Anniversaries are a time to reflect on our journey, celebrate the love we’ve shared, the lives we’ve built together, and create new memories. This year, Kyle and I decided to honor our love and the venue, Celestial Farms Weddings and Events, that has been a central part of our lives for the last four years with a "celestial" themed anniversary trip. As the proud owners of Celestial Farms, it only seemed fitting to explore the wonders of the night sky while celebrating the stars in our lives—both literal and figurative. Our destination: Port Austin, a quaint Michigan town along Lake Huron known for its natural beauty and one of the state's few dark sky parks/ Port Crescent State Park.
85ten: A Boutique Escape
We started our journey with a stay at 85ten, a charming and fun boutique hotel located in Port Austin that is a great place for a destination wedding. Stepping inside, it was as if we'd been transported back in time, though with all the modern comforts we could ask for. The hotel itself is a beautifully restored house from the 1800s, giving it an elegant yet cozy feel. What made it even more impressive was meeting the owner and learning she grew up in this home. Every corner told a story, with antique touches balanced by thoughtful updates and amazing design choices that had me craving a complete makeover of my home. The charm, the design and the character made our stay both luxurious and extremely comfortable.
The intimate atmosphere of 85ten was perfect for a romantic getaway or a Michigan destination wedding. Our room had a unique blend of historic character and modern chic, offering just the right amount of nostalgia without sacrificing style or comfort. The bathroom was perfection. The tile work was absolutely gorgeous. The bed and bedding was so comfortable I had a hard time waking up! It was the kind of place where you could easily curl up with a good book or spend hours talking, or enjoying a cocktail with friends. It felt like a home away from home, and every detail was meticulously curated to give guests a true boutique experience.
The old-world charm of the house, combined with the boutique amenities, made our stay feel like an extended escape from the world, which was exactly what we needed during the busiest time of our year. Our days started with the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the hotel's communal area, and we spent our mornings wandering the grounds, admiring the way the light played off the beautifully restored architecture, enjoying the lineup of hydrangeas that I recognized from the vase on my nightstand. It was a perfect prelude to our celestial adventure.
85ten offers weddings as well. In fact the owner's daughter had her ceremony in the front yard and reception in the back. And the hotel is just the right size for all of your bridal party and immediate family. Wedding's here are truly unique and one of a kind.
Chasing Stars at Port Austin's Dark Sky Park
One of the highlights of our short little anniversary getaway was spending a night under the stars at Port Austin's dark sky park. Kyle and I have always been fascinated by the night sky, and with a venue like Celestial Farms, the connection to the cosmos runs deep. This park was the perfect place to indulge that passion and watch the wonders of the universe unfold.
The park, free from the light pollution that so often obscures the stars, provided a clear view of the meteor showers that had drawn us to Port Austin in the first place. We brought along blankets and found a cozy spot to settle in for the night. As the sun set, the sky began to transform, revealing countless stars that seemed to multiply with every passing minute. The "ooh's and ahh's" were coming from every direction. The experience was both humbling and exhilarating, a reminder of how vast the universe is and how lucky we are to be here in this tiny little corner we call our own.
Caseville's Cheeseburger Festival: A Fun Culinary Detour
While our trip was largely focused on the celestial, we couldn't resist making a detour to nearby Caseville for their annual Cheeseburger Festival. After all, no anniversary trip for Kyle and I is complete without indulging in some delicious food, and this festival promised a lineup of mouthwatering burgers that we couldn’t pass up.
Our first stop was Beachy's Restaurant, where we tried the Blue Heaven Burger. I have to admit, this burger was an unexpected delight and quickly became my favorite. I was definitely stepping outside of my comfort zone with this burger. And I was blown away. The combination of blueberries with the savory burger created a flavor explosion that was both sweet and tangy. It was unlike anything I had tasted before, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the creativity that went into crafting such a unique dish. The blueberries added a refreshing twist to the traditional burger, and I found myself savoring every bite, letting the flavors linger just a little longer. If this isn't a regular on the menu, it should be. I'd make a special trip just for a dinner date for this burger, it was THAT good!
Not to be outdone, Kyle had his eye on the Apple Jack Burger from Walt's Restaurant. This burger had already made waves at the festival, winning the 2024 burger contest, so we knew we had to try it. And let me tell you, it lived up to the hype. The combination of apples and melted pepper jack cheese, created a rich, autumnal flavor that was both comforting and delicious. It was the kind of burger that sticks with you, the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a little extra something that sets it apart from the rest. Although it won first place, Beachy's Blue Heaven burger is number one in my book!
We spent the afternoon wandering the festival, enjoying the festive atmosphere, and of course a freshly fried corn dog and a delicious freshly squeezed lemonade. The energy of the festival was contagious, with everyone in high spirits, celebrating not just the burgers but the community that makes Caseville so special. We really loved the live music at Beachy’s Bar.
Especially when this young man performed for the crowd! By the time we left, we were full, happy, and already planning our next trip back.
Reflecting on a Perfect Getaway
As we packed up and prepared to head back to Celestial Farms, I couldn’t help but reflect on how perfect our anniversary trip had been. The combination of stunning natural beauty, boutique luxury, a trip to the beach and fun culinary adventures made for a truly memorable experience. It was a trip that celebrated not only our love for each other but also our love for the things that make life special—quiet moments under the stars, charming places with rich histories, and, of course, great food.
Our celestial-themed anniversary was a fitting tribute to the journey Kyle and I have been on together. Just as the stars guide us through the night, our love continues to guide us through life’s ups and downs. We returned to Celestial Farms feeling refreshed, reconnected, and ready to take on whatever the future holds.
Big Thanks to Didi Russell for the blogging inspiration! And our fellow locally owned wedding venue owners for the continued support!
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