Weekend Vacation Part 3- Petoskey, MI

After our stop at Cross in the Woods we headed straight over to Mackenzie's apartment, which was absolutely beautiful! The windows in her living room overlooked the Little Traverse Bay.

Kenz's apartment was within walking distance of almost anything in Petoskey, so that's what we did! First we walked by the water and down the pier.

{Mackenzie & Brandon}

{Beautiful Condos & Apartments along the Bay}

{Leah squishing sand between her toes}

{Isn't this bridge beautiful? I love the architecture}

{River that leads into the Bay}

{I loved the contrast of the green vine and red door.}

 {Walking through the old Downtown}

 Now you're in for a real treat. That is, if you love historic homes as much as I do! I apologize that these pictures are all drive-bys, I couldn't get Brandon to go any slower! This community is absolutely picturesque, hidden among mature trees, and registered as a National Historic Landmark. Bay View (what a perfect name) is a small Victorian Village consisting of 2 Inns, almost 450 Victorian Cottages, and 30 Public Buildings, most built in the late 1800's.

{Map of the Bay View Area, via}

 {Terrace Inn, nestled in the middle of the Bay View Community}

 {I love the original windows in this house}

 {Nestled in the trees... huge hanging baskets!}

 {This house is my dream!!!! I love that porch!}

 {What about that porch}

{Cute yellow cottage on a hill}

 {Sorry this picture is so crooked, but I had to include it! Just look at those pillars! I'd love to be in one of those rocking chairs!}

Here are some additional photos from Bay View Associations Facebook page...

 The little community of Bay View even has its own Library....

 and Post Office!

The kids would love playing on these beaches all summer. And I would love sipping lemonade while rocking on one of those front porches! Such a beautiful place to spend your summer!

Weekend Vacation Part 2- Indian River

After the wedding, we drove a little farther NorthWest to visit Brandon's family. His family is from Indian River and even though his sister Mackenzie goes to school in Southern Michigan, she still spends her summers up here! It was such a relaxing trip. Exactly what we needed.

{This road is named after Brandon's family. Grandpa & Grandma Hackelberg along with Uncle Scott rest in peace down this road near the family's farm}

When we reached Gram's house she had a delicious Chicken dinner waiting for us. She is always the perfect hostess.

We took a long walk through the trails in the woods on her property and by the time we were back, Josiah had a swollen eye. Looks like he has allergies like his Mama and Daddy!

The rest of the night we spent watching Cars while eating Twizzlers and homemade popcorn.

The morning came way too fast. We said our goodbyes and headed towards Petoskey to visit Mackenzie.

On the way we took a few pit stops.

When I was a kid my Grandparents took me to The Cross in the Woods, the world's largest Crucifix, located in Indian River, Michigan. When I first met my husband he was telling my about his family and where they were from... right around the corner from this shrine I had visited as a kid!

Anyway I always love visiting the Cross in the Woods. It is a peaceful place to meditate and praise God for all He has done for us! The cross made of one redwood tree that measures a whopping 55' tall by 22' wide!!! The corpus was added later, designed and sculpted by Marshall Fredericks. 

The body of Christ is made of Bronze and weighs 7 tons! Its awe inspiring to look upon this amazing piece of art. Also on the grounds are other statues such as The Holy Family, St. Peregrine,  Kateri Tekakwitha, and Our Lady of the Highway.

They built a new church a while back that is just beautiful. The entire front of the Sanctuary is made of windows so you look over the grounds and onto the Cross in the Woods. They also have pews and and Altar outside for Summer services! 

{Reflection of the Crucifix in the windows of the Church}

{The grounds are so beautifully landscaped!}

Next stop- Mackenzie's Apartment in Petoskey, MI.