Mackinac Island

ROAD TRIP #1- destination Mackinac Island!

We knew we wanted to take Zeinab some places while she was here visiting, and why not, there are so many cool places relatively close by. We just had not decided where, by the time she had arrived. I was thinking Chicago. There is just so much to do and see there. Zeinab reminded me that Jesse and I had taken her and Stephanie when they were ten and eleven. Why I hadn't remembered that I don't know, but I sure do now. Well Jesse came home one evening from work with the idea we should all go to Mackinac Island for the weekend.

Great Idea! Zeinab and I took over from there and stayed up late a couple of nights planning the trip. Only problem was we were planning last minute for Father's day weekend, and on top of that there was a huge Yacht race for the same weekend. It was nearly impossible to find lodging. Zee and I wanted all of us to stay at the Lilac Tree Inn. Next time for sure. We stayed at the Inn at Mackinac Island. It was super cute, clean, and the beds were comfortable. Plus they give you yummy fresh baked cookies upon your arrival and fresh baked muffins upon your departure.

So, our time on the island. First it must be known that there are no motor vehicles allowed on the island. We rented bikes right away and a trailer for the kids. We biked all the way around the island the first day. It's only an 8 mile bike ride around the island, but sadly it kicked my butt! It was so much fun!!! We took our time stopping for the kids to, yes, pick weeds, and for the rest of us to take lots and lots of pictures. Before heading out we picked up some lunch for the kids to munch on the way. Not surprisingly Daniel didn't finish his. He wanted me to save his fries for him in my bike basket. "Sure little buddy." (wink-wink) I was sure they would be gross by the end of the bike ride. Problem solved! We stopped at a little stand some ways up the trail to take in the sights and a snack. We weren't the only ones with snacking on our minds. Before we knew it, it was like something out of the movie "The Birds". A swarm of seagulls came out of nowhere and went nuts fighting each other for those fries. It was total mayhem for about five minutes. We continued on our bike ride seeing more cool sights. This was our second time on the island and I must say riding bikes makes a huge difference. You experience the island in such a different and more personal way.

On the second day we rode our bikes some more and took the historical carriage ride up to one of the butterfly exhibits. The kids loved that. We walked around downtown, shopped and ate and of course bought some famous Mackinac fudge. We all agreed that Ryba's fudge was the best, so that's what we got. That was a full day and weekend. We took the ferry back and that was that!