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S C I L ' s Travel Club October 2023 Virtual ADVENTURE to Mackinac Island, Michigan - Part Three

Welcome back to our Virtual Adventure to Mackinac Island! We sure have had to use our imaginations on this trip, haven't we? Let's keep pretending it's June when the Lilac Festival is going on, the weather is just about perfect, and the smell of Mackinac Island's famous fudge fills the air!

Let's review what we've done so far.

Day One

Pre-Travel Meet-up

We were invited to meet with our Tapooz Travel guides --- Benji, Laura, Tim, Hannah, and Madison --- and spend the night at our 'benefactor's' Brentwood home --- which was more like an 'ADA Accessible Mansion' --- the night before our trip.
Click her to refresh your memory about 'Tapooz Travel!'
Click here to test your memory. Who is a 'benefactor?'
Remember what a 'mansion' is? Click here and see if you're right.
After dinner, a 'double feature' --- in our benefactor's 'Home Theater,' --- and a good night's sleep, we set out early in the morning for the airport.
Test your knowledge: What is a 'double feature?' Click here and see!
Let's see if your remember what a 'Home Theater' is. Click here!

Day Two ~ Travel Day

We flew out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Delta's super comfy Airbus A350-900.
Our flight was relaxing in our 'luxurious' Delta One Suites! We could even lay our seats completely flat so we could sleep if we wanted to!
Our flight was only four hours and twenty minutes, but because of the three-hour time change, we left LAX at 9:10 am and landed at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) in Michigan at 3:30 p.m.! It's THREE hours later on the East Coast than it is on the West Coast where we live.
We took a short connecting flight on SkyWest Airlines from Detroit to the Pellston Regional Airport (PLN). It only took us just over an hour to get there. Once we arrived at Pellston Regional Airport, we took an ADA-accessible 'shuttle' to the Shepler's Ferry at the Mackinaw City Dock.
Remember what a 'shuttle' is? Click here to see if you're right!

Mackinac Island

After a fun 16-minute ride on the ferry to Mackinac (Sounds like 'MACK-in-awe') Island, we get off at the dock.
Click here to listen to the pronunciation of 'Mackinac' Island.
While the amazing 'dockporters' took our luggage to our hotel, we went across the street to have dinner at Winchesters --- A 'prohibition' themed restaurant that takes you back to the Roaring 20s when there were 'speakeasies' and alcohol could only be consumed with a prescription! Boy, oh, boy, those burgers were DELICIOUS!
Remember what 'dockporters' are? Click here for more information about them!
How about 'Prohibition'? Click here to see how much you remember.
Or, what about a 'speakeasy' ? Click here. for a quick refresher!
After dinner, we were taken to our hotel in horse-drawn carriages. One was an ADA Accessible horse-drawn carriage that fit two wheelchairs inside it! The sound of the horse's hoofs clip-clopping along the pavement was really relaxing!
Click here to hear to the sound of the horses hooves on the pavement.

The Grand Hotel

For those who would like to see it again, click here to watch a one-minute introduction video of American's Summer Place --- The GRAND HOTEL!
The Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1887 as a summer retreat for vacationers who traveled to Michigan by train, then came to Mackinac Island by boat. Today, this National Historic Landmark continues to attract guests from all over with old-world hospitality and charm.
If you are interested, you can click here to take a second look at the short video about the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan
We arrived at Mackinac Island's most SPECTACULAR hotel --- The Grand Hotel! A BIG Thank you goes out to our incredibly generous benefactors for enabling us to stay here. We stood on the red carpet in front of the hotel entrance and looked out over the island. To the left of us, the porch seemed to go on forever. And then, looking to the right, it was just as long! A mere 660 feet from end to end! That's longer than two football fields! Wowza! And out in front, there are ten American flags that have been in place since the late 1930s when President Truman first visited Grand Hotel. They are raised each morning and taken down every evening!
We were taken to our super nice, brightly colored rooms (no two rooms are alike), where we quickly got under the sheets and went to sleep!
Hey, traveling is hard work, let me tell you!

Day Three

Breakfast at the Masco Cottage

A.K.A. ~ The Travel Club Mackinac Island Clubhouse

Here's a chance to test your knowledge. What does A.K.A. stand for? Click here to see if you know the answer.
The Masco Cottage is a four-bedroom, 3 bath summer cottage connected to the east wing of the Grand Hotel by a private walkway. It has a full kitchen, a dining room, living room, 'media room,' its own spacious porch with garden seating area, a private hot tub, and nightly appetizers are served in the cottage before dinner.
We met our fearless Tapooz Travel Guide leaders in the Masco Cottage --- THE TRAVEL CLUB MACKINAC ISLAND CLUBHOUSE --- for breakfast and to go over our 'itinerary' for the day.
Remember what an itinerary is? Click here to see if you're right!
We left Masco Cottage and took a path out to Cadotte Avenue, where our horse-drawn carriages were waiting for us.
Todd & Carol, our Mackinac Island Carriage Tour drivers, each had a team of three horses. Todd had Zeus, Apollo, and Bacchus hitched up to his carriage, while Carol had Commander, Squire, and Jester hooked up to hers.

let's review!

Mackinac Island Carriage Tour is the world's largest, oldest, and continually operated horse & buggy company, with approximately 100 freight and passenger carriages pulled by over 400 horses!
To review the history of Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Click here.

Did You Know?

Mackinac Island horses go through around 5,000 horseshoes per season. But not just your ordinary horseshoes either. These horseshoes have a steel core with 'polyurethane' molded around it, preventing damage to the paved roadways. Most importantly, they use the polyurethane horseshoes to provide cushion for the horses.
I bet you're wondering what 'polyurethane' is. Me too. Let's click here and find out!

Exploring Mackinac Island

Our customized tour started with a relaxing carriage ride around the entire island, followed by an exploration of the island itself.
We saw landmarks that were really interesting particularly because Todd & Carol were so knowledgeable and told us amazing stories about each place.
Some of the stories were even scary! Like the legend of the Red Geebis at the Devil's Kitchen!

Lunch at the Chuckwagon

Located on Main Street, the Chuckwagon has been a popular restaurant for almost sixty years! It has an old-time diner atmosphere and a reputation for making the BEST BURGER on the island. Naturally, we had to order our lunch from there! The Chuckwagon is a super tiny restaurant so, we took our food down the street to Windemere Point, where we had an awesome picnic overlooking the lake.
After lunch we continued our private carriage tour and saw historic churches, went shopping in Downtown, watched candy-makers make famous Mackinac Island fudge --- we even got to take some home, --- and passed by Fort Mackinac.
We saw incredible historic mansions, built in the 1880s.
Many of the mansions --- or 'Summer Homes' as they are called by the locals --- are now being run as luxury Bed & Breakfast Inns. We found out there are NO HOTEL CHAINS on Mackinac Island. Instead, there are more than 1,600 rooms in a delightful variety of hotels, resorts, B&Bs, condominiums, cottages, and homes. There are also two resorts on the island, the Mission Point Resort and The Grand Hotel --- where we are lucky to be staying.

Dinner at the Ice House BBQ

Tucked behind the Island House Hotel is a beautiful hideaway garden. That's where the Ice House is located and they serve some of the best BBQ on the island. So, naturally, that's where we had dinner!
By the time we left the Ice House, we were ALL 'TUCKERED OUT!' So, we went back to our Castle on the Hill ('A.K.A.' The Grand Hotel) and fell fast asleep!
What does it mean to be all 'Tuckered Out?' Click here and see!

Day Four

Another Great Breakfast at Masco Cottage

We met together for breakfast in our SCIL Travel Club Mackinac Island 'CLUBHOUSE' before heading out for another day of sight seeing and exploring.
We started off at the Grand Hotel Stables and learned about the Hackney horses that pull the carriages. We saw the antique carriages at the Surrey Hill Carriage Museum and the butterflies at the Wings of Mackinaw Conservatory. Then we made iron souvenirs at the Forge a Memory blacksmith shop.
We left Surrey Hill and took a peaceful carriage ride around the St. Anne's and Post Cemeteries. Todd & Carol told us more about the history of Mackinac Island and about the people who are buried on the island. They also told us that costumed 'reenactors' who lead groups of people from Fort Mackinac to the Post Cemetery for a Memorial Day Observance Ceremony every year. They do exactly what the soldiers did 130–140 years ago when Captain Edwin Sellers, of Fort Mackinac, held the first ceremony in 1883. After that, we went to Point Lookout, where we were treated to a SPECTACULAR view of Lake Huron!
Do you remember what a 'reenactor' is? Click here to test your memory.
Then we went to Fort Holmes and the Scout Barracks. We found out that President Gerald Ford was part of the Eagle Scouts that served as the FIRST Governor’s Honor Guard on the island over 75 years ago. We saw the 8-foot-wide bronze sculpture that was made in his honor. Now THAT was one BIG head!!! We also learned about the Garrison Flag --- a term used by the US Army for an extra-large American Flag --- and how Francis Scott Key was so inspired by the sight of the original Garrison Flag flying above Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814, he wrote a poem called “The Defense of Fort McHenry.” His poem was later set to music and became “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which officially became the National Anthem of the United States in 1931.
We sure learned a lot of GREAT stuff on our tour with Todd & Carol!!! For example, in 1813, the government paid Mary Young Pickersgill $405.90 (that's the same as $6,154 nowadays!) to make a flag so HUGE that the British would have no problem seeing it from far, far away. And it was BIG, alright! it was 42 feet wide by 30 feet high and weighed about 50 pounds!!!
To give you an idea of just how big that is, a school bus is about 40 feet long... But it's only 20 feet wide, whereas the Garrison Flag was 30 feet wide!
Our next stop was Fort Mackinac!
We explored some of Michigan's oldest buildings at Fort Mackinac – 14 original buildings have been 'restored' and decorated with furniture from the 1800s so you can see what it was like to live in the fort hundreds of years ago. We even learned about MORSE CODE!
Click here to see what it means to 'restore' something.
Click here if you're interested in watching cool a 7-minuite video on what Morse Code is and how it's used!
After exploring the fort, we stopped at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room --- not for tea and 'crumpets,' mind you, but for yummy sandwiches, a great view, and a 'To-Die-For' Pecan Ball!
I bet you're wondering what a 'crumpet' is, aren't you? Well, click here to find out!
After lunch, we went to see the Governor's Summer Residence. It has 11 bedrooms, nine-and-a-half baths, more than 7,000 square feet, and a porch with stunning views of the Jewel Golf Course, the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Bridge, and the Mackinac Island harbor far below. We learned all kinds of interesting things about this place, including the long list of famous guests who visited there like Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Gerald R. Ford, John F. Kennedy, and Harry Truman!
But that wasn't the end of our day. Oh, no, far from it! Todd & Carol saved the best for last! We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the famous Mackinac Island Lilac Festival!
The ten-day festival has taken place every June since 1948. Todd & Carol told us all about how lilacs came to be planted on the island, why they grow so well there, and how many amazing kinds of lilacs there were.
After a wonderful day of sightseeing, we had dinner at the Gate House, just down the street from the Grand Hotel. The bartender, Jesse Bader, was SUPER FRIENDLY and made a fire in the huge rock fireplace for us. He even remembered all of our names!
Now, we have had some REALLY GOOD food on this trip so far, but the Gate House takes Burgers to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL! YUMMMM-MEEE!
We arrived back at the elegant Grand Hotel --- all lit up on the top of the hill, overlooking the lake --- and we're reminded how lucky we were to stay there. Life is good, isn't it?
We found our way back to our brightly decorated suites (---remember, there are 393 rooms at the Grand Hotel and no two rooms are the same ---) and snuggled into our comfortable beds. Morning comes quickly and we need to get our rest because tomorrow there will be more adventures in store for us!

.

Day Five

Breakfast is Served

Once again we gather at the Masco Cottage for breakfast and to find out what Benji & Madison --- our Tapooz Travel Guides in charge of Activities --- have planned for us!

A Day of Grand Hotel Activities!

There is so much to do at the Grand Hotel but not everyone in our group wanted to do the same things so we split up into groups.
Some of us went to a Rock Painting class! The instructor showed us how to make 'Friendly Monster Faces' and Benji & Hannah helped us make them. Then, while our rocks were drying, Hannah challenged Benji to a rock painting 'competition!' Hannah made a really cool 'Sunrise-over-Lake-Huron' scene, and Benji painted the Eastern Shore of Mackinac Island! We voted but it ended up in a tie! Our instructor had the deciding vote...
Our painting instructor chose Benji's sandy shoreline as the winner!
That meant Hannah had to buy Benji whatever ice cream he wanted later at Sadie's Ice Parlor!

The Jewel Golf Course

While a few of us went to the Rock Painting class, others went golfing.
Golf means so much to him, he donated two ADA assessable golf carts (one for the 'front nine' holes and one for the 'back nine' holes that make up the Jewel's eighteen-hole golf course).
He also made special arrangements for a private tour with the Director of Golf, Grant Demoss, to take anyone in our group --- who was interested --- on a special private tour of the Jewel Golf Course.

The Grand Nine

The front nine --- called the Grand Nine --- was built in 1901 and is located directly across from the Grand Hotel. It is set against the backdrop of Lake Huron and offers some challenging holes and unique course features.
So, what is the 'front nine,' anyway? Well, let's click here and find out!
Golfers playing the front nine holes on the Grand Nine.
The Grand Nine was redesigned in 1987 by golf course architect Jerry Matthews, and at the same time, the back nine was added to the interior of the island to create the 18-hole Jewel Course that it is today. You'll find exceptional 'scenery,' beautiful 'landscaping,' and carefully 'manicured' trees, 'fairways,' & 'greens.'
What is 'scenery?' Test your knowledge by clicking here.
What about 'landscaping?' What do you suppose that is? Click here to test your knowledge!
Carefully Manicured Trees on the Grand Nine.
What does it mean that the Jewel is carefully 'manicured?' Click here to see!
An example of a fairway on a golf course.
In golf terms, what is a 'fairway?' Click here for the answer!
The Green on the Grand Nine.
For more golfing terms like a golf course 'green', click here.
As you begin your round of golf on the Grand Nine, the clatter of people on bicycles and the sound of horse-drawn carriages rolling by will remind you that you are truly in a unique place!

Remember there are no cars allowed on Mackinac Island.

At the end of the 1800s, the automobile industry was starting to take off and it was headquartered in Michigan! Oldsmobile was based in Lansing, MI, and Ford was in Detroit, MI. By that time, horse-drawn carriages had already been giving tours on Mackinac Island for over thirty years!!! When a few motor vehicles first started showing up on Mackinac Island, a group of carriage men went to the village council asking that those “dangerous horseless carriages” --- that were frightening their horses --- not be allowed on the island. The village leaders granted their request on July 6, 1898, and Mackinac Island has been CAR-FREE ever since!
Golfing on the historic island provides a relaxing pastime with stunning views of the impressive Mackinac Bridge, the Round Island Lighthouse and Great Lake 'freighters' slowly passing by. It just doesn't get any better than that. Just sayen'
Click here to discover what a 'freighter' is.
After completing the Grand Nine, you and your clubs take a horse-drawn carriage a mile and a half to the Woods Nine. The relaxing 15-minute ride includes parts of the Island most visitors never see.
The Jewel Golf Course is the only golf course in the United States to offer this four-legged feature.
Hey, that's funny! The horses are the 'four-legged feature.' Get it? Ha, ha!

The Woods Nine

We know what the FRONT NINE is, but what is the 'back nine?' Let's click here and see!
The Woods Nine is set in the 'interior' of Mackinac Island, with views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Upper 'Peninsula.'
What is the 'interior' of something? Click here to test your knowledge.
Curious about what a 'peninsula' is? Click here to discover more!
The Woods Nine was added in 1994 to create the 18-hole golf course that the Jewel is today.
The Jewel Golf Course Video with Grant Demoss
Click here to see a short 3:20 minute video about the Jewel Golf Course on Mackinac Island narrated by the Director of Golf, Grant Demoss.

The Woodlands Activity Center

The rest of us went over to the newly-opened Woodlands Activity Center which is located in the forested area near the hotel’s newly renovated Esther Williams Swimming Pool and its popular Secret Garden area in front of the hotel.
As you might remember, over eighty percent of Mackinac Island is State Park property, and most of this park land remains in its natural condition to be enjoyed. The Woodlands Activity Center was designed to complement the best of the island’s large state park area and interior features while giving people opportunities for new experiences at the resort. The hope is that it will spur visitors, guests, and island residents to go out and do some additional exploration of this amazing island.

The Nature Center

There is so much to see and do at the Woodlands Activity Center, like wander through the Nature Center, which is a large working greenhouse where you can see up close plants and flowers that are 'native' to the Island. Plus, there's a 'naturalist' on-site to answer questions and give guided tours.
What are 'native' plants and flowers? Let's click here and find out more about them!
What do you think a 'naturalist' is? Click here and see if you're right.

The Gem Miniature Golf Course

The Gem is an 18-hole miniature golf course designed to blend in with the natural surroundings of the Grand Hotel's grounds. The name --- The Gem --- is a spin on the name of The Jewel golf course. This isn’t a putt-putt course either! It actually looks like a real golf course, just smaller. Fairways, 'roughs,' and even 'sand-traps' are built into it. Different stations pay 'tribute' to Mackinac Island landmarks like Arch Rock and Devil’s Kitchen.
We've talked about Fairways, but what is the 'rough' on a golf course? Click here and see!
Sand Traps
Now that we know more about roughs, let's find out what a 'sand trap' is. Click here.
Last, but not least, click here to discover what it means to 'pay tribute' to something.

The Recreational Courts

Bocce Ball

Bocce ball is a classic backyard game played by all kinds of people, all nationalities, and all ages, Even nobility have played the game for thousands of years. The objective of the game is simple. Each team attempts to roll their bocce ball closer to the small white ball --- called a 'Pallino' --- than the other team. This simplicity is why bocce ball is a great game for people of all ages.
How to play Bocce Ball
Interested to know how to play 'Bocce Ball?' Click here to watch a minute and a half video on how to play.

Shuffle Board

Shuffleboard is believed to have started in England around the 1400s. People played a game of sliding a large British coin --- called a 'Groat' --- down a table. The game was called 'Slide Groat.,' Later, a silver penny was used and the name changed to 'Slide Penny.' The game was played by the young and old and was a favorite pastime in the great country houses.
How to play shuffleboard
Click here to see a two minute video about how to play shuffleboard.
Pickleball was first invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington, back in 1965. The game was thought up by three dads trying to keep their kids entertained on a rainy day. And the rumor is that the family dog, whose name was Pickles, inspired the name of the game.
Pickleball is a sport that 'combines' parts of tennis, ping pong, and badminton all rolled into one family-friendly game.
What does it mean to combine things? Click here and see!
Pickleball Video with Matt Goebel
P I C K E T B A L L . That just sounds like fun, doesn't it? Click here to see a minute and a half video about pickleball. See you on the court! :->

BMX Bike Path

The biking trail is a short track that winds through the trees giving young riders an opportunity to improve their skills using some of the features they might find if they head out for a ride around the island: pedaling on cobblestone sections, over tree roots, and going around curves and little hills.
The Grand Hotel has about 100 licenses for rental bikes, which can be rented at the Activity Center. With the biking trail and greenhouse features, the Grand Hotel hopes to inspire guests and visitors to explore more of their beautiful island.
Close by the Activity Center, there's a spot for 'cornhole' competitions, 'foursquare,' 'hopscotch,' 'croquet,' and soccer. There's even a GIANT outdoor 'Chess' Game.
Remember how to play 'cornhole?' Click here for a refresher.
Click here to learn about the game 'foursquare.'
Want to know how to play 'hopscotch?' Click here!
Click here to see a quick video about how to play 'croquet.'
Click here to learn how to play 'chess.'
And the Secret Garden is nearby too! A few of us went on the Secret Garden Scavenger Hunt and saw the path of 'grape hyacinths' planted in the middle of the garden. SO PRETTY!
Are you wondering what 'grape hyacinths' are? They are flowering plants made up of clusters of small, deep blue, bell-shaped blooms, that look like upside-down clusters of grapes. That why they are called GRAPE Hyacinths! The grape hyacinths in the Secret Garden are planted to look like a deep blue river flowing through the garden.

Lunch in the Grand Hotel Dining Room

After going on our separate excursions, we meet in the main dining room at noon for lunch.
When I walked into the dining room with Tim, our lead Tapooz Travel Guide, I noticed the words above the door. "What does 'Salle a' Manger' mean?" I asked him. "Salle a' Manger is French for dining room," he said. I was still a bit confused, so I asked, "Then why don't they just call it the dining room?" Tim just winked at me and whispered, "Maybe because it sounds fancier."
Then Tim reminded me about the Dress Code sign we've passed by so many times outside of the hotel. "Remember we talked about the Grand being a 'landmark' hotel and dining destination that offers 'old-world hospitality,' where dressing up for dinner is a tradition, and gathering for a meal is an event?"
Remember what a 'landmark' building is? Click here to test your memory.
Let's break down what 'old-world hospitality' means. First, click here to find out what 'old-world' means.
Now, click here to find out what 'hospitality' means.
I nodded even though I wasn't really paying attention when he told us that.
I looked around the dining room, but no one looked super dressed up. "But didn't the sign say the guys have to wear coats and ties?" Tim grinned at me. "Yes, but that's just for dinner. Breakfast and Lunch are more casual."
Oh, good! I'm glad we're here for LUNCH then!
This was the first time we'd been in the dining room at the Grand Hotel. As soon as I walked through the door, I realized what Tim meant. The Grand Hotel's main dining room is really NICE!
There were even musicians playing 'classical' music in the corner of the room! Tim, who is really into classical music, told me, "The music they are playing was written by a 'composer' named Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1785. Mozart was popular then and he still is today."
Click here to see what a 'composer' is.
I can see why Tim likes classical music. It's very relaxing. Tim calls it 'genteel.' I wasn't sure what that meant, so I had to look it up on my phone...
Click here to discover what I found out about the word 'genteel.'
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart --- Austrian composer, widely recognized as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. Born January 27, 1756 in Salzburg, Austria, and died December 5, 1791 in Vienna, Austria.
Curious about 'classical' music, click here to listen to the song the musicians were playing written by Mozart 238 years ago.
We had a special table reserved for us by the windows that overlooked Lake Huron and the longest porch in the world!
The Grand Hotel's Lunch Buffet was INCREDIBLE! There were fresh salads, prepared salads (such as pasta, potato, and macaroni salads), fresh seafood, assorted cheeses and fruits, a variety of hot items such as vegetables, potato dishes, casseroles, soups, freshly baked bread and rolls, and a carving station with meats such as prime rib, roast beef, corned beef, leg of lamb, pork tenderloin, glazed ham, and turkey. Beverages include coffee, tea, lemonade, soft drinks, and a full bar is available for an additional cost. The 'lavish' spread just went on and on!
Click here to test your memory. What does 'lavish' mean?
W O W Z A !!! Good thing I'm hungry!
And don't even get me started on the DESSERTS!
May I please have a 'doggie bag?'
Have you taken food home from a restaurant in a 'doggie bag' before? I have too. But do you know how the doggie bag got its name? Click here and see!

Time to Relax

After lunch, most of us went back to our rooms to relax for a little while.
But some of us went downstairs to do a little shopping before going back to our rooms.
Even a couple of us went with our Tapooz Travel Guides to the 1-hour Bob Tagatz lecture.

Bob Tagatz

Grand Hotel 'Historian'

Are you wondering what a 'historian' is? Click here and see!
Hi, I'm Bob Tagatz. I am the Grand Hotel historian on Mackinac Island, Michigan. I have over 37 years of experience in historic preservation in Michigan, Florida, and Georgia.
I'm particularly interested in the study of wood frame hotels built between 1890 and 1910. I researched the Grand Hotel’s history and published a book and DVD on its history. I also represent the hotel as a member of Historic Hotels of America, by whom I was named American Historian of the Year in 2015.
Although I came to Mackinac Island specifically because of my interest in the Grand Hotel, I have since become completely in-love with the beauty and history of Michigan and its people.
Mackinac Island is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Great Lakes region.
Guests will discover that this unique national landmark is completely without automobiles and big chain hotels. Instead, they’ll find well-preserved history, many different shopping and dining choices, and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.
Bicycles and horse-drawn carriages replace cars. Step back in time, where the clip-clop of hooves, fog horns of ferry boats, and stunning Victorian-era architecture make Mackinac the jewel of the Great Lakes.
The storybook charm of the island combines with a selection of upscale lodgings and a generous assortment of activities. Trip Advisor ranks Mackinac as a Top Ten U.S. Island destination and the number one summer destination in the country.
There is nothing quite like arriving at the Grand Hotel for lunch in a horse-drawn carriage. The Grand luncheon buffet will impress even the most 'discriminating' 'palates.'
Hmmm. What do you think it means to be 'discriminating?' Click here to find out!
Click here to learn more about what a 'palate' is.
With old-world hospitality of a bygone era, the Grand Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1887. The hotel continues to embrace its rich history and cherished traditions.
A rocking chair is always waiting for guests on the world’s longest porch. Sip afternoon tea, a glass of ice tea, or your favorite mocktail as you take in the magnificent views of Lake Huron.
There’s a lot more to see and do on Mackinac Island. Have a look at the video below and you’ll see for yourself.
Overview of the Grand Hotel and Mackinaw Island. Click here to see the video!
'Straits Talk with Grand Hotel Historian Bob Tagatz' - Episode 1. Straits Talk is a new Question & Answer Series where guests can ask the hotel historian questions about the Grand Hotel. People can put their questions in the comments, and Bob picks a new one to answer each episode.
Click here to see Episode 1 of 'Straits Talk with Grand Hotel Historian, Bob Tagatz!'
Straits Talk Series with Grand Hotel Historian Bob Tagatz
Interested in seeing more 'Straits Talk' episodes with Grand Hotel Resident Historian, Bob Tagatz? Click here!

An Afternoon Swim at the Grand Hotel

The Esther Williams Swimming Pool Facts

It took 1,000 barrels of cement to build the Esther Williams Swimming Pool in May of 1920 --- That makes it over a hundred years old!
The 220-foot-long hourglass-shaped pool takes 500,000 gallons of water to fill!
Seventy-six years ago, on October 17, 1947, the movie THIS TIME FOR KEEPS was released in theaters. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) musical picture was the 3rd of 19 'synchronized water ballet extravaganzas' starring national swimming champion Esther Williams. The film was produced by Joe Pasternak who had been impressed by the beauty of Mackinac Island featured in an MGM “Fitzpatrick Travel Talk” short film in 1944. He decided then that he would feature Mackinac Island in his next Esther Williams picture.
WOW, a 'synchronized water ballet extravaganza' is quite a mouth full, isn't it? Let's start with the word, 'synchronized.' What does it mean? Click here to find out.
Now, that we know what synchronized is, let's click here to find out what a 'water ballet' is.
Okay. Now all we have to find out is what an 'extravaganza' is. Click here.

TRAVELTALKS, a short film series by James A. Fitzpatrick REVIEW

This MGM short film, part of the James A. Fitzpatrick TRAVELTALKS series, starts off on Lake Michigan, where we view the coastline of Chicago. As expected, the Technicolor is certainly the highlight of this short film. James A. FitzPatrick takes a cruise to Mackinac Island, where we learn about its history, from the original Indians who lived there to how the French took control of it. On the island, we see many of the attractions it’s famous for such as Arch Rock, Old Fort Mackinac, the lilacs that grow there, the island’s only transportation --- horse-drawn carriages and bicycles --- and then ending our trip at the Grand Hotel, which was originally owned by Chauncey Depew.
While the boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-gets-girl-back story is primarily set in New York, it bounces twice to Mackinac Island. All the New York scenes and Mackinac Island 'interiors' were shot at the MGM studios in Culver City, California. However, crews were dispatched in February and July to shoot exterior scenes on the island.
Do you remember what an 'interior' is? Click here to test your memory.
The winter scenes included the background photos of several different locations in the movie. Some of these included the 'stand-ins' for the stars.
Would like to know a little bit more about being a 'stand-in' for a movie star. Click here for the scoop.
The July scenes brought several of the principal actors to Mackinac Island, including Esther Williams, leading man, Johnnie Johnston, Lauritz Melchior, Sharon McManus, and Jimmy Durante. Scenes were filmed on the Coal Dock, the front of the Stewart Woodfill residence, downtown street scenes, outside of the Grand Hotel, and,...
...of course, the Grand Hotel pool.
All the actors and crew enjoyed their time on Mackinac Island, and Williams was remembered by island residents for her grace, good humor, and charm. She returned to the island in 1987 when the pool was named in her honor.
While the reviews were mixed, the picture was a hit at the box office, earning $1,700,000 million dollars in profit ($23.460,000 million in 2023 dollars). The film brought priceless publicity to Mackinac Island as it was just climbing out of the 15-year slump of the Great Depression and World War II.
THIS TIME FOR KEEPS is not as well remembered today as the 1980s SOMEWHERE IN TIME film. However, unlike SOMEWHERE IN TIME, the movie THIS TIME FOR KEEPS actually focused the story on Mackinac Island itself and provides some stunning Technicolor footage of the island as it appeared more than 75 years ago.
At 3 p. m. we all went down to the pool, which recently had a TEN-million-dollar 'renovation.'
So, what do you think a 'renovation' is? Click here and find out!
Some of the improvements made to the 103-year-old pool are:
There's a new family-friendly area designed to entertain children with a water slide, a 'zero-depth' beach entry, and a water jet play area, which are all on one side of the pool, near the changing rooms and bathrooms. This keeps kids and their families on one side of the pool while adults can enjoy the deeper end of the pool on the main level, reserved for adults-only.
There's a new heated 'whirlpool spa' and private adults-only pool area with a stunning 'infinity edge.' The spa sits higher than the rest of the pool and provides magnificent views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Island Bridge.
If you have never been in a 'whirlpool spa' click here to find out more about them.
What is an 'infinity edge' pool? Click here and see!
There are fifteen new 'cabanas' can be 'reserved' for a relaxing poolside experience that includes food and beverage service.
Click here to find out what a 'cabana' is.
What does it mean to 'reserve' something. Click here to find out.
Expanded seating areas, including new pool furniture for the pool deck and cabanas, terrace, and lawn, allowing guests plenty of outdoor space to relax in comfort and style.
Special programs and events, such as family-friendly DIVE-IN movie nights.
And even the pool house got a makeover!

Did You Know?

The Grand Hotel’s pool was originally called the Paul Bunyan pool. The company that installed the pool also built an identical one in Traverse City. So, the story was a giant lumberjack was walking north and stepped once in Traverse City and again on Mackinac Island, leaving footprints behind which then became pools.
Click here to see a quick 30-second Grand Hotel Pool Tour video.

Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor

After spending the afternoon at the pool, we were all ready for some ice cream. Plus, it was time for Madison to make good on her bet with Benji and buy him whatever ice cream he wanted!
The Grand Hotel has an amazing ice cream parlor located outside the hotel’s east entrance.

Did You Know

In 2013, the Grand Hotel ice cream parlor was named 'Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor' after Sadie, the Scottish Terrier, owned by Grand Hotel Chairman R.D. Musser Jr., and his wife, Amelia.
Back in 2010, when Sadie was four years old, she won the 'prestigious' BEST IN SHOW at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York. Sadie, whose full name was Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot, had won the National Dog Show and the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship just a couple of months earlier. Making her the world’s first Triple Crown winner!
What do you think 'prestigious' means? Click here to see if you're right!
The judge at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show said Sadie was “pleasing to the eye at every angle.”
After winning, Sadie went on a media tour that included visiting the morning TV shows. a trip up the Empire State Building, lunch at Sardi's, invitation to bark on a Broadway stage, ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and a meet-and-greet with Donald Trump at Trump Tower.
Sadie later took a victory lap on the Grand Hotel porch before retiring to California, where she lived with her 'handler' until she passed away in August 2014 at age nine. To this day, Sadie is remembered at the Grand Hotel by its staff, visitors, Mackinac Island residents, and now, you & me!
What is a dog 'handler?' Click here and see!
Not only does Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor have 24 different ice cream flavors, --- all of which come from Michigan’s favorite dairy, the Guernsey Farms Dairy ---they have milkshakes, sundaes, banana splits, chocolate hand-dipped cones, and mini Grand Pecan balls on a stick, they also have a very special treat in honor of Sadie: a Grand Sundae served in a dog bone-shaped bowl!

Did You Know?

Guernsey Farms Dairy ice cream is a 'third-generation' family-owned Michigan company that makes small batches of award-winning ice cream. Pictured above, four generations of family members continuing the Guernsey 'legacy.' (From left) Austin McGuire, Stacy McGuire, Joe Kinville, Karen Kinville, Chris McGuire, Greg McGuire, and Colleen McGuire.
What is a 'third-generation' family owned business? Click here and let's see!
A dozen family members 'spanning' three generations, including the direct owners, work in the business. “This morning, all five co-owners helped unload the truck,” co-owner Joe Kinville says, referring to himself, his mother, and three first cousins. Though none of them have official titles, Joe generally handles sales, marketing, and publicity, and acts as the official spokesman. In that role, his first job is to clear up a common 'misconception' about the dairy’s name.
Click here to see what 'spanning' means.
What is a 'misconception,' you ask. Click here and see!
“Everyone thinks our family name must be Guernsey, but it is the breed of cows my grandfather first used because their milk had high butterfat,” Joe Kinville says of his mother’s father, John McGuire, who started the dairy in 1940 in Northville, Michigan. Originally called the Red Rose Dairy and located a few miles from Guernsey’s current location, it was bought by McGuire, who promptly changed the name to honor his 'revenue source' --- the cows! Decades later, the name remains, but the Guernsey cows are gone.
What is a 'revenue source?' Click here to find out!
It turns out, the Guernsey cows didn’t produce much milk. In fact, the dairy no longer has any cows. Instead, all of the dairy’s milk (2 million gallons a year) comes from Walnutdale Farms in Wayland, Michigan, a fourth-generation family-owned and -operated business. “They are awesome and totally focused on quality,” Joe says. “Walnutdale Farms and Guernsey Farms Dairy are definitely on the same page! We are all about quality and connection to the community.”

Did You Know?

Until the 1850s nearly every family had their own cow.
What began as a simple dairy — delivering milk locally to people’s doorsteps in glass bottles for twenty years — is now a national operation. Guernsey’s milk, ice cream, and specialty products (toppings, lemonade, etc.) are now sold in 750 to 800 restaurants, grocery stores, and other retail outlets across the United States. “Six or seven years ago, you could not find our products beyond 60 miles from our location, and we had only five delivery vehicles,” Joe says. “Now, we have 11 vehicles and are in 20 states.” The 'confectionery company,' Sanders, now uses only Guernsey’s half-and-half (processed with no preservatives or stabilizers) to make its caramels, he says.
I bet you're wondering what is a 'confectionery company' is. Let's find out by clicking here!
As of last year, the dairy also now has a full-service restaurant with a bar that looks like the original soda fountain shop where Joe’s grandfather once served milkshakes and ice cream scoops to Northville residents. In the 1970s, when the dairy stopped its home delivery service and moved to its current location in Novi, it added retail space for their customers. In 1985, it added a restaurant because so many construction workers building homes in the area requested a hamburger to go with their milkshake! Now, in the newly remodeled, 100-seat space, customers can get fried chicken made with Guernsey buttermilk batter, along with ice cream cocktails.
Perhaps Guernsey’s ability to last can be linked to the 200-year-old oak tree and the huge rocks out front --- that were found during the building’s construction --- that customers like to lean against while eating their ice cream. Joe’s grandfather, who died in 2011 at age 103, asked the workers to save the boulders. To this day, Joe says, “the tree represents our strong roots, and the rocks represent our strong foundation.”
Now, Sadie’s serves up unbelievable silky Guernsey Farms Dairy ice cream with only one problem to be found... With SO MANY delicious flavors, it might be hard to pick just one.
When America’s Summer Place (The Grand Hotel) opened Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor on May 3rd, 2013, the classic American ice cream parlor was decorated by Grand Hotel’s interior designer Carleton Varney.
Inside the cafe tables have white marble tops and the cafe chairs are made with twisted iron. Outside are custom twisted iron benches with cafe tables with black marble tops.
The first thing we notice as we walk into Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor, was the two kids with a 'GIGANTIC' DOG BONE-SHAPED dish loaded with eight scoops of ice cream and tons of toppings!
I bet you know what 'gigantic' means. Click here to see if you're right!
Hannah looked over at Benji and grinned. "I dare you to finish one of those." "Okay, you're on, Maddy," Benji said. "But when I win..." Hannah interrupted her self-assured co-worker with a grin, "IF you win." Benji continued with a raised eyebrow, "WHEN I win, you pay for everyone, deal?" Hannah was feeling confident. "Deal, but when you lose, the bill's on you." "Okay, deal!" he agreed and headed to the counter to order his "Grand Sundae."
The "Grand Sundae" is served in a dog bone-shaped bowl in honor of Sadie the Scottish terrier.
We followed Benji over to the counter and started ordering our ice cream. Some got cones...
...Some got sundaes with toppings including little Sadie-shaped Scottish terrier cookies!
Benji was presented his "Grand Sundae" loaded with all his favorite ice cream flavors and toppings. Madison down sat across from him and put 4 spoons in his gigantic doggie bowl. "Just in case you need some help." She teased.
But Benji got the last laugh. Madison could NOT believe it. Benji ate the WHOLE THING by himself!
We had the BEST TIME at Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor! We hated to say goodbye to our new friends, but some of us were getting pretty tired.
Those who were tired, went back to their rooms to relax until dinner.
But a few of us went up to the Cupola Bar --- a two-story bar at the top of the Grand Hotel --- with Laura, Tim, and Madison --- our AWESOME Tapooz Travel Guides!
The plan was to get a 'mocktail' and check out the amazing view!
Do you remember what a 'mocktail' is? Click here to see if you're right!
The hotel’s 'cupola' was built along with the rest of the hotel in 1887. For many years after the Grand Hotel opened, its highest point continued to play a big role in welcoming each guest like royalty. On days when visitors were expected to arrive, an employee would be 'stationed' up in the cupola to be on the lookout for a steamship approaching the island or a train pulling into the mainland Mackinaw City station. That was the signal for the resort’s staff to assemble a proper welcoming party, said Bob Tagatz, Grand Hotel’s historian.
What is a 'cupola' you ask. Well, click here to discover more about them.
What does it mean to be 'stationed' in a place? Click here and see!
The employee assigned to that job was looking for two things: any steamship approaching an island dock that might be carrying hotel guests, and any trains coming to a stop in Mackinaw City – the train station is located about 7 miles across the water from the island.
Unlike today, when people hop on a ferry or a small plane and arrive on the island to spend a few days, most guests in the late 1800s came to stay for the summer. “Our guests came to stay the season, and our season was only two months long,” Grand Hotel Historian, Tagatz said. “We had to be ready for them.”
Once a ship or train was sighted, the employee stationed in the cupola would run down the hotel’s main stairs, alerting the other employees that guests were coming. Staff lined up to greet the guests properly. They welcomed them by name and 'ushered' them to their rooms with royal 'fanfare!' Tagatz said.
If you are 'ushered' to your hotel room, what do you think that would mean? Well, why don't we click here and see?
Do you have an idea what 'fanfare' might mean? Click here and see if you're right!
In 1987, one hundred years after it was built, the cupola was enclosed. Its two stories were 'transformed' into the Cupola Bar. The two showpieces of the space are the Venetian art glass 'chandelier' and the STELLER VIEW! “There is no better view than up there,” Tagatz said. He tells people to check out the Cupola Bar during the day. They can see ships traveling across the water - where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet – and get a 'bird’s-eye view' of island life below. Then stop back in the evening --- this is the place to see the sunset, he tells them. Enjoy some live music from the 'pianist.' Settle into a window seat, have a drink, and see the lights on the Mackinac Bridge. When the sun sets on the horizon, raise your glass in a toast to island life.
Click here to see what 'transformed' means.
Wondering what a 'chandelier' is. Click here and find out!
Do you remember what a 'bird's eye view' is? Click here to test your memory.
What do you think a 'pianist' is? Click here to see.
Bob Tagatz couldn't be more right. The view is I N C R E D I B L E from the Grand Hotel's 2-story Cupola Bar. We found seats on the first floor facing the windows and were amazed by the view! Then Laura pointed to an opening in the ceiling, "Look guys, you can see the second floor from here!".
Sure enough, there WAS! And there was a glass 'chandelier' hanging from the second-level ceiling! Tim said, why don't we order some drinks first and then, check it out upstairs?"
Behind us was a bar with a friendly bartender who said Mocktails are his specialty.
Tim asked for a Long Island Ice Tea Mocktail. He took a sip and said it was the BEST he EVER had!

Did You Know?

What You Need to Make Long Island Iced Tea Mocktail is

ICED TEA BAGS: Use black iced tea bags for this recipe......LEMON JUICE: Lemon juice adds a touch of bright citrusy flavor to the drink......APPLE JUICE: Apple juice adds a nice kick of flavor to the drink.....LEMON SLICES: Garnish Long Island iced tea with lemon slices......COCA COLA: Cola adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the drink.

We gave the bartender our list of drink requests and while Tim and Laura waited for them to be made, a few of us went up to the second floor to look around with Madison. From up there we had a better look at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. it was another Murano Glass Chandelier like we have in the Masco Cottage only more colorful!
If you would like to refresh your memory about the History of the Murano Glass Chandelier, click here.
The ceiling was painted like the sky nearing sunset, with peachy clouds and greying skies. it was really beautiful and made the room seem bigger somehow. There were windows around three sides with small tables all the way around. The view was every bit as breathtaking as Bob Tagatz said it was.
When we returned to the group our Mocktails were waiting --- along with some freshly popped popcorn. I ordered a non-alcoholic Pina Colada, and it was creamy, coconutty, and delicious!
We still had time to go back to our rooms and relax before dinner, so that's what we did.

Dinner at the Grand Hotel's Woods Restaurant

Our adventure begins with a 10-minute horse-drawn carriage ride deep into the woods where the West Bluff estates overlook the 'Straits of Mackinac.'
What are the 'Straits of Mackinac' you ask? Click here to discover the answer.
The Woods Restaurant is a colorful Bavarian-themed lodge owned by the Grand Hotel. It is sheltered among the trees along the island's West Bluff.
Neil Cargill greets us at the door. He's been the manager of the Woods Restaurant for 20 years. "Welcome to the Woods!" He said. When people like yourselves reach the restaurant’s front steps, I know they’ve made an effort to get there, so on behalf of myself and my staff, we are going to make sure you are rewarded for your efforts with a memorable evening, great food, and good company."
“The atmosphere here is different than a city restaurant,” Cargill said.’ "Starting with the 'opulent' hunting lodge 'ambiance,' He pointed to the mix of richly-colored décor and 'taxidermy' mounts on the walls. While the interior of the Woods Restaurant was professionally designed, many guests and islanders have played a part in filling its walls with professional taxidermy."
Click here to find out what 'opulent' means.
What does 'ambiance' mean? Good question. Let's click here and see!
Have you ever wondered what 'taxidermy' is? Well, wonder no more. Click here and discover what it is!!
"Bob Tagatz, the Grand Hotel Historian, told a story about a group of hunters with island connections who’d gone big game hunting in Africa. They brought back a water buffalo and a zebra that now hang on the wall at Woods while a special dinner was held to mark the occasion, with wild game from that hunt on the menu." Neil explained.
"These days, Woods Restaurant is known for a less dangerous sport called duckpin bowling. The restaurant has one of the few remaining bowling alleys left in the U.S. "Some people travel to Mackinac Island just to see it," he said. "It’s played with 10 slender pins and a small bowling-type ball. And back in the day, the kids of visiting socialites would stand near the alley’s pins, charging bowlers a quarter to re-set them!"
"We seat about 200 diners each evening, late spring through early fall, like most of the island’s restaurants," Neil said and then added, "but I return home to Jamaica each fall for the off-season." Neil manages his island staff like a tight-knit family." He's known for his graciousness and professionalism --- this manner carries over to the way he works with his staff --- although he has high standards and will tell you he runs a tight ship --- He wears a path between the front lobby, kitchen, and dining room areas, making sure things are being done right. He talks about the pride he takes in his work. And how each night, he sets aside a few minutes to think back on the day’s events – what went well and what could have been done better. This helps him make the most out of the following day.
Neil sat us at a large round table on the right side of the dining room, next to the tall stained-glass windows. There were two fireplaces on either side of the room, and our table was close enough to feel the warmth coming off of it. There was a chandelier made out of antlers, which added to the whole hunting lodge vibe. Very cool.
Our menus were already on the table, and it didn't take us long to decide what to order. Neil came back to check on us and stayed long enough to tell us a little more about the history of the Woods.
"The restaurant was constructed 108 years ago and was part of the sprawling Stonecliffe estate next door. The first summer cottage on that estate – so opulent it was considered a “mansion” at the time – was built in 1904 for Michael Cudahy, an Irish native who made his fortune in the meat-packing business."
"In 1915, Stonecliffe was purchased by the Hert family, whose fortune was built on the production of wooden railroad ties for the expanding railroad that was making its way across the U.S. A few years later, they built this building as a playhouse for their children. But before you envision wealthy toddler heirs and their nannies, think again. This “playhouse” was actually designed for the Herts’ older children. It was a way for them to be entertained while they were on the island. It had a card room, a barbershop, and other 'amenities,' creating a safe space where their kids could hang out close to home without having to deal with the vices of town, whatever they might have been for that 'era.'
Click here to test your memory. What are 'amenities?'
Here's another chance to test your memory. What is an 'era?' Click here to see if you remember.
"As the Stonecliffe property changed hands over the years, the was used for a lot of different things including church services. Then, in the early 1990s, the Musser family --- who used to own the Grand Hotel --- purchased the Woods site as part of an agreement that included the nearby golf course – which has become the back nine of The Jewel, the resort’s award-winning course. Woods opened as a Grand Hotel restaurant in 1993. The rest, they say, is history!" Neil excused himself and went back towards the kitchen.
Well, Neil was right. He did make sure we had a memorable evening with great food and good company! But suddenly we can barely keep our eyes open. Our busy day finally caught up to us.

Day Six

Lucky for us we get to sleep in. We don't have to catch the ferry until after lunch but today is our last day on the beautiful Mackinac Island. It's time we head back home, retracing our steps back the way we came.

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We hope you enjoyed the third and final installment of our Virtual Trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan! See you soon for our next virtual Travel Club Adventure in the upcoming issue of the DISABILI-TEA Newsletter!

Till next time, Happy Trails, my friends!

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