An Enchanted Artisan Adventure

Each of our participating artisans will help to craft a once-in-a-lifetime experience, sharing their unique artistry and expertise.

Thursday (dinner provided)

Set in the inspiring surrounds of Blisswood, our adventure begins with a welcome dinner by Lauretta Reiss, owner of Small Batch at the Cupola. While a fire crackles on the nearby hearth, she’ll create an artisanal dining experience for us, filled with flavorful food from local ingredients. We’ll be treated to a cooking demonstration by Lauretta as she shares her secrets to creating Floret Focaccia, as beautiful as it is delicious, and finally---linger over a delectable dessert.

Friday (Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided)

Friday morning, we’ll gather for breakfast before embarking on our island excursion. We’ll head north, rendezvous at the Shepler’s dock in Mackinac City, and board the ferry. Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes, beckons. We’ll be greeted with the clip-clop of horses’ hooves and the sweet scent of fudge wafting through the air as we board our private horse-drawn taxis and meet the next two of our delightful artisans. Jennifer Wohletz, who considers both Mackinac and Milford home, is a photographer and publisher of books inspired by Mackinac, that celebrate the island’s splendor. She, along with her friend and fellow artisan Sue Allen, will serve as our guides, providing an experience that’s one-of-a-kind. Sue is the author of four books, including, The Gardens of Mackinac Island, Water Beyond the Bridge, Mindful Mackinac, and Lilacs-A Fortnight of Fragrance on Mackinac, to be released in 2021. Her summer home, Ingleneuk, is one of the oldest cottages on the East Bluff. Brimming with charm , we’ll enjoy a morning respite as she shares her home, books, and stories of her beloved island. We’ll wind our way down the bluff with talented author Moira Croghan, taking in a magnificent view of the harbor along the way. Lunch will be a delightful affair at Hotel Iriquois, a winsome island treasure with tempting fare, glorious gardens, and sweeping views of the Straits. After lunch, we’ll meet the next of our talented artisans. Jack Barnwell is an award-winning garden designer and landscape architect whose work is seen throughout the island. He is author of the book The Gardens of Mackinac Island, and grandson of the owner of this beautiful hotel. We’ll enjoy a private tour of the grounds, hear how he creates this masterful provision of blooms, and garner tips to recreate a touch of that magic in our own gardens back home. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to enjoy. Rent a bike, peruse the shops, or feast on fudge. If you’d rather, enjoy a cocktail at one of the island’s iconic landmarks, the Pink Pony Bar, relaxing by the water’s edge. Light fare will be served after our return to Blisswood, a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Saturday (breakfast and lunch included)

Saturday morning you’ll awaken to an enchanting breakfast featuring locally-sourced ingredients. While away the morning with new-found friends and meet the last of our featured artisans, Kelly Ventura----a talented watercolorist who takes her inspiration from the unexpected beauty and wildness found in nature. She will immediately put at ease anyone with artistic inhibitions. . Her fresh, uninhibited style will help us capture the essence of our adventure in an artful memento, a reminder of our blissful time together. Lunch will be a lovely break from our afternoon’s artistic endeavor, feasting on farm-fresh favorites from the local area. Then, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Relax in an Adirondack chair, stroll the shoreline, venture out in kayaks, or hike one of the nearby trails. You’ll determine your own dinner plans. Bring in homemade pasta from Black Barn Farm, pizza from the Crow’s Nest., or venture out to one of the nearby restaurants in the area. Should the evening prove chilly, what better way to wind down than to cozy up beside a stone fireplace, enjoying cards or conversation.

Sunday (breakfast included)

Sunday morning we’ll bid Blisswood farewell. We’ll gather together for one last breakfast before making our way home, grateful for renewed spirt and lasting connection, savoring the memories shared.

This exceptional 3-night experience in northern Michigan includes:

Accommodations in the beautiful, historic Blisswood lodge and cabins

Welcome dinner and cooking demonstration at Blisswood Lodge

Round-trip ferry ticket to Mackinac Island

Private horse-drawn taxi on Mackinac Island

Guided Mackinac tour by Jennifer Wohletz and Sue Allen

Tour of Ingleneuk

Private lunch and tour at Hotel Iroquois

Art activity, including supplies, with local watercolor artist

Three breakfasts and one lunch at Blisswood

Use of Blisswood’s kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, Woodshop Rec Room and all other amenities the property has to offer.

All activities included

House wine with meals

The size of the group will be no more than 18 people, creating a more intimate experience. The weekend activities begin on Thursday with the 5:00 welcome dinner. Check-In time is flexible. Let us know when your group would like to arrive. Copies all authors’ books can be preordered to be available for signing.

We suggest you first put together a group of gals with whom you’d like to rent , then decide which accomodations work best for you. The rates work out to $699.00 per person and you can choose from the different options below. .Have one person reserve the dwelling and divide the cost among the group, however, if each individual from your group would like to pay their portion separately, we can accommodate that as well. Please call to do so as our booking button does not allow reservations to be made that way.

$1398/Double Occupancy Lodge Room. King bed, private bath, lake view

$1398/Double Occupancy Lodge Room. King bed, private bath, lake view

$1398/Double Occupancy Lodge Room, 2 Full Beds, private bath

$2097/Three Person Occupancy-Perch Cabin. Queen Bed, Twin Bed, Gathering Room, Kitchen, Bath, Fireplace, Private Patio, Lake View

$2796/Four Person Occupancy Merganser Cabin. Queen Bed, Full Bed, Gathering Room, Kitchen, Bath, Fireplace, Private Patio, Lake View

$3495/Five Person Occupancy -Two Bedroom Moose Cabin. King Bed, Full Bed, Twin Bunk Bed, Gathering Room, Kitchen, Wood stove, Fireplace, Private Patio, Lake View

By hitting the I’m Interested button and completing the transaction, you’re not purchasing anything—-rather showing that you’d be interested in this event once we’ve selected a firm date. You will be contacted once the details have all been coordinated. This doesn’t obligate you, it just helps us to gauge interest in the event and assures that you get details quickly once dates and details are all set.

photo credit: Jennifer Wohletz