Our Mackinac Island Weekend
Posted by Laura Nelson on October 2, 2009
By Jim and Sally Zarafonetis
of GreatFoodandTravel.com
If you are looking for a weekend in a rare and wonderful setting, there is no place like Mackinac Island. The island, chosen as the setting for a movie featuring a ghost in Somewhere in Time, reminds you of a slower-paced, more gracious time in our history–before the internal combustion engine was invented. All island transportation is facilitated by horse drawn carriages, horse drawn taxis and bicycles. Visitors can easily escape the rigors of life in 2009.
The best time to visit Mackinac Island is in October, when hotel rates (and the leaves) fall. In fact, many special rates can be had at luxurious B&Bs and grand resorts that demand high nightly rates during the prime season.
A fall getaway begins with a scenic drive up the West Coast of Michigan, where the fall color is spectacular throughout most of October. When you arrive in Mackinaw City, it’s easy to find Shepler’s Ferry, where the staff is trained in the Disney System of courtesy and efficiency. Drive up to the loading area, and your car will be taken to a secure lot. You won’t see your luggage again until you arrive at your hotel room–in the case of our latest trip, it was the Mission Point Resort.
After a refreshing 20 minute ferry ride we landed at the docks to see gracious, old style streets. Mackinac Island’s main street has a collection of rustic hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and, best of all, aromatic fudge shops. We then hopped aboard the first of many horse drawn carriages and departed for our hotel.
Mission Point Resort sits on a hill across the road from a spacious lawn bordering the harbor. The landscaping is exceptional, and the young woman at the desk was courteous and helpful.
The rooms at Mission Point Resort were once the dormitory of a religious college. The layout and size of the room were adequate, although not plush, and the views were pleasant. Our stay there was enhanced by a good fitness facility, cocktails at the outdoor bar near the water, and the huge lawn overlooking the Straits of Mackinac.
To burn a few calories it is recommended that you tour the island by bicycle or on foot. Our visit to the highest promontory, where a fort from the 1700’s is located, reminded us of the strategic importance of the island during past wars. We also passed elegant homes, which have been occupied by governors and the captains of industry over the years.
Although we had memorable meals at Sea Biscuit Restaurant on Main Street and at The Jockey Club along the golf course at the famous Grand Hotel, the highlight was Woods, a special restaurant operated by the Grand Hotel during evening hours. Travelers to Woods must take a horse-drawn taxi across the island to the restaurant.
The final day of our visit included a carriage ride, the ferry trip to the mainland, and a beautiful return car ride overlooking some of the most beautiful vistas of Lake Michigan. Through tree-canopied highways and quaint villages, we made our way south. The trip home reacquainted us with the faster pace of present day life. We hope to experiences the beautiful timelessness of Mackinac Island again soon.
For places to stay and dine on Mackinac Island through October, visit www.GreatFoodandTravel.com.
Tags:Family Fun, Travel
