Month: July 2023

Sweet Summer Strawberry Cake

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Recipes

“Every cake has a story to tell.”–unknown

Sweet treat, strawberry cake

Family traditions🧑‍🍳

When I married into my husband’s family some thirty years ago, it was the merging of two families who enjoyed cooking, tried-and-true recipes, handed down from one generation to the next, typically accompanied by a story or two.  On my husband’s side, there were several excellent cooks, especially his mother, his sister, and her husband.  Whereas, in my own extended family, I grew up around three women–my grandmother, my mamaw, and my mom–who were great cooks in their own right.  Therefore, between the two families, there was a wealth of inspiration, ideas, and sources for recipes.  

To this day, many of those family recipes remain favorites.  However, since being diagnosed with celiac disease over ten years ago, I have been on a culinary quest to adapt many of those beloved recipes so that I can, forgive the pun, “have my cake and eat it too”! 

When I first saw my mother-in-law’s version of this recipe, I could help but notice the how thick and creamy the icing looked.

But First . . .🍰

The original Strawberry Cake recipe came from my mother-in-law, Colleen.  She and my grandmother were very similar when it came to their approach to cooking.  They both believed in the right to serve large portions, and both embraced the notion of going their own way instead of following recipes, step-by-step.  Therefore, when my grandmother, or Colleen, would share a written recipe, there was sure to be additional verbal directions and advice for best preparing the recipe.

Dressing it up with sprinkles and blueberries if desired.

Never shy away from making a recipe your own🥣

It is that familial cooking spirit of never shying away from the right to make a recipe uniquely your own that continues to inspire me. Gluten-free baking wasn’t a “thing” when Grandmother and Colleen were living, so if I want to still enjoy those cooking stories from my past, I have to forge my own cooking path.  Nonetheless, I think they would have enjoyed many of my modified recipes, including this one. 

Add some pomegranate arils, for a bit more color contrast!

The eyes have it first👀

I recall the first time I ate this cake at Colleen’s house.  It was a Sunday family dinner, and I immediately noticed this beautiful, thickly frosted pink cake.  Now, my grandmother taught, “Your eyes eat things before your mouth,” and from the first look at that cake until the last bite, my eyes and mouth were in agreement: the cake was every bit the tasty confection it looked to be.  

The icing is thick and rich

Make it Gluten-free if you want🥮

I am not sure if my recipe adaptation is on-par with Colleen’s, but I do know that my own family loved it.  In fact, my adult daughter, one who typically, and quickly, discerns if I have made something gluten-free, asked if the cake was really gluten-free because she could not taste the difference.  Even more telling was the fact that she told me she thought that it was my best gluten-free recipe to date, and I could “bake it for her anytime.”  

Homemade strawberry reduction takes a bit more time, but it is so worth the effort! And, the leftovers of this reduction can used as you would any other fruit sauce or jelly.

Strawberry Reduction🍓

In addition to making the recipe gluten-free, I eliminated strawberry gelatin as a main ingredient, and instead, I made a strawberry reduction with double the amount of strawberries the original recipe called for.  My variation is also dairy-free, as I used non-dairy milk and butter; however, I did use real eggs.  That said, if you need this recipe to be egg-free, there are plenty of egg-replacement products available.  

The cake is light and spongy.

Cupcake Crazy?🧁

I’ve included directions for baking cupcakes and several cake variations, so the recipe can be baked and assembled in a variety ways.  Additionally, any leftover strawberry reduction tastes terrific spread over toast, stirred into oatmeal, or added to a smoothie.  

From my Family to Yours🏠

From my home to yours, I hope this recipe allows you to create your own cake story and recipe lineage.  Who knows, maybe one day, your grandkids will make their own version of Strawberry Cake! 

Any way you slice it up, this strawberry cake is sure to please!

Strawberry Cake (or Cupcakes) 🍰

Ingredients

½  cup milk (plant-based, if desired)

2 teaspoons white or apple cider vinegar

1 package white or yellow cake mix (gluten free, if needed)

3 tablespoons all purpose flour (gluten free, if needed)

3 eggs or equivalent egg-replacement

⅓ cup oil, melted butter, or applesauce

½ water

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 ½ cup strawberry reduction, completely cooled (see below)

*Strawberry Reduction

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh or frozen strawberries (If frozen, be sure to thaw for at least 20 minutes)

4 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

1 stick butter, softened (plant-based, if desired)

¼-½ cup strawberry reduction, depending upon how much flavor you want

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅛ teaspoon salt

4-6 cups confectioners sugar

Up to 4 tablespoons milk, if needed for creaminess

Directions

*Make Strawberry Reduction 12-24 hours+ in advance

Thaw and/or remove stems from strawberries, then cut in half

Puree strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in food processor or blender

Pour into medium saucepan and bring to low boil over medium heat

Reduce heat, but continue to simmer over low heat for 30 or so minutes, stirring occasionally

Allow strawberries to reduce to texture similar to that of tomato sauce

Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until completely cooled and/or ready to use.

Make Cake or cupcakes

Add vinegar to milk, set in fridge for five minutes (making “buttermilk”)

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees

Coat cake pan(s) with nonstick cooking spray or line muffin tins with parchment paper

In a large mixing bowl, stir together cake mix and flour

Beat in eggs, one at a time.

Then, stir in “buttermilk,” water, oil (or butter or applesauce), and vanilla extract.

Next, fold in strawberry reduction, scraping down the sides as needed

For cupcakes:  divide batter among cupcakes, using a greased ice cream scoop, if desired, filling cup ½ – ⅔  full

For cake:  pour batter into one 9 x 13 cake pan, a 10-cup bundt pan, or divide between two 8” or 9” inch round pans

Baking time:  Cupcakes = 20-25 minutes; 9 x 13 pan = 30-35 minutes; Bundt pan = 45-48 minutes; Two round pans = 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean

Allow cake or cupcakes to cool completely before frosting (I even put mine in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before frosting.)

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, cream butter, strawberry reduction, vanilla extract and salt

Add in confectioner sugar, one cup at a time, until icing is firm

Then, add in milk, one tablespoon at a time, whipping in between each addition until desired consistency is reached.

Pipe or spread over cake or cupcakes.

Decorate tops of cake or cupcakes with red, white, or pink sugar sprinkles or freshly sliced strawberries

Store in airtight container and refrigerate

Makes 24 cupcakes or 1 cake of your choosing

An adventure awaits you in Northeastern Ontario, Canada

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Travels

“I believe the world needs more Canada,”–Bono

Despite the juxtaposition of the sounds from the overhead highway, the falls’ beauty cannot be denied.

What’s Not to Love about Northeastern Ontario?❤️

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, especially hiking, fishing, hunting, canoeing/kayaking, cycling, motorcycling, camping, or even just traveling/visiting places with beautiful scenery, then Northeastern Ontario, the area north of Lake Huron and east of Lake Superior, is an area to consider visiting.  My husband, John, and I recently traveled to the area and discovered an abundance of remarkable surroundings filled with frosted quartzite mountains, carefully managed hiking trails, pristine lakes and rivers for fishing and/or canoeing/kayaking, and a variety of accommodations.  Not only that, this area is rich in art, natural history, varied attractions and cultural interests, as well as  historic sites.  Which is why we decided we need to return next year to further explore the wonders of this area.

A deer casually gazed at us as we searched for the trailhead for Whitefish Falls.

Charming Charlton Lake Camp🏕️

As mentioned in a previous piece, John and I stayed at Charlton Lake Camp–a camp we highly recommend–which prides itself on being a “housekeeping cottage resort for families, fisherman, artists, and adventurers.”  It is located in the heart of the La Cloche Mountains, with its stunning scenery, nearby hiking trails, charming nearby towns–such as nearby Espanola and Whitefish–and welcoming people. In addition to being able to walk out the door of our cottage and head directly to the water for fishing, boating (including kayaking/canoeing), and swimming, we were also a short driving distance to historic hiking trails, cultural centers, and landscapes that have inspired scores of great art, made particularly famous by a group known as the Group of Seven.

The La Cloche mountains provide constant the backdrop to the scenery in Northeastern Ontario.

Ring the Bells🗻

The La Cloche Mountains rose up out of the earth like glistening castles of white and offered a wondrous backdrop to everything we did while visiting this area of Ontario.  These mountains are believed to be over 3.5 billion years of age and consist of glistening quartzite and granite.  Once higher in elevation than the Himalayas before the glacier destruction but now rounded with age and erosion, the mountains were named “La Cloche,” which means “the bell” in French, because of the ringing sound that could be heard from a distance when struck.  It is said that First Nations used this sound as a warning signal.  Now these mountains are a source of inspiration for artists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Ready to climb a mountain’s rockface? Welcome to Willisville Mountain Fire Tower Trail!

With all of its mountainous topography, Northeastern Ontario is full of hiking trails. In the area in which we were staying were ten highly recommended trails; however, as you fan outward, there is a countless array of trails for all fitness levels.  Two trails John and I hiked within the local area of camp were Willisville Mountain Fire Tower Trail & Whitefish Falls. Additionally, we also visited Manitoulin Island and hiked the Cup and Saucer Trail.

Willisville Mountain Firetower Trail🥾

Willisville Mountain Fire Tower Trail is well-marked with red dots and arrows showing you the way straight up the mountain.

Part of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (an Ontario-focused charitable land trust), Willisville Mountain Fire Tower Trail was first brought to our attention by Charlton Lake Camp owners, Dan and Lisa McGuire.  They recommended it for its panoramic views of the La Cloche range and the surrounding area.  According to Dan and Lisa, it was a hidden gem of trail.  The trail, once you realize where it is, (They did say ‘hidden’ after all.) is marked with red dots and arrows that are repainted every year.  Unlike many of the U.S. trails for which John and I are accustomed to hiking, this trail mostly consists of white quartzite, and it is steep–heading straight up the rock face of the mountain.  We definitely recommend hiking shoes or boots for this route, but the views are nothing short of spectacular, momentarily allowing hikers to experience the soaring eye view of the local golden and bald eagles.

What a view 🦅
In the heart of the La Cloche Mountains.🦅👀

Whitefish Falls Trail🌊

In contrast, Whitefish Falls trail does not rise straight up a mountain, but it too is a bit of a hidden gem.  Finding where the trail starts took John and I a second time driving by it before we figured out where it was located.  This out and back trail was partly an earthen/dirt path and, once more, partly quartzite, which can be slippery alongside the water’s edge.  Once you arrive, the view (and sounds) of the falls is stellar! However, I did find the juxtaposition of the falls’ wondrous beauty, and clamorous traffic passing overhead on the highway bridge above, a startling contrast.  Nonetheless, Whitefish Falls trail was a worthwhile experience.  

Whitefish Falls
I can only imagine the sound of these falls after a heavy rain or spring snowmelt.

Cup and Saucer Trail☕️

One other EBC trail John and I explored was the Cup and Saucer Trail located on Manitoulin Island.  This out and back trail is 8 km (4.97 miles) long and is not for the faint of heart!  Winding around a mountain with a wide variety of footing challenges (At one point, the trail has a rope for hikers to use to hoist themselves uphill!), this trail offers heavenly views from its cliffs.  Made of 400 million year old silurian deposits, the cliffs earned their name because higher, cup-shaped cliffs appear perched on top of the lower saucer-shaped cliffs.  While this trail kicked our, shall I say, boots, the views were outstanding, and the drive to and from the trail across Manitoulin Island was scenic, making the overall experience quite rewarding.

Manitoulin Island🏞️

The Manitoulin Information Center is full of historical pictures, artifacts, and information about the island.

 Another stop we made while visiting Manitoulin Island was to visit the town of Little Current. In order to explore the town, John and I walked part of the town’s official recreational walking trail which is approximately 7 km (about 4.3 miles) long. We walked along the walks of the pleasant downtown area and on to its attractive waterfront/marina area and continued on up a hill to an area known as Low Island Park.  The trail continued, but we headed back towards the downtown in order to have adequate time to hike the Cup and Saucer trail.  Nonetheless, we could feel the vibrancy of the town, its businesses, and its people.  We definitely hope to return for another visit.  

Group of Seven🎨

A piece about Northeastern Ontario would not be complete without a nod to the infamous Group of Seven Artists. According to Canadian Encyclopedia, this was a group of landscape painters, often known as the Algonquin School.  These self-proclaimed modern artists were officially established in 1920, but sadly disbanded by 1933. They were part of Canada’s first internationally recognized art movements.  While the styles of the seven artists greatly varied, the artists were united in their exploration of Canada’s rugged, windblown landscapes, spending a good deal of time painting and illustrating Northeastern, Ontario, as well as establishing a credible art school.  Due to the enduring work of these world renowned artists, travelers can embrace the Group of Seven Artists’ spirit by embarking upon road trips, much like John I did, in order to experience an immersive, 3D exploration of their indelible canvases. 

Immersing oneself into the natural beauty of Northeastern Ontario fosters a feeling of connection when viewing the various artworks created by the individual artists that made up the Group of Seven.

Nature’s Playground🌄

What’s not to love about Northeastern Ontario?

In the end, Northeastern Ontario, Canada is a playground for all types of adventure seekers.  With its glistening lakes, windswept woods, majestic milky mountains, rushing waterfalls, charming cities and towns, and a wide array of accommodations, it offers individuals, families, and groups multiple opportunities for exploration and great escapes.  Sure, the drive, or flight, may take a bit more time, but that’s all part of the great experience of traveling!  

Wishing you safe and happy travels!

Fishing for a Great Tale: Part 1 Charlton Lake Camp

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Travels

 “The pull of nature, the peace of the forest and water couldn’t be ignored any longer . . .”–Dan McGuire, owner, Charlton Lake Camp 

There’s Something about CanadA🇨🇦

Smiles for miles.

It had been a long time since John, my husband, and I had been to Canada.  Unlike me, John began traveling to Canada for annual fishing trips in 1985.  At that time, he was the young one, newly initiated to the fishing group.  Thirty-five years later, many of those long ago fishing buddies have since departed to heavenly waters.  Others have lost interest in participating in a trip that requires such a long drive, and some no longer have the vacation time needed for a week of fishing plus an extra day or two for driving.  John gets it, but his heart was breaking with the thought of not returning to his beloved fishing playground.  

Therefore, after a bit of “mediation”, John and I sketched out a travel plan that included a trip to Canada, specifically to Charlton Lake Camp, but it also included a couple of other stops along the way. (One of those was Mackinaw City, MI for which I previously wrote about last week.)  Little did either of us know how very much we would enjoy Charlton Lake Camp and its lovely surrounding areas!

Charlton Lake Camp🏕️

Park your, ring up Dan and Lisa, and get ready to cross over the other side, releasing your day-to-day stress and immersing yourself in the laid-back, relaxing environment of Charlton Lake Camp.

Nestled in the La Cloche Mountains just beyond the hamlet of Willisville, Ontario.

Charlton Lake Camp, currently owned by Dan and Lisa McGuire, is a picturesque waterfront setting. With access to Frood Lake, Lake Charlton, Cranberry Bay, as well as canoe only portages leading to Grace Lake (made famous by the Canadian Group of Seven Artists) and Nellie Lake, Charlton Lake Camp offers a wide-array of adventures for family, individuals, or friends. Think of all your favorite summer activities–fishing, paddling (canoe, kayak, paddle board, and even peddle boat), hiking, boating, swimming, sunning, campfires, smores, lounging/reading/napping in hammock, and plenty of space to hike, write, paint, draw, or simply dream–and you’ll discover that Lake Charlton is the perfect place for all of these and more!

Bring your own or rent/use one of the camp’s many canoes, kayaks, peddle boat, pontoon boats, Lund aluminum boats

For those interested in fishing, Lake Charlton has access to over 1,700 connected acres of fishable lakes.  Their waters are filled with northern pike, small and largemouth bass, walleye, and a wide variety of panfish. Of course, they can’t turn the fish on for visitors, but during the week John and I were there, we landed scores of large and smallmouth bass while a group of guys staying in a nearby cabin caught their legal limit of walleye and several sizable northern pike. 

What about Boats?🛶

Visitors to the camp can bring their own boat; however, the camp offers a full fleet boats for rent, including 14’ Lund Aluminum fishing boats, three pontoon boats, as well as 16’ and 18.5’ tripping canoes.  All boats come with 9.9 Yamaha motors, and every cabin has its own private docking slip.  John and I merely stepped off the porch of the cabin in which we were staying and walked down a slight embankment directly to our dock.  The docking was sturdy and easy; plus the camp had an excellent launching ramp to get to and from the camp. 

Step out of your cabin and walk the pine-needle carpeted path to your own dock.

For those who like to keep and eat their fish, Charlton Lake Camp has a centrally located fish cleaning hut. It is well lit, screened-in, and it even has outlets for those who prefer to use electric fillet knives. I noticed several campers using this hut throughout the week.

Accomodations🏡

We stayed in cottage 7. John sits at our picnic table assembling fishing gear upon our arrival.

Charlton Lake Camp is made up of twelve symmetrically arranged cottages with one, two, or three bedrooms, and all have one bathroom. Every cabin faces the lake, a point John and I loved, and each one has its own tightly screened porch. The kitchens are well-equipped with all of your cooking and eating needs. There is also a propane BBQ and picnic table for each cabin. Most of all, Dan and Lisa work hard to ensure their cottages are scrubbed clean for your arrival, hence a 9:00 am check out time, and they even have their cabins treated monthly for pests.  As an added bonus, the camp’s water goes through a multi-step filtration process, and it is completely potable–no funny smell or weird taste, just pure, clean water.

Just splashing about🏊‍♀️

Swim platform and roped off swimming area in front of sandy beach to left of picture. Meanwhile, fish cleaning hut is center with one of the pontoon boats and more of the camp to the right.

For those who love to splash about, the camp has a roped off area for swimming with its own private sandy beach.  There is a swim platform for those cannonball splashes, and there are plenty of Adirondack style chairs for drying off or simply lounging about the water’s edge.  The swim area is centrally located in the camp making it easily accessible for those quick trips back to the cottage for snacks, beverages, or that bottle of sunscreen you may have forgotten.

Want to Hike?🥾

Map of hiking trails on Charlton Lake property, along with a few of my written notes regarding other nearby trails.

Did I mention that the camp also offers hiking? Both Dan and Lisa have plenty of outdoor expertise and experience.  Unfortunately, the management and day-to-day upkeep of running the camp leaves them very little room for that these days.  However, they have hiked all of the trails on their 50 acre property.  They will gladly give visitors maps and offer tips for finding the best views of the lakes or the La Cloche mountains.  John and I can attest to the fact that the trails are well-marked, but hikers will definitely want to bring along the bug spray when heading off into the woods!

a “Reel” gem of a Place!💎

John claims the fish look bigger when I catch them due to the fact I am under 5′ tall! 😂

Personally speaking, John and I fell in love with this gem-of-a-camp. Dan and Lisa are attentive and available hosts if/when guests need them to be, but they do not hover.  The camp fosters a laid back vibe that warmly welcomes family and friend groups as easily as it does couples and individuals.  The interests of guests while we were there varied–some were drawn to fishing, boating, and/or swimming while others were more drawn to quiet walks, card games, and reading.  Additionally, several of the cabins are pet friendly, and we certainly made friends with a few camp canine guests!

Pristine Waters🌊

The evening sun kisses the pristine waters of Charlton Lake goodnight

The lakes encompassing Lake Charlton Camp are pristine and do not appear overused.  Its surroundings are serene and filled with bird song, encouraging guests to unwind amidst the exquisite nature-centrentric setting–alabaster mountains; rising rock on wind-swept islands; pine-scented, needle-strewn forested paths; and plenty of rippling lake water.  Paradoxically, guests are a super-short boat-ride away from nearby Espanola, Whitefish Falls, and Manitoulin Island, but I’ll write more about that in my next piece.

We’ll Be Back

Now that’s one happy fisherman!

In conclusion, whether you are looking for a solo/couple nature retreat or you’re looking for a one-of-kind summer/fall adventure for family and/or friends, check out Charlton Lake Camp.  It provides the ideal setting for getting back to nature and all the simple goodness the great outdoors provides if only we are willing to venture there.  The cottages are clean and comfortable, the view of the lake is spectacular, especially with the setting of the sun, and the location is ideal–far enough away from all the sights/sounds of the city, but close enough if you need to get back to town for that one item you forgot to pack.  In fact, John and I have already tentatively booked our stay for next year.  Meanwhile, I am already dreaming of waking to the sound of the loon, listening to gentle sounds of lake waters lapping the shore, and the glint of evening sunlight as it kisses the lake goodnight. 

Here’s to safe and happy travels!

Important Note from Author

John and I only practice catch and release fishing. According to the U.S. National Park Service, this practice improves native fish populations by allowing more fish to remain and reproduce in the ecosystem. We make every attempt to handle the fish properly, photograph it quickly, and then gently release it into the waters to continue swimming another day. This also allows other anglers the opportunity to experience the joys of fishing and the great outdoors for years to come.

More images from Lake Charlton📷

We struggled to take a selfie of this event and this handle the fish carefully. However, on this trip, John and I landed three triples–we both caught a fish at the exact same time.
Our cabin for the week at Charlton Lake Camp.
Sun begins to set, as viewed through our screened in porch, marking the start of its waltz across the lake waters. I can only imagine how dazzling and golden this view must during the fall.

Until Next Year . . .🌅

Visit Mackinaw City, Michigan: It’s worth the drive

Featured by stephsimply, posted in Travels

“Discover Mackinaw City, gateway to the Upper Peninsula, it is one of the top-of-the-list places to see in Michigan.”–Pure Michigan website

Pristine Michigan shoreland

The Mitten State: America’s High Five✋

  It’s our neighbor, geographically speaking, and yet, as so often happens with neighbors, I have only had passing encounters with it, nodding as I passed by.  That is, until this year.  Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a small bit of time in the only state divided into two peninsulas, and I hope this positive encounter will lead to more return visits.

 I am talking about Michigan.  With its lower peninsula shaped like a left-hand oven mitt, and its upper peninsula shaped like a child’s rendering of a bird flying over water, Michigan is full of natural wonder.  With over 3,288 linear miles of coastline, according to Michigan.gov, the state considers itself steward to the nation’s longest freshwater coastline.  This is due in large part to the fact that Michigan is surrounded by four of the five great lakes, and I was able to catch a small glimpse of its aquatic glory on a recent trip with my husband, John.

Mackinac Bridge

Mackinaw City, MI: Crossroads to the Great Lakes⛴️

Driving from southern Ohio, north towards Toledo, OH, and continuing all the way to the top of Michigan’s mitt, as it were, we arrived in Mackinaw City just south of the Mackinac Bridge.  This stunning suspension bridge, the longest in the western hemisphere, connects the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan.  It spans the Straits of Mackinac, the five mile channel that joins Lake Huron to Lake Michigan.  In fact, from the hotel window in which John and I stayed, Hamilton Inn, we could see Lake Huron, the Mackinac Bridge, and nearby Mackinac Island, a Michigan icon.  

Mackinaw City offers an abundance cozy spots for visitors. Many of which offer lakeside views.

No wonder, according to Mackinaw Visitors Bureau, the average vacation stay in Mackinaw City has lengthened over recent years.  It is not only the perfect jumping-off point due to its convenient location to major attractions, but also because Mackinaw City is home to three National Historic sites, Headlands International Dark Sky Park, three passenger boat lines to Mackinac Island, an abundance of local shopping and eateries, as well as numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts, and resorts.  Plus, the town itself is walkable and tourist friendly.

Photo by Irina Iriser on Pexels.com

Lilac Love💜

One unique feature of Mackinaw City, we observed when we arrived for an overnight stay in mid-June, were the scores of lilac bushes lining its walks.  As it turned out, we happened to arrive during the popular Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, an annual ten-day event that celebrates the bush’s unique local history and offers a wide array of activities. On the morning of our departure, John and I went for a walk through town, and we encountered large groups of people making their way towards the ferries ready to take them to Mackinac Island to enjoy the last weekend of the lilac celebration.  Meanwhile, John and I continued our early morning trek, enjoying the fragrant lilacs, as we headed towards Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.

Town Trekking🚶🏽‍♀️

Following the walking directions given to us by an app on our phone, John and I began to encounter signposts with historical information along with a QR code.  We were inadvertently following part of the Mackinaw City Historic Pathway, a three mile loop through town that celebrates the town’s unique role as a crossroad of the Great Lakes. This self-guided tour with its audio guidance via cell phone includes 46 historical/informative kiosks, six historical wood carvings by Jerry Prior, and includes additional audio that can be used when visiting the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, Headlands International Dark Park, McGulpin Point Lighthouse, and Heritage Village.  Due to time constraints, however, we were not able to explore the full pathway, but we definitely have hopes of returning one day to complete the entire route.

Light the Way💡

We did follow the historic pathway long enough to take in the sights of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Beginning its operation in 1889, this lighthouse served as a guiding beacon, safely helping ships navigate the treacherous waters and fog of the Straits of Mackinac for 67 years. Of note, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse had only four head keepers during its years of operation.  Unfortunately, we weren’t able to spend much time at this well-kept site of history; however, we hope to return in order to visit the inside of the lighthouse keeper’s quarters, take in the two movies–Shipwrecks of the Straits and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Tower Tour, visit the Shipwreck museum, take a tour of the tower, and perhaps catch a demonstration of the Fog Signal Whistle led by a costumed interpreter. 

Old Mackinac Point Light Lighthouse overlooking Lake Huron.

Did someone say Pizza?🍕

While staying in Mackinaw City, we had time for one meal out, and there were certainly several worthy choices for dining options.  We decided to give Nonna Lisa’s Italian Ristorante a try. All of the restaurant’s tables, chairs, as well as its bar, were handcrafted from hardwoods and accented with juniper, creating a woodsy/rustic atmosphere. Nonna Lisa’s menu offered a plentitude of pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, full-service espresso bar, and classic Italian flavored sodas.  John and I experienced friendly service and good food.  It is certainly worth checking out when visiting this pleasant town.

Nonna Lisa’s one-of-a-kind, hand-carved furniture, friendly service, and good food is the just place to unwind after a day of exploring the “Tip of the Mitt”.

Is That A Katy Perry Song I Hear?🎆

Strolling the shop lined streets after dinner, we were told that Mackinaw City offers a spectacular fireworks display every Friday and Sunday night over Lake Huron that begins at dusk.  Since we happened to be staying in town on a Friday night, we were able to observe the colorful explosives from the comfort of our hotel room.  According to the town’s website, the fireworks will continue every Friday and Sunday (they began at the end of May) through the end of September.

Friday night fireworks over Lake Michigan in Mackinaw City

Places to Go and People to see🏙️

Hindsight, as the saying goes, is a wonderful thing.  Therefore, looking back on our short stay-over in Mackinaw City, I now wish that John and I would have allowed for more time to explore this scenic and historical area.  This unique area has a wide-array of offerings, appealing to many interests.  Sites we would consider visiting on a future trip include  Colonial Michilimackinac, Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, Headlands International Dark Park, McGulpin Point Lighthouse, perhaps take Shepler’s Lighthouse Cruise, and we would definitely take the ferry over to visit Mackinac Island. 

For those traveling by boat, the Straits State Harbor is Clean Marina certified, and it is considered the greenest, most eco-friendly harbor using the power of eight wind turbines to generate a significant portion of the harbor’s electricity.

It’s a Shore Thing🌊

Regardless, I am so grateful to have visited this extraordinary and fascinating part of Michigan and the Great Lakes.  The shores of the lake in Mackinaw City were pristine–where Lake Huron seemed much more like an ocean than a lake–the town and its walks were well-kept, and its people were warm and welcoming.  Mackinaw City truly is, as their website claimed, the perfect jumping off point!  If you’re ever in the neighborhood, I encourage you to stop by this charming town for a visit!

Here’s to safe and happy travels! 

A few more images from Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.

A few more images from Nonna Lisa’s featuring a gluten-free veggie pizza, a classic pepperoni and sausage pizza, and a side salad with creamy house-made dressing.