Michigan Adventures

Do you have post-vacation depression?  Because I do.  My therapist tells me going on vacation with family and then having to say goodbye when it's all over can cause grief and that's OK.  I think it's true.  But you know what else is true?  That when you are in that sadness, or grief, you feel completely alone and like you are the only one who feels it. When I feel like this, it's nice to go through the trip in my mind and with pictures to feel better.

Eddie's family came to visit us last month and I felt like a tourist in my own state! The weather was perfect and warm and sunshiney most of the time.  I love September in Michigan.  October is better for leaf colors but it starts to get pretty cold. 

The first place we went was Mackinac Island! I'd been there of course while growing up in Michigan but this was a totally new experience for me. We stayed at the Chippewa Hotel, which is literally right at the fairy launch. Not too far to walk our luggage at all! And no stay here is complete with out a visit or two to the Pink Pony! This place was sooo cute and the clothing there was adorable. OH! Look at these adorable tumblers! I have some similar vintage glasses and they are so cute! (Dear Santa...)

We got an amazing suite that had 2 bedrooms and a balcony overlooking the 12 person spa and live music.

Mackinac Island florals are life

Daddy Doug, Jeff, Judy and Bridget gaze at the water

pink pony glasses are a must have!

We started our time on the island by doing a long and beautiful but informative horse and carriage ride tour.   As most of you know, there are no cars allowed on the island! We explored by foot as well and hiked up hill to the fabulous Grand Hotel  featured in the movie "Somewhere In Time".  This hotel is the most beautiful and elegant of any hotel I've been to or seen.  The decor inside and flowers and landscaping outside are absolutely fabulous. Again, I had been there before, just not as an adult who could truly appreciate it all. Everything there is classic in style yet on-trend from the hounds-tooth couches to the palm leaf regency fabrics and the antique art and furniture. We explored the pool area, the labyrinth (I love a good labyrinth!) and had great conversation with family around the most elegant water fountain I've ever seen. 

houndstooth couches?!? I die!

the gardens and landscaping at the Grand Hotel were mesmerizing

You know we spent time in our home town of Traverse City as well. We enjoyed going to our favorite meat shop/deli Max Bauer's and picking out goodies for grilling out and their amazing beef jerky dip! (eat it with crackers!) and had to take the family to Mackinaw Brewing and shop at Cherry Republic as well.  We had a good evening with my parents visiting as well and we grilled out and enjoyed a dinner together around our huge dining room table. It was a cozy night and it was great for everyone to be reunited again after our wedding in 2015.

Our next stopping point during our Michigan adventures was the Eloise Asylum in Detroit.  It's spooky, abandoned and has a history so you know we were there on a ghost hunt! Well, it was more a of tour because we didn't stay too long and it was daylight but we were able to do some cool experiments and take tons of photos! Shout out to Detroit Paranormal Expeditions for getting us there! There is a ton more stuff going on with Bridget's podcast and the Eloise and members from the Detroit Paranormal team being featured. Please give her podcast a listen to hear more about it! Also another big shout out to Josh Malerman (author of Bird Box!) for treating us all to a fantastic dinner of Mexican food and margaritas! 

Bridget tests her ghost magnet skills at the Eloise

urban exploration

After dinner, we explored the Detroit Police old sixth precinct building. It was pretty darn creepy inside but it has a new purpose.  The new owner is slowly trying to restore it to it's former glory and use the building as a data storage facility with a coffee bar.  With all of the bullet holes and rusty jail cage doors and not to mention ghosts, we wish him the best of luck! While in Detroit we also toured around by foot near our hotel and took pictures in front of the Masonic Building and Detroit River Walk.  So much beautiful architecture and infrastructure. 

Last but not least, it's my favorite part! My first time at Bronner's in Frankenmuth! Bronner's is a giant Christmas store that holds anything and everything related to holiday decorations. and Frankenmuth, known as Michigan's little Bavaria because of all the adorable architecture. I mean please look at this city in the snowy winter wonderland!  I can't WAIT to go back!

Don't you love road trips? Thank you so much for stopping by!