After a little over four months, I finally went on a little vacation.
As you know I had a few that got scrapped thanks to Rona, but my friends and I made the most of not wanting to get on an airplane and being banned from pretty much every country where we’d want to go, and hopped in a mini-van for a 1000+ mile road trip up to Northern Michigan, crossing over to the Upper Peninsula (The U.P.) for a few days of getting lost in the woods.
Now, I like all sorts of vacations. I get my fancy fix a few times a year when we head to Florida for some cocktails by the pool, and look a little nicer for dinner, but it’d been a while since I had the sort where the dress code was nothing more than a tank top and a baseball cap, and I was long overdue. This trip certainly fit that bill and I was all too glad for it.
Before we entered the part of the state without consistent cell service, we played tourist in Mackinac Island, a popular tourist destination just north of the Mitten on the Lake Huron side of the bridge. Cars are a no-no and the only way to get there is to hop on a ferry.
We lucked out on our trip and missed the storms that came both before and after our little boat ride. Lucky for us everything ran as schedule, because we got the most spectacular view of the famed suspension bridge that divides Lakes Michigan and Huron.
As soon as you step on the island, there is this sense that you’re in a land time somewhat forgot. It reminded me a bit of Dingle in Ireland with its look and it’s feel.
Since we didn’t have the auto option, and the only other way to get around was a horse-drawn carriage, we grabbed some bicycles for a little ride around to check out the views.
We drove past some of the most charming little cottages. I was tempted by more than one welcome sign to walk up to one and make myself at home!
A fort or two meant a little history lesson along the way.
It’s a relatively easy ride with a few uphills, thought we did have to share the road with some furry friends.
Though once we got a glimpse at the top, we saw that the whole ride was worth it.
After we got a little sparkle in our step and on our brows, we took it easy the rest of the afternoon with a stop at many a fudge shop for some samples and to steal a few other delicious smells.
After which we took a break at the Grand Hotel to sit on the porch and rock away any thoughts of work or real life, and ready ourselves fully for vacation.
While we didn’t stay on Mackinac that night, the view from our own hotel wasn’t too shabby.
We tucked into delicious breakfasts at the most charming little spot in St. Ignace before we hit the road on to our next stop.
Fully fueled and ready for adventure!
Here are a few tips I gathered from our day in Mackinac:
Book your ferry tickets early since, due to Covid, everything is running at diminished capacity to ensure you get a seat. Certain rides go under the bridge and others go direct to the island. Opt for the bridge for some pretty spectacular views of this architectural feat!
There are bike shops everywhere, so don’t be tempted to grab the first ones you see. Walk down the road a bit to comparison shop prices because they do vary from place to place.
We sampled what seemed like all the fudges: Joann’s and Murray Hotel were our faves!
We realized once we crossed the bridge that we’d rather have stayed in St. Ignace rather than Mackinac City. There’s a ferry that can get you to the island from either.
