Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan

Vera Bradley Photo Shoot

Written by grandhblog on January 18, 2012 — 2 Comments

Our blog today is from Convention Manager Anndee Gross.  Anndee had the privilege of working with the staff from Vera Bradley while they were on the island and she shares her experience with us.

From the Vera Bradley Blog Insidestitch.com

I have worked for Grand Hotel since 2008, and have worked with many different groups. When I was asked to be the convention manager for this special visit for the spring shoot for Vera Bradley, I knew it would be like no other group I had ever worked with. The photo shoot took place on Mackinac Island, July 31- August 7, 2011. This was their first photo shoot on Mackinac Island. They even used island residents as models for the shoot!

I had the pleasure of meeting Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, daughter and co-owner of Vera Bradley!  She started this company in her basement. The company is named after her mother Veronica “Vera” Bradley. She started by using models in her community, friends, family, and basically anyone who was willing take some photos. She still does that today! For every location they pick for a shoot, they will do a casting call for models in that location. They really want to use families, and community members of the particular place they are shooting. We had a model call here on the island for the community to have a chance to be in their spring catalog.

After spending nearly an entire week with Britton Marketing, and the Vera Bradley team, I learned there is a lot more that goes into professional photo shoot than I could have ever imagined. I worked daily with my contact starting in early June, she had a vision for this shoot, but the logistics of being on an island, with no cars, proved to be a slight challenge.  However, it all came together.  We had drays, horse drawn luggage carts, lined up each morning around 5:00am to load all of their cameras, props, equipment, breakfast, rain gear, supplies and then we would head out for the day. It was amazing, but they would work for 10-12 hours a day, for nearly 6 days straight!

Here is a little run-down of what we did, day to day.

Arrival Day: Readied their storage room.  It was a room on the lower level of the hotel. They would use the room for a week straight to organize their wardrobe, make-up and equipment each day.

Day One: First photo shoot was at our pool/gardens area. It was a HOT day. Each day the team took a Grand Hotel boxed breakfast, and I arranged for lunch to be delivered half way through the day.

Day Two: We headed down town where the Marion Leigh was docked. This is our owner’s boat, which has a great color scheme to match some of Vera Bradley’s spring collection. It was rainy, but we were prepared for that. Rain gear was a must each day to cover all equipment. They were happy with this day, however, because you want a gray day to get good photos. The sun can make photos too bright.

Day Three: Another shoot downtown on Main Street. They went to Mr. B’s Ice Cream Shop. This was a hard location with all of their equipment. There are constantly tourist wondering what is going on, taxis, drays, and bikes! They also shot at the Island Laundromat, and the Candy Shop.

Day Four: Was at the Arnold Transit dock. They really liked the dock location, and the colors of green and red.

Day Five: We went to Chestnut Cottage located across from the water as you are heading west on the main road out of town. This home belongs to Mimi Cunningham, who is our Vice President. This has such a great view of the water, and the colors around the area are perfect. This was a nice location, and we had the perfect spot inside Chestnut Cottage to set up hair, make-up, and wardrobe.

Day Six: Just about wrapped the shoot, and we visited Chestnut Cottage again to use as a workspace but shot at Corner Cottage owned by our Chairman R.D. (Dan) Musser. This was the wedding day shoot! It was so cool to see a bride and groom all dressed up. All the flowers they had displayed were amazing. We used the Grand Hotel’s whicker buggy for a shot of the bride and groom after their wedding.

Day Seven: Pack it up! Today was departure day. After a crazy, fun, beautiful week, it was time for the team to head out.

Click here to see the entire catalog.

While being a part of organizing this photo shoot, I did a lot of research on Vera Bradley and found this amazing blog: http://insidestitch.com/

It’s a good way to keep up with their new patterns; product and they also have fun DIY projects. Just another amazing side to the Vera Bradley Collection!

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Winter Fun

Written by grandhblog on January 6, 2012 — 5 Comments

The last weeks of 2011 proved to be quite fun on Mackinac.  We finally accumulated a little snow on December 30th, just in time for the New Year’s Eve celebration.   It was not a lot of snow,  just enough to get out the snowmobiles, put the bikes away,  and make the trip to work a bit more fun.

The Christmas tree on Main Street  was absolutely beautiful all lit up, even before the snow fell.

Everyone had a wonderful time on the hayride and New Year’s Eve celebration at Cawthorne’s Village Inn.  Travis and the gang served hot cocoa and coffee to make sure everyone stayed warm on the ride.

The highlight of the evening on New Year’s Eve was the “Turtle Drop” at midnight.   As many of you know, Mackinac Island runs at a different pace from the rest of the world and Mr. Turtle dropped at a traditional Mackinac Island pace. About 3 minutes after midnight he made it safely to the ground and the festivities continued.  If you were on the island I am sure you had a great time.  For everyone looking forward to cross country skiing on Mackinac, the trail grooming has begun and we are keeping our fingers crossed hoping it will not be long until we have some real snow to play in!

Photos courtesy of Anndee Gross, Travis Vartanian and Mary Haines

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New Year’s Eve at Cawthorne’s Village Inn

Written by grandhblog on December 19, 2011 — 4 Comments

Cawthorne’s Village Inn

On New Year’s Eve, Cawthorne’s Village Inn will be celebrating in grand style. A special dinner menu will be served, along with hayrides at 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Carriage or sleigh rides (snow permitting) will be $20 per person. Includes complimentary hot chocolate, warm apple cider and coffee. Sign up at the Village Inn or call 906-847-3542. Space for each ride is limited to 20 people.  Check out the special menu designed just for New Year’s Eve.  We hope to see you all there!

Cawthorne’s Village Inn — formerly the Village Inn, established in 1981 — is Grand Hotel’s newest casual dining option. Located on Hoban Street and just a block off Mackinac’s Main Street, Cawthorne’s will be open year round and feature a seasonally changing menu. Choices include the signature planked whitefish; numerous dishes using Michigan products; several organic dishes; Cawthorne’s cherry pie (based on the recipe which won the 1947 national cherry pie baking contest); and a perennial favorite of hotel guests, the Grand Pecan Ball. The street-side patio is the perfect place for summertime drinks, lunch or dinner.

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Shopping anyone?

Written by grandhblog on December 7, 2011 — 4 Comments

I have to assume that you all are well on your way with your Christmas and Holiday shopping… However,  I felt the need to throw some fun items out there for you to consider just in case you have a Grand Hotel fan on your list.   Items can be found on our website under the “Shopping” tab or, if you are thinking of something “Grand Hotel” that you do not see on our shopping page, call 517-349-4600 and speak with Suzie.  She may just be able to help you out.

Grand Hotel DVD

The definitive, comprehensive profile of Grand Hotel on DVD, including interviews with the owners of the hotel. Running time: 78 minutes.

Grand Hotel Resin Box

Artistic, durable and well made. A perfect keepsake for fans of Grand Hotel.

Grand Hotel Classic Charm

The Grand Hotel charm is now available online. This beautifully crafted charm is available in 14 karat yellow gold  or in Sterling Silver.

Grand Hotel China

Grand Hotel’s “Camellia Rose” pattern was designed by renowned decorator Dorothy Draper for Chicago’s Camellia House in the 1930s. In the 1970s, the Grand Hotel purchased the copyright to the pattern for use in the Main Dining Room. It is still in use daily and is available for purchase in our gift shop, Mackinac Market.

Grand Hotel Glassware

Enjoy your favorite beverage at home and reminisce over fun times spent at Grand Hotel.

Grand Hotel 125th Anniversary Book

This book may not be available for under the tree but, what Grand Hotel fan would not happily wait for such a wonderful gift?  Pre-orders for the book—priced at $48—can now be made by the general public.  All pre-ordered books will be signed by the Musser family and shipped Spring 2012).  Check the website for a peek inside.

We also have a Gift Certificate Bonus Offer going on now through December 22nd.  For every $200 you purchase in gift certificates we will give you $25.  Call 1-800-33 GRAND (334-7263) to order today!  Have fun shopping!!

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Cawthorne’s Village Inn to open December 1st

Written by grandhblog on November 30, 2011 — 6 Comments

Grand Hotel has taken over management of the Mackinac Island Village Inn which is scheduled to open for the winter on December 1, 2011. We have done a little remodeling, bringing in new kitchen and bar equipment and putting new paint and wallpaper on the walls.   The menu has been slightly revamped, keeping many Village Inn favorites as well as adding some Grand Hotel goodies, like the Grand Pecan Ball and Crispy Chicken Sandwich on Pretzel Bread.

Final preparations are being made today for the “Grand” Winter Opening tomorrow with the first official meal being lunch.  The opening is just in time for the Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar is this weekend, December 3-5.  After you have gotten your hand-made goodies and enjoyed the company of our neighbors, be sure to stop by and say “Hey” to Travis and the crew and check out the newest Grand Hotel dining addition “Cawthorne’s Village Inn.”  You can also find us on Facebook.

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Final update to Trees on the Boulevard

Written by grandhblog on November 14, 2011 — 2 Comments

The tree project has finally been completed this season with 24 more trees being removed and 31 new trees planted.   The tree service, our Maintenance and Grounds crews worked dilligently for several days to get everything removed and replanted.  They started the morning after we closed the hotel on October 26th and finished a few days later.  Everyone wanted to be completely finished before the weather changed as we all know it can quickly the end of October.

The project was a success and the trees are beautiful.  Thank you to everyone who supported this project.  We know you will enjoy the beauty, and the view this project has and will provide for years to come.

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Closing the 2011 Season

Written by grandhblog on November 7, 2011 — 1 Comment

Another Grand season has come to a close.  It is hard to believe that it has been almost 2 weeks since we packed up, and covered up, and moved out leaving the Grand Lady to rest for the winter.   As we did in the 2010 season, we closed on a wonderfully warm night spent with guests (and employees) participating to help us remove chairs and otherfurniture from the Front Porch.  Furniture is put in the Terrace Room and anything in need of paint or repair is placed in a separate section to be taken care of during the winter.

After all the furniture was removed from the porch, Bob treated everyone to a lecture on the closing process.  Bob’s lectures never fail to entertain and get everyone laughing and this lecture did just that.  Bob shared the best and worst questions asked at the Concierge Desk as well as many fun facts from the season with a nearly packed Theatre.   After the lecture, everyone enjoyed a casual dinner buffet and then they were free to roam and look into the few unoccupied rooms we had available.

Tuesday morning everyone gathered in the Parlor, anxiously waiting forthe ringing of the closing bell.   As Mr. Musser descended the stairs from the first floor, everyone drew in closer to watch and listen.  This was a particularly meaningful bell ringing for many of us at the hotel, as it signified our Chairman’s final season in this position.   As he said Thank You for another wonderful season to his guests as well as employees, I looked around to see a parlor filled with many teary eyes.  Of course Mr. Musser will remain a presence in the hotel; hopefully it is not daily, because we wish for him to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Next season marks our 125th Birthday and we are celebrating in a big way with a package giving our guests many special extras.  The 125th Birthday Package can be booked in a lakeview or non-lakeview room and not only includes accommodations, but also provides our guests with a History Lecture, Welcome Reception, Carleton Varney presentation, Q&A session with the Musser Family, a Golf Tournament, Bocci Ball and Croquet Tournaments, special Saturday evening dinner with souvenir menu, Saturday evening concert with Jazz Festival favorite John Pizzarelli and an autographed copy of our 125th Anniversary coffee table book as well as a 20 year calendar commemorating our birthday.  This is sure to be a spectacular weekend and we hope that many of you have the opportunity to join us to celebrate.

Looking forward to another memorable season in 2012!

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Grand Hotel to manage Mackinac Island’s Village Inn Restaurant

Written by grandhblog on October 17, 2011 — 14 Comments

Grand Hotel to manage Mackinac Island’s Village Inn Restaurant

Official Press Release:

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI—Grand Hotel and Dennis Cawthorne, owner of the Village Inn restaurant on Mackinac Island, have signed an agreement for the hotel to manage and operate the restaurant, effective Nov. 1.

The restaurant has been owned by Cawthorne and his wife, Cynthia, since they built and opened it on a vacant lot on Hoban Street in the island’s downtown in 1981.   It will be renamed Cawthorne’s Village Inn – a Grand Hotel Restaurant.

“From our perspective, this is an ideal marriage of what has been a traditional island hospitality spot for 30 years with the expertise and high standards of quality and attention to detail for which Grand Hotel is known around the world,” Cawthorne said.  “We wanted to make sure we found a manager who appreciates and understands the tradition of both our restaurant and Mackinac Island and, of course, no one understands tradition and the island more than the Musser family and the staff at Grand Hotel.  We are looking forward to a very successful relationship with one of Michigan’s iconic companies.”

Grand Hotel President R. D. Musser III said the hotel “will maintain the spirit and atmosphere for which the Village Inn is known, including some of their signature menu items such as their planked whitefish.  At the same time, we plan to develop a menu featuring more Michigan products and with organic selections.”

One item that will be added to the menu will be cherry pie made from the recipe Cynthia Cawthorne’s Aunt Marge Peterson used in 1947 to win the national cherry pie baking contest.  Mrs. Peterson presented one of her pies to President Harry Truman at a White House ceremony.

“Cherry pie and our traditional pecan ball will be the featured deserts,” Musser said.

Musser said the restaurant will close for renovations Nov. 1 and then reopen Dec. 1, the day before the island’s annual Christmas Bazaar.

Cawthorne has been a part of Mackinac Island since 1960, when he went to the island as a college student to take a summer job driving carriages.

“By mutual agreement with the carriage company we decided I would be a better greeter and loader than carriage driver,” Cawthorne said.  “But I was hooked on the island and have been involved in it continually ever since.”

Cawthorne’s next island job involved running the Island Chamber of Commerce during summers as a Harvard Law School student from 1962-65.

By appointment of the governor, he has been a member of the Mackinac Island Park Commission since 1991 and currently serves as chairman of the commission, a position he has held for more than 17 of the 20 years he has been a member.  Cawthorne also is a partner with former Attorney General Frank J. Kelley in the Lansing law firm of Kelley Cawthorne.  He also is a former member of the Michigan Legislature, having retired in 1979 after serving as the Republican Leader in the House.

Musser said Cawthorne’s Village Inn – a Grand Hotel Restaurant will be the fifth restaurant the hotel operates on the island separate from the hotel facility.  The others are The Jockey Club at the Grand Stand, located on the first tee of the golf course across Cadotte Avenue from the hotel; the Gate House, located down the hill from the hotel; Woods, located in the center of the island, and the Tea Room at historic Fort Mackinac.

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An Update to Trees on the Boulevard

Written by grandhblog on October 11, 2011 — 10 Comments

As you all may know, we replaced several old trees along Cadotte Avenue last fall with new Autumn Blaze Maples.  Like many of you, I was skeptical at first about removing the beautiful old trees that were there for so many years.  I loved the look of those majestic maples as I would walk up to the hotel.   However, I was informed that the trees had become a hazard to the public and personally witnessed a few enormous branches fall that surely would have killed a person if they were there when it fell.  This helped me accept the change a little easier.

The new trees have gone from green to orange to blazing red within a few weeks and are currently painting the landscape quite beautifully.  This fall, after we close, another 24 trees will be removed and replaced with 30 new trees.  This particular variety of maple matures quite quickly and is sure to have Cadotte Avenue framed in a blaze of red next fall.  I anxiously await seeing this display of color and hope that many of you will have the opportunity to enjoy it as well.

Posted in Events, Uncategorized

Totally Eccentric Adventurous Red Hat Ladies

Written by grandhblog on October 5, 2011 — Leave a Comment

A few short weeks ago a group of  ”Totally Eccentric Adventurous Red Hat Ladies” came to visit all the way from Vienna, Virginia.   Ms.  Shirley Jackson, Queen Mother of this group, wrote a lovely letter and sent pictures from their afternoon with Victoria Leonard, our Group Tour Coordinator.

The ladies made the trek across several states with many stops, to spend a very short time on the island.  They enjoyed Afternoon Tea and a brief history of Grand Hotel lecture by Victoria.  In the words of Ms. Jackson “We had 40 Red Hat ladies come to tea at your lovely hotel…grand it was.  The service was superb and the food the best.  Walking into the Parlor and seeing the beautiful arrangement of flowers in purple and red truly made us feel special.”

While it is not unusual to have groups travel to visit Grand Hotel, (you will see them here just about every day) it is unusually wonderful to have a group leader take the time to share their thoughts and appreciation by writing a letter and sending photos.  Thank you for taking the time Shirley, we hope you ladies come back and visit again very soon!

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Welcome to the Grand Hotel blog. It's been designed to provide timely, interesting insights into the hotel not typically available through other sources. A number of people associated with Grand Hotel contribute to the blog. Please visit regularly to see the latest blog entries.








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