The GR Guide Fall Issue

FALL 2020 | ISSUE NO. 4

HELLO FALL

WELCOMING A NEW SEASON FILLED WITH PUMPKINS, FOOTBALL AND GRATIUDE

PLUS, DELICIOUS FALL RECIPES INCLUDING MY FAVORITE VEGETARIAN CHILI AND APPLE CIDER MIMOSAS

YOUR GUIDE TO ISSUE NO.04

8 My Favorite Vegetarian Chili Chili is a tradition on Halloween night with my familyt. My sister and I love making this vegetarian chili because it's so easy and tastes amazing with fresh veggies + quinoa.

10 The Best Brussels Sprout Salad I made this shaved brussels sprout salad for Thanksgiving last year and it was a huge hit. With a sweet mustard dressing, dried cranberries and sunflower seeds this salad is a must for fall.

12 Easy & Delicious Scotcharoos If you haven't had a Scotcharoo you're missing out.

With peanut butter, puffed rice cereal and a dark chocolate + butterscotch topping these are just too good to have only one.

14 Pretzel Bites With Honey Mustard You'll be surprised how easy it is to make homemade pretzel bites with pizza dough. Serve these pretzel bites on your charcuterie board or with a yummy honey mustard sauce.

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16 Cheers to Apple Cider Mimosas Elevate your brunch game with an apple cider mimosa this fall. Trust me you can't go wrong with this fall inspired cocktail. Cheers!

18 Making a Fall Charcuterie Board Take your charcuterie board to the next level with these fall inspired ideas. I'm sharing a how-to on making this fall charcuterie board that you don't want to miss.

22 A Cozy Fall Playlist Whether you're taking a drive to see the tree colors or cozy at home doing a puzzle I've got a great fall playlist to enjoy.

24 Fall Bucket List + Fun Holidays Make the most of the fall season with the fall bucket list. I've also included a fun lineup of holidays to celebrate throughout the next few months.

30 My Favorite Things Right Now What are some of my favorite things right now? I'm sharing a round-up of items I've been loving and a few things on my wishlist.

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32 Fall 2020 Football Party Ideas Fall and football are a perfect combination right?!

Host a little tailgating party with your close family with these fun ideas and recipes.

36 Fall Date Ideas in West Michigan Trying to plan a special date this fall? Check out this article for some great ideas for an autumn date in West Michigan.

38 Ideas for Practicing Gratitude This Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I'm sharing some ideas for how you can practice gratitude this fall season with your friends and family.

40 Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall Get your home ready for fall with some tips for decorating your front porch. From mums to pumpkins I have easy ideas to get ready for fall.

42 A Fall Getaway to Mackinac Island Need a little getaway? Head up north to Mackinac Island to see the fall colors and experience a relaxing weekend away. I'm sharing some of my favorite things to do on the island that you won't want to miss. o4 |  www.thegrguide.com

HEY FRIENDS -

Welcome to the start of Fall! Saying goodbye to summer is really difficult for me. I've already complained multiple times about being cold, and asked Cory when we can turn the heat on...I wish I was kidding.

Like it or not Fall is here. And instead of wishing for more sun and warm weather I'm choosing to focus on the joy of this season.

Carving pumpkins with my nephews, baking apple crisp with my mom, a Halloween chili cook-off, Hocus Pocus on repeat, and all the pumpkin spice flavors. This year has been filled with ups and downs, but a new season is a welcoming fresh start.

Instead of dwelling on the negative, let's use this season to focus on what we're grateful for.

Because in the midst of everything going on right now, we can all find something to be Sara Visser thankful for. o5 | Â www.thegrguide.com EDITOR, SAVORY MAG

"It's the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!"

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My family has a Halloween tradition of making chili and cornbread. Since my sister and I are vegetarian, we've been making this vegetarian chili that's super easy to make and tastes amazing.

DIRECTIONS

In a dutch oven add the olive oil on medium heat. Once warm add the diced onion, diced bell pepper and minced garlic. Cook

This vegetarian chili is very easy to make on a chilly fall day..

Serve with cheese, avocado and cilantro on top + cornbread.

INGREDIENTS

for around 3-4 minutes.

Once the onion, green pepper and garlic have cooked, add the diced green chilies. Stir until combined.

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa

8 oz tomato sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cups veggie broth

Add the spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika,

1 onion

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

and hot pepper flakes) to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes.

1 4 oz. diced green chilies

1 can black beans

1 green bell pepper

1 can kidney beans

vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the ingredients to a boil and

1 garlic clove

3/4 cup frozen corn

cook for 3-5 minutes. Next add the black beans, kidney beans,

2 tbsp chili powder 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes (optional) 28 oz diced fire roasted tomatoes

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Pour the diced fire roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and

corn, red wine vinegar and quinoa. Cook for another 20 minutes on low until quinoa is cooked.

Once the quinoa has cooked, I transfer the chili to a crock-pot to keep warm and for easy transport. Serve the chili with shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro on top and cornbread on the side.

I made this shaved brussels sprout salad for Thanksgiving last year, and it was a huge hit with my family.

With a sweet mustard vinaigrette, dried cranberries and sunflower seeds this is the perfect fall salad.

You can make this salad ahead of time saving the apples and

DIRECTIONS

dressing for when you're ready to serve. Trust me your family

Pour the shaved brussels sprouts in a large bowl or serving

will love this fall salad!

dish. If you can't find the brussels sprouts shaved (I get the

INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD

10 oz bag of shaved brussels sprouts

bag from Trader Joe's) you can use a food processor or mandoline to shave brussels sprouts.

1 apple 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup parmesan cheese INGREDIENTS FOR THE DRESSING

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice

Cut your apple into cubes or slices and spread on top of the brussels sprouts. Then add your dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and parmesan cheese.

For the dressing, combine the ingredients in a jar and shake until combined. Season with a little salt and pepper (to taste).

1/2 tbsp maple syrup

Pour the dressing over the salad and lightly toss together.

1/2 tbsp honey

Add some freshly grated black pepper on top.

2 tsp harvest grain dijon mustard salt and pepper 11 | Â www.thegrguide.com

These scotcharoos are so good it's hard to only eat one. With a mix of peanut butter, dark chocolate and butterscotch the flavors are perfect for the fall season.

DIRECTIONS

Prepare your 9x13 baking dish by heavily greasing the pan.

I used butter to grease the pan to ensure the bars don't stick.

You're going to LOVE this scotcharoos recipe.

In a medium/large saucepan add the sugar and light corn

These bars are a hit with both kids and adults.

syrup. On medium heat stir until the sugar has melted and the mixture just starts to boil. Remove from the heat.

INGREDIENTS

5Â 1/2 cups Puffed Rice Cereal

Add the peanut butter and stir until it becomes a thick sauce. Then add the puffed rice cereal. Stir to combine.

1 cup sugar 1 cup light corn syrup

Transfer the peanut butter cereal mixture into your 9x13

1 cup creamy peanut butter

pan. I use a ziploc bag on my hand to press the cereal into

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 3/4 cup butterscotch chips

the pan.

In a microwave safe bowl add the chocolate and butterscotch chips. Microwave for 30 seconds and then stir. Repeat this until they are melted.

Pour the chocolate butterscotch mixture on the cereal bars. Allow to cool on your counter or in the fridge before

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serving.

Who knew making pretzels at home could be this easy? Using store bought pizza dough these pretzel bites are easy to make and so yummy with a honey mustard sauce.

These pretzel bites are so delicious your whole family

DIRECTIONS

will love them. Serve with a honey mustard sauce or on a

In a medium/large pot bring the water to a boil. Then add

charcuterie board (in this issue)

your baking soda.

INGREDIENTS

Pizza dough 5 cups water 1/3 cup baking soda

Break off pieces of pizza dough (around the size of a cherry) and roll into a ball. Drop 3-4 balls of dough in the pot at a time. Cook for 1 minute or until you see the dough start to puff slightly.

1 egg (beaten) Sea Salt or Flaky Salt

Use a slotted spoon to get the dough and place on a plate lighted with paper towel.

HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE

4 tbsp grainy dijon mustard 3 tbsp honey

Transfer the dough to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep the dough 1/2 in - 3/4 in apart so they don't bake together.

Brush the top of the dough with the egg and top with flaky salt. Bake at 450 degrees F for 12-14 minutes or until

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golden brown. Serve with the honey mustard sauce.

Elevate your next fall brunch with a apple cider mimosa. You'll love the fall flavors in this classsic cocktail!

These apple cider mimosas are the perfect fall cocktail.

Putting caramel sauce and cinnamon sugar on the glass of your rim is optional - but totally worth it.

INGREDIENTS

Apple Cider Prosecco Caramel Sauce Cinnamon Sugar Apple (sliced)

DIRECTIONS

This is optional (but really good) dip the rim of your champagne glass in caramel sauce. Then dip the glass in cinnamon sugar. Pour the prosecco into your glass about 3/4 of the way full. Then top with apple cider. This ratio can be adjusted depending on how much you love apple cider.

Garnish the glass with a slice of apple.

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A mix of different cheeses, meat and fall flavors.

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A charcuterie board is a fun way to try different cheeses, meats, fresh fruit and incorporate fall flavors. I've made a charcuterie board similar to this one for Thanksgiving and it definitely a crowd pleaser. I usually pick up most of my charcuterie board items at Trader Joe's because I love their selection of cheeses and fall inspired items like the pumpkin and cranberry crackers.

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These pumpkin and cranberry crackers & cheddar cheese straws are amazing fromTrader Joe's

Pick your cheeses - Use a mix of different flavors & textures.

Think about fall colors - I used a lot of orange and red colors to incorporate the fall season.

Use a variety of meats - I'm a vegetarian, but I used a couple of Cory's favorites for this board.

Add fall elements - I used this pumpkin serving dish to hold olives, and fresh artichokes for a little texture. You could also use mini pumpkins or mini gourds on your charcuterie board.

Try an assortment of crackers Get a variety of crackers with some fall flavors that pair well with the cheeses.

Add fresh elements - Grapes, apples, olives, and figs are great options.

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This ceramic pumpkin is perfect for holding olives

Cheese Parmesan Cheese Blue Cheese Merlot Cheese

Meat Salami Capicola

Crackers/Bread Pretzel Bites Cheese Straws Pumpkin Cranberry Crackers

Add-Ons Nuts - Peanuts & Almonds Dried Fruit - Cherries or Cranberries Fresh Fruit - Apples Olives Honey Fresh Artichokes

*Click the play button to listen to this playlist on Spotify!

SUNSHINE WHAT WE'VE BEEN MISSING SUNDAY WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT MAINE NEVER STOP BITTERSWEET ENDINGS CHILD AGAIN THE LAKES FADE AWAY REAL PEACH STRANGERS DARK DAYS MOMENTS

BY AND BY OLIVIA RUNAWAY LIKE GOLD OCTOBER SKIES SURPLUS

MEDISIN THE LIGHT AND THE HEAT LAWSON HULL DYLAN DUNLAP NOAH KAHAN TYLER BROWN WILLIAMS RIGHTFIELD NEEDTOBREATHE TAYLOR SWIFT YOKE LORE HENRY JAMISON MT. JOY LOCAL NATIVES HOLLOW COVES CAAMP RAYLAND BAXTER ZIGGY ALBERTS VANCE JOY MUMFORD & SONS SPECTRE JONES

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TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE

BAKE A PIE

VISIT AN APPLE ORCHARD

HAVE A BONFIRE

CARVE PUMPKINS

JUMP IN A LEAF PILE

DECORATE FRONT PORCH

READ A NEW BOOK

DRESS UP FOR HALLOWEEN

DO A DIY PROJECT

EAT APPLE CIDER DONUTS

WATCH FOOTBALL

MAKE A FALL COCKTAIL

MAKE APPLE CRISP

ROAST PUMPKIN SEEDS

WEEKEND GETAWAY

TRY A FALL CHEESE BOARD

DO A PUZZLE

DONATE TO FOOD PANTRY

GO ON A HIKE

VISIT A PUMPKIN PATCH

WATCH HOCUS POCUS

CREATE A FALL PLAYLIST

EAT CANDY CORN

SEND THANK YOU CARDS

MAKE SOUP OR CHILI

Make the most of this fall season with these fun holidays! I feel like we could use any reason to celebrate these days. Am I right? Pick some of your favorite holidays to celebrate this autumn season. I'm all about national coffee day, world smile day, national chocolate day, and national donut day. Enjoy and share your favorites with me on social media @thegrguide!

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September 22

September 25

September 26

September 27

First Day of Fall

National Lobster Day

National Pancake Day

National Chocolate Milk Day

September 28

September 29

September 30

National Drink Beer Day

National Coffee Day

National Hot Mulled Cider Day

A trip to Donkey is a must

Head to the blog for this Apple Crisp recipe

October 1

October 2

October 4

October 5

National Hair Day

World Smile Day

National Taco Day

National Do Something Nice Day

October 8

October 10

October 11

October 13

National Pierogi Day

World Mental Health Day

National Sausage Pizza Day

National Face Your Fears Day

October 14

October 16

October 17

October 19

National Dessert Day

National Sports Day

National Pasta Day

National Seafood Bisque Day

October 21

October 24

October 25

October 26

National Apple Day

Make a Difference Day

National Greasy Food Day

National Pumpkin Day

October 28

October 29

October 30

October 31

National Chocolate Day

National Cat Day

National Candy Corn Day

Halloween

A perfect day to carve pumpkins

November 1

November 3

November 4

November 5

National Cinnamon Day

National Sandwich Day

National Stress Awareness Day

National Donut Day

Do a random act of kindness today

November 6

November 8

November 11

November 13

National Nachos Day

National Cappuccino Day

National Sundae Day

World Kindness Day

November 14

November 15

November 17

November 18

National Pickle Day

National Bundt Cake Day

National Take a Hike Day

National Apple Cider Day

November 21

November 22

November 23

November 25

National Stuffing Day

National Cranberry Relish Day

National Espresso Day

National Parfait Day

November 26

November 27

November 28

November 30

Thanksgiving

National Buy Nothing Day

National French Toast Day

National Mousse Day

Try the Apple Cider Mimosas in this issue

Here are some of my favorite things that I'm enjoying right now, plus a few things on my wishlist for fall. I'm all about cozy pieces for my home and wardrobe this season.

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I'm so obsessed with this sweater, I own it in three different colors.

J.Crew - Sophie Open-Front Sweater- Blazer

Anatomy of a Home - French Market Bag

Grown Allchemist - Hand Wash

The perfect color for fall

Essie Nail Polish - Wicked Target - Boucle Throw Blanket

the coziest slipperst H&M - Felted Shacket

Terrain - Ruffled Marble Bowl 31 | www.thegrguide.com

Ugg - Dakota Slipper

OUAI - Medium Hair Shampoo

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Send Invitations

Add Some Decorations

Set-Up Outside

Sending invitations to family or close friends is a fun idea for your football party. I love using Paperless Post for sending online invitations. I used these football invites that were easy to customize and track who was coming.

You can't have a football party without some football decor. Since we watched the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game I included some Michigan gear on the tables. It's easy to add some fall decor and football items to embrace the theme or team you're cheering for.

Make sure people can social distance by setting up your tv or projector outside to watch the game. Take advantage of the nice weather and set up tables outside for your food and drinks. Have guests bring their own packable chairs to keep it easy.

All About The Snacks

A Fall Cocktail + Beer

Games For Kids

A tailgating party isn't complete without the snacks. This harvest mix from Southern Living was a huge hit at our tailgating party. I also provided popcorn, chips + guacamole, scotcharoos (recipe in this issue), and pulled pork sliders.

Cory created a cocktail for this tailgating party - apple cider mimosas. This was a fun way to embrace the fall season and try something new. We also had Oktoberfest beer and water for guests.

Keep the kids entertained with some games or toys. My nephews loved playing games in our backyard while the adults watched the football game.

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"Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go."

Need some ideas for a fun fall date? Here are some great options for planning a special autumn date in West Michigan.

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Carve Pumpkins

Farmers Market

Go On A Hike

Get some pumpkins at a local pumpkin patch and enjoy a pumpkin carving night. Enjoy a fall cocktail and some snacks while you carve pumpkins together. Get creative with your pumpkin carving and maybe try a challenging design.

We love our Saturday morning dates to the Fulton Street Farmers Market. Grab a coffee at Madcap and stroll the farmers market for some local produce. Maybe pick up some ingredients to try a new recipe during the week?

Take advantage of these mild weather days and take a hike, a walk or a bike ride outside. Pick a place you love or go on an adventure and explore a new place together.

Take A Color Tour

Watch a Scary Movie

Have A Game Night

With the leaves changing color this is a great time to jump in the car and go for a color tour. We love driving up north at peak season for the colors changing and stopping at our favorite spots along the way.

Halloween is right around the corner! Pick a scary movie (or one of your favorite Halloween movies to watch together). Make some fun snacks or dessert (like Halloween candy) to enjoy while watching the movie.

Bring out some of your favorite board games or order a new game to play together this season. Cory and I just ordered a new puzzle to try and we love playing cards. Listen to the fall playlist on Spotify while playing your game!

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Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and it's a great time to reflect on what you're thankful for this year. I think we can all agree this year has been challenging, emotional, and stressful in many ways. But, reflecting on what we're thankful for is so important - especially right now. Cory and I have a routine at night where we say one thing we're grateful for. This has really helped to change our mindset and also appreciate the good things happening around us. This Thanksgiving or this season I challenge you to make a list of what you're grateful for. You can use this next page to list five things you're grateful for.

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Keep It Simple

A Mix of Pumpkins

Add Some Mums

There's no need to go over the top with your fall decor. Keep it simple and incorporate items you already own with natural elements. It's fun to mix a little bit of fall and some Halloween items into your outdoor decor.Â

Pumpkins are classic for decorating your front porch. I love getting bright orange pumpkins that we can later use to carve for Halloween.

And then mix the bright orange color with a muted green, light orange or white pumpkins to add some extra color.

Mums are a great addition to your front porch for fall. I usually plant a medium sized mum in my square planter box, and get a few more for my stairs. This year I got two larger potted mums for either side of my door. Adding mums is a great way to add a pop of color!

Candles in Lanterns

Fall Doormat

Pillows or Throw

Add some candles in lanterns to your front porch this fall. I had these tall hurricanes from our wedding that I put by our stairs. I added some sand to the bottom and a pillar candle. Even if you don't light the candles, they still look great outside.

I'm a big fan of getting different doormats throughout the year. It's fun to get a fall themed doormat or even something with a Halloween saying. I usually shop at Target or Amazon for a new doormat.

Add a fun pillow or throw that's made with an outdoor fabric. We change up our front porch pillow depending on the season and it's a fun indoor element to add outside.

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We’re so lucky to live in a place that has such an amazing fall season, and exploring Michigan to see the colors change is a must. Take a drive to Mackinac Island to take in all the sights and enjoy some relaxation this fall. Driving to Mackinaw City from Grand Rapids takes roughly 3.5 hours which gives you a great opportunity to see the fall colors on your drive.

Exactly two years ago, I partnered with Mission Point on Mackinac Island. Whether you choose to travel with a significant other, your family or take a girls getaway Mission Point is a perfect choice. Here are some things I loved about staying at Mission Point: How family friendly the resort is – We loved seeing so many families staying at Mission Point during our stay and we totally understand why families come here. The accommodations are spacious and there is something for everyone to enjoy with the activities and restaurants that are offered at the resort.

Endless things to do during the fall season – From biking to playing golf to the spa you can find something fun to experience during the fall season at Mission Point. This is the perfect way to enjoy a Michigan fall weekend with a mixture of things to do outside.

How friendly everyone is – Making your stay feel comfortable and welcome is what it’s all about when you go on vacation.

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"Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.�

LAUREN DESTEFANO 45 | Â www.thegrguide.com

Mission Point The Mackinac House Grand Hotel Hotel Iroquois

Bike Around The Island See Arch Rock Putt-Putt Golf at The Greens of Mackinac Sunset Rock Horseback Riding The Fort

The Jockey Club Chianti Bistro on the Greens Carriage House 1852 Grill Room The Woods Pink Pony

My Favorite Things To Do On Mackinac Island:

Where to Eat & Drink on Mackinac Island:

A bike around the island is must when you’re on Mackinac Island.

Biking around the island is 8.2 miles and takes around 60 minutes (depending on if you stop along the way). I suggest stopping at Arch Rock and packing a snack to enjoy by the water. Make sure to check the weather and dress appropriately for your bike ride.

The breeze off the lake can be pretty chilly during the fall months.

Our favorite lunch spot on Mackinac Island is The Jockey Club. You’ll find great sandwiches, salads and awesome views of the golf course at this restaurant. Cory and I biked up here after we rode around the island, and didn’t need a reservation for lunch. More lunch spots we love: The Gate House and Bistro on the Greens (great for lunch after putt-putt golf).

Cory and I love putt-putt golfing at Mission Point’s The Greens of Mackinac. We don’t keep score because we’re so competitive, but we always have a great time. The views while you golf are incredible, and it’s a fun activity with kids.

Take a walk and explore Sunset Rock near the Inn at Stonecliffe.

Cory and I walked to the Mackinac Island Food Truck & Beer Garden and noticed the sign for Sunset Rock. We quickly ran to catch the sunset and it was incredible.

Need more ideas for things to do on Mackinac Island? Check out the horseback riding at Cindy’s Riding Stable, enjoy a Sip n’ Sail Cruise, explore The Fort, sit on the front porch of the Grand Hotel, or try kayaking.

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We loved dinner at Carriage House located in Hotel Iroquois.

We loved the view of the water on the patio while we enjoyed dinner.

I would highly recommend making a reservation for dinner before you visit Mackinac Island.I would also recommend the 1852 Grill Room at the Island House Hotel, or Chianti at Mission Point for dinner.

You can’t go to Mackinac Island and not have some fudge. There are lots of fudge shops to choose from, and everyone has their favorite. We grabbed some fudge from Ryba’s Fudge Shop while we visited the island. Cory and I also love grabbing ice cream from Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor located at the Grand Hotel.

For a drink we loved the Mackinac Island Food Truck and Beer Garden at Inn at Stonecliffe. The view was incredible to enjoy with a glass of wine.

Cory and I also enjoyed a drink at Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois.

Since the bar was pretty full we grabbed a drink and enjoyed it on the veranda.

More of our favorite spots to grab a drink: You can’t miss the views from Cupola Bar in the Grand Hotel. Everyone loves Pink Pony for a drink on Mackinac Island.

We’ve been here multiple times and enjoyed the music and drinks.

We also love The Woods for a drink and some bowling. Or Reserve for a glass of champagne at Mission Point.

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“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

F. SCOTT FITZERGERALD