TRAVEL AND WANDER

The Grand Hotel on "Mackinac Island" is the world's largest summer -only resort. It was built over 100 years ago with the help of big railroad money and hard workers. To this day the Grand Hotel is a high style hotel with sheer elegance and traditions.  One of the traditions that still takes place is "afternoon tea" inside the Parlor of the Grand Hotel. Guests are able to enjoy fresh baked scones, petite fingers sandwiches, an array of delicious pastries along with champagne, tea, and sherry. The elegant afternoon tea is accompanied by a chamber music recital. Served daily from 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm it costs $30.00 per person plus 6% sales tax to enjoy a memorable afternoon inside the lovely Grand Hotel. Non -guests must pay the $10.00 entrance fee to enter the Grand Hotel if they'd like to partake in "afternoon tea."                                                                                                                      

As I sit in front of the majestic bay in Traverse City (Northern Michigan) typing away on my laptop I can hear "Mackinac Island" calling out to me. Having been to Mackinac Island a handful of times I can honestly say that it's one of the most idyllic islands in the world. Located on Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac and covering 3.8 square miles "Mackinac Island' is a shining star that draws 15,000 visitors per day during the summer months of June, July, and August. Mackinac Island was formed as the glaciers of the last Ice Age began to melt around 13,000 BC. Today in the 21st century locals and tourists are captivated by the island's magnificent beauty. There have been no motor vehicles allowed on the island since 1898. Bicycles and horses are the only modes of transportation on Mackinac Island and that's what makes it feel so old fashioned and unique. From the moment you set foot on the island all your troubles seem to melt away and you