the suite life of travel
a collection of worldwide adventures
Menu
Skip to content
  • #2801 (no title)
  • About Me
  • Blog Disclaimer
  • Blog Style 2
  • Contact
  • Photo Gallery

Tag Archives: porch

The Barn Inn in Amish Country, Ohio

22 August 202227 June 2025

Mom and I planned a long weekend in Holmes County, Ohio and it would be my first visit to learn more about the Amish community.  We agreed to stay at the Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast in Millersburg as Mom had stayed there in the past.  She explained that the owner had grown up Amish and decided to leave as an adult.  With her knowledgeable insight, we would learn more about the Amish customs, culture and religious practices.

After driving a couple of hours out of Columbus, we finally arrived at The Barn Inn, easy to find with its beautiful barn red exterior. Stepping inside, I was amazed with the open floor plan and rustic design   The upstairs bedrooms can be accessed by stairs that follow the edge of the large room.  We reached our respective rooms and unpacked before wandering the beautiful grounds.

At the time of check-in, we learned about the resident goat and llama.  Of course, I couldn’t wait to visit the dynamic duo within the enclosed fence.  We made a quick stop before driving into town that afternoon.

The hotel staff is extremely knowledgeable with a list of great recommendations for the area.  We requested a restaurant for later and some options for shopping the next day.   I was interested in booking a horse and buggy ride over the weekend while Mom inquired about the bakeries.

We walked the surrounding grounds which pristinely manicured.  A path led to the garden where we found a darling gazebo and small pond.  I imagined that this was the perfect spot for weddings, special events and prom photos.

The fountains scattered within the property are well-maintained.  Sitting next to the trickling water was relaxing and therapeutic.

Mom and I had a wonderful day in the surrounding Amish towns outside of Millersburg.  We shopped for baked goods and unique grocery items such as Nehi Peach soda. We wanted to travel back to the bed and breakfast before dark so we could enjoy sitting on the deck and turning in for bed early for a full day.

I slept so well the previous night and loved the beautiful room set up….very Fixer Upper.

In the morning, we met Michelle, the Inn-keeper.  Over breakfast, she presented the highlights of Holmes County, an overview of Amish traditions and a list of places to visit.

Breakfast included homemade French Toast, breakfast casserole and a side of oatmeal.  Such an incredible selection as guests could also order eggs, bacon or sausage.

Where my seat was located, I could see the beautiful stone fireplace that was the gorgeous centerpiece of the great room.

Before checking out of The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast, I toured the upstairs of the property.  What a great view from the second level where there was so much space with additional rooms and public space.

The Barn Inn is an historic Bed and Breakfast that offers next-level service from its gourmet, scratch-made breakfasts and homemade country-style dinners, some of their famous meals include stuffed French toast and stick-to-your-ribs casseroles.  From the beautiful accommodations, peaceful property with walking paths and the exceptional service, The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast is the perfect location to explore Holmes County, Ohio, the largest Amish community in the United States.

Where to Stay:

The Red Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast
6838 Co Rd 203
Millersburg, OH 44654
Telephone: 877 674 7600
Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Going Back Somewhere in Time on Mackinac Island, Michigan

26 January 201631 August 2024

It was a gorgeous Michigan day when we decided to make the trek towards the Upper Peninsula.  As we approached the island from the south, we could see the Mackinac Island Bridge in the distance.  A massive suspension bridge measuring over 26,000 feet  connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan and traverses Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes.  The residents of Michigan call it the “Big Mac” bridge and they refer to  themselves as U-P’ers, living in the Upper Peninsula.  Those living south of (or “under”) the bridge are lovingly referred to as trolls.

1 Big Mac Bridge

I had first heard of Mackinac Island, Michigan when I rented the movie “Somewhere in Time”.  The production starred Christopher Reeve and was filmed on the island in the late-1970’s.  When I began telling my friends that I was going to spend a week-long family vacation in Michigan, my friends highly recommended spending a day on the island.

2 Mackinac Bridge

We paid the toll to reach the upper peninsula side of the bridge and caught a ferry over to the island.

3 43 Mackinac Bridge, UP

The bridge is somewhat reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

4 110721 Macinaw city harbor from ferryThe light breeze  off of the lake felt great as we patiently awaited the ferry.   From Mackinaw City Harbor, we boarded the Shepler’s Ferry shortly after our arrival to the pier and took the 45 minute boat ride to the island.

5 Approaching Mackinac Island

The ferry ride was incredibly relaxing and smooth as sea gulls flew above us and the winds began to pick up half way through the journey.  In the far distance The Grand Hotel dominated the horizon and was the first structure visible along the coast.

Mackinac Island has been a popular resort town since the early 19th century.  With a quaint downtown full of shops, we arrived at the dock and disembarked, ready to explore the island.

6 48 Mackinac Island Harbor

We strolled through the downtown area prior to visiting the Grand Hotel.  Admiring the yachts and sailboats in the harbor, we visited charming boutiques, restaurants and a large number of fudge shops.

7 Street Shot of Mackinac

We could not help but notice that there was a fudge shop on every corner, a fact for which Mackinac Island is known.  According to one of the local “fudgies”, some of the shop owners have been making their famous fudge for over a century.

8 110721 Joy and Bikes at Mackinac Island

We had several options for getting around the island to include walking, horse and buggies as well as biking.  No cars are permitted on the island, so this added to Mackinac’s charm and simplicity.

9 St. Anne's Church, Mackinac Island

Among the historical buildings on Mackinac Island was St. Anne’s Church.   Locals had congregated here since 1695, but this building, completed as we saw it today, was built in 1874.

10 110721 Amazing Flowers at Mackinac

Flower boxes adorned the windows of shops as we made our way to the Grand Hotel.   We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to explore the island.11 54 Horse Carriage to Cottages by Grand Hotel

We passed a few horse and carriages that transported visitors to the Grand Hotel.  We continued along the path that led us to the resort, passing beautiful estates and mansions that rest along the roadway.

11 Grand Hotel

The approach towards the hotel was breathtaking.  Sitting atop the hill, the stately resort, with its Victorian architecture, commands attention.  Built in the late 19th century, it has been a luxury vacation spot for celebrities, politicians and visitors from all over the world.  Because we were not guests of the hotel, we were required to pay a $5 charge to visit.

12 The Rocking Chairs on Grand Hotel

The hotel is known for its grand porch lined with rocking chairs that are strategically placed to enjoy the scenery.   We took a few moments to enjoy the scenic view from the rockers before making our way back to the harbor to catch the ferry.

13 54 Horse Carriage of Grand Hotel

We retraced our steps into town with one final view of the Grand Hotel’s horse and carriage.  With our ferry tickets in hand, we couldn’t decide if we should make another fudge stop and after taking a vote, the ran to Murdick’s Fudge for a last minute treat.

From the harbor to the downtown, the fudge shops to the Grand Hotel, the self-guided tour of Mackinac Island would end up being one of the highlights of our vacation.  Even on holiday it can be a rare occurrence to experience a place that maintains its charming atmosphere.  And it was for this reason, that on Mackinac Island, we too most certainly felt that we experienced a moment “Somewhere in Time”.

Have you visited Mackinac Island?  Did you stay overnight or visit for the day?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my day on Mackinac Island and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
7278 Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI  49757
Telephone:  906 847 3307

This is the original carriage tour on the island!  The tour takes close to 2 hours with six stops!

Where to Stay:

The Grand Hotel
286 Grand Avenue
Mackinac Island, MI  49757
Telephone: 800 334 7263

Where to Eat:

Bistro on the Green
One Lakeshore Drive
Mackinac Island, MI  49757
Telephone:  906 847 3312

We chose this location to enjoy the scenic view of the putting course.  I started with the crispy calamari, that was perfectly breaded and served with Mission Point’s signature marinara sauce.  I also ordered the grilled kabob, which was served with rice and tzatziki sauce with the perfect amount of garlic.

Murdick’s Fudge
7363 Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI  49757
Telephone: 906-847-3530

Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge and Murdick’s Fudge has been around since 1887!

What to Eat: 

  • The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
  • Vernor’s Ginger Ale
  • Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
  • Mackinac Island Fudge
  • Apples
  • Cherries
  • Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
  • Better Made Chips from Detroit
  • Germack Pistachios 
  • Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
  • Faygo beverages

What to Read: 

  • The Legend of Mackinac Island, by Kathy-jo Wargin
  • Somewhere on Mackinac, by Jeff Adams
  • Mystery on Mackinac Island, by Anna W. Hale
  • The Remarkable Tale of Captain Kidd and the Astor Fortune, by Eugene Thor Petersen
  • Mackinac Passage: The Boathouse Mystery, by Robert A. Lytle

Photo Guide to Mackinac Island: 

  • A View of Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City
  • The Grand Hotel as you approach the island
  • The charming shops on Main Street
  • Arch Rock on the island

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

Categories

  • 2016 Trip Out West (26)
  • Africa (3)
  • Arizona (10)
  • Asia (23)
  • Bali (13)
  • Belize (2)
  • California (24)
  • Caribbean (34)
  • Central America (18)
  • China (1)
  • Costa Rica (1)
  • Egypt (1)
  • Europe (36)
  • Florida (18)
  • France (4)
  • France (1)
  • Greece (11)
  • Israel (3)
  • Italy (13)
  • Jordan (3)
  • Las Vegas (18)
  • Louisiana (4)
  • Maine (4)
  • Massachusetts (2)
  • Mexico (6)
  • Michigan (21)
  • Middle East (3)
  • New York (1)
  • North Carolina (12)
  • Ohio (211)
  • Pennsylvania (9)
  • Philippines (6)
  • South Africa (3)
  • Tennessee (24)
  • Texas (2)
  • Travel Tips (14)
  • Turkey (6)
  • Turkey (6)
  • Uncategorized (6)
  • United Kingdom (7)
  • US travel (410)
  • Wineries (57)
  • World travel (111)

Recent Posts

  • St. Peter’s Square and the Facade of the Basilica
  • Walnut Creek Cheese, Amish Country, Ohio
  • St. Peter’s Basilica: A Cathedral of Art

Instagram

Pins

  • Document Travel-Ways to Remember the Adventure - The Boho Traveller
Follow Me on Pinterest
Site made with ♥ by Angie Makes
Angie Makes Feminine WordPress Themes