If you could truly travel back in Time, would you?

Would you anticipate the emotional rush of being in another era, plan the trip, gather up some essential belongings, and make the leap?

Would you risk not being able to return to your usual, current life?

Richard Collier risked it all, and was determined to be able to meet Elise in 1912. In fact, once he saw the physical evidence -- his signature in the hotel's 1912 register -- he realized he already had done so, even before he was born. Elise's desire for ‘the man of her dreams' helped pull him out of the future to be with her. Even though their time together was quite brief, it was enough to sustain her the rest of her life, until she discovered him at the premiere of his first college play. She was able to give him a precious-kept pocket watch, look into his eyes and whisper, “Come back to me.” She knew she was setting the stage for what had yet to occur for him. Though it would not be for another 8 years, on the day that his time travel would take place, in his lifetime – we would be able to watch it all unfold.

Richard did his research. He needed to understand why this Portrait of Elise had captivated him so. He found a period suit (though it wasn't quite right for 1912), some coins from that era. He consulted with his college professor who had written a book, “Travels Through Time.” Learning an obscure technique of self-hypnosis, he was able to will himself back to 1912, to meet the woman of his dreams, and connect with her in person, while she performed near Grand Hotel. Can you actually travel back in time?

Yes…to a much greater degree than you, at first, might realize. The Time Travel experience in which you can indeed immerse yourself, is a Somewhere in Time Weekend at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Some opt to make this sojourn only once in their lifetime. Some who love it so much, make plans to repeat the experience annually.

It's a bucket list dream for a great number of Somewhere in Time fans, usually starting from the moment they realize that the film's setting is a REAL place. Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island truly exist, and though only ‘open' for six months a year, they constitute a destination solidly anchored in the Victorian/Edwardian era. No motorized vehicles are allowed and only bicycle and horse-drawn carriages serve as the modes of transport.

If you fly there from your home base, every leg of the journey will be another step back in time…from a large commercial airline jet, typically landing in Detroit, then a transfer to a smaller aircraft bringing one to Pellston Airport. Then a van ride delivers you to the ferry dock in Mackinaw City. (Or some folks rent cars for the 5-hour drive from Detroit.) The 20-minute ferry ride will provide your first glimpse of this magical island -- and Grand Hotel, which you will be able to see from 5-miles away, perched on its 100-foot elevation bluff, where it has reigned and beckoned to visitors since 1887. Your excitement in seeing this site will quicken your heart.

And the excitement will only increase, as you step foot onto the pier of Mackinac Island. The quiet, apart from the seagulls' calls, will alert you that there is no familiar traffic clogging the street. Instead, the clip-clop of horses' hooves will fill your ears. Standing amidst carriages, horse-drawn ‘taxis' and bikes galore coming and going on the street, will envelop your senses.

What's more, is that you won't have to worry about carrying your luggage. It has been taken into capable hands at the ferry embarkation point, and it will be delivered to your room within Grand Hotel (a wonderful system)…so you're able to ‘travel light' and either walk up to the hotel, (almost a mile distance) as some love to do, or you can ride in a carriage taxi, or perhaps in one of Grand Hotel's elegant antique coaches. This slow-paced ride will convince you that you are no longer in 2025. You've left that year behind, and your time travel experience has truly begun.

No doubt you have planned your change in wardrobe, as Richard Collier did. In no time, you will be seeing other Time Travelers properly dressed in period garments…as soon as you walk through the door of the Grand! Even if your clothing isn't exactly 1912 vintage, it's okay. Whatever you have found that fits, even if it's from the Civil War, or the 1920's, (as some wear, glimpsed, here and there) anything you don that is a break from your daily attire, will add to the time travel sensation.

Grand Hotel maintains an aura of elegance every day of their season, by a strict dress code policy. Casual attire (such as slacks, jeans, sweatshirts and sweaters at this time of year) is fine for day, but at 5 pm, gents must be in coat and tie, and ladies ‘in their finest'…which could be defined as cocktail dress, evening pantsuit or full-length gown, if desired.

Somewhere in Time guests relish the opportunity to acquire 1912-ish clothing. This could be either created, rented, or treasure-hunted in antique stores, shows, markets, auction houses or online. There are clever women who re-create costumes from the film, or have capable seamstresses do that for them. Some will improvise with more ‘current' pieces, such as a long skirt, lacy blouse, decorate a wide-brimmed hat. Some have ‘Gibson Girl' wigs made, adding a flourish of a feather and flower. For men, it's even easier; they can go into a local tuxedo rental place and choose a tux, such as worn by William F. Robinson.

So now that you have all the essentials, and are making your way up the hill from town, you will witness the awe-inspiring moment when you pass the thick bank of trees, and magnificent Grand Hotel herself comes into full view, a sight you will never forget. You'll blink in wonder, maybe even gasp for a moment, wondering if it's really real! One of the ‘stars' of the movie is before you in all her brilliant white-columned glory, gleaming with pride in her storied past, — and elegantly embodying the love story of Richard and Elise we all cherish. Check into the hotel and receive the souvenir program, which this year, was a record 52-page booklet, with photos of past weekend events, and filmographies of the SIT Celebrity Guests joining us.

With barely-contained anticipation, you work your way deep inside this Grand-scale edifice, to discover your room for the Weekend. Each room is differently appointed. It will be lavishly colorful, due to the style of Dorothy Draper, the hotel's chosen designer, for its décor since the early 70's. Expect stripes mixed with large-scale florals, in a palette of coral, emerald green, aqua, pink, red, black and a generous dollop of white. The hotel's signature red geranium will assert itself in the flower boxes lining the ‘world's longest front porch', and in the dramatic carpet of the Parlor.

The SIT Weekend package (for two) includes 2-nights accommodations, full breakfast (either from extensive menu or buffet – or both!) Saturday and Sunday. You'll engage in cocktail receptions before dinner Friday and Saturday. A 5-course dinner will be yours Friday and Saturday evenings. And, certainly all the Agenda offers – when you direct your attention to the Agenda on Page 7, you will see it is a FULL array of programs, arranged by Event Planner Steve Ellis, designed to enhance your appreciation for the film.

Even though the cost of a SIT Weekend Package seems very pricey, when you first examine it, with all the meals included, it really doesn't cost more for a night than it would at any fine 5-Star hotel. (For example, if not a guest of the Grand, dinner will cost a non-guest $125.) Taking this all into account, the package price is understandable. Other amenities are the option of High Tea in the Parlor, while a harpist entertains. The new ownership regime keeps the heated outdoor pool open until the very last day of the season, (whereas in the past, it always closed after Labor Day). The hotel has 375 rooms. With a full house, like we had again this year, attendance soared to about 700 guests. There were even ‘overflow' guests staying in town at the Grand's other ‘sister' hotel, The Bicycle Inn. Attendees come from all over the country. Additionally, we always find there are a few who have traveled from other countries. This year, a tall and dapper gent came solo all the way from Brazil to fulfill his dream. And a woman came with her daughter from France -- after a few stops in the US, including New Orleans, she made SIT Weekend on Mackinac Island the key focus, and finale of her once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Somewhere in Time Weekend gives a fan the chance to ‘live the movie' for a few days in their own life. They can embrace the unmistakable romance that the island provides. They can stand on the same spots as the characters in the film, channeling Richard and Elise. There is a particularly outstanding opportunity to do that, if one volunteers to perform a re-enactment scene, during the Walking Tour of Movie Locations.

One of the marvelous developments this year, was the incredible, lingering summer temperatures the entire Midwest enjoyed, well into October. SIT Weekend, being held the earliest ever, October 3—5, still did not guarantee the weather would be favorable, since Mackinac's northern latitude location can often bring chilly winds, rain, and cold fall temps (as early as September), and we even have had snowfall and brief hail at some events, held later in October when our Weekend usually occurs, the final weekend of the hotel's being open.

The date October 3rd, was especially poignant, because it was the actual anniversary, the date of the release of the film to theatres in 1980. The film's World Premiere was held in the exact Grand Hotel Theatre in which most of the programs were presented – that took place on the weekend of September 17—18 in 1980. Sadly, because it happened to fall during the month-long Actors Strike of 1980, neither of the stars of the film could attend, because it was considered work for an actor to promote their projects. But director Jeannot was present, as was producer Stephen Simon (and the Addies were there as well.)

The weather for this 2025 Time Travel Weekend was so superb -- sunny and warm each day -- the cocktail receptions were held on the Porch, which was such a lovely place to be in early evening. Everyone wanted to stroll the porch, bathed in the warm, lowering sunlight. Several guests were enticed to explore more of the island, though doing so, takes one away from the schedule of fun. Some reported they took a carriage tour of the island, or rented bikes. Some played golf on the Jewel course, and some shopped in town, taking advantage of late-season sales.

This extra special sold-out Somewhere in Time Weekend for 2025 was a trifecta of momentous milestones. It was the 35th Annual SIT Weekend. Beyond that, it was going to celebrate the movie's 45th Anniversary, as well as the 50th Anniversary of Writer Richard Matheson's novel. Since we lost our beloved director, Jeannot Szwarc in January 2025, the event was also planned to bring him deserved honor.

It was announced weeks in advance, that Elise McKenna herself, our film's star, Jane Seymour, would be in attendance this year again, for her 5th time. Her first was in 2002, then again in 2015 for the film's 35th Anniversary, then 2019 when she brought her family, (these are programs available for purchase, The SIT Event DVD series, #6, 8 and 9) and Jane came again in 2022. It is noteworthy to mention how much Jane wanted to join the fans – considering her own challenging travel. Filming season 4 of her hit series, Harry Wild, set in Ireland, Jane had to endure 15 hours of flying from Dublin to Detroit, with another plane bringing her directly to the island's airstrip (plus the same in reverse) – not to forget the jet lag inherent in the distance covered. On Mackinac she met up with her best friend and co-designer Cheri Ingle, her art manager, Susan Luks, who traveled from CA, and friends from her Open Hearts Foundation as well. Also in the entourage were one of her twin sons, Johnny Keach who accompanied both Jane's granddaughters, Willa Mighty Simon and Luna Wilde Simon. (Jane's daughter and their mother, Katie, could not attend.) Johnny was planned to entertain us with his musical talent on both evenings.

Jane's other twin son Kris (who joined us in 2019) and his wife, Miso welcomed a baby girl Kristie Love, during the summer, so they were not able to come, and we send them our warmest Congratulations!

The other Invited Celebrity Guests this time were Sean Hayden, (“Young Arthur”), his sister, Kelly Hayden Penn (“1912 Extra”), and Jo Addie (“1912 Extra” and INSITE President/Editor). The behind-the-camera experts were SIT film Editor Jeff Gourson, Mary Ann Biddle (Set Decorator) and her husband, John Unsinn (SIT Boom Man), Mike Orefice (Electrician), and Dan Dewey (Location Manager and Production Assistant).

Returning this year again was Bill Shepard, INSITE Founder, and author of the making-of/legacy book “The Somewhere in Time Story” which had its 45th Anniversary Edition released in August. And for the first time, Alice Williams Jung joined the festivities. Alice is the daughter of Roger Williams, world-renowned pianist, who played the Somewhere in Time Theme during the movie's end credits. He earned a Gold Record for the recording of his performing the SIT John Barry Theme.

Jane was approachable, fully engaged and participated in most of the Weekend activities. She spoke several times, for instance, introducing the superb documentary, Super/Man, The Christopher Reeve Story. She spoke before the SIT movie showings. She was interviewed onstage for nearly an hour about SIT, revealing personal stories and her feelings about the movie. She was on the dias of the Panel Discussion, and the Tribute to Jeannot Szwarc segment. And she also was in the Grand Women's shop, showing her scarves, for over an hour each day, helping ladies learn how to wear them.

Jane and Cheri collaborated on a brand new Somewhere in Time-themed scarf, which debuted at this event. It features portraitures of herself and Chris, and both together, plus wording of ‘the Man of My Dreams' soliloquy in the central motif, Grand Hotel and horse-and-carriage in the corners. The new scarf comes in 3 sizes, and it sold out very quickly. She would pose with every guest who purchased any of her scarves. Jane's art and books were on display for purchase in the Art Gallery area as well.

Again, to the enormous thrill of the audience, she wore her exquisite reproduction of ‘the Man of My Dreams' white gown, and had her hair styled as “Elise” for us. Jane embodied Elise on Saturday nearly the entire day, and was among the very last to leave the theatre on Saturday night after the Finale program, despite the fact that she needed to leave for her flight fairly early Sunday morning.

Jo Addie again offered a fun shopping experience by setting up a temporary Somewhere in Time Collectibles store, purveying the entire SIT line of official goodies, and which also included antique jewelry, accessories such as hats, gloves and purses, and a small selection of vintage clothing.

One of the unique features at this event was the presence of the actual antique rowboat used in the movie. It had belonged to Michigander and INSITE member, Bob Smith for several decades. (INSITE did a feature story of the boat after Bob lovingly had it restored to original splendor). He passed away a couple years back, and per his wishes, his family donated it to a maritime museum so many could view it and appreciate its provenance. Although it required considerable logistics, the boat was brought to the island and placed in the theatre. Jane even autographed the seat upon which she sat!

Another seldom-seen display was the vast array of 12 international Somewhere in Time movie posters, which are part of Jo Addie's SIT Collection. She and husband Jim brought the framed posters and they were on view in the theatre during the event. And next to her in the SIT Collectibles shop, was one of Jo's most precious items – Chris' brown derby hat, which was inside a custom case she had made for it. Jo has not brought the hat or the posters to the event since the early 2000's, but for this milestone anniversary, it was appropriate to expend the effort to do so, and share these ‘relics' with the fans.

Please take the time to examine the Agenda Pg. 7 to fully comprehend all that is offered during the event.

Thursday

Event Planner and emcee Steve Ellis begins Somewhere in Time Weekend early, as said previously. Before the promoted event ‘formally' starts on Friday, Thursday afternoon there are programs to enjoy, so it's highly recommended to arrive a day earlier! There is a lot of wisdom to this, actually, because after the frequently arduous travel, it's awesome to be able to relax and explore a little, before the busy event schedule begins. Those ‘in the know' frequently book Thursday night and arrive on Thursday as early as possible, (or even earlier in the week!) in order to begin their Time Travel as soon as feasible, even dressing in period attire the entire time. (cont. Pg.19) A few anxious Time Travelers arrive as early as Tuesday!

Some bring a trunk full of costumes, both daywear and evening attire for each day. But if you only have one outfit planned, Saturday would be the day to wear it, seeing as how the Costume Promenade through the Parlor after dinner is the most ‘glittering' gathering of period fashions. Guests stroll the Parlor while the harpist plays the movie's theme, and those not dressed in costume or who have already walked through, take photos and video of the stunning Parade. Thursday at noon was the first Walking Tour of Movie Locations, by Dan Dewey. Thursday at 1 pm David Kaplan, Titanic expert, presents a program, as he has for years, on some feature of the ship's illustrious, albeit brief life. Peter Franks tells his story of his creation of the first (and resulting many) reproductions of the Grand Hotel Music Box that is seen in the film. Ernie Knobloch, who initiated the idea of Scene Re-enactments, explains that popular feature, and throughout Friday he mans a table soliciting guests to perform a scene. He provides scripts and even will help with coaching.

The INSITE table is manned by Membership Steward Janet Knobloch, showing back issues and the beautiful annual Color Commemoratives, signing on new people and visiting with current members.

Jo Addie gives a lively program, Confessions of a SIT Extra, with slides and video about her personal experiences working on the film, free time with Chris and Jane, flying in Chris' plane on a filming day off.

The film is shown in the Theatre where it Premiered on Thursday evening, and was introduced by Jane.

Friday

Of course, taking the Walking Tour of Movie Locations is a very popular pastime, led by Dan Dewey, who served as Location Manager and Production Assistant during filming. He enthralls his group visiting all the filming sites with entertaining stories, both Friday and Saturday, (and this year, even on Thursday for those who came to the event early.) It's a long tour, taking nearly 4 hours and involves walking about 4 miles, so it's not for everyone, especially considering what the weather might be like, but for those who do tour with Dan, they are very happy with the experience. (For those who can't tour, keep in mind the entire tour with Dan's stories is provided on the SIT Event DVD #1, which can be purchased from Somewhere in Time Gallery).

Friday was a very full day, starting with a Grand Hotel History lecture by GH resident historian, Bob Tagatz. Then the Hayden Siblings gave an hour in which they spoke about their participation filming as children in Somewhere in Time. There is a Trivia Contest in which Celebs are invited to join teams. It is a ‘game show' type atmosphere and mostly for fun, rather than for stiff competition.

INSITE Founder Bill Shepard presents an interesting, “Secrets of Somewhere in Time” program, which covers little-known facts and oddities in the movie that are not readily noticed, or widely known.

At 3 pm, there was the Cast and Crew Panel Discussion. This is the key time in which our beloved SIT Contributors can share their own stories about how they became involved in filming and their own favorite memories. Following that was the Autograph Session with all Celebs but Jane. (Her autograph session was a separate part of the Weekend on Saturday afternoon.) The film showing was presented on Friday evening at 9pm, and was introduced by Jane.

A number of attendees love to go up into the Cupola Bar to finish the night with a drink overlooking the Straits of Mackinac and a commanding view of dramatically lit “Mighty Mac” Mackinac Bridge, which connects Upper and Lower Michigan. Jane's son Johnny Keach regaled those there with his own compositions, singing and playing piano and guitar. This was the first time he had ever performed where his mother could see and hear! She told some of us later what a momentous occasion this was for her.

Another option is to dance the evening away, in the Terrace Room to the music provided by the Grand's band of talented musicians.

Saturday

On Saturday, attendees are further filled with the fun of insightful programs.

Jane introduced the awesome documentary about Christopher Reeve, Super/Man, The Christopher Reeve Story. (If you have not seen it, make sure that you do!) It is a brilliant portrait of our SIT Star, his career, humanitarian activities and family life. Dee Burch has for many consecutive years given a popular program about Hairstyle from the 1912 era, while demonstrating the ‘do' and informs on some aspect of Edwardian dress and etiquette. Dee's program includes a popular Fashion Show in which guests show their outfits along her chosen theme, such as daywear, sportswear, or evening attire.

As mentioned, 2025 Weekend featured a Tribute to Jeannot Szwarc. In this captivating hour, all the celebrity guests shared their impressions and fondest memories of the master director, whose very heart and creative mind are apparent in the look and feel of the story as it unfolds, frame by frame. At the beginning of the hour, Bill Shepard presented a lovely Jeannot tribute video he put together for the occasion.

At a later point on Saturday afternoon, while guests and celebrities gathered on the Porch, a toast was made to Jeannot. We raised a glass to thank him for his enormous contributions to make Somewhere in Time what it is.

There was an intimate Conversation with Jane Seymour onstage in the theatre in mid-afternoon, followed by an Autograph Session with only Jane. The line and wait were very long, with hundreds of people wanting their private moments with Jane, and she graciously posed with everyone for a picture to capture the memory.

Cocktail time on Saturday is when most guests will debut their vintage finery, and as the Parlor fills with eye-candy costumes, the atmosphere becomes particularly electric. The perfect, unseasonal 73-degree temperature beckoned, and the Grand decided to locate the bar area on the Porch, so that all could bask in the early evening sunshine and blue sky.

It's common for folks to be snapping pictures of everyone's outfits, admiring each other's finery, and these times are when people start up friendships that bond and last into the future. Anyone who has attended can attest to this phenomenon. Rubbing elbows at meals or at programs, they find they have so much in common, and become instant friends. The film has brought them together -- amid the shared aura of this place, and the thrill of time traveling!

After a leisurely dinner lasting about two hours, guests head to the Parlor for the Costume Promenade. The procession of fashions is a sight you'll never forget. Then all assemble in the Theatre one last time for the Finale program. This includes a group picture of all in attendance that people can purchase. Two raffles that have been going on throughout the event culminate. Winning names are drawn for a Free Room for the next SIT Weekend, with proceeds benefitting Jane's Open Hearts Foundation. Peter Franks raffles off one of his Grand Music Boxes to a lucky guest. We recognize our Celebrities one last time. The highlight of the evening is the showing of the Scene Re-enactments that were filmed by Jim Addie, and edited together to show the audience onscreen. “Actors” are introduced to all, (and afterward receive Acting Certificates for their efforts). The hilarious Parody Scene Re-enactments by various Celebs over the years that we have filmed and collected are shown to the boisterous laughter of all present…an unexpected but truly precious way to end the Weekend. Then Jane's son Johnny performed again, onstage for a short while, as a final wrap-up to a truly sensational event.

Somewhere in Time Weekend is the closest thing to actual Time Travel as you will ever get.

It's almost like getting the penny when we have to pack up and leave this awesome place, and accept our Time Travel has come to an end…but what fantastic tales and details we bring home with us!

The best news to reveal here is that a new Video/DVD – SIT Event DVD #10 is being edited and prepared, (by Producers Jim and Jo Addie) so anyone and everyone can enjoy this marvelous event vicariously!!! It will have hours of precious moments to forever cherish. Find out more on Page 31, and pre-order your copy.

You can already reserve your Time Travel for the next, 36th Annual SIT Weekend, with a reprise of the early October dates – October 2—4, 2026. Call Grand Hotel, 800-33-GRAND to book your room.

A question I am often asked about SIT Weekend: Do any single people come or is it really just for couples?