cd

We stayed two days at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City (actually Acme) If you enjoy golf, this is perfect! It is a beautiful resort but we laughed a lot because on their website they advertise 500ft of beach which leaves one thinking it's on the water...NOT...you have to drive to it. I had requested a water view room which we got, but the water was like 3miles away. Just goes to show, I need to ask the right questions! They also charge an 8.50 per day resort fee which was not advertised on their web site.
While there we explored Leland's Fishtown which is a 100 yr old fishing village. We loved this place! We had lunch at "The Cove" GREAT seafood chowder and Chubby Mary's. (A Bloody Mary with a smoked Chub in it) Sounds gross but really good! We especially enjoyed exploring the Peninsula of Old Mission with all it's cherry trees in blossom, vineyards and tasting rooms. I thank Scott and Cassidy2002 for all the good suggestions.
I also thank gfidk and Keith for the suggestions regarding the beautiful drive from Harbor Springs (a wonderful harbor town) to Cross Village on our way to Mackinac Island.
On Mackinac, we stayed at the Chippewa Hotel and can't say enough good about it. We had a suite that overlooks the harbor. It was spacious with french doors opening onto a small
balcony. Their dining room also overlooks the water and the desk and wait staff very friendly and helpful. We took a carriage ride around the Island but if we were to do it again, we would rent our own carriage and drive it ourselves as people who live there said it is an easy thing to do. The horses have done it so often they practically do it without you. It's wonderful to be on an Island that only has horses and bikes for transportation.

cassidy2002

I can't believe that they advertise that they're on the water!! I've never stayed there myself, but could have told you to pack a lunch if walking to the beach
Glad you enjoyed Leland and fishtown! I love that area, did you get a chance to check out any of the local artists? I love Nell Revell Smith, we bought one of her print's of Pyramid Point while on our honeymoon.

cd

Cassidy2002
Actually, the resort's advertisement does not say they are ON the water.....they just say you can enjoy sunning and swimming at the Resort's private Beach Club. This lead me to believe they were on the water. (silly me I was suprised to find out I had to drive to the beach.
We did not get to visit any art galleries, next time!

Keith

Thanks for sharing your report.

I appreciated your comments on Lealand. I honeymooned in the Falling Water Motel across from Fish Town mumble years ago.

Any comments on restaurants or wineries?

Keith

Keith

cd

Your honeymoon hotel is directly across the inlet from "The Cove" where we had wonderful seafood chowder and wonderful views. We looked at that hotel many times during lunch wondering what the rooms were like. The wineries we liked were on Old Mission Peninsula. The Chateau Chantal is spectacular! High on a mountain top and has a B&B. We enjoyed the wine most at Bowers Harbor Vineyards. It is small and family owned. A short distance from there is Bowers Boat Harbor, a beautiful private harbor! Overlooking the harbor is a restaurant called "Boathouse" opened for dinner only. It has good reviews but as we were not there in the evening, did not get a chance to eat there as planned. We also visited Chateau Grand Traverse on the Peninsula and Peninsula Cellars (in an old schoolhouse). We especially enjoyed the Old Mission General Store where we sat outside eating ice cream cones and watching the grass grow.

melh

Thanks for your trip report! I'll be going to Traverse City and Mackinac Island next month and will be hitting many of the spots you mentioned.
I can't wait!