http://www.michigan.org http://www.michigan.org/global/images/puremichiganlogo2.gif http://www.michigan.org Copyright © 2009 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. 300 N. Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48913 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:17:30 GMT 60 http://www.michigan.org/Experiences/Detail.aspx?ContentId=26F12840-2865-4F9C-9895-5C6B483902FC http://www.michigan.org/Experiences/Detail.aspx?ContentId=26F12840-2865-4F9C-9895-5C6B483902FC Grand Hotel. My wife had been to the island before, but never stayed at The Grand.  Certainly, we worried about what the weather would be like, but it turned out to be a terrific Fall weekend on the island--temperatures in the high 50's and no rain. We got to the Shepler Ferry docks in Mackinaw City about 11 am on Friday and bought our tickets for the 11:30 am ferry to the island. Of course, we used Shepler's valet parking, which is well-worth the slight extra charge (note: the Welcome Center in Mackinaw gave me a $3 off coupon, which helped, too). The 15-17 minute ferry ride across the straits was smooth and fast (and no we didn't venture up on the top open deck--though some younger riders did). On the island, the Grand picked up our luggage and we decided to sign up for the 1-1/2-hr Mackinac Island Carriage Tour of the island--it was a great ride around the island and our carriage driver was very knowledgeable about all of the sights that we came across. Don't miss taking a carriage tour, it's well-worth the $24 cost. After the tour, we strolled up the hill to The Grand Hotel to check in. The Grand is definitely an inspiring site as you approach. Check in went smoothly and we were in rooms 196E and 198E, each with little balconies overlooking the Jewel golf course and the wide street leading up to the Grand. As is the Grand's tradition, dinner and breakfast is included in every room rate. Everyone dresses for dinner and this weekend was extra special because it was Big Band weekend. After our wonderful dinner, we went to the ballroom to listen to the band and watch some of the "professional" ballroom dancers. None of the "Dancing with the Stars" performers had anything on some of the couples at the Grand--which was a little intimidating to my wife and I (we promised ourselves to take lessons in the coming year). Oh well, I could go on and on about the Island and the Grand, I'll just summarize by saying that the ladies went shopping (big discounts at end of season) and the guys played 9 holes of golf on the beautiful Jewel golf course. Absolutely, a terrific Fall getaway weekend -- except that both MSU and UM lost their football games that Saturday--which we watched on big plasma screens at the Grand's Gatehouse restaurant. WOW...I impressed my wife with this weekend gift--I impressed Beth & Roger with the whole idea--and I got to see beautiful scenery, eat delicious meals, take great Fall photos--and play golf on top of everything. My only regret...I didn't sign up for the next weekend, which was the Grand's "Somewhere in Time" weekend and my fantasy date, Jane Seymore, was scheduled to make an appearance :>} ]]> Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:28:02 GMT http://www.michigan.org/Experiences/Detail.aspx?ContentId=DF9DDC12-6B01-48BC-9DB8-1DCC124F7121 http://www.michigan.org/Experiences/Detail.aspx?ContentId=DF9DDC12-6B01-48BC-9DB8-1DCC124F7121 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:45:53 GMT