Category: TRAVEL

A stay at the Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI = HEAVEN!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: TheIslandHouse.com

Mackinac Island, MI… ahhh the memories. It’s one of the most magical places on earth. It’s like you’re back in time (no cars, bikes and horses only) with modern conveniences (AC for the warm months, great coffee shops, fabulous food, amazing scenery everywhere you look… fantastic hiking/biking trails, the list goes on and on)… My mom, sister and I headed out for a three day vacation, something we had never done before. Now I wonder what took us so long?! What a great time we had. Due in great part to the Island House Hotel. We had a fabulous room that overlooked the marina/Straits of Mackinac and wrapped around for views of downtown. It was magical. If you haven’t been to Mackinac Island, MI, it’s a place YOU MUST put on your bucket list. If you want a truly special stay, I would hands down choose the Island House Hotel. With it’s wide sweeping porches full of rocking chairs, a view that simply cannot be beat, the comfortable, clean and beautiful rooms, the dining room (1852 Grill Room) that will make your head spin it’s so good… I’m a bit of a drama queen but not in this case. Trust me. I know a lot of you are artists… this is a beautiful place to paint, it’s a small island with a rocky coast and beautiful views. It’s much like Maine in the way the coast looks, especially on the back side of the island. My sister and I took a ride around  the island at sunset… like I said… heaven! A ride around the island is only about 8 miles.

Mackinac Island is situated between the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan. You reach it by ferry, there are three ferry lines, Sheplers, Arnold, and Star Line. Arnold is closest to the Island House, Shepler is the one that we’ve taken since we were kids, and I’m not that familiar with Star Line… but however you get here, you need to!!

Check out the 1852 Grill Room’s MENU – let me just say, there are a lot of restaurants on the island. We had dinner the first night at the Island House, and it was so delicious (out of this world good!) we went back the second night, and again the last night! The whitefish was to die for, as was the Greek Pasta Toss… the desserts, the coffee, oh heavens… and I didn’t even bring up the heavenly breakfast buffet did I? Let me just say, that put a smile on everyones face!

One of my favorite parts of the trip was getting up early each morning, heading to the lobby, pouring a cup of coffee and heading out to the porch to watch the dark sky lighten. I met a lot of nice people and we had a great time! Next trip will be with my husband! We haven’t been to the island together in about ten years!

The Island House Hotel is a beautiful historical hotel that is impeccably managed. Each and everyone was so kind, it was a real treat. Check out their website, it’s a good one! Click HERE to read about the history of the hotel which is fascinating! Here are a few pictures from our trip, the rest will appear on weekends on this blog… catch you back here tomorrow!

Waiting for the ferry - Mackinac Island, MI
Me, Mom and Bridget waiting for the ferry home, ugh…
Our gorgeous, comfortable and clean room!
A warm welcome with beautiful flowers everywhere!

Sunset on Mackinac Island, MI

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Sunset on back side of Mackinac Island, MI

I am captivated by beautiful sunrises and sunsets. This was one of them. While the sky was not overly dramatic, the brilliance of the golden light from the sun was amazing. We were on bikes on the back side of Mackinac Island as the sun was setting. We pedaled like crazy to get back to civilization, ha ha… because once the sun sets it’s dark. Very dark, no street lights… it was a beautiful bike ride! Photos like this make me want to resume my Almost Daily Pic blog where I could have larger images… I am torn. Ugh!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Approaching Mackinac Island, MI – Island Inn Hotel and the East Bluff

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Approaching Mackinac Island, MI

There is the most fantastic island, Mackinac Island, located between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. This picture was taken from the upper deck of Sheplers ferry as we approached the island. In this photo you see the beautiful Island House Hotel and above it the East Bluff with gorgeous homes. Now THIS is an island I could live on for the rest of my life! There is nothing like the smells of fudge and horse poop, ha… trust me, it’s the best!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Owl’s Head General Store… what a find, the best hamburger ever!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, TRAVELLeave a comment
Owls Head General Store, Owls Head, ME

I was looking at Katy Elliott’s blog last year and noted that she mentioned going to Owls Head, ME and having the best burger ever… YAY! We found a new place to try, and try it we did, almost daily it seems. (Thank you K.E.!). The OWLS HEAD GENERAL STORE is one of those rare places you find that you just fall in love with. Everything is fabulous, the people are HAPPY TO SEE YOU, and they notice when you come back. It’s like returning home to a loving family. I’m not exaggerating either. This place is the ticket. Food Network TV rated their hamburger MAINE’S BEST BURGER. And. It. Was. Oh. My. Gosh! Check them out on Facebook (Owls Head General Store).

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Stunning photography, is this real?

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL3 Comments
Port Clyde, Maine

Can you tell I’m missing Maine? I’m just running across photos that are my favorites. This one was a day we walked to Marshall Point Lighthouse, then were walking back to the Periwinkle Cottage. It’s a breathtaking view. It almost doesn’t seem real does it? The loud crashing ocean, the beautiful rocky coast, artists set up everywhere frantically painting before the last light has faded. It’s the most amazing place…  Just wanted to share it with you! Happy weekend, catch you back here tomorrow!

STONEFISH… a must see!

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STONEFISH located in Port Clyde, ME

We happened upon this unique little shop years ago while in Port Clyde, Maine. STONEFISH is located in the village right next door to the ice cream shop, and EVERYBODY knows where that’s at! It’s a small space that is filled with the most wonderful things. Clothes, trinkets, antiques, unique art object, you name it, if it’s unique and classy Anne has it in her shop! If you happen to be in Port Clyde please stop in and say hello! You will find special things you will treasure forever! We have!

Updated 2025: Sadly, Stonefish is no longer open. The owner, Ann, passed away years ago – she will be missed!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

View from Port Clyde, Maine

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Port Clyde, ME

Ahhh, Port Clyde, Maine. It’s the most fabulous place in the world. No glitz and glitter, just down to earth kind people. Friendly people that you can sit with at the general store each morning and talk while you have coffee and toast. Or wonderful strangers that become friends that teach you how to knit! Hard working people who don’t complain. It’s somewhere everyone needs to see at least once. When we were there several years ago I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE. I still don’t. I want to go back… and I can’t wait until that happens… Also can’t wait to see our friends on Monhegan… woohoo, they say it’s healthy to have a vacation to look forward to, woohoo…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

**Note: you can always click on the image for larger photo!

Port Huron to Mackinac Sailboat Race… starts TODAY! 87th year!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL1 Comment
Image: Michigan.org

I remember as a kid, my dad sailing the Port Huron to Mackinac race each year. He sailed that race 19 TIMES! He said, the best they ever did was third. Do you realize how good third is?? I remember the stories… it’s cold out there, despite it being summer, you stay wet, you don’t sleep, it’s a rough race.  What I didn’t know is that this race is recognized as one of the most challenging freshwater boat races in the WORLD! (Whoa…! GO DAD!!) We would drive up toPort Huron, MI to see him off, then all the ladies and the kids would drive to Mackinac Island to stay until the race ended. Then we would all drive home (well, unless you owned the boat or were sailing it back).  Whoa… what a good time. First of all Mackinac Island is a mighty special place, void of cars it sets you back in time. The beauty of the island can’t be beat and the smell of fudge and horse poop is heaven on a warm summer day. Seriously. I wasn’t being sarcastic; it’s a good combination, ha ha… when the boats would start trickling in the island would swell with so many sailors you absolutely wouldn’t believe it! As a kid it was the best time of my life! All us kids hung out together and just had the BEST. TIME. EVER. So if you are curious what it’s all about I encourage you to either go to Port Huron and check out the night before (wild time) and the morning they sail away… or head to the island…

I pray for none of the storms that plagued the Chicago to Mackinac Race (more on that tomorrow), that ended so terribly. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families that lost two of the crew… ugh. 

A blip from www.bycmack.com:

In the nine decades that the Bayview Mackinac Race has been sailed, much has happened.  Wars, economic depressions, and other significant events have transpired, yet the Race has gone on.  In fact, President Franklin D. Roosevelt wired a message to Bayview during World War II when word reached the White House that the Club was considering canceling the race.  That message read:  “Sail your race.”  Even then, it was clear that this race was and is important for sailors and for the State ofMichigan.  Bayview did sail the Mackinac Race that year, and has done so every single year since the first Bayview Mackinac Race in 1925, making it the longest consecutively run freshwater race in the world.  This year’s race starts on July 23, 2011.

I heard that 1 millions spectators followed the race online in 2009, that number increased to 4 million in 2010, I wonder what it’ll be this year?? If you’d like to track the race live online check it out HERE.

Be safe y’all!

Catch you back here tomorrow… if you get a chance… http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Artist to watch… Marlee Brown!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: MarleeBrown.com

One year when vacationing on Mackinac Island, MI (ohhh, what a place!), we ventured into the Grand Hotel… I was completely against paying $10 per person to walk through a hotel, but we did it, and am I ever glad we did! I’m not sure what the fee is these days to enter through the door, but if you’re considering it, I would do it! We had lunch at a nice little cafe, it was very quaint, very good, we had the best time. We wandered the halls of the Grand Hotel and there was so much to see! They have wonderful shops and a fantastic gallery. Marlee Brown’s gallery… this is an artist not afraid of color! Very loose and impressionistic in style her paintings were fabulous. The image above is from her website, the image that you click on to view the paintings. I love that painting AND the quote. If you get a chance check it out! And if you’re on the island, her gallery is a definite stop worth making!

Enjoy your weekend! Catch you back here tomorrow!
Visit my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Fabulous food at Marine City Fish Company… (Michigan)!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: MarineCityFishCompany.com

While visiting in Michigan recently we popped in our favorite local restaurant, Marine City Fish Company located in… guess… Marine City, MI! It’s an eclectic restaurant, not too small and not too big, it’s just right. The service was spectacular, the food was delicous and we had a great time! There is much to look at while in this restaurant (other than the river which offers gorgeous views), they have lots of neat old vintage type posters, all have to do with fishing… very fun place to have a nice lunch or dinner. If you find yourself in the area, pop in… they’re also on Facebook, check them out. I had the Panko Shrimp (ohmy!), Fred had the perch sandwich… I had homemade potato chips with mine, Fred had the long skinny french fries that are to die for (probably literally, ha ha)… it’s not health food, but it’s GOOD food! Click HERE to see their menu! OH! Did I mention the dessert???? Baked Bing Cherries with Puff Pastry Ala Mode… Heaven help me! This is big enough for a family of four, but we ate (almost) the entire thing…

 Catch you back here tomorrow…!

Sailing in Key Largo…

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: CoastalLiving.com

As I mentioned yesterday I’ve been using some of Coastal Living’s wonderful photos that they have included in a newsletter with a View of the Day… fabulous idea, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it, just like the magazine! Check them out, and get a subscription! Also makes a great gift! And no, Coastal Living doesn’t pay me to say nice things (I wish), ha ha…

“…in no time he was climbing aboard a trim little boat. He quickly set sail. And the moon sailed along with him.”

–Crockett Johnson

Photo: Cruising off the Coast of Key Largo

Enjoy! Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Oregon coast… riveting!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: CoastalLiving.com

Since many of you are on vacation this weekend, I decided to share with you some of the wonderful images that I received in a newsletter from Coastal Living  (sign up you guys… great stuff!). They send out an image a day with an inspirational message… these are beautiful… and meaningful…

 

“The Moon is distant from the Sea—And yet, with Amber Hands—She leads Him—docile as a Boy—Along appointed Sands…”

–Emily Dickenson

Photo: Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Cotton Coulson – National Geographic Stock

Catch you back here tomorrow… if you’re out and about, drive safe!

Santa Barbara Island… ahhh the beauty!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: CoastalLiving.com

Wonderful magazine, COASTAL LIVING, full of great information and photos of places you would really like to be. They have a View of the Day with an inspirational message, and the photos are out of this world… Here is one of them!

 

“…whatever we lose (like a you or a me); it’s always ourselves we find in the sea”

–E.E. Cummings

Photo: Santa Barbara Island

Catch you back here tomorrow!  Remember, http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com if you get a chance!

Rustica in Rockland… whoa baby!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, TRAVELLeave a comment
Image: RusticaMaine.com

While in Maine we had several friends tell us of a wonderful Italian place to visit for dinner. FINALLY we got around to trying it and I swear we will be back each and every year we’re in Rockland! It was absolutely unreal! The pasta was TO. DIE. FOR. Specifically this one… via the Rustica website: 

Sausage and Broccoli Rabe ~ Penne with House made hot Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, caramelized onion and marinara.

The restaurant is kind of kitty corner from the Farnsworth Museum if you’re familiar with it… Check it out, give it a try!

Catch you back here tomorrow! If you get a chance visit my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !

Top Pick: LL Bean Adventure Duffle

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

Image: LLBean.com

It seems that I plug LL Bean quite a bit, but there are a few things from that store that really stand out. The LL Bean Adventure Duffle is one of those. In times where the airlines charge BOOCOO bucks for you to take luggage with you it’s time to go to extreme measures… no more wheels for us, they weigh too much, and whatever the luggage weighs you can deduct from the weight you can put IN it. One year we were stuffed to the gills in our suitcase and the zipper broke beyond repair, we were on our way to the airport and pulled into LL Bean and bought the LL Bean Adventure Duffle. AWESOME! We even had time for them to monogram it for us, ha ha… So now we both have a medium to carry on, note that it can’t be stuffed, but that’s nice, if it’s a little larger and you put stuff in it you can flatten it out to fit underneath the seat or in the overhead bin with ease. We also have the extra large duffle which is EXTRA LARGE… we don’t fill that too tight either and we haven’t gotten anywhere near our weight limit. Now… knowing that you have to carry this and not wheel it will make you pack a little lighter perhaps, but this is the ticket and we love it! AND if you want to add just a wee bit of weight you CAN get the Adventure duffle WITH WHEELS… Just wanted to share that with you!

I’ll catch you back here tomorrow… if you get a chance check out my photo blog at http://almostdailypic.wordpress.com !