Halloween weekend is only 19 days away and Rob and I are so excited for our upcoming trip to celebrate Halloween at the Grand on Mackinac Island. The historic Grand Hotel, which opened in 1887, is completely majestic and the perfect setting for a Halloween getaway.
Rob and I haven’t visited Mackinac Island as a couple yet. We were planning to visit the island for a quick getaway next summer. I’ll admit that staying at the Grand Hotel was something I fantasized about with Rob, but didn’t know if he would go for it since we have free lodging at my family’s cabin, which is only an hour away.
When I heard about this year’s First Ever Halloween Weekend at the Grand Hotel, I was instantly intrigued. The experience sounded completely unique and it was a way for Rob and I to experience Mackinac Island in a new and special way. Rob and I have never really “celebrated” Halloween together, and this would serve as another fun “first” for the two of us.
I couldn’t wait to read more about the weekend’s events and I suspect you might be curious as well so I will happily fill you in!
Friday, October 30
The fun begin on Friday, October 30 with a welcome reception, followed by a five-course dinner in the Main Dining Room.
Dinner will be followed by a walk through the hotel’s grounds along the haunted trail. After a walk along the haunted trail, we will have our choice of two entertainment options for the evening. A Halloween Kick-Off Bash will be held at the Gate House, a nearby Grand Hotel restaurant on the island. The hotel is also showing a screening of the 1993 Halloween film, Hocus Pocus.
When Rob and I heard that the movie they intended to show, we were both secretly excited and tried to be play it cool and not let our enthusiasm show too much. The film is over 20 years old and I remember watching it at the theater with my cousins when it was released. I loved it then and Rob and I are no longer keeping it a secret that we are very excited about the movie. There’s no tired like teacher tired on a Friday night. Especially after celebrating Halloween in the classroom with a bunch of kindergarten students. Watching a light Halloween movie will be the perfect kickoff event for me.
Saturday, October 31
The fun continues on Saturday morning with a full breakfast in the Main Dining Room. The menu will also feature a build your own Bloody Mary bar (which I am particularly excited for!) I’ll have to limit myself to just one savory glass, though, because a pumpkin carving agenda is also a scheduled activity on Halloween.
We will be treated to free admission at the Haunted Theatre on Mackinac Island, followed by a Haunted Afternoon Tea in the Grand Hotel parlor.
The evening will conclude with a five-course dinner in the Main Dining Room and a Grand Halloween Ball and Costume Party. Tarot card and palm readers will also be in attendance and beer, wine and snacks will be provided by the hotel. Of course there will also be a costume contest.
Rob and I are both eager to grab our cameras and explore the hotel’s property and amenities. With so many events planned for the day, it will be interesting to fit everything in, but we are up for the challenge!
Sunday, November 1
On Sunday morning, Rob and I will have one last meal in the Main Dining Hall, then hop on the ferry and head back downstate. I’m sure I’ll be scrolling through our photos while Rob is behind the wheel. We will have so much to share with you from our Halloween Weekend adventure at the Grand.
What to Pack
This isn’t your average fall getaway weekend, and I can’t help but plan for how we will pack for the weekend. In addition to my usual assortment of warm layers, skinny pants and riding boots, we will both need evening attire for the weekend. For Rob, that means a suit or sport coat, dress slacks and possibly a necktie. For me, that means a dress or skirt and blouse or a pantsuit. Thank goodness for Stitch Fix! I think I’ll have a little fun with the Halloween Theme of the evening and wear the Kathy Striped Fit & Flare Dress that came in my 13th fix. Add a pair of black lace tights from Old Navy, and the dress has a little bit of a costume flair.
Costumes are acceptable attire for dinner and the party on Saturday night, but I don’t think I will fit in very well if I go with my typical Halloween shopping experience of spending $10 at Salvation Army and finding a way to spin it into a costume. This is a special trip to a memorable venue and I don’t really want to dress as a zombie or anything frumpy. I’m not interested in winning the costume contest. My only goal is to blend in and feel like it’s a special occasion (because for Rob and I, it is most definitely a special occasion). I did a little brainstorming and I plan to dress as a flapper for Halloween this year. I will splurge on a dress because 1920s style attire is in fashion and can be repurposed for any special event. It will also double as a costume for me and serve as a fun nod to the vintage feel of the Grand Hotel.
My favorite source for vintage inspired clothing is the ModCloth website. I am a longtime ModCloth shopper and every time I need a unique and interesting garment for a special occasion, I look there first. My mom even purchased her gown for my vintage-theme wedding from ModCloth. Luckily, Modcloth has an entire page of their store dedicated to 1920s inspired fashion.
Here are a few of the items that immediately caught my eye:
I think I’m going to go with the gray Philharmonic of Time dress that’s in the lower right corner.
The rest of my suitcase will be filled with warm layers for the daytime. Click an image to learn more about the pieces shown.
Rob will be much simpler to pack for the trip. He will just need some basic sweaters or button down shirts during the day, a nice suit for Friday night and his Halloween costume is definitely going to require a trip to the Salvation Army. Rob is going to dress as Dwight Schrute from the office and I’m pretty sure he can pull it off!
Rob and I are so excited for our trip to celebrate Halloween at the Grand in a few short weeks. If you are interested in heading up for the festivities, here’s a recap of everything included in the weekend package:
- Accommodations
- Full breakfast and five-course dinner daily*
- Friday evening Welcome Reception*
- Friday night Haunted Trail
- Friday night party at The Gate House (first drink included)
- Friday night movie in the Theatre
- Saturday morning build your own Bloody Mary bar
- Saturday admission to the Haunted Theatre (downtown Mackinac Island)
- Saturday Pumpkin Carving contest
- Saturday Haunted Afternoon Tea
- Saturday evening Halloween Ball and Costume Party – including live music, wine, beer, snacks, Tarot card and palm readers.
- Special discount on ferry boat tickets
- No tipping within Grand Hotel
Complete details and booking information for the Halloween at the Grand weekend on Mackinac Island are available on the Grand Hotel’s website.
This is a sponsored post. I received payment, trade and/or products from the Grand Hotel in exchange for promoting.
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Kim says
I live in the Grand Rapids area, and my husband and I try to get to the Island at least once a year. We have now stayed on the island over night several times, but never at the Grand. I love this idea and was wondering if it is something that they offer every Halloween? What a fun idea! We may have to give it a try next fall. I can’t wait to see your photos when you get back!! Have fun!
Maria Manore says
This is their first ever Halloween weekend, but I hope it will be an annual tradition!
Dee says
The husband and I are also heading to the Grand for their first-ever Halloween bash — can’t wait! It’ll be my first time to Mackinac Island, and I’ve always wanted to stay here. Does it get any better? See you there!