While the focus here is usually not travel, it’s been a while since I’ve posted so I wanted to check-in and share some of our summer happenings. Our youngest recently turned 9 and instead of a birthday party, we did a celebratory weekend getaway to Mackinac Island. For those not familiar, Mackinac is a quaint little island in Lake Huron which sits between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. As part of her Michigan geography and history unit this past school year, my daughter came up with a list of places around the state that she’d like to visit. Mackinac Island was at the top of her list.
There are no cars allowed on the island, and all travel within the island is done by bicycle or by horse and carriage. We parked our car in Mackinac City and took a quick ferry ride over to the charming island.
There’s an eight-mile bike path around the perimeter of the island with many opportunities to stop and enjoy the lake views. Though we visited during the peak summer season, getting an early morning start meant we had many peaceful spots all to ourselves. Riding around the island together as a family was definitely a highlight of the weekend.
On the way back to the hotel, we discovered the sweetest little library with a sitting area out behind that overlooked the water. I’m sure the kids could have sat here for hours if we let them!
We walked around Fort Mackinac, learned about its rich history, and the kids enjoyed many of the interactive exhibits. I’ve lived in Michigan since college, and I can hardly believe it’s taken me this long to plan a trip to the island. Ryan and I especially enjoyed the old-fashioned architecture and the scenic walks, the kids enjoyed all the fudge-making and ice cream, we all loved being surrounded by the water. 
Keeping up with all that goes into the blog and balancing that with being present with the kids at home has been a tough struggle for me this summer. I hope to be back to a more regular schedule of posting soon, but for now, here’s a simple chickpea deli wrap- perfect for quick summer lunches or picnics in the park. Northern Michigan is known for their sweet cherries and we see lots of cherry salads, cherry pies, and other cherry desserts on menus when we travel up north. Dried Michigan cherries bring a bit of sweetness to this salad, chickpeas give substance, there’s crisp celery and chopped scallions, and just enough mayo to bring it all together. I like it wrapped up in a tortilla, but the salad would also be good served on toast or crackers, or even on a bed of fresh greens.
Michigan Chickpea Salad Wraps and a Mackinac Island Weekend
Dried cherries lend a bit of sweetness to the salad, chickpeas add substance, there’s crisp celery and scallions, and just enough mayo to bring it all together. Serve in a wrap, on toast or crackers, and even on a bed of fresh greens.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, about 1 can, drained
- 2 stalks celery, small diced
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 whole grain tortillas
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. In a larger bowl, toss together the chicken, celery, cherries, and scallions, and parsley. Divide salad among three tortillas and wrap. Slice in halves to serve.
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Caroline says
It’s so great to see you back, Emily! You and your family are adorable! Mackinac looks so quaint and dreamy…I’d love to visit someday. These wraps would make my kind of lunch!
Emily says
Thank you, Caroline! I know it’s a bit far from where you are, but it’s definitely worth the stop if you ever make it to northern Michigan in the summer. For so long I had always thought I needed to travel far to see beauty, and finally I’ve realized that there’s beauty all around that I just take for granted. There’s something so nice about just driving for a vacation and skipping all of the airport chaos. 🙂 Thanks again for stopping by, sweet friend. xo
Allison says
I have always wanted to visit Mackinac Island- I’ve heard it is so beautiful and, like you say, quaint. Do you have any recommendations or suggestions for where to stay or eat?
Emily says
Hi Allison! We stayed at the Iroquois Hotel and loved it. It’s a small hotel that sits right on the water and it’s at the very edge of the downtown district so there are many shops and restaurants within walking distance. It’s a little pricey, although not as pricey as staying at the Grand Hotel. We went to the luncheon buffet at the Grand Hotel just so that we could walk around the hotel and experience the Grand for an afternoon (otherwise you have to pay admission just to get onto the grounds!) and the food there exceeded my expectations- so many fresh salads, a variety of mains, and a dreamy dessert table. My favorite meal was at the Carriage House at the Iroquois. The service there is wonderful and there are big windows overlooking the water. We also had meals at Millie’s on Main and Horn’s which I would say were good but not great. As far as accommodations, I’ve also heard that Mission Point is a nice resort and also not quite as expensive as the Grand. Would love to hear about places you try if you ever go visit!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
A tough balance, and I know that internal struggle. Thing is, we must take time like this for ourselves, for our families. I will always be a fan, Emily, no matter how long of a break you take. Mackinac looks dreamy and I LOVE that there are no vehicles there…. and I spied a tea room (!!) did and your daughter partake? This wrap.. I make something like this but with grapes. The addition of dried cherries makes my mouth water – literally! I love it! Enjoy your time… your kiddos will be adults before you know it. (blink). xo
Emily says
I know you know the struggle all too well! That being said, I simply am amazed at all you do.
We had originally planned on having lunch at the tea room, but instead we decided to try having lunch at the Grand Hotel since we weren’t staying there and wanted to visit the gardens and see the inside of the hotel. Next time though- the views are the best from the tea room! Thanks for your faithful friendship, dear Traci!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
PS: your Allbirds (!!) – I wear them all the time when the weather is chilly. They are my most comfortable shoe ; ) .
Emily says
My goodness, you have such a good eye! I can’t believe you spotted those. 🙂 Agree, Allbirds are the best- so cozy and comfortable!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Sounds like you had a wonderful family trip Emily! Thanks so much for sharing all the beautiful photos! Love this chickpea salad wrap too! So nice and light! Perfect for summer!
★★★★★
Carissa Milam says
Can’t wait to try this wrap, Em! It looks delicious. And I always love seeing photos of you guys and your sweet kiddos. xoxo