Mackinac Getaway: Part II

Mackinac Island is among the most charming of destinations. A day spent here is a retreat from the rest of the bustling, modern world. Matt and I visited the island at the very end of tourist season, so the busy and noisy summer crowds had all but dissipated. It was so deliciously calm and quiet, and that element combined with the absolutely perfect autumn weather made our day simply dreamy.



Our day began {true to our history-nerd-selves} by touring Fort Mackinac, which also provided us with the most breathtaking views of the island. We strolled the quaint streets hand in hand, browsing the lovely shops and picking out a few treasures to take home.

One of my favorite elements of the island is that no "horseless carriages" are allowed. The perfectly-groomed streets are traversed by walking, biking, and carriages. I love hearing the clip-clop of horse hooves on the pavement acting as a sort of soundtrack to a visit to the island--a reminder of simpler times.

We of course ended up at the Grand Hotel, that magical Mackinac destination. Matt and I treated ourselves to afternoon tea in the hotel's parlor. The pastries and finger sandwiches were oh-so-scrumptious, and thankfully the menu allowed for substituting a delicious sparkling juice instead of champagne!

By the end of the day, the streets were almost ghostly quiet. The beautiful sunny sky was slowly beginning to be replaced with grey rainclouds. Matt and I took a ferry back to the mainland just in time to witness the beautiful golden colors painted behind the Mackinac bridge.

I really could not have imagined a more relaxing and delightful day to celebrate two very special things: Matt's 30th birthday and our "babymoon" before baby girl arrives in 2013. What lovely memories we made to celebrate our love, our life together, and our growing family.