| An idyllic island in northern Michigan, Mackinac | | | | held each June, you'll also smell the abundance of |
| Island is the perfect destination for a summer trip. | | | | flowers on the island. You'll be greeted with the |
| With "staycations" en vogue this summer, more | | | | "clip-clop" of horse's hooves and the chiming of |
| Michiganders are staying closer to home and | | | | bells on bicycles. |
| taking time to enjoy the incredible variety of | | | | Settle into your hotel, then take a bike tour |
| adventures the state offers. | | | | around the island- the eight mile paved trail- a |
| Skip out of work early on a Friday afternoon to | | | | state highway, in fact- winds around the island |
| head up north. Bonus points if you can go up on | | | | taking you through the downtown, near Mission |
| Thursday to avoid weekend traffic. The drive up | | | | Point resort, and up to British Landing on the |
| I-75 is quick and pleasant, and a stop off at the | | | | north side of the island. Take a break to walk up |
| Birch Run Outlet Mall for snacks and a stretch | | | | the flights of stairs to Arch Rock, a natural rock |
| break gives you a good excuse to do a bit of | | | | formation that forms an arch overlooking the |
| shopping on your way. Gaylord and Grayling are | | | | lake. Bike around to the west side where you |
| good stops for a quick gas re-fueling stop. | | | | have a beautiful view of the bridge, and head |
| Three ferries companies offer transportation to | | | | back towards downtown. Take a minute on your |
| the island. No cars are permitted on the island, | | | | way back to stop into the public library and rest |
| with the exception of emergency service and | | | | for a few minutes in their rocking chairs on the |
| public utility vehicles, so bring good walking shoes | | | | back porch. You'll often see bright kites twisting |
| for biking and walking. Check out the ferry | | | | and turning in the wind near the library. |
| schedules for Arnold, Sheplers and Star Lineahead | | | | After your bike tour, enjoy a meal at the Pink |
| of time, and watch their websites for coupons. | | | | Pony Restaurant. Ask for a seat on the deck or |
| Make sure you plan on enough driving time in | | | | near a window so you can look out onto the |
| order to beat the last ferry of the day. Ferries | | | | marina and watch the ferries docking. Stroll |
| depart from Mackinaw City and from St. Ignace, | | | | through town, sample some fudge, and stop in |
| which is just over the Mackinaw Bridge. If you're | | | | Caddywampas, an eclectic toy and novelty shop |
| not into ferries, a plane offers flights from St. | | | | that offers such oddities as ice cub makers |
| Ignace for about the price of a ferry ticket. | | | | shaped like ships, toasters that leave imprints of |
| If you have a bit of time to kill in Mackinac City, | | | | various shapes, and silverware long enough to |
| visit the bakery (it's the only one in town) and | | | | reach across a table with. In the evening, enjoy |
| pick up some great muffins and home made | | | | an ice cream cone and wander near the beach |
| cookies. Check out the beach near the base of | | | | downtown to view the sparkling lights on the |
| the Mackinac Bridge for some great photo ops, | | | | Mackinac Bridge. St. Ignace shoots off fireworks |
| and take a minute to tour the newly-opened | | | | on weekends in the summer, and they may be |
| marina. If you're feeling adventurous, parasailing | | | | viewed from the west side of the island. If you're |
| companies offer a birds-eye view of the straits | | | | staying or dining at the Grand Hotel in the |
| of Mackinac. When it's time to catch the ferry, let | | | | evening, pack formal attire, as the hotel has a |
| the ferry staff know where you are heading, so | | | | dress code. It's easy to spot what visitors are |
| they can help direct your luggage to your hotel. | | | | staying at "The Grand" based on their attire. |
| The island is host to a number of historical hotels | | | | A horseback ride or horse and carriage tours are |
| and bed and breakfasts- the most famous of | | | | pleasant ways to tour the island. You can rent |
| them being The Grand Hotel. This Victorian | | | | carriages to travel around the island, or you may |
| destination, with its white pillars and sweeping | | | | take a guided tour, with a host who describes the |
| front porch, offers old-fashioned charm, decadent | | | | landmarks and attractions you are viewing. Fort |
| cuisine, and an amazing golf course. Mission Point | | | | Mackinac is a must-see destination, with actors in |
| Resortand the Island House are also popular hotels | | | | costume reenacting life a hundred years ago. The |
| on the island. | | | | Grand Hotel runs a tea room at the fort, which |
| Once you dock on the island, after disembarking, | | | | offers beautiful views of the lake and the harbor |
| the first thing you'll notice is the smell. The aroma | | | | below. The butterfly house, located near St. |
| of fudge wafts throughout the downtown. If | | | | Anne's Church, is also a popular destination. |
| you're lucky enough to visit during lilac festival, | | | | |