2023 May 14-20, Trip Mackinac Island, Sault Ste Marie, Saint Ignace, Mackinaw City, & Frankenmuth, Michigan (Club Diamond Travel from Florence ) (7 days)

Day 1: May 14, Sunday

We had a great trip to Michigan with a group from the Club of 50 people. Before we even got started, we had problems with the bus, so we stopped at Rent Right in Lawrenceburg to get the bus fixed. 

Inside the shop was a barber's chair 

Hubby and I stopped at Jack's for sausage, gravy, and biscuits for breakfast.

We stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel at Oak Hill, Near Nashville, TN. I ordered a kid's grilled chicken with Mac and cheese.

We traveled on a bus to Ohio, stopping every 2 to 2 1/2 hours to rest. 

We stopped at KFC in Carrollton, KY, for supper.

I ordered chicken with Mac and cheese.

We spent the night at Comfort Inn in Pique, Ohio, and began our journey the next day.

Lobby at Comfort Inn Pique, Ohio

Day 2: May 15, Monday

We traveled to Mackinaw, Michigan, stopping every couple of hours to take a rest break. 

One of our rest stops was at the Ottawa Lake, Michigan Gas Station.

We played bingo and watched the “Somewhere in Time” movie. We also watched Mrs Robertson, a public speaker, she was very funny.

Hubby and I split an Italian Sub for lunch at Jimmy Johns in Flint, Michigan. 

We stopped at the Pancake Chef Restaurant in Mackinaw City, Michigan, for a buffet dinner. After we ate, we walked around the town taking pictures, then on to our hotel in Saint Ignace, Michigan.

I took pictures of markers of Mackinaw City, Iron Horse, Chief Wawatam, The Algoma, Mackinaw’s Civil War Dahlgren Cannons, Mackinaw, Mackinac, or Michilimackinac?, the village of Mackinaw City Merchant Directory, Historic Mackinaw City, and Mackinaw’s First Business District.

The Gateway to Mackinac Island

Mackinaw, Mackinac, or MichilimackinacMichilimackinac?
The Mackinac Straits region derives its name from a French translation of the Ojibway name for Mackinac Island; Missilimakinak, where missi (also Michi or Mishi) means great or many, and Mackinac means turtle. Although it has been spelled many different ways over the years, the most common form is Michilimackinac, which means "the great turtle." With imagination, the island profile resembles a great turtle, partially submerged in the lake, with its outstretched neck and head peering off the west. In the early 1700s, the fur trading outpost on the mainland became known as Fort Michilimackinac, and the island was abbreviated to Mackinac. The Village of Mackinaw City was incorporated in 1883 with an English spelling that suggests the more common pronunciation of Mackinac. Picture 1:Michilimackinac from Round Island by Major Francis Smith Belton, September 1817, from the collection of the Mackinac State Historic Parks. Picture: Jonathan Carver's 1767 map identifies Fort Michilimackinac.

Day 3: May 16, Tuesday 

We ate breakfast at the Budget Host Inn Saint Ignace, MI., and then took the bus down to the ferry dock. Shopped at the gift shop, where I bought a toboggan to cover my ears on the very windy ferry ride to Mackinac Island.

We had a group picture taken at the port after we embarked on the ferry.

Our group loaded into two carriages and was taken for a ride around the island. 

We saw the US Post Cemetery, the Little Stone Church, Fort Mackinac, and the Missionary Bark Chapel. 

We rode through the state park and visited several shops. 

We were told that during the peak tourist season, there were around 500 horses used to carry goods and tourists throughout the city. Thousands of bicycles are there for rent. No vehicles are allowed on the Island.

We walked inside the Grand Hotel & blooming were tulips, & buttercups on the hotel grounds.

We walked to the Surry Hill Carriage House and walked through the Mackinac butterfly house.

Hubby and I split a Mushroom Burger and fries at the Chuck Wagon Restaurant. 

We saw the Missionary Bark Chapel, The Little Stone Church, William Backhouse Astor House, Fort Mackinac and the Fort Gardens, Lake View Hotel., Saving Liberty, Marquette Park, The Indian Dormitory, Home of the Ancestors, & American Fur Company Store. As we were leaving, we saw 3 Dalmatians leaving the ferry.

We ate fried fish, baked potato, salad, bread, and white cake with strawberry topping for dinner at The Galley in Saint Ignace, MI.

We loaded back onto the bus that took us to the hotel. 

Mushroom Burger and Chips at the Chuck Wagon Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel

State Park Mackinac Island, MI 

View from the ferry of Mackinac Island. 

Day 4 May 17, Wednesday

The next day, we rode the bus to Sault Ste Marie, where we saw the Governor Osborn Memorial and several historical markers about Water Street. We saw a giant foot statue. We walked through the US Army Great Lakes Dredge & Locks Site, where we saw markers, birds, & SOO Locks. We walked through The Visitor Center and talked about the building of the Soo Locks.  We saw the International bridge that connects the US to Canada. 

We ate a big bad breakfast at Franks in Sault Santa Marie, MI. That consists of three fried eggs atop Hash browns smothered in cheese, ham,&  sausage, with two slices of toast.

We boarded the bus and rode to the SOO Locks Boat Tour, where we took a boat ride through the SOO Locks on St Mary’s River on Lake Huron and Lake Superior. We saw the international bridge that connected the US to Canada.  

We stopped at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. We didn’t stay long. 

Boarded the bus and rode to the Driftwood restaurant in Saint Ignace, Michigan. There, we ate fried Shrimp, a baked potato with green beans, and custard for dessert. 

We boarded the bus and rode back to the hotel.

Soo Docks & Boat Tours 

Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

Day 5: May 18, Thursday

Ate breakfast at the hotel, then boarded the bus and across the Mackinaw Bridge to Mackinaw to visit Colonial Michilimackinac Fort. We walked through the historic fort, a visit to the past life of a soldier. 

Stopping to take pictures of markers of Michigan’s First Jewish Settlers, Fort Michilimackinac, flags of Michilimackinac, Welcome to Colonial Michilimackinac, Crossroads of the Fur Trade, The Community outside the Walls: Suburbs of Michilimackinac, Bateau, Using the land,  Encampment at Pequodenonge, The Anishnaabek, Anishnaabek Home, Michilimackinac State Park & Fort Michilimackinac.   

We rode through the Historic Village of Mackinaw City.  Hubby and I split a hamburger and fries at the Keyhole Bar and Grill in Mackinaw City. 

We walked around the city taking pictures, then loaded back onto the bus and rode to the Old Mackinac Point Light House.

By this time, those swarming insects(MIDGES) were covering everything in sight.

The swarms are midge flies, which look like mosquitos but don't bite. The bugs are incredibly annoying. Look anywhere, and they are there. Open your mouth, and a few will get in. 

Most people stayed on the bus, but I got out and went inside the Light House and Museum.

I took pictures of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Winter at Mackinac, Historic Mackinaw City, & Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse made to be seen, Colonial Michilimackinac revolutionary Times, Radio Beacon 1937/38, and Welcome to Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. 

Loaded back onto the bus and rode to the Great Lakes Grill in Cheboygan, Michigan. Hubby and I ate a Salad, chicken with rice, shrimp pasta, and butter bread.

Lunch at the Keyhole Bar & Grill Mackinaw City, MI 

Colonial Michilimackinac Fort

Old Mackinac Point Light House

Day 6: May 19, Friday

Breakfast at the Golden Anchor Budge Inn, Saint Ignace, MI.  

Everyone loaded onto the bus, and we began our journey home. 

We Stopped at River Walk Mall, a Bavarian Town in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

We ordered a hamburger and fries for lunch at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant. We stayed there for a couple of hours. We saw a covered bridge (Holy Brucke Wooden Bridge).

Schmetterling Mural

Holz Bucke Wooden Bridge 1979

We saw the Schmetterling Murals of Germany on the walls behind the Covered Bridge Shop.  Shopped at the Frankenmuth River Place, where we saw an Enchanted Garden and several unique shops. We saw the Bavarian Belle taking people on a ride up and down the river. We did not have time to take the boat ride, but we would love to return someday. There was a park there called Christmas Place. We did not stop. (I think this would be a great place to visit at Christmas.) We stayed the night at Comfort Inn in Pique, Ohio.

Hamburger and fries at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Day 7: May 20, Saturday

Breakfast at the Comfort Inn.

We began our final journey home. 

We watched Mrs Robertson, the public speaker, watched a movie, and played games on our travel home. 

We made several stops along the way one was at the pilot in Pendleton, KY, and another was at the Welcome Center Portland. TN. 

We stopped at Cock of the Walk Restaurant in Nashville, TN, where we enjoyed a platter of Fried Catfish, chicken & shrimp served with a pan of cornbread, pickled onions, and a large bowl of Cole slaw. 

Several people climbed upon the 10-foot-tall rocker for pictures. I climbed up on the rocker for a picture and leaned back, causing the rocker to move, which caused me to fall into the rocker. I rolled over and over, causing everyone to laugh. 

We arrived at the Club, loaded our luggage into the car, and headed for home.

We were home at about 6:30. 

Platter of Catfish, Chicken, Shrimp, and fries

10 tall Rocker at Cock of the Walk 

2023 May 6, The Moulton and Cullman Strawberry Festivals

 

Artist paintings at Cullman Strawberry Festival 

Farmers Market in Cullman 

a gallon of Sweet Strawberries

Saturday, we rode to Cullman to the Strawberry Festival and arrived around 9AM at the Warehouse District, where the Farmers Market is located. There were already lots of people, and more pouring in. We walked to the Farmers Market, where we bought a gallon of Strawberries. 

We had been at the Farmers Market a few weeks before, and they had sold out of Strawberries.

We bought a gallon of strawberries first thing, and Hubby took the strawberries to the car. 

After that, we walked around looking at what the vendors had to offer. We listened to several bands. There were vendors selling clothing, food, household items, handmade items, etc. (Burger Boys, Funnel Cakes, Icee, burgers, Lemonade, Kettle Corn, etc.

There was a small train ride and several children's rides. (berry-go-round, Ferries wheel, etc.)

We bought a cup of chocolate-covered strawberries in one of the shops in the Warehouse district. (Sweets by T Chocolate Shop).

Miss Piggy was walking around advertising Barbecue. 

A petting zoo with a sign that said Feed me

Tractor Show 

Car Show 

We then rode to the Strawberry Festival in Moulton. They had a tractor show, a car show, rides for the kids, and a Petting Zoo. 

There were several food vendors. They even brought in a Chick-fil-A. There were different vendors with items to win from a spinning wheel. We bought a bird feeder from a school group that they had made. The day started out cool, but by the time we left Moulton, it was up to 80. 

Grilled Chicken Fingers with baked sweet potato, toast, and dipping sauce at OH!Bryan's 

We rode to Hartselle to eat lunch at Oh! Bryan's. It is one of our favorite places to eat when we are in the area. It was getting late, but we did stop at Wheeler Dam, where we saw lots of Great Blue Herons, a few snake birds, and several Great White Pelicans (most of them were on the islands far away). We had a great day but were worn out from all our adventures. 

Great Blue Heron with his catch a fish 

2023 April 15, Cullman Walking Tour, Killen Adventure Park and Wheeler Wildlife Refuge

Our tour guide was Ben Johnson South(a descendant of Creek Indians). We began our tour inside the Cullman Museum. The museum is a replica of the home of John Cullmann, who founded a colony of German immigrants. It has a narrow front porch with gingerbread trim and twin towers.

Cullman Museum 

Statue of John Cullmann

Inside the museum are Native American Artifacts, Indian statues, and arrowheads spanning thousands of years. 

Pioneer life, early settlers before John Cullmann. Dutch doll, a couple of rockers, butter churn, and kitchen articles. 

Civil War: A house divided,  Music and Pictures, Our home town: growing up in Cullman, and History of Johann Gottfried Cullmann.

We walked outside to see the statue of Johann Gottfried Cullmann and learn about his history.

We walked up the street, and our guide talked about several different buildings. 

Inside the  Sacred Heart Church of Jesus Roman Catholic Church.

Our treat was going through and learning the history of the Sacred Heart Church of Jesus Roman Catholic Church.

https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/a5b1d7e217aa227d5b2b8a84920780cf637960e2/HomePageItems/SacredHeartHistory/New%20SHC%20History.pdf 

Above is the link to read the history of this great church.

We ended the walk at the Cullman's Farmer's Market
to buy some fresh strawberries, but they had sold out.

It was getting near lunchtime, so we rode to OH! Bryan's for lunch.

Sirloin steak, sweet potato, and toast 

After lunch, we rode to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. I walked to both view areas and along the swamp boardwalk. 

I saw lots of small birds.

I saw several turtles, three chipmunks, a squirrel, Canada geese, White Egret, and a snake swimming in the water.

Saw lots of wildflowers blooming.

No Whooping or Sandhill Cranes to be found. Saw only 4 other people there. The backyard birds were chirping loudly. I heard 27 different bird sounds on my Merlin App. It was a nice, quiet walk at the Refuge.

ChimpmunksWheeler Wildlife Refuge

We stopped at Killen Adventure Park, where hubby and I both ordered a waffle cone.

I ordered Rocky Road ice cream, and he ordered Cheesecake ice cream.

We fed the animals (ducks, turtles, fish, and peacocks) while eating our ice cream.

There were lots of people playing Miniature Golf, having birthday parties, and feeding the animals.

It was a beautiful day to be outside.

Killen Adventure Park 

2023 April 1, Mule Day Parada Columbia and Mount Pleasant, TN. Grill & Museum

 Hubby and I had an excellent April 1st (April Fools' Day) We stopped at Jack in Lawrenceburg for breakfast. I ordered their single gravy, sausage, and biscuits. Hubby ordered their big breakfast with pancakes.

We rode to Columbia to watch the Mule Day Parade. Arrived a little early and found a place to sit. There were thousands of people there for the parade and other events. The parade began at 11:00 AM and was over a little after 12.  The Grand Marshall was Mike Wolfe from America Pickers.

At the end of the parade were a couple of big sweeper trucks to clean up all the horse and Mule poop.

Grand Marshall Mike Wolfe 

An unusual float, the Solo Cup 

Mules and Horses 

We left Columbia and drove through Mt Pleasant, stopping at Mt Pleasant Grill. It didn't appear much, but we thought we would try it. It was a lot bigger on the inside and very nice. The food was great. A little spicy and cooked differently. It was tender, fresh, and delicious. We definitely will eat there again. 

Fried Catfish, Fried Okra, Cole Slaw 

We asked about the museum next door, and one of the waitresses said it was worth seeing. So we toured the museum. It was filled with lots of memorabilia about the town. The things you would see in a doctor's office, war artifacts, gowns, dresses, furniture, and so much more.

doctor office

I bought several note cards: The Hamilton Place, The St Johns Episcopal Church, Walnut Grove, Rippavilla, and Fountain Creek Mills. (historic homes, church, and mill). The curator tried to sell us a 2023 Farmers Almanac she was telling us about some of the things she had read in it. 

Walked outside to the nearby park, where I saw those beautiful tin flowers and 2 blooming dogwood trees. The perfect time of the year to be blooming. We had a great time except for the 30 MPH winds. We saw hats, trash, and cotton candy flying everywhere. One bag blew off the vendor's rack and spooked several horses. All in all, it was a great day.

Dogwood Trees