News — Canvas and Paddle

One of the best parts of camping is when the sun sets for the evening and everyone gathers close by the fire, huddled in sweatshirts and blankets.  Someone in the group might pull out a guitar or the radio plays slowly in the background. A fun song might be sung or a game is played to keep everyone entertained for the evening. Eventually, everyone’s favorite part of the night is here. The time when the wooden sticks are pulled out and it is time for s’mores to concocted.  Growing up, only graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows were used to create s’mores....

Did you follow Canvas and Paddle's Instagram Takeover from Sara Wright, @greendrinks? If you missed it, head over to @canvasandpaddle on Instagram to see what’s been posted lately. Sara Wright is the face behind @greendrinks and @itswonderfulphotography. Sara lives on Mackinac Island year round working as a photographer and marketing coordinator for Grand Hotel! She also runs It's Wonderful Photography, a small wedding photography company based here on Mackinac Island and Northern Michigan. “What’s your favorite part of living on Mackinac Island?” "The best part about living on Mackinac Island, aside from the obvious beauty of being surrounded by such...

Growing up, you have that special place that feels like home. That you can’t quite put into words, but it’s extremely special to you. You would go there with your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Typically, in the summer or over holidays you would wake up feeling like you were in the best spot in the world. When thinking of favorite memories from days gone by, the only thing that pops into one’s mind is that of cabin memories. We all have them, and they come up every so often, especially when a sight, smell or feeling triggers our...

Winter can seem endless, but a lot of outdoors men and women don’t let a little cold weather / snow stand in their way of camping! Winter camping is popular in all parts of Northern Michigan, but there are a few spots that are favorites: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park: This is a cool spot (literally!) to see ice pancakes and beautiful winter scenes. Camping is allowed throughout the park. Sources claim that Chapel Loop is the best spot, which is a 10.4 mile loop. Porcupine Mountains: If you want to go camping, but not have the full outdoor experience...

February 2nd, Groundhog Day, marked the official halfway point of the winter season being over. If you are anything like our staff, you can’t wait to get outside this spring! The weather will be warm and biking around the island sounds like the best idea in the world. But since there is still a long winter ahead, doesn’t a winter picnic sound like the perfect way to break the indoor monotony? Hop in the car, head to your favorite state park, bundle up and get ready for an adventure! Take a hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski while working up an...