Happy Birthday to YOU!

 Thank you Charlevoix for a wonderful, much needed, relaxing weekend away! My husband and I always look for an excuse to celebrate and make time for a getaway.  This time however, the special occasion was his 24th birthday! I love everything about birthdays, especially when I get to celebrate my wonderful husband! This is the view from our room at The Edgewater Inn.  We requested to be on the bottom level which gave us outdoor access and this great view of the drawbridge and downtown.  Not to mention it is also more affordable to request the lower level here. I'm always looking for a bargain and this was ideal!! While you can't see it in my picture there is a nice walkway leading to the bridge into downtown, below the bridge which leads to the quiet peir, or to the left is the indoor/outdoor pool at the hotel.  We also really enjoyed the Sauna and hot tub you have access too!  At this particular hotel because they are condominiums all of the rooms vary. The decor in our room was quite nuetral & simple but you never quite can know what to expect.

Even though we missed the sunset, isn't it still beautiful!!?

Our last day in Charlevoix and you can see the colors are still beautiful even a little after their peak.  And the clouds are gorgeous! I'm not much of a photographer but I love to capture memories because I have a terrible memory.  This blog also helps me remember all these special, unique places and I'm so glad I can share them with you!  Treat yourself to a memorable getaway for a Happy Birthday to YOU!

After eating here over a year ago my husband continued to rave and crave it.  So I was very relieved to revisit and satisfy his hunger for this particular French cafe!! It is truly the coziest atmosphere with delicious French food and pastries.  Patisserie Amie & Chez Perez are within the same building here but one is the small restaurant while the other side presents their lovely pastries.  It is located near downtown Traverse City.  We first went wine tasting on the Old Mission Peninsula, then stopped here for an early dinner before driving to Charlevoix for the night! 

I have so many pictures I would like to share with you on our adventures but these were a few of our highlights! The beautiful Chalevoix location with the peir and drawbridge, the fall colors, wine tasting and French food.  It just doesn't get much better!! I LOVE fall!  & my husband of course, Happy Birthday Love!

Charlevoix, Here We Come!!

Out and about throughout Michigan the fall colors are at their peak in many places.  Making this weekend an absolutely perfect time for a getaway!  Since I am most definitely terrible at surprises I happened to tell my husband were I am taking him next for his 24th birthday.  I'm sure you've guessed it and he did too, Charlevoix! 

Part of the problem with staying on a newly married budget forces us to communicate about these expenses and spill the surprise!  Reminding me that I should mention the beauty of the fall colors make prices competitive and minimums stays longer than necessary.  However, we were lucky to have found an affordable, nightly rate!  Again, do your research and recognize that certain places have seasonal, fluctuating rates, so reserve wisely.  While there are many beautiful places in Michigan, this is by far a favorite of mine.  If you have not been there make it a priority to visit one day, start your bucket list!  Someday even consider a destination wedding at Castle Farms which is located in Charlevoix.  Ok, that's a blog post for another day but look into it!

For me, family vacations every summer meant I could look forward to our annual trip to Charlevoix, Michigan.  My entire extended family would stay at the Edgewater Inn, right on the north shore of Round Lake Harbor near downtown Charlevoix.  It is a very special location and actually a condominium hotel.  The room that we have been faithful to reserve has a walkout patio with views of the drawbridge just up the walkway which directs you into downtown. You can also choose to take the walkway down to the peir where a peaceful sandy beach and park on the lake awaits you!  Choose to get icecream downtown first and enjoy it with a walk down the peir.

Downtown Charlevoix is relatively small which makes it a nice destination for families.  While it is small and quaint it certainly has a great deal to offer for everyone.  Growing up as kids we would always venture into the nearby toy store just after stopping in to play dress up at the hat store.  There are also fudge, ice cream shops, restaurants, clothing stores, ect.  Oftentimes in the summer downtown's waterfront park area hosts summer concerts and art fairs among other events.  Nearby there is also a beautiful bike trail where you can ride along the coastline and expect to see frequent rest stops with a view.  If you want a change of scenery, we plan to check out the Old Mission peninsula wine trail in Traverse City which is 45 minutes - 60 minutes away. 

Can you tell i'm excited?! I hope you have something fun to look forward to during our fall here in Michigan.  Afterall, don't let fall pass you by, it's just too beautiful!! More to come on my adventures in Charlevoix.  In the meantime, let me know where your travels are taking you...

Something to look forward to, Michigan Summer.

The planner in me, I think secretly drives my husband crazy! Although, who doesn't love something great to look forward to?  Especially when it's an adventure and a getaway from our day to day routine! Where to then?  Well, today I'm going to encourage you to get out your planner and start looking into our beautiful summer months in Michigan.  Now,  I'm not much for camping but it can be a great way to discover a new place while definitely creating some excitement along the way.

This past August, my husband and I went camping for two weekends in a row both times with different groups of friends.  I realize we are experiencing fall now and soon to be winter but if you're interested in camping and at an ideal location, my advice is to start planning!  My recommendation is to go to Wilderness State Park which is located on the northwest tip of the lower peninsula near Mackinaw City.  There are campsites available with beautiful scenic views of lake Michigan right on the beach. The road the campground sits off offers views of the Mackinaw bridge and a cozy little general store with the BEST doughnuts.  My husband and I aren't typically campers so this campground offered restroom facilities with showers and access to both Mackinaw City and Mackinaw Island nearby.  The  possibilities are endless with camping whether your interests are fishing, hiking, biking, kyaking, picnicing, sun bathing or just relaxing with friends and family.

Sometimes there is nothing better on a summer night than a relaxing campfire where you can enjoy not only Smores but also gorgeous stargazing.  With patience, expect to see a few shooting stars too!! Shooting stars always remind me to keep dreaming, which is what we are doing... with dreaming comes planning! We chose to pitch tents on our lot while our friends who stay two weeks at this location every summer use campers.  If you have a family with young children it may be more comfortable and enjoyable to consider renting a camper, depending on how long you plan to stay.

For us a two night stay was perfect and while storms threatened to ruin our stay, the weather ended up being breezy, so comfortable and overall beautiful.  Be sure to never rely on the weather forecast or let it hold you back, sorry meteorologists.  However, the other camping trip we mentioned which we did make on shorter notice  (I can be spontaneous sometimes!) was to Higgin's Lake.  We encountered some serious rain and it became a memorable trip when we woke up to observe our friends sleeping in their vehicles with dogs and drenched, collapsed tents!! Thankfully, although of course not without a little midst throughout the nights we were lucky enough to have chosen a more dependable tent apparently. Spend wisely and do your research!  I encourage you to think twice about your purchase of a blow up air mattress too! Many people had deflated mattresses, so I would consider spending a little more to guarantee you won't be sleeping on the ground by the morning.

Now that i've detered you from camping!! Honestly, we truly had an amazing time, there is something really special about being in nature and working together to make fires, meals and even a little home for the duration of your stay.  So ladies, be open minded and maybe consider it?! Hey, I mentioned they had a bathroom it can't be all that bad.  But guys, sometimes you have to sacrifice the real wilderness adventures... so why not check out wildreness state park!! Plan ahead and have something to look forward to always!

Something to celebrate, Mackinaw Island!

Now that we have faded into fall, can I mention Spring? I know, winter is creeping in a little to quick so let's think Spring for a moment. Oh, but can I also mention I love road trips; the hunt for a fun adventure, time with loved ones in a unique setting & reminiscing once it has come to an end!

So I'm reminiscing and dreaming of returning... but this past spring, May 2nd, 2010 my thoughtful husband of one year planned a celebratory weekend to Mackinaw Island for our 1st anniversary! I can remember as a child visiting the island for memorable family vacations but this seemed like an entirely different destination revisiting as a newlywed. I think this is because the island has so much to offer and there are many ways to experience it.

Many people choose to stay off the island in Mackinaw city for more affordable lodging and then take the ferry over. I think the best way to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Mackinaw Island is to stay there, so shop around to find the deals! Steve and I went opening weekend when great specials were offered and we lucked out with the weather being sunny and comfortable both Saturday & Sunday. We left on a Friday and stayed two nights at The Cottage Inn, Bed & Breakfast (two nights is ideal). It was so cozy, especially considering our first night on the Island brought very cold and rainy weather! Nonetheless, the comfy rooms equipped with a selection of games and Dvd's downstairs kept us entertained while we relaxed. While there, I was thankful for my discovery of my new favorite movie, The Blindside!

Steve, can I mention they were very accommodating and hospitable? Upon arriving they offered us a plunger for the toilet even, Oops. What a way to start celebrating right?! But really, the innkeepers were wonderful people, so kind and every morning they had a delicious breakfast prepared for us to enjoy.

Experiencing the Island early in the season allowed us free reign to everything, we felt like the only guests on the island. It was hassle free with no lines for carriage tours, bike rentals, restaurants, fudge shops, ect. We tasted at every fudge shop, which yes, you should do this. After talking to locals and with our amazing taste testing abilities voted Joanne's Fudge to be the best. What's your favorite? We brought fudge home for everyone! My little four year old friend, Jack, said "Are you going back again soon?" He was very happy I was able to have a fun getaway and was eager to have me go back, for the fudge, I know.

I would highly recommend Mackinaw Island, it can be a very romantic, peaceful getaway or a high energy, family fun event! Whatever you make of it. My mom always says, "I love to go away but I love to come home." I think this is true of wherever you visit but I'm so glad my home sweet home is here in Michigan!