I’m not one for rituals and traditions - never have been. It’s just not how I was raised. But, I’m dating the King of we-do-this-every-year, so, I guess I better get used to them.

Since he was a young boy, he and his family have battled the changing seasons and ventured hours north of home to visit the most famous island in Michigan - Mackinac Island. It’s his favorite weekend and trip of the year, so, of course we weren’t going to skip it.

A few months back he initiated the idea, and booked the rooms. Honestly, I didn’t think much of it. I have been to the island before and I wasn’t all that impressed. Besides, there was this nagging voice in the back of my head reminding me that it was going to be cold AF on the island this time of year, and I don’t handle the cold well. Admittedly, I was also really nervous about the whole tradition aspect of it. With history and tradition comes certain expectations. What if he didn’t have as much fun with me going along as he did with his family? What if he regretted bringing me or I ruined his favorite yearly excursion? These are the kinds of things that kept me from really getting into the idea.

When the weekend in question finally arrived, we were already off to a late start thanks to traffic and a few minor set-backs along the way. Then, it rained cats and dogs all the way up north. Bad omens, it seemed, were very present from the offset. Not a good way to start any holiday, let alone one with so much at stake.

We spent the first evening through next afternoon in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. If you’re interested, you can view all of the gorgeous photographs of the leaves changing in the UP here.

When it was finally time to board Shepler’s Ferry onto the island, I was actually getting a little excited. I love boats and adventures. And I could tell Ethan was chomping at the bit to put bike tire to pavement on the other side. That’s right, in case you didn’t already know, cars are prohibited on the island and the only form of transport available that doesn’t involve horses are bicycles. This fact I was totally aware of, but completely unprepared for. Let’s just say that by the end, my legs and back side did not thank me one bit for all the extra exercise I had gotten throughout the stay.

When we got to Mackinac Island, we checked into our gorgeous room at The Island House Hotel. He and I both have an affinity for the finer things in life and our suite with a harbor view did not disappoint.

After some much needed R&R and a bite to eat, we did a little bit of trinket shopping, and rested up for our big 8 mile ride around the island in the AM.

And early in the AM it was when we embarked on a freezing cold, hour-long jaunt. While the views were utterly breathtaking, the early onset pain I experienced from both the cold wind hitting my face and my sore, un-athletic legs told me to turn back and crawl into bed. Needless to say, with Ethan as my significant other, that wasn’t an option. So, onward we road.

Once we had returned back to the town, I was in desperate need of caffeine. Anyone who knows me knows I am never without coffee in my hand. So you can imagine my despair when the two coffee shops I tried - including my tried and true Starbucks - had the most revolting coffee. To me, it was totally undrinkable. And I’m not what some would call a coffee snob by any means. I tried three drinks and each one was more unsatisfying than the last. I was gutted. Thankfully the island redeemed itself the next day with coffee at the delicious Good Day Cafe. I don’t think I would have survived another morning caffeine free.

After more touristy picture taking and shopping for overpriced, but much needed souvenirs, we enjoyed my favorite meal of the entire trip at the iconic Pink Pony and some intense people watching. Nothing is more entertaining than watching locals and tourists interact - especially if you’re a fan of awkward flirting. You see a lot of that, I find. You can use your imagination to fill in the gaps as to why.

We had a few delicious fruity drinks and just let the slow pace of the island take over. The music played and we finally got time to enjoy each other’s company and relax. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect last night on the island.

Monday morning we woke up sad to leave, but ready to enjoy our final few hours in our northern haven. After our giant cinnamon roll breakfast, we said goodbye to Mackinac Island with a ferry ride and a grateful wave.

I can see why Ethan looks forward to that weekend all year. It was peaceful in a way I’ve never experienced before. It went against my very nature not to hurry from place to place, but Mackinac doesn’t call for rushing. The colors and sights around us were exquisite and definitely worth the effort and time to get up there. Even the brutally cold weather didn’t take away from the peace and enjoyment. If anything, the crisp breeze whistling through the trees only added to the appeal. When Ethan and I boarded the ferry the first time, it was famously his favorite getaway, but when we boarded our ferry home, it was mine. Thanks for everything, Mackinac, see you next year.