08.16.2012 Relaxed and renewed from the land of great food and beautiful front porches... (part 1)
We recently returned from our family's annual trek to the lake cottage in northern Michigan. As always, I returned home completely rejuvenated by the fresh clean pine scented air, the cool blue lake and a creaky old cottage. These lovely memories will play over in my mind during the winter when a mental break is needed. I'll close my eyes and recall the many fun porch parties with family and friends, the delicious food and wine that we consumed, and the natural beauty of northern Michigan, the land of inviting front porches...
My sister and brother-in-law, the newlyweds, enjoyed a sunset together on the lake front. As the sinking sun melts into the horizon, it also melts away ones cares if you are still and quiet enough to let it.
Our northern Michigan friends love good food as much as we do and our dinner parties are always so memorable. Keeping it simple, everyone usually brings their best dish and we always swap recipes after.
One of the newer traditions is our annual "Cottage Crawl." It is a combination of a pub crawl, progressive dinner, and history lesson. We all travel from cottage to cottage with the appetisers at two cottages, main course at two cottages and finally, dessert at the last two cottages. Each cottage owner supplies a signature beverage and gives us a brief but rich history lesson of their family cottage. Many of the cottages are up to 125 years old and most have been in the same family for generations. As we rounded the corner heading for cottage #3, Robin surprised us with "Jello shots" arranged as old time lemonade stand. Brilliant!
You may remember from last year that my family makes an annual pilgrimage to Mackinac Island, the charming island void completely of cars but filled with the only modes of transportation...horses and bikes. The excitement builds as we take an early morning ferry to the island, while debating the best place for coffee and lunch.
Our first stop is always the tiny postage stamp sized coffee house out on a dock with a gorgeous view of the water and sailboats...
My husband enjoys his coffee, anticipating a glorious morning of biking around the island.
(Note to self...stay on the outer perimeter of the island while on a bike. If you turn into the center of the island you are doomed to steep hills but rewarded with great beauty.)
We are back at home gently sliding into our daily routines as school will begin again next week for our kids. I'm so grateful for our time of summer rejuvenation in northern Michigan and I now feel ready and able to approach this new season with purpose, creativity and love.
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Reader Comments (13)
It is so nice to get away and still be with friends and family in a different setting. Welcome back. I am looking forward to the next parts of the trip. :)
Well, besides Harbor Springs, there is Leelanau Peninsula (also in MI), the Cape, Healdsburg, CA and Big Sky, MT - oh, also Gambier, OH.........
Nice shots!
What a wonderful place to visit - I've never been, but now it's on my to-go list.
A relaxing and beautiful place to have a vacation with your family. Love that lemonade stand ;-)
Beautiful! I had pleasure of visiting that area 25 years ago! Thanks for sharing with us!
Lisa, your photos transport me back. Those easy-breezy days are perfectly captured!
Please post the recipe for the delicious looking appetizer with watermelon & tomatoes.
Thanks!
Northern Michigan is now on my "bucket list"!
Lisa,
I adore this post - each photo is stunning (particularly love that wine shot!) I'm convinced we need to get to North Michegan one day. This truly looks an inspiring break and so happy to hear you're back and ready to rock!
As always, it's wonderful to see Mike, Lisa and the kids every summer.
Me and my husband have been reading your posts the whole morning and I absolutly love your vacation posts. This is way for me to see some totaly different America from that seen on tv. Please excuse me for my bad English
Irenalan, I'm so delighted to hear that you are enjoying them! There are so many beautiful parts of America!! And you English is great!
Lisa:
It is Christmas Day and your tarte du jour site is bursting with ideas and great recipes, glorious pictures and views, and your own thoughts which, as usual are so gentle and convey such caring and good feelings. Love to you and the whole family, and yes, may there be peace on earth above all!! Merry Christmas!
Anne