Sallie Schaaf Borrink's Blog
Posted by Sallie Schaaf Borrink
One of my favorite getaways ever was a three night stint my husband and I spent on Mackinac Island. We made reservations at a lovely inn on the water that was close enough to the downtown shopping district that we could easily walk back to shop or dine.
Because we went in early May, the mornings were still cool and misty. In the early morning hours we could hear the quiet clip clop of horses going by the front of the inn. We enjoyed a scrumptious leisurely breakfast at the inn before heading out for some fun morning activities.
In the afternoons, after a delicious lunch at one of the many unique restaurants on the island, we pulled up a couple of chairs in a coffee shop sticking out over the bay. We whiled away the time reading, talking, and sipping coffee. We enjoyed watching people coming and going in their boats in the nearby marina. There was peaceful music playing and it made for a wonderful way to unwind and just be together during our getaway.
In the evenings, we enjoyed watching the sun set after dining out. Back in our room we could hear the large freight ships going by out on the lake, blowing their low horns in the quiet of the evening.
There is truly no place on earth like Mackinac Island. I highly recommend it.
Posted by Sallie Schaaf Borrink
One doesn’t usually associate the words “tradition” and “travel.” But my husband and I have a few traditions related to our travels together.
When we head out of town, we always go out for breakfast. We like to hit the road early so we are up in the wee hours and usually hit the same particular restaurant for breakfast on the way out of town. There’s something about knowing it is time to finally leave that heightens the anticipation while we eat breakfast.
While eating breakfast we reminisce about previous vacations and trips. We talk about what we are looking forward to on our latest adventure. And we try to eat our breakfast, all the while eagerly anticipating what is ahead.
Another fun travel tradition we have is buying a Christmas ornament while on vacation. Sometimes we only buy one at a particularly memorable location. Other times we’ve come home with many. But each one we purchase is selected because it reminds us of some special aspect of our travels. Each Christmas we then have the opportunity to relive the trips and places we’ve been as we decorate the Christmas tree.
I'd encourage everyone to develop some travel traditions and enjoy the special memories you will create in the process.
Posted by Sallie Schaaf Borrink
I’m a planner when it comes to travel. However, I also love some of the unexpected events that happen to make a vacation memorable.
While driving in Maine the first time, we were naturally cautious about watching for moose. We wanted to see one and we also wanted to avoid hitting one! We live in Michigan and so we’re familiar with watching for deer when traveling, especially in northern Michigan and especially at night. The thought of hitting a moose (which is significantly larger than a deer) was not appealing in the least!
Imagine our delight when we did see one lumbering across the road shortly after crossing over into Maine. We weren’t quick enough to get a picture, but were pleased nonetheless that we saw one. And although we continued to watch for them, we never saw another one.
Imagine our surprise when we arrived home and heard that it is actually rather difficult to see a moose! One friend has vacationed every summer in Maine his entire life and has never seen a moose
So our moose sighting was a great part of our fall foliage trip. If you are planning a trip to New England any time soon or will be taking in the gorgeous fall foliage, keep an eye out for a moose. You might just see one!
Posted by Sallie Schaaf Borrink
Everyone needs a vacation on a regular basis. But sometimes you can't afford it - there simply isn't enough money in the bank to pay for one. A great way to get some time away at minimal cost is by volunteering.
There are numerous lighthouses that offer lodging in exchange for volunteering to care for the lighthouse. Some programs require a commitment of only a few days and others offer opportunities for a week or two. Responsibilities may include cleaning, hosting visitors, giving guided tours, or working in the gift shop. Training is usually provided so it can also be a great opportunity to venture out and try something new.
With lodging covered, the only costs are transportation to and from the location and meals. Most lighthouses offer a small suite with limited cooking facilities so the eating away from home can be done economically as well.
For ideas of lighthouses available in Michigan with such opportunities, check out Lighthouse Bed and Breakfasts.
Posted by Sallie Schaaf Borrink
I'm a planner when it comes to traveling. I rarely fly by the seat of my pants. I want my reservations made so I know I have someplace to sleep. I have a pretty good idea of what I want to see and do in each place I visit. The exception to this is dining. In this case, I might have some general ideas, but I wait until I'm there to know what is available and how our siteseeing has gone for the day. I never know what I want to eat until I'm in the moment.
But one thing I've learned about travel is that you should always take the time to ask the knowledgeable locals about what to see and do . My husband and I have discovered some real gems this way. One of those discoveries was the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. It is kind of ironic that we hadn't planned on going there since we are both history buffs and enjoy presidential history. But it wasn't on our map (so to speak) until the innkeeper suggested it. We decided to swing by there on the way to something else and ended up staying a long time. Visiting Silent Cal's tiny home hamlet was a highlight of our vacation and spurred me on to read more about this interesting president to the point it has become a little hobby of mine.
And all because we listened to the innkeeper!
