beat. 

When we woke up it was a sunny, beautiful Michigan day. There is nothing better than a sunrise over the bay. I was able to sit outside and enjoy my morning coffee with this view. 

After a slow morning we got dressed and headed to Leland, MI (aka fishtown). I love Leland. We visit first thing each time we come to Michigan. We love eating at "The Cove" and visiting "That Dam Candy Store."  There are so many cute stores to shop at, and we always stop at the coffee shop. Leland is probably one of my favorite Michigan towns. 

Paige tried fish for the first time at "The Cove" and loved it. The first time we came to Michigan she was three and now she's seven. Time flies! 

I saw a video on TikTok about Van's Beach and we just so happened to stumble upon it. I had no clue it even existed, but it was so pretty. There were quite a few dead fish that had washed up unfortunately, but once you passed that it was a great view of Lake Michigan. 

This picture doesn't even do this beach justice. It was so gorgeous. I used to love the ocean and Florida, but I would choose the lake over the ocean any day. 

We headed back to spend some time on the water. We wanted to try out the SUP boards, and none of us could do it. I stood and held onto a tree branch for a good ten minutes before finally giving up. It is way harder than it looks. 

Kayak's were a much better, easier option. 

I thought for sure Ella would be able to do this since she has good balance but no such luck. 

Our rental had the best sandy area to play in. We spent a lot of time there that week. 

I loved the kayak. It was a good way to get some peace and quiet since no one could get to me once I was out. 

Michigan mornings are the best! Adam and Paige were out searching for rocks. 

Paige and Adam didn't want to do anything that morning so Ella and I took off. We went to an overlook on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I am a sucker for pretty overlooks. 

After a short half mile hike uphill we came upon the overlook, and it was beautiful. 

It almost doesn't even look real. 

We had a fun little morning together doing this hike. 

We headed into Glen Arbor to get some drinks to refuel, and I ran into M22. I wanted to go there last time we were in Michigan but didn't get to. I love Michigan gear! Funny story, we couldn't find a fountain drink anywhere in town. I finally stopped at a gas station. In the back was a fountain coke machine which ended up being broke. It had probably been unusable for years. An older man owned the gas station. Another older man was in there telling him all of his problems. Not only can you get gas, but you can also have a free counseling session while you are at it. Just don't think about getting a coke in the process...

If that wasn't enough fun for one day, Paige wanted to go to the public beach in town. 

It was such a beautiful day, but it was HOT. We were just roasting in the sun. 

We played in the sand and played on the playground and by that time I thought I was going to pass out from dehydration so we headed out. 

We ordered dinner and enjoyed a nice evening at the house. While Adam picked up dinner I found a chipmunk finally. These little guys are running all over. 

The restaurant we ordered from had alcoholic beverages to go. Sign me up!