A Squared: Summertime in Northern Michigan

Monday, August 13, 2012

Summertime in Northern Michigan


After a fantastic few days in the "wilderness," we are back to reality and to work in the big city today.  We spent a long weekend with my parents and sisters at their new [future retirement] home in northern Michigan.  It's a really cute rustic house in the middle of nowhere on a quiet little lake with no TVs or internet.  This would normally make me a little anxious, but it was actually really nice for us to just unplug and relax away from the real world for a few days.  We did some sightseeing and shopping, but mostly just did a lot of hanging out.  I need to make more time for hanging out in my schedule.  Here's a little glimpse into our weekend away...





We took a day trip out to Mackinac Island.  I don't think I have been here since I was maybe 10 years old and it was really fun to go back and see it again with my husband and sisters on their first trips.




We saw a lot of fudge making and ate even more of it.  There's still a few blocks of Murdick's fudge in our refrigerator... I'm hoping Alex will eat it all so I don't feel the need to do so.




We also took a walk up to the historic Grand Hotel, which is close to my mom's old stomping grounds when she spent a summer here waitressing during college.  She also showed us the exact spot where she met the actor Christopher Reeve while he was here filming the movie Somewhere in Time.  Just in general, we did a ton of walking.  There are no cars on Mackinac Island-- just horses, carriages, and bikes.  It definitely adds to the charm of the island.




It was pretty chilly and rainy for most of our time Up North, but we did brave the elements and stop over at Ocqueoc Falls.  How pretty is that?




Alex made us a fire in the fireplace every night...


 

Without TV we played a LOT of boardgames.  We also drank a lot of beer/wine while doing so.

 


And just when you think you know your husband, I found out that mine fancies himself a fisherman.  During a trip to Mackinaw City, Alex and my dad went a little crazy investing in fishing gear for the lake house and the next day Alex spent the majority of the afternoon by himself fishing out in the middle of the lake while my sisters and I goofed around in the house.  He caught a lot of seaweed and no fish, but he had a great time and is already making plans to improve his fish game next summer.




Did I also mention that I have a birthday coming up?  My wonderful sisters know how much I love my jewelry and they got me some amazing enamel bangles (my new obsession) and a third Alex & Ani bracelet that reads "What's for you will not pass you."  What a great quote.  I love these girls!



On our way home on Sunday we made a slight detour up to Traverse City to do a little wine tasting.  It was a gorgeous day for the drive up Old Mission Peninsula and the perfect side trip during our long haul back to Chicago.



Our first stop was at our favorite winery-- 2 Lads.  It's a little smaller and more laidback and modern than the other wineries up there, but was by far our favorite from our trip up last summer.  I'd recommend it to anyone planning a trip to the area.




 Our second stop was at Chateau Chantal, a more traditional winery.  This was a new one for us and it was really beautiful-- a big French chateau-style building up on a hill.  It looks like it belongs more in Napa than in Michigan.




Between these two pit stops and a little time spent at the Mackinaw Trail tasting room in Mackinaw City, I'd say that our place is sufficiently stocked with local wines for the rest of the summer.  In all seriousness though, if you've never visited Michigan wine country I would suggest you do during your next visit to the Midwest.  It's so much fun and you won't find a better selection of Reislings anywhere else!




And in one post, that summarizes our little summer mini-getaway.  It's good to be home, but I think it's safe to say we are both really looking forward to going back!








3 comments:

  1. Looks and sounds like it was a great trip!! Now I want to go to Mackinac Island!

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    Replies
    1. It's so cute up there-- I would definitely reccomend it. And a stop in Traverse City on your way there/back too!

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