Mackinac Island

There must be some type of magic in the water. The place seems surreal to me with its surrounding of water. Only people, bikes, and horses power the island, some mobility scooters and wheelchairs, but no motorized vehicles. Every shop and restaurant owner that we have spoken to seems incredibly friendly, open and genuinely happy to be there. It is super crowded with visitors, but what an astounding place! This is where our daughter chose to spend her sixteenth birthday! August 2022.

Before getting to Mackinaw city, where we stayed overnight before and after spending time on the island, we stopped for a picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Superior. It was a gorgeous, sky-blue day with a refreshing strong breeze carrying the beauty of the lapping waves. We were visited by seagulls gliding too closely over our picnic table, but it was such a fantastic moment, they only added to the experience.

We drove over the Mighty Mac bridge, so much a part of the experience! It brings a sense of wonderment and calm to look over the expanse of water, picking out sailboats, lighthouses and shorelines.

I love the ferry ride to the Island! We went fairly early in the morning and not on a weekend, so the boat was not yet packed with people. We enjoyed seats inside, next to the windows and the ocean spray going by. It was a bit more crowded on the way back in the afternoon. The windows were open and we did experience a slight bit of water splashing us! We rode Starline Ferry this time. It was pleasant, and I enjoyed watching the crew work. Also, it was only a walk across the street from our motel, so we didn't have to worry about driving or parking, which can be daunting in this busy, crowded environment.

Pulling up to the island in the ferry is magnificent! The first thing you see are all the sailboats docked in the harbor, colorful tourists on bikes or on foot roaming, and beautiful shops, hotels and houses lining the shoreline.Upon docking and stepping from the ferry to the docks, the wonderful smells of food on the island hits your nose, as well as the clip-clop of horses pulling wagons and carriages over the cobblestone streets. Since we got there early, we were witness to the many deliveries to shops by horsepower.

One of the most noted elements of the island is the fudge they make. There are several shops selling fudge and where you can even watch the process of making it! There are so many varieties available, you're sure to find at least one appealing flavor, but my favorite now is the Double Dark Salted Caramel from Joanne’s. It's exquisite! And the scent emanating from the shops as you walk by sets off your salivary glands. It smells so good!

For lunch, we decided on the Mighty Mac burger and fries. Oh, the deliciousness! Biting into the soft, Brioche bun was so satisfying, along with the homemade French fries! Divine.

This is the spot on the beach right under that tree where my husband and I got married almost seventeen years ago! Another glorious day on the Island offering a perfect sunshiny day in October to share with friends and family.

We stopped by the Yankee Rebel Tavern for a beverage where we had our wedding reception so many years ag0. We didn’t get any personally shareable pictures, but here’s the link: Yankee Rebel Tavern. The bartender serving us today was a joy to converse with. She and my husband shared a common friend form the area where he grew up. Small world! What's really exciting about the Island and its surrounding cities is the diversity of cultures of the people employed. Many college students find employment through Mackinac Island itself, and the locations surrounding it, providing the many amenities to visitors and residents.

Here are just a few more photos of our Mackinac Island experience.

Overall, it's an extraordinary family trip worth experiencing at least once in your life! But we, as a family and a couple before becoming a family, have visited several times. There is so much to see and experience! We will be back there more, as we have yet to participate in it all! It's this horse woman's dreamland. Someday I will live there.

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All photos credited to Cassidy Aartila -- our daughter