Last week, we took our first family trip up to Mackinac Island to enjoy a couple of nights of horse clip-clops, views of Lake Huron, and of course fudge. I remember going to Mackinac Island as a kid, but I became especially enamored of time spent on the island when Zack and I stayed at The Grand Hotel for MSU Arts Weekend two summers in a row.
That time I matched The Grand’s wallpaper 
There is nothing like The Grand Hotel. When you’re there, it really feels like you’re going back in time, floating in its dreamy, Dorothy Draper-swathed universe. The service is impeccable, as are the grounds surrounding the hotel.
While we didn’t stay at The Grand with the girls on this family trip, we did spend time at the pool with friends and returned later for photos on the porch and dinner in the Salle Manger.
I knew that a must-visit spot with the girls at The Grand would be its secret garden, especially after seeing photos my friend Tessa shared of it early in the season. The garden, which can be accessed through a clearing at the bottom of the hill and is nestled among the trees, is the most beautiful little spot. It reminded me of the Japanese garden at Kingswood, especially with its little bridge.
We visited the garden in the evening after dinner, and somehow we were the only people in there! The positioning of the sun ended up making all of our photos even more magical.
I love this video from The Grand Hotel’s Instagram, which shows the progress of the garden from the beginning of spring into the month of June:
And here’s a look at how the garden appeared last summer, which is just as beautiful and whimsical:
If you get the chance to visit Mackinac Island, time spent at The Grand Hotel is an absolute must. Whether it’s where you stay, or where you play for a Michigan evening like we did, there’s nothing like it in the world.
Breathtaking! Thank you for sharing. 😀