As we’re exploring travel for the month of July, let’s dive into one of my favorite vacation spots, Mackinaw Island. A small island between the Lower and Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
On this trip, you need to abandon all contemporary comforts and brace whatever chair or wall you’re next to. We’re about to go back in time. To the Victorian period, mid 1830’s to early 1900’s.
A time where motorized vehicles didn’t exist. So, you get to walk along the paved streets or sidewalks with other pedestrians, cyclists, and horses. The biggest danger is horse droppings along the street, so watch your step!
On this island, you take a ferry, about a 18-24 minute ride from mainland Michigan, either on the Lower Peninsula side of Mackinaw City or the Upper Peninsula side of St. Ignace. Depending on the ferry liner you use, Star Line or Shepler’s, you can sit on the upper deck and let the Northern Michigan wind off the Great Lakes blow upon your face. It’s refreshing in the heat of summer, but bites during early spring or mid-to-late fall.
Once you arrive to the island, it’s time to roam or eat at their many delicious restaurants.
Arrive in the summer, near June and July, their signature lilacs are blooming everywhere – in front of hotels, the scenic state park, and in planters along the sidewalks. It’s like you’re exploring a sprawling English garden.
Walk along the shops, you might get seduced by the aroma of homemade fudge that comes in an array of flavors like chocolate mint, peanut butter, chocolate cherry, or the signature Mackinaw Island fudge. Stop inside any fudge shop and watch the confectioners make the fudge in front of you.
Or bicycle the 8-mile trail along the shoreline to drink in the varying sights of the island. Arch Rock is a limestone formation set nearly 150 feet above Lake Huron, drawing hundreds of tourist to its scenic site. Bring comfortable walking or hiking shoes since you need to climb several wooden stairs to reach it from the bike trail.
If you’re winded or desire a more relaxed and less aerobic experience, hire a horse-drawn tour that will take you to the Rock without any climbing or much physical exertion.
And if you’re a history buff, check out Fort Mackinaw, the 19th century military fortification turned into a historic sight. They have cannon and rifle demonstrations along with former military barracks. You’ll learn how both British and American soldiers lived on the Island.
One of my favorite sights is the Victorian architecture from sprawling summer homes including the governor’s residence to the famous Grand Hotel with its wide wrap-around porch and traditional dress code for their hotel guests. Walk along the hotel, and you’ll feel transported to the Victorian era with valets in long-tail suits, male guests in suits and tuxe’s, and women guests in gloves and gowns.
I’m a history lover so feeling like I’m back in the Victorian Era feels whimsical and relaxing. One of my dreams is to rent a home for a month and write, away from the stresses of motorized vehicles and heavy traffic. Write with the quiet of the island and its simplicity enveloping my soul.
Anyone with me?
Activation:
- Think of a vacation spot that inspires you to write.
- Transport yourself to that place and envision sitting at a picturesque spot, writing in a journal or notebook.
- Now, sit and write as you envision yourself in this place.
- Feel free to share your spot and subject of your writing in Comments. Thank you.
Featured Image by Cameron Pickford from Pixabay