The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is the premiere summer capital resort in the Midwest. Mackinac Island boasts eight miles of shoreline, a rich history and a main street downtown reminiscent of the turn of the century America - free from motor vehicles where horse drawn carriages and bicycles are the primary form of transportation. On the longest porch in the world, perhaps the iconic symbol of this historic hotel, are phenomenal views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac bridge, which connects the upper peninsula of Michigan to the rest of the state. Built in 1887 as the summer destination for railroad barons' families and the country's elite, the Grand Hotel epitomizes the turn of the century elegance that is deeply embedded in the rich history of this American classic.

This is my first visit to The Grand Hotel, and while I had reservations about sleeping in a floral motif guest room designed by Carleton Varney, the beauty of this hotel is its discipline to be true to its history and theme. Sure, the Musser family, owners of the resort, caved in to air conditioning and small flat screen televisions in guest rooms, otherwise, deviation from the original vision is non existent.

The resort is a photographer's dream destination. With bright colors and intricate design details on every corner of this property. From the petite fours in the Afternoon Tea in the main parlor to the "boot" lamps in the Audobon Wine room. I hope that you enjoy my series of photographs taken this week on the island during my participation in the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference - Promoting Tourism 2010.