Day 6--at the Grand

Day 6 (July 7th) of our trip was Marcus and my first full day at the Grand Hotel.  It was great being able to spend 3 nights (THANKS mom and dad for watching the kids!!!) because we could really explore the island and still have time to relax.

The Grand Hotel is over 100 years old--I guess
they didn't have levels when they build it.  ;o)

Actually, the Grand Hotel was build in just 93 days and is one of the only remaining timber-constructed hotels/resorts left.  There used to be hundreds in the US.  Because of the incredible speed of the construction process, crews worked in shifts 24 hours a day, and where one shift left off, the next would start...even if the last work done wasn't plumb or perfect.  Hence the sloping stairs and the step-up into some rooms.  :o)

Breakfast--included juice, smoothie, pastry basket,
cereal, choice of fruit, choice of egg (with sides),
AND an "entree!"

 At this point I should mention that Marcus intended on getting steak for each of his meals (breakfast and dinner) while at the Grand Hotel.  For breakfast he got the steak and eggs.  With all the sides. And some pastries.  And raisin bran for regularity.  ;o)  And juice and a smoothie.  Can you believe that they served Marionberry smoothies?  (marionberries are from the Pacific NW!)

I forgot to mention that there are no motorized
vehicles on the island...only horses, bikes, and feet.

Part of our anniversary package was a 1-hour private carriage
tour.  We wanted to see the residential interior of the island
and hear about the year-round and summer residents.

After our carriage ride, and around lunchtime, we went
downtown (5 minute walk) and bought some fudge and
souvenirs.   Mac. Island is famous for fudge.

The main street (looks very similar to 100 years ago).

Back at the hotel for a quick nap before spa time.  Can you
see the Mackinac Bridge?

A view of our room, crazy decor.

Marcus waiting in the very pink-ness of the
spa, for his massage (I got a manicure).

Still full from breakfast, we just had a little picnic on the porch
around 4pm.  We used the brie, crackers, and fruit from our
anniversary package basket.

We took a walk before dinner, up to see our favorite houses
that are just uphill from the Hotel.

Dinner was just as fabulous as the night before.  I had: French Escargot with Parsley-Garlic Butter, Swiss Cheese and Grilled Onion Soup, Iceberg Lettuce with Tomatoes, Golden Beets, and Bermuda Onions, and Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb.  Marcus had Shrimp and Scallop Cocktail with Beluga Lentils and Green Chile Aioli, the soup and the salad, and Herb-Garlic Rubbed Prime Rib with Sea Salt Baked Potato and Bacon Marmalade.  And then dessert.  Whew!