September 26th + 27th, 2025

Crossing the mighty Mackinaw Bridge into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (the U.P. for those in the know), the landscape stretched wide and flat as we cruised along Rt. 2, hugging the northern shores of Lake Michigan. Out on the horizon, a massive freighter lumbered by, while closer to shore, we rolled past pumpkin farms glowing orange in the autumn light.

Manistique, Michigan, welcomed us with unexpected fanfare—it was Flannel Day! Main Street was alive with music, food trucks, and a hometown festival vibe. But first things first: laundry. While Jess ran the machines, I went on reconnaissance and returned with a golden prize—an Indiana pork tenderloin sandwich stacked with pickles, chips, and a frosty root beer. The Queen was pleased.

Fresh laundry in tow, we made for our campsite—a sweet stretch of Lake Michigan waterfront with a perfect view of the harbor lighthouse (a win for Lighthouse Girl). Better still, it was walking distance to Flat Iron Brewing (a win for the King). Jessica basked in the sun while I wandered over, soon sipping a crisp lager and swapping stories with Dawn behind the bar. She told me the town’s paper mill once churned out newspaper, but now supplies Amazon with cardboard and grocery stores with brown paper bags. Her husband, Josh, owns the brewery; she doubles as the town’s postmaster. Small-town grit and charm at its best.

Dinner was royal—Detroit-style pizza and a fresh salad, eaten seaside with waves lapping gently at our feet. As night fell, the lake sang us to sleep. Another day, another adventure logged in the royal travel journal.