Does your family have a favorite place that it loves to visit? A place you return to on a cycle whether it’s every year or every few years?
Labor Day weekend a few years ago our family made the 7.5 hour drive from Indiana up the length of Michigan to Mackinac Island. This was our fourth visit to the island, but the first time we didn’t have an infant or toddler. We laughed and hiked and biked and shopped and had an all around great time connecting. That summer we hadn’t been able to get away, all six of us, so that Labor Day was my desperate attempt to squeeze in a few days, knowing that someday soon those would be very hard to come by. The best sign was the way the kids started talking on the drive home about when we’d go back. Love it!
The Island Bookstore on Mackinac had a stack of Deadly Secrets on Mackinac Island on the shelves, so of course I offered to sign them. I’ve also had a couple of booksignings at that store over the years. If you ever find yourself on Mackinac, I highly recommend spending some time in that charming spot. So many great books!
This is my clan a few years ago on the island. It’s hard to believe that the first time we visited our oldest was four and the tall kid on the right was one — and not a fan of riding the burly cart. Now everyone bikes around the island. Best story: someone asking how long the bike ride is: 8.2 miles. They looked at the clerk and asked, and how far is it if you go the other direction? (Insert face palm–and no, it was no one in my family 🙂 ).
For such a small island, there is so much natural beauty. I don’t think I could ever get tired of escaping there for a long weekend. The above photo is of Arch Rock. You can reach it by hiking or biking. Since we often rent tandem bikes, we stay on the highway that goes along the shoreline. That leads to great hikes to reach sites like this. Other than watching out for horse patties…it’s a delightful way to get some exercise and enjoy time in creation. It’s always amazing how much slower life feels when you don’t have a car to get you around. And other than the two or three blocks right by where the ferries dock, it’s easy to find space to walk and enjoy the shops and homes.
The homes on the island are beautiful like this one. From the first visit I started thinking about the type of book I could write set there. It ended up being a romantic suspense, with the heroine being a lawyer who’s been called back home. I think it would be the perfect place for a romantic comedy, too.
This is one of my favorite photo, from our pause on the bike ride. There is something peaceful about getting out of the high tourist area and onto the back side of the island. The traffic is very light, and the peace of the waves crashing against the rocks immense.
Through July 12th, Deadly Secrets on Mackinac Island, my book set on this little piece of paradise, is on ebook sale for $1.99. You can buy it from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple or on my website (I make more if you buy it direct from me. I love this second chance romance that requires the heroine to confront secrets from her past. You can find links to all the platforms on my website here.
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I have always wanted to go to Mackinac Island ever since I saw the movie Somewhere in Time starring Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. Living on the east coast, I have yet to make it. However, a place we returned to many times that seems similar is Bar Harbor, Maine. It is such a a wonderful seaside community at the foothills of Acadia National Park – many hiking trails there and tremendous views. The town has wonderful shops and restaurants, some right by the docks. Also, there are a number of short cruises that can be taken around several of the nearby islands. Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island, which is a treat to drive around.
I’ve heard Bar Harbor is wonderful, Betty, but haven’t visited yet. Someday!
I’ve always wanted to go there! Maybe one day. We don’t usually return places for vacation, but this year will be our third vacation to Maine! We’ve gone to different areas each time, but we love the peace and nature in every place we’ve been.
It’s such a nice getaway. I hope you get to explore the island sometime, D’Ann.