2021 - Michigan

Traverse City

We started our exploration of Michigan with a visit to friends in Traverse City, and the first activity they planned was an Old Crow Medicine Show concert! For our first in-person event in 18 months, it was fantastic. We then spent the next two days exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in America.

We started in Traverse City (absolutely charming!), then explored Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor, and Leland. Though much smaller, this area has the feel of Bar Harbor, ME: enchanting, remote, restful. The next day we took an enchanting lunch walk on the TART trail; then after work she and Kirk drove us to the tip of Old Mission Peninsula - through wineries and the jewel colored water of East and West bays. We seriously love this place.

The best part, as always, was building friendships!

Mackinac Island

SOMEWHERE IN TIME… We have wanted to visit Mackinac Island ever since we saw that movie, and we are not disappointed. We are both working remotely, but we managed to squeeze in some sightseeing and amazing meals over lunch and after work.

Day 2 was an enchanting day on Mackinac Island. We enjoyed lunch on Main Street, then after work we did the 8-mile bike ride around the island and then cleaned up for dinner at The Carriage House.

WHY would I go for a bike ride when I absolutely LOATHE cycling? Because not doing the bike ride around Mackinac Island would be like going to St. Paul’s in London and not climbing the 500 steps to the top. Sometimes you just have to do unpleasant things to enjoy the full experience. My tailbone is already hurting, but I don’t regret it And then, of course, we ended the evening watching SOMEWHERE IN TIME.

Detroit

Detroit: Beautiful city with fascinating history! We started the day with breakfast at The Dime Store, where we sat at the bar and watched the line cooks create magic while singing. Then we started on a walking tour that we had downloaded (link below) because none of the tour companies are in operation. Truly enjoyable and filled with facts relating to Detroit’s founding.

We walked all over downtown, then headed over to the Heidelberg Project and the Motown Museum. Sadly, the museum is closed until 2022, so we’ll have to (happily) come back one day.

https://www.heidelberg.org/

https://www.detroithistorytours.com/

https://www.motownmuseum.org/