We found a reasonable mid-week overnight accommodation at the Grand Hotel and although on Mackinac, “reasonable” has a different connotation, the reservation was made. At 86 and 92 years of age, I was concerned that the trip would be exhausting, so I prayed for God’s favor to help us to make the lengthy trip and have a fun time, and also for good weather to see the Island. He always provides!
We arrived at Shepler’s Ferry at 11:20 am, caught the 11:30 trip across and found the shops and town to be inviting, bustling with excited families, and somewhat materialistic. We had lunch at a recommended spot, Horn’s Bar. It was a very eclectic renovated landmark and our food was very tasty. We found the carriage to the Grand Hotel, an original old carriage restored to its splendor of old and climbed aboard. The ride up the hill to the Grand was relaxing and fun as we chatted with two families also happy to be there. The kids questions to their parents made us smile, “Do they have electricity here?”
We were met in style on the red carpeted entry with door men and women directing us inside. The Hotel definitely earns its name, Grand, with furnishings, paintings and artwork to amaze all ages! Our room was not available yet, so we walked outside up to the top of the property and took photos of the grounds. We proceeded to the famous porch and sat in the chairs enjoying the view and watched the passerby’s. Our room was promised by 4 pm but was ready at 3:45. We walked the halls to the very end of the hotel and then outside the double doors as directed. 
The four of us walked around exploring the four bedrooms in two stories of luxury surroundings, thinking we would just stay forever. We found our rooms and brought in our luggage, toasted the amazing opportunity and blessing we had been given with a glass of wine and walked outside to enjoy the view below. Discovering a walk around porch surrounding the Cottage, an outdoor grassy area with lawn chairs, and even a deck with Jacuzzi tub and patio set, the blessings just kept coming!
Dinner was at 6:30 PM so everyone changed, freshened up, and we trekked our way back to the main dining room where we were greeted and served like royalty. We enjoyed seafood cocktails, onion soup and salad, salmon, and chose some pretty fabulous deserts: warm brownie with cherry ice cream, pecan balls with chocolate syrup, and cheesecake to die for! Calorie counting starts another day. Our servers made the meal truly special. We now appreciated the long walk back as the meal was wonderfully filling. Mom and Dad turned in earlier than my Sister and me so we chatted in the upper level in our media room and bedrooms. After a restful night, we awoke early around 5:30 for a beautiful sunrise over our balcony and were blessed again with gorgeous rainbow colors as the sky also awakened to a new day! Hot coffee helped us start our morning on the deck. God is good, all the time.
Breakfast was a selection of smoothies or juices, fresh pastries, selections from omelets to crepes or pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit and great coffee. Staff is so amazing, serving guests so efficiently and with great smiles, another spectacular godsend.
Perusing the many shops, smelling the wonderfully fresh flowers, walking the halls, visiting the Art Exhibit, walking down through the grounds to the Straights edge, and enjoying the carriages and horses going along the road encompassed our morning. It was quickly time to check out of the royal cottage we called home. Saying goodbye to our luxurious Shangri La was not easy, but we found ourselves awaiting a carriage back to the docks to await the ferry back to Mackinac City and our long ride home.
The four of us had to pinch ourselves to return to reality from the blessing we had just experienced on Mackinac Island and in our Masco Cottage. After a quick purchase of fudge, the road met us with another sunny day and fun conversation of all we had experienced. For a first and possible only visit to the Island, the Mackinac Grand really made our stay a spectacular family memory for years to come!
Feeling blessed,
Anna
