Summer Vacation: Charlevoix, Michigan

Not too long ago we went away for a little family vacation. We didn't go too far, because the gorgeous state of Michigan that we call home offers endless destinations ideal for a summer holiday.

We drove north to Charlevoix, Michigan, which is a gorgeous little town nestled on the northernmost shore of Lake Michigan. We met up with family and friends who were already staying at a campground for a church camp; thus, we had free lodging! When I say "camp," I need to elaborate and explain that this campground was filled with beautiful, modern campers so we were by no means "roughing it." In fact, there was a family we know who had left their camper vacant on the campgrounds specifically so Matt, Makenna, and I could have our own comfortable and spacious camper all to ourselves. It was lovely!

I am quite enamored with the charming little downtown of Charlevoix. You'll see that I was unable to stop taking photos of this adorable place.

One morning, Matt and I had the luxury of wandering the shops, just the two of us, while Makenna stayed behind with her Papa and Nana for naptime. It was such a gorgeous morning, and we shared an "Almond Joy" latté whilst strolling and taking in the local farmer's market set up downtown.

There were so many wonderful things to look at and we picked up a few special treats to take home with us.

We were also able to enjoy a leisurely, toddler-free lunch at a Charlevoix staple.

If Charlevoix weren't located in northern Michigan, where the winters are even longer and more brutal, I might be very tempted indeed to relocate our little family there.

Downtown Charlevoix also has a small "Splash Pad" for the kids. Our fearless little water-loving babe had the time of her life frolicking in the spray.

We treated ourselves to Kilwin's ice cream more than once and even made the drive up to Petosky to tour the original Kilwin's chocolate factory. Makenna loved eyeing the sweets...

...and she was so tired that she was barely able to stay awake to enjoy her ice cream cone!

The weather was perfectly ideal, with the nights being cool enough to make it necessary to wrap ourselves in sweaters and blankets as we sat outside chatting.

One evening, some of our friends launched a paper lantern into the sky, which I had never witnessed before. It was magical.

It was such a delightful trip! Makenna loved every moment, taking in all the new surroundings, but she especially enjoyed interacting with so many people. She is such a social little lady.

I have a little more to share about our Charlevoix adventures, so stay tuned!

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.

Mackinac Getaway: Part I

Two weeks ago, Matt and I enjoyed the most lovely little getaway in celebration of Matt's 30th birthday. It was also our last "hurrah" before baby girl arrives in February. Our destination: Mackinac Island and Mackinac City. {For those of you non-Michiganders, Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron just east of the Mackinac Bridge connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsula's. Mackinac City is the northernmost city at the tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula}. We knew this would be a spectacular time of year to visit the area, with fall colors abounding and the much-quieter end to the tourist season.

I'm afraid our trip would be a bore to many since much of our "to do" list was comprised of visiting historical sights. Matt and I were both history majors in college and are die-hard lovers of visiting any and all things historical. I love that we share this same passion and that we are both identical true-blue history geeks--the ones who stand and read every plaque in the museums.

Besides all that, we did a lot of relaxing, eating at wonderful restaurants, and browsing quaint little shops.

As we made the trek up north to begin our little adventure, the autumn colors steadily became more vibrant.

We arrived in Mackinac City just as the sky turned the most beautiful shades of gold.

God further displayed His works of creation that night by showcasing a full moon beaming down upon the glittering waters of Lake Huron.

We couldn't have asked for more beautiful or perfect weather during our getaway. It was sunny and in the 60's the entire time, with a balmy breeze coming off the water, of course.

Matt and I spent our first day in Mackinac City; a leisurely day of sight-seeing, dining, and shopping.
We began by visiting the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.




The lighthouse and keeper's quarters are no longer used since ships now navigate the waters using the lights from the Mackinac Bridge.



A view from the top of the lighthouse tower: Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge.



I just love touring old homes that have been restored to their historical condition. Isn't this stove charming?

For lunch, Matt and I had to stop and order pasties, an U.P. {Upper Peninsula} staple. I ordered chicken and Matt the beef. While mine was delicious, we'd both recommend the beef as it seemed more flavorful!




My first pastie.



We then ventured to Colonial Michilimackinac--a reconstructed fort that thrived here for many years during the 18th century.

We enjoyed the reenactments the tour included, beginning with the canon firing.

The interior of the fort was reconstructed to show how the soldiers and their families lived here. {The fort was burned down when it was relocated to Mackinac Island in later years}. The original inhabitants were French soldiers; then the British took over.

This community served as the great fur trade center of vast areas including Canada and the greater midwest. 

We visited with a costumed interpreter for quite some time as we watched him make musket balls over the hearth.



The history-nerd within me likes to imagine myself living during these times...



The musket firing demonstration.



Posing for a pic together on the ramparts.



As we were leaving the fort, we met the friendliest sheep you ever did see!

We ended our day by visiting some of the shops and then filling our bellies with the most delicious food.

Stay tuned to hear about our memorable day exploring the delights of picturesque Mackinac Island...