My parents had told me about Mackinac Island years ago after completing their “lighthouse tour” of Michigan. Mackinac is everything they shared and more. From the time we docked in front of the Victorian lakeside homes, we were enchanted.
With no automobiles on the island, all transportation is horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or pedestrian. The only way onto the island is by boat, either ferry or private vessel. The land of fudge and horses, hence the two scents associated with the island.
We spent two days on the island, one exploring the town and one exploring the park. Day one included a delicious lunch at the famous waterfront Pink Pony and poking into the many fudge and clothing shops along the main strip. We strengthened our fall wardrobe and enjoyed ice cream. We walked to The Grand Hotel, boasting the longest front porch in America. With rooms starting at $1,000 per night, we settled for a cocktail at the wine bar, took a carriage “taxi” back to the marina and slept aboard Stealaway!
We had been warned about the rocky ride at the marina due to the numerous ferries and the position of the marina. We put on extra lines just to be safe. True to the warnings, the wind, waves (and a thunderstorm thrown in for good measure) rocked us terribly all night. We did break a dock line, so the extra caution paid off!
Day two started with a hearty breakfast at the Pancake House, followed by some souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, we took a 3-mile hike through the state park, starting along the shoreline to see The Arch and Sugarloaf Rock. Our loop walk continued past old cemeteries, through Fort Mackinac and eventually back to the marina with elevated views of the town and lake beyond.
Our Island stay ended with a Looper dinner gathering at a bistro overlooking the lake. Fourteen Loopers sharing cocktails, dinner and stories, then one last stop for ice cream on the way back to the marina😊