On September 29th DaK finally made it back to The Inn at Stonecliffe. The first time we stayed at the Inn (several years ago, after a Zoo-de-Mac 50 mile bike ride) it was in a gradual decline from it’s original opening in 1904. But we were drawn to the isolation of the Inn’s location higher up on the island away from the crowds on Main Street and it had a sort of historic charm to it.
However, this time the Inn at Stonecliffe has been restored to it’s original glory after a $10M renovation by the Pulte Corporation. The results were spectacular and we were so happy that we decided to revisit the restored historic Inn.
Every time we get on Mackinac Island we bring our bikes and make sure we include a ride around the 8 mile circumference of the island. However, we feel the truly spectacular part of the island is the miles and miles of wildnerness trails on the upper part of the island. We just love exploring the trails as we find new vistas with spectacular views all around. This year, for the first time, we brought e-bikes on the island. It made getting to the trails at the top of the island so much more enjoyable.
One of our motivations to stay on Mackinac Island this time was to be with our very good friends Ross and Sam. They were married on the island some years ago at Dwightwood Springs. Every year they return on their anniversary to renew their vows. We were so happy to finally enjoy part of their tradition with them on the island. It was fun having dinner with them at Mary’s Draught House before we took the ferry back to the main land.
On our way home from Mackinac Island, we stopped overnight in Bay City to explore the extensive trail system in and around the city. We were quite impressed and logged about 24 miles on the trails before it was cut short on account of rain.
After the rain shortened bike ride, we started heading home. But not without a stop at the Maple Grill in Hemlock, MI. It was a little out of our way, but came highly recommended by a couple we met this summer in Oscoda, MI. They were spot on! This farm to table restaurant and micro-brewery is one of my favorites of all time. Both the food and beer were outstanding. I can’t wait to go back and try more menu items as everything on the menu and food that I saw others eating looked to good.
Published by