Marvelous Mackinac

As the ferry got close to the Island, we could see many beautifully maintained old Victorian homes and mansions along the waterfront and on the bluffs above town. The island is automobile free and horses are the main mode of transportation. They are used for everything - hauling luggage and supplies, delivering guests to their accommodation and even the town hearse is pulled by horse. This is a great place for shoppers since there are many interesting and one of a kind gift shops and galleries. If you are a lighthouse fan, you'll have no trouble finding statues, paintings and even clothes with lighthouse motifs. Mackinac Island fudge is available in many shops throughout the Island and this creamy diet killer is a definite must try.

The Grand Hotel, one of the largest summer hotels in the world, was built in the late 19th century and is as much a tourist attraction as an hotel. Staying here was like a trip back to the early 1900s when a hotel stay was a glamourous adventure.

If you're lucky enough to be here in June, the annual Lilac Festival is one of the main (and most fragrant) events of the year.

Quick Tips:

The ferry from Macinac City takes less than 30 minutes and runs from spring to December. The price is .00 and there is an extra charge if you want to bring your bike. Small planes make the trip from the mainland on a year round basis however many of the shops and accommodations are closed in the winter.

Camping is not allowed on Mackinac so leave the camping gear at home and stay at The Grand or one of the beautiful Victorian homes that has been converted to a B&B.

Best Way To Get Around:

Most of the sights are within walking distance from downtown. If you want some adventure, bicycle rentals or horseback trail rides are available and you can even rent a drive-yourself carriage to tour the island.

Built in the late 19th century, this Grand Dame of Mackinac Island is still THE place to stay and worth every penny! The movie "Somewhere in Time" featuring Christopher Reeve was filmed at The Grand and that title applies perfectly to the hotel. It still retains the flavour and character of the Victorian era while offering guests all the modern conveniences. It is more than just a hotel, it''s a first class resort offering total relaxation or a multitude of activites- the choice is yours.

Each bedroom is individually decorated with antique furntiture and matching accessories. Our room had two dark wood, high poster double beds with a hunter green floral pattern on the bedspreads, drapes and carpet. The adjoining 4 piece bathroom wasn''t overly large but had a full array of geranium scented toiletries.

Geraniums can be found aplenty in baskets and pots along the outdoor covered porch that overlooks the gardens and swimming pool. The porch is equal in length to four football fields and is lined with white rocking chairs - a perfect place to have a drink and relax. It is such a popular spot that non guests are charged $10.00 admission to the porch.

The Hotel has some nice shops to browse through as well as a number of restaurants and bars to choose from.

The acres of gardens include tennis courts, a public golf course and horseback riding. Croquet sets are available if you want to play on the lawn. The heated, outdoor Esther Williams Swimming Pool has nearby changing rooms, whirlpools and a sauna. There is also an exercise room and a masseuse if you want to be pampered.

Guests and luggage are met at the ferry terminal and the luggage is deposited in your room. The hotel is located within easy walking distance of downtown or you can travel in style via a horse drawn carriage.

Packages start at $195.00 per person and include dinner and breakfast.

Although included as part of the package, dining at The Grand has all the atmosphere of a 5 star restaurant. The Main Dining room can seat hundreds of people at a time but there is still a feeling of intimacy and the service is top notch. We had the option of a number of different entrees for our 5 course dinner and all of our choices (chicken cordon blue, prime rib and trout) were well prepared and elegantly served. Although casual dress is acceptable during the day, dinner is more formal and requires suits and ties for men after 6 p.m. Breakfast was also served in the main dining room and consisted of a hot and cold buffet. Eggs, sausages, bacon, potatoes, ham, crepes made to order and a wide selection of pastries and muffins were just some of the dishes available. Afternoon tea is served each day in the Parlor and includes finger sandwiches, scones and pastries accompanied by classical music.

This interesting and fun tour covers the shoreline road and offers great views of the Island. It also visits the main sights in town such as The Grand Hotel, Fort Mackinac and many of the beautiful Victorian homes and interesting shops. Automobiles are not allowed on the island so the carriage is pulled by two large and friendly horses. The pace is relaxing and the tour last about 1 1/2 hours. There is a canopy on top in case of rain and the carriage seats about 12 people comfortably.

The tour goes through Mackianc Island State Park which was Michigan's first state park. It has been named by National Geographic as one of the 10 finest parks in America and it contains one of the most photographed parts of the tour - Arch Rock. This is a natural arch or rounded rock "bridge" that frames great views of the water below.

The tour guide provides lots of information about the Island and the horses and there are lots of opportunities for picture taking.

There is a stop at the stables (near The Grand Hotel) where the horses are kept. The stables are very large since they house hundreds of horses and the company is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

In the winter, the horses are taken back to the mainland via ferry for their winter vacation.

Fort Mackinac is a National Historic landmark. It was built by the British in 1781, passed to the U.S. in 1812 and had soldiers stationed here until 1875. Fourteen of the original buildings still remain, including the soldiers barracks and officers quarters. Throughout the Fort, costumed interpreters will take you on a tour and explain what it was like for the soldiers and their families to live and work here during that time. If you can stand the noise, there are musket demonstrations and cannon firings. A much more pleasant noise is the band playing military music on the parade grounds at various times throughout the day. There are lots of special exhibits and games for kids. There is a paved path from downtown up to the Fort. Along the way, there are scenic views over the Straights between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Open May to October from 9:30 a.m. Admission is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.

The Grand Hotel operates a tea room at the Fort. Although we didn't eat here, I have no double it is good since The Grand is involved.