2015 AESC Annual Meeting Activities

One of the things that makes the AESC annual meeting a fun time for members and their families are the group activities planned throughout the week.  The Club has arranged the following events . . .

Wednesday - July 29

• Kids Activities during the Spouse Book Club
  Note - Both activities for the kids are supervised and are appropriate while the parent attends the spouse book club.  Kids will gather at the end of the family breakfast on Wednesday morning and will be returned to the hotel by 11:30 a.m.  Details will be provided in your meeting packet on-site.
• Island Bike Expedition -- kids age 7 and older
• 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. -- gather at the family breakfast and riders will be escorted to the departure point
• $25 per rider, includes bike, water and snack
• This supervised expedition will have the kids solving some mysteries while they explore the island on the standard bike route.  Water and snacks will be provided at the half-way point.  Biking on the island is relatively flat with points of interest along the way.
• Helmets are provided for any rider who wishes to have one.
• Butterfly Adventure -- appropriate for younger kids
• 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. -- your chaperon will meet you at the family breakfast
• $15 per person, includes transportation and snack
• The group will visit the butterfly conservatory for an "up close and personal" introduction to these fascinating creatures.  Then, the kids will make a stop at Grand Hotel's stables which is home to 12 horses and 20 antique carriages.
• Lighthouse Cruise
• $45 per adult; $22 for kids age 2 - 12
• A 2 1/2 hour cruise, departs at 2 p.m. from the Mackinaw City docks -- Price includes round trip ferry from the island to the mainland
• Overview -- On this "eastbound" cruise, you’ll start by passing under the Mackinac Bridge, then you’ll head across the Straits between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light. Turning east, you’ll pass by the privately owned Bois Blanc Light. Poe Reef and Fourteen Foot Shoal Lights mark your turn into the South Channel.  A quick trip up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib Light before you head back. En route, you’ll enjoy the clear blue waters of the Straits, an up-close view of the Coast Guard cutter “Mackinaw”, and plenty of maritime history.
• View Shepler's Interactive Map
• Anticipate getting back to the Shepler's dock by about 4:30 p.m. which probably means taking the 5:00 ferry back to the island.

Thursday, July 30

•  AESC Annual Tennis Tournament
• $20 per player, includes tennis balls and beverages
• 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. on the Grand Hotel Courts

Friday, July 31

• Arch Rock Kayak Tour - Friday afternoon
• $60 per participant
• There is no age limit for kids, but the outfitter advises that all children must be able to sit by themselves (not on an adult's lap)
• This will be a 2 1/2 hour  excursion to Arch Rock.  At the half-way point, kayakers will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in Lake Huron before returning.  Depending on the number who participate, there may be two departures.
• You have a choice of single and tandem kayaks or paddle boards.  All equipment is provided.
• Carriage Tour of the Island - Friday afternoon
• $30 per person
• This will be a guided tour on one of the island's antique carriages.  View picturesque spots on Mackinac Island, as well as Victorian homes and gardens.

Saturday, August 1

• AESC Annual Golf Outing
• $100 per golfer - includes cart
• Rental clubs are available at the pro shop for $30 (not included in the outing registration fee)
• Early morning tee time
• The Jewel is one of the most unique courses in the United States. Enjoy unparalleled scenic beauty, lush landscaping and meticulously manicured tees, fairways and greens. The Grand nine is located across the street from the hotel, with views of Lake Huron and Round Island. The Woods nine is set in the interior of Mackinac Island, with views of the Mackinac Bridge and the Upper Peninsula.  After completing the Grand nine, you and your clubs will be transported via horse-drawn carriage a mile and a half to the Woods nine. The leisurely 15-minute ride includes parts of the island unseen by many visitors.  The Grand nine was built in 1901 and redesigned in 1987 by golf course architect Jerry Matthews. He also designed the Woods nine, added in 1994.
• AESC Not-Golf Event -- Mimosas and Croquet
• $15 per person (adults only)
• A morning event beginning at a "stylish time"
• On a sprawling lawn surrounded by the lush surroundings of the Grand Hotel Tea Garden lies a spectacular setting for croquet and bocci ball. Both sports were popular in America when Grand Hotel opened in 1887. Today, they remain popular at family gatherings, garden parties and other social events.  This is the perfect way to begin your last day on the island if you don't play golf.  Please note that this event is for adults only.