Mackinac Island

* It's got history and the looks to back it up. The 19th-century Victorian city boasts some of the most scenic views that will ever have you.
* There are no motorized vehicles on the island-appreciate this! That means no noise/pollution and you know the air you are breathing is clean and fresh.
* It's quiet. There is hustle and bustle, but it's the peaceful kind.
* It's an island so it's on the waterside. For those of you who are fans.
* Amazing Hotels.
* Great Food.
* Adorable Shops.

Quick Tips:

-The island is great for a weekend getaway, honeymoons, or a couple’s trip.
Also, because of the gorgeous setting and great amenities (like wedding chapels and horse-drawn carriages) many people choose to get married on the island. Check out: http://www.mackinacweddingguide.com/
-Be sure to accommodate for the weather. The island can get cold and windy, so you might want to pack your parka.
-Also, bring your digital (camera). There are some amazingly scenic shots to be had.
-It's hard to believe, but the island is actually a regular home to people. Be respectful while you are visiting.
-Be prepared to relax! No business meetings here.

Best Way To Get Around:

Mackinac is an island- hence the term, so the only way to get there is by air or water. You will most likely drive into Mackinac City or St. Ignace and then from there you will go to the island. Some people go by a small plane or a private boat. However, I've found that the best deal is to go by the ferry. Free parking in the lot from where you board your ferry is available (for up to 5 nights) so you don't have to worry about your vehicle. And then it is just a sixteen minute ride on the ferry to the island. The Ferry’s are clean, fun, and you get a smooth ride with a great view. It is great for taking skyline pictures of the island. You can get tickets on site, usually through a few different ferry companies- just about all of them go to Mackinac. And the tickets are cheap: anywhere from .00 and under, per person, for a round trip. You can also order them online.

Some ferry lines also offer lighthouse tours and other rides.

Note* In case you are confused, the island has NO motorized vehicles on it, whatsoever. It is 8-miles around and everything from hotels to the beach is in walking distance. Only horse-drawn carriages and bikes are allowed on the island. For a small fee you can rent the bicycles to get exercise and ride around the island (you'll get a view of the lake doing this), or to get where you want to go. Trust me, you wont miss your car.

*Review Property of: (H.A.S), Annes Aeon Lane*

There are among 8 hotels, 9 Bed & Breakfasts, and 9 rentals and suites to choose from on Mackinac Island, Michigan. The choices are really endless and you will go crazy deciding where to stay. There is the Lilac Tree Hotel & Spa which features suites, private balconies, and banquet, and spa luxuries. It’s worth, whatever you will pay. Among other hotels there is the cinema-famous Grand Hotel featured in the movie Somewhere in Time.

The Grand Hotel has been named one of the top 100 hotels in the world, and rightfully so. This hotel will make you feel like putting on a corset and having tea on its 660-foot front porch. With 300 rooms, the hotel is unique and emanates elegance, class, and history. There are also Bed & Breakfasts. Among which included is the Metivier Inn. With its coziness and charming atmosphere, it offers 21 rooms and a private Jacuzzi, the $140 per night out of your pocketbook won’t be missed. Another great B&B is The Inn at Stonecliffe which has fine lines and classy European swank. It features a swimming pool and is modernly luxurious.

However, if you are staying for a week or less and you want to get a worthwhile deal for your money, I suggest checking in to one of Mackinac’s most charming little hotels, Hotel Iroquois. For about $160 a night, the hotel that has been awarded the 2006 Travel and Leisure 500" and Condé Nast Traveler Gold List designation, is a hard offer to pass up. It isn’t family priced (check out Murray Hotel for your cheapest hotel stay), but it’s a must-stay! It has a total of 46 rooms (including decadent suites), and breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily in the Carriage House dining room or you can enjoy it out on the veranda. Its Victorian style architecture will remind you of walking into a late Bostonian era film. It is right on the waterfront and offers a commanding view, sun beach, TV, and gardens. Do yourself a pleasure (favor) and book your room now!

*Something of note: If you are only visiting the Island on a day trip or want cheap-cheap hotels, then you can stay in a standard hotel on the mainland in Mackinac City. Check out their great interactive website for more info: http://www.mackinaw-city.com/.

*Review Property of: (H.A.S), Annes Aeon Lane*

This lakeside eatery is deliciously appealing. It’s a pub/bar setting with a fine dining experience. It serves local cuisine added with islander touches. The menu is not huge, but has a fabulous selection.

Breakfast: The menu is mouth watering, featuring anything from Omelets to Biscuits & Gravy to Belgian Waffles with sides of apple-smoked bacon and English muffins.

*The Coffee: Seattle's Best. 4 out of 5 stars.

The second menu is Lunch or what they call "Light Feasting." This menu is a lighter one, serving a lot of French-style food including sandwiches and salads.

Preview: "Jazzy New Orleans Po’Boy:
Dusted oysters are quickly fried golden brown and placed on a Kaiser roll with Creole mayonnaise. Served with lettuce, tomato and Pub fries.

Michigan Dried Cherry Cobb Salad:
Breast of chicken, blue cheese, red tomato wedge, hard boiled egg, and hickory bacon. Served with a bleu cheese dressing." -Pub Oyster Bar

Dinner: You'll probably go back for dinner as well, with the menu featuring Perch Fish, Cod, Oysters, and Mackinac Whitefish, to Pork Loin, Pasta, and Ya Ya Jambalaya.

Late Night Eats: They also feature desserts, late night snackatizers, and boast Martinis (try the 'Mackinac Orange Martini:' consisting of Clementine Vodka infused w/Mandarin Oranges), Cocktails, Draught Beers, and Champagne.

This little pub is a must for your tasting adventures! Don’t leave the island without eating here.

Honorable Mentions: The Island boasts many restaurants, each one, more exciting then the next. Be sure to also check out French Outpost, Waffle World, and the Euro Garden Café.

*Review Property of: (H.A.S), Annes Aeon Lane*

The Shops: There is an assorted variety of shops on Mackinac. You can find clothes, footwear, packs, Mackinac Moccasins, and sunglasses. They also sell tourist apparel, Weathervanes, souvenirs, oil paintings, stunning photography of Mackinac Island, and peddlers work.

SHOP MUST-STOPS

Lilacs and Lace Shop, located on Market Street: This shop is a lucky find and sells quality, beautiful pieces. It features Broken China Jewelry, hand carved Italian Cameos, hand decorated Tea Sets imported from Staffordshire, England, Crystal Pill Boxes, and Anne of Green Gables goodies. Men would be smart to stop here for a classy gift for their mother or partner.
Item Pricing: ranges from $7-$700.

The Island Bookstore, located on Main Street Centre: For all of you Booksluts out there. The bookstore features cute little coffee table reads, children's books, books on shipwrecks/lighthouses, CDs, and books on Mackinac history that you won’t find anywhere else. This bookstore is enthusiastic and willing to sell books other bookstores might not normally be interested in. Be sure to take advantage of the finds here that you probably won’t see anywhere else.
Item Pricing: ranges from $13 and up.

Murdick's Fudge, located on Market Street: Become a "Fudgie" as the Islanders will call you. If you are a sweet addict like me, this is your place. The whole Island is dotted with Fudge/Sweet shops which not only sell fudge, but also Toffee, Peanut Brittle and Saltwater Taffy. Pounds of Fudge are made fresh every day and there are too many flavors to choose from. They had a friendly staff, free fudge samples, and while I was there, they even offered to ship it home for me. Not to mention, my eyes were treated with their own candy by the (easy on the eyes) help (boy) behind the counter. Fudge is a timeless treat and is also a great gift to bring home to your friends and relatives. I’ve no doubt they will be thanking you, Mackinac Island’s fudge is to die for, don’t leave without a taste.
Item Pricing: ranges from $10-$30

Honorable Mentions: Also be sure to check out these specialist shops: Village Blacksmith, Balsam Shop, and Little Acorn.

Other 'Must Do on Mackinac' HIGHLIGHTS: -Bicycle Rentals or Hiking
-Church, features 5 churches with regular services.
-Mackinac Island Butterfly House (and Gift Shop). The third-oldest live display with over 600 varieties of Butterflies.
-Cindy's Riding Stable. Featuring 30 riding horses, visitors can ride horseback. Beginner to experienced levels accepted.

-FORT MACKINAC: During the American Revolution, the fort was built on the island by British Soldiers. Now the fort is preserved and has tours and reenactments of British occupations, fur trades, military medicine, museums, and more. The site honors its history when American and British forces fought in the War of 1812.

Appreciate and learn more about American history, take some time away from the Fudge Shop to visit Fort Mackinac.

Natural history. Visit Sugar Loaf and Arch Rock, historical to Native American Mythology.

*Review Property of: (H.A.S), Annes Aeon Lane*

Even now, although my visit was a few years ago, Mackinac Island still floats in my memory. Its picturesque portraiture and endless charm have been calling me back ever since.

Mackinac makes a splendid vacation for the family, a group of close friends, or for a couple. There is no doubt that you will have a hard time leaving this Island and its appeals.

Don't forget to check a bicycle out for a ride around the island; even those who aren't inspired by exercise will enjoy doing this. Be sure to send postcards and pick up souvenirs for those who didn't get to come with you. Also, remember to take full advantage of the great selection of restaurants and other activities including Fort Mackinac.

*Notes to first time visitors: During the winter time your only way to get to the island is by plane because the lake freezes over. Those who actually live on the island must stay there unless they leave by plane and wait for what they call an ice bridge to form. At this time, someone brave travels out onto the ice by snowmobile to see if it has thickened enough and makes a pathway back to the mainland. Then, Islanders drag out their former Christmas Tress to line the pathway. It is an exciting time of year because it is the first time anyone can really leave the Island and go get groceries or whatever else.

*-There are emergency services for your needs on the Island.

*- No motorized vehicles are allowed on Mackinac, however, tea and picnics on the Veranda are welcome!

If you haven't been to Mackinac, it is highly recommended. It’s beautiful-a piece of history stopped and frozen in time; and has been the place for much inspiration for film and famous writers, and will be for you too.

*Review Property of: (H.A.S), Annes Aeon Lane*