If you’ve never been to nor heard of Mackinac Island, it’s a small island nestled right under the upper peninsula of Michigan, a short distance east of the Mackinac Bridge (which connects the lower peninsula of Michigan to the upper). Mackinac boasts the Governor’s summer mansion and Victorian homes, cottages and inns. One of the most interesting things about Mackinac Island is that there are no cars. No motorcycles. No scooters. No motorized transportation (*). The island runs on bicycles and horses and fudge. Ok, so maybe it’s just the tourists that run on fudge. Mackinac Island fudge is world famous, and it would be quite a feat to visit the island and not taste a sliver.

One of the ferry docks:

We went to Mackinac Island two weeks ago. I must say it was a treat. An at times odd treat, but one nonetheless.

A view of Main Street:

The main street is a bit…touristy. You know, the kind of touristy where you’re not quite sure what’s real and what’s not. But get off the main street and into the island and it’s BEAUTIFUL. We did the normal tourist excursions – rented bikes and rode around the island – took a horse carriage tour through the island – ate lots of fudge. The ride around the island is really lovely, and at 8.3 miles, very doable. The color changes in the water rival any I’ve seen anywhere. Seriously. The entire coastal area is rocky, so there is a nice dramatic contrast. And the Mackinac Bridge makes for a very nice view. There are plenty of horse trails, though we didn’t venture upon them, content with our quickie excursions on our day and a half trip.

Views from Mackinac:

There’s a fort on the island (the British took dibs originally) where they do historical reenactments, and many other historical areas. And we got to see the illegal underground…the island’s two firetrucks, ambulance and police car were out on the streets due to an emergency that, fortunately, turned out not to be an emergency. The vehicles usually stay tucked away from prying tourist eyes, but my Mom has photographic evidence. Maybe we should go in for a spot of blackmail.

If you are looking for five star accomodations, look no farther than The Grand Hotel, built in 1887. No two rooms in the hotel are the same. After 6pm, women aren’t allowed to wear pants, and men must be in suit and tie. Visitors must do the same — and pay $12 for the privilege of sticking their noses in the door. My main impression from the hotel was the line, “No one puts Baby in the corner.” LOL. Probably only funny to me, but for some reason it reminds me of the resort from Dirty Dancing. More seriously, The Grand Hotel has a long and starred history, and has hosted five presidents. Six first ladies helped design suites. Click the link above if you want to learn more.

A view of the Grand Hotel from the ferry…it boasts the world’s longest front porch…

But perhaps one of the best things about Mackinac Island is not in the sights, but in the sounds. The constant clippity clop of horse hooves tromping down the street. You can close your eyes and imagine yourself in a place long ago. Just watch where you step.

So if you’re going to be in the upper lower Michigan area, or the lower upper Michigan area (heh), then give Mackinac Island a try. But don’t forget your pocketbook!

(*) = emergency vehicles and snowmobiles excepted (the horses go on holiday in the winter).