Growing up less than two hours south of the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan, I have visited Mackinac Island on several occasions. This is the first time I had been with a camera in hand and a pocket full of film. My mother, bestie Melissa and I spend the day taking carriage rides, touring the island by foot and eating fudge.
For those of you who are not familiar with Mackinac Island protocol, the only way on and off the island is by ferry. The island does not allow motor vehicles and haven’t since 1898. Everything, and I mean everything, is delivered or moved around the island by horse and carriage, by bicycle or by foot. You can choose to bring your own bike or rent one for a few hours from one of several rental places. It takes 1-2 hours to completely bike around the island. We didn’t do that this trip, but it is a fun way to see the sites.
This particular trip we paid a little extra to go inside the Grand Hotel, explore a bit and have a rest on the rocking chairs on the hotel’s porch. The Grand Hotel’s front porch is 660 feet long. The longest in the world. There are spectacular views from up there! Everyday from 3:30-5pm in the Parlor you can sit an enjoy afternoon tea for a small fee. Melissa and I enjoyed several cups of hot tea, champagne and little bites, while my mom went down to the hotel’s ice cream parlor for a treat of her own.
Aside from the Grand Hotel, one must stop in the several shops for freshly made Mackinac Island fudge! It is what the island is known for and it is delicious!!! The quaint shops smell amazing when you walk into them. So many cute gift shops, full of unique items. I can’t wait to take another trip there with my husband and stay a few nights on the island at one of the many adorable B&Bs.
