Four For The Road

 A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking - Earl Wilson

What do four people do on a six-day road trip to Michigan?

First off, stop for snack.

Guess where?

Jollibee.

In Sterling Heights.

For Favorite Granddaughter's Chickenjoy, what critics are calling the best fried chicken in America, served with rice, Filipino-style.

And sweet, flaky mango peach pie made with real Philippine mangoes.

Lunch at Dixie Saloon, a log cabin-style restaurant
 

Then on to Mackinaw City.

We ate.

Yum! Mac and cheese, baked Great Lakes whitefish wrapped in parchment paper.

Vacation calories didn't count.

From Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, a resort area in Lake Huron between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas was only a Shepler's Ferry ride away.

The shape of the island has been likened to that of a turtle. 

Thus, it was named Mitchimakinak, meaning Big Turtle.

Horse-drawn taxicabs: an enjoyable and authentic way to view the island

Foremost on our must-see place was the historic Grand Hotel. 

Left and below: In white rocking chair on Front Porch, peering over red geraniums and looking out over the glistening Straits of Mackinac. Photos: I.T.V., Michigan: June 2025

Its front porch is reportedly the longest in the world at some 660 feet in length, overlooking a vast tea garden and the resort-scale Esther Williams swimming pool. 

We couldn't decline going up the fifth floor to see the Cupola Bar from where the best views on the island were showcased.

By the way, the Grand Hotel served as a backdrop and one of the settings for the 1980 film Somewhere in Time starring Christopher Reeves.

Through self-hypnosis, Reeves transports himself back in time to the year 1912 to find love with actress Elise McKenna (portrayed by Jane Seymour).

Upon meeting him for the first time, she asks, Is it you?

But enough of fantasy and obsessive love. It's time to eat!

Believe it or not, Chuckwagon diner was only 12 feet wide, but people waited in line.

We sat at the counter and watched the cook at close range navigating the small space with expertise as he prepared favorites, including a so-called rattlesnake burger. 

 

Next stop was Sable Falls. 

We picnicked before a hike down. 

Skinny people are easier to kidnap.

Stay safe. 

Eat!

A lot! 

Sable Falls tumbles 75 feet over a cascading slope of Munising and Jacobsville sandstone formations on its way to Lake Superior.

Photo: V.E.V., Michigan: June 2025

People who love to eat are the best people.

Of course, we wouldn't leave Michigan without a taste of its famous pasty. 

Reportedly, the original Cornish beef pasty was brought to the Michigan Upper Peninsula by the English copper miners of the 1840s from their native Cornwall.

The miners would place the pasty on top of their shovels and warm it over the headlamps deep in the copper mine.

We tried its many variations: with beef, pork, chicken, potatoes, rutabaga, and carrots in a flaky crust. 

Far left: mini-centerpiece of a wood forget-me-not on our dining table

Left: white trillium covers the Sable Falls hiking trail

We went on a Pictured Rocks cruise. 

The excursion derives it name from the 13 miles of colorful sandstone cliffs northeast of Munising.

The cliffs reach up to 200 feet above sea level. They have been naturally sculpted into a variety of shallow caves, arches, and formations resembling castle turrets and human profiles.

Iconic natural landmarks: Miner's Castle, Indian Head. All Pictured Rocks photos: V.E.V., Michigan: June 2025

Lover's Leap, Light House 

Spray Falls

Can you help find the gnomes at Horseshoe Falls?

Fun! We went on a whimsical scavenger hunt for these hidden legendary creatures that were scattered throughout its charming garden.

Chillin' with gnomies. There's gnome one like you.

Enroute to Frankenmuth, lunch was at Wimpy's, a casual, family friendly fast-food venue. 

Then, voila, Willkomen in Frankenmuth!

The city shows a strong German heritage. Also known for its popular nickname Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth features timber-framed buildings with square and X patterns typical in the architecture of the Franconia region of Germany. 

Pink calendula in flower boxes line city streets

Vacation mood on! Let's go thrifting.

After approximately 20 hours of travel on the road and on water, 10,000 steps on a five-mile hike alone on a single day, three B&Bs, treks to explore souvenir shops and taverns, and a million calories - our vacay came to an end. 

And what better way to celebrate than with an authentic Bavarian dinner?

                                                        

 Ain't nothin' that a beer can't fix.
Wine is bottled poetry. - R. L. Stevenson

Time to go home.

We haven't been everywhere, but it's on our list.