Titanic at The Grand Hotel 2019

July 25, 2019

Dear Ones,

I write with great joy to share with you our memories of our spectacular "Titanic at The Grand Hotel" event which took place May 31 through June 4, 2019. Darling George and I were again swept away and shared quite an adventure during our stay at the magnificent Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island where we met new friends and feasted on conversation and activities.

Here are highlights for you to enjoy. Please write when you can.

With warm affection,
Your loving friend, Eleanor

Accommodations

Let's begin with a delightful surprise. Upon our arrival, we were so pleased to be placed in the Senator Prestiss M Brown Suite (created only last year). Oh, the look of shock and awe upon us both! Despite our fears, yes, indeed this was to be our room for the stay so we settled in and celebrated our good fortune.

For those of you unfamiliar with Senator Brown's achievements and thus the honor of a named suite at the Grand, he was called "the father of the Mackinac Bridge." Photos of the Michigan Senator with President Kennedy and other personal memorabilia, including his Senate office chair and desk, and family photos decorated the room. I shant think I shall ever stay in a more luxurious environment with the panoramic view of the lake through the front windows.

Our room with a view!

First Night Reception

Due to inclement weather (and much to our dismay), the Opening Night Reception was held indoors. Alas, the lighting was only fair for photos and we missed an opportunity to be meandering the long deck in the great outdoors, but it was lovely nonetheless schmoozing with other guests donned in their finest (and some prepared for the worst!).

Such a lovely family, all excited to be aboard "ship" at the Grand

Such a lovely couple...and her fur! Gorgeous!

Beautiful Yvette with her very dapper hubby, Jessie

My goodness, the loveliest hat so far!

Happy Eleanor (me) with my handsome Captain. What do you think of my new hat?

Dinner after the Reception

Our first dinner in the Grand Dining Room was marvelous. Not only did we delve into a scrumptious meal, but we were fortunate to be seated next to Lord Byron and Lady Judy who became good friends throughout the weekend.

A Full Day of Activities

Our second day at The Grand was filled with so many amazing events - beginning with a delicious breakfast in the Grand Salon, a very moving history lesson on the Titanic Musicians with David Kaplan, a 3D view of the Titanic from the design team of "Titanic: Honor and Glory," dance lessons (and yes, George is excellent at the Foxtrot!) and another evening Reception (and again, much to our chagrin held indoors due to windy weather - oh well, at least my new hat wasn't windblown).

Dear friends Molly Brown and her intrepid Captain

Alas, once again Nurse Violet Jessup has found lice on our Captain!

We ended the evening with dinner in the theatre, dancing and feasting on selected menu items from the Last 1st Class Meal on the Titanic. Thankfully, we had the good sense to leave early and avoid the horrible ice throwing debacle that is part of the dreadful "drama show." We ended the evening in the lobby until very late, telling stories, laughing and enjoying our new found friends and fellow Titanic enthusiasts: Mark & Margaret and Yvette & Jessie.

After dinner, relaxing on the 600 foot porch. Yes, he IS dashing in his white uniform!

Filling Our Days

Deciding to stay a few extra days at The Grand proved to be a splendid idea (thank you, George!). Once again casual, we ventured into town on a gorgeous sunny day, taking in the sights and sounds (and food - fudge, of course!).

The Grand Hotel "Secret Garden"

My Captain may have found a new vocation!

Dinner was the highlight. Sharing a table with Mark & Margaret and Lord Byron and Lady Judy, we told stories, shared lives and laughed until we closed it down. Not content with that, we moved to the Cupola Bar until they closed for the night. A well spent day!

PRECIOUS new friends: Judy, Byron, Captain (seated), Margaret (standing), Marie (seated), Mark (standing)

Tour around the Island

Our final days, so what is better than a buggy ride around the island? Nothing! Armed with our intrepid leader, Sky, we walked and trotted along the shore, enjoying the sights and beautiful homes overlooking the lake.

Coming into the home stretch - main street past the Grand Hotel.

After a long day sightseeing, what's the next thing you do? Put your feet up and enjoy the view of Lake Michigan and the Mighty Mac from the veranda.

Saying Farewell

Well, this was a magnificent weekend (plus a few days) for both my Captain and myself. We treasure all the memories, and even more, we treasure the dear friends we met. As we drove across the Mighty Mac, heading home through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we gave thanks for adventures like these and look forward to another intrepid Titanic weekend in the future!