When I was younger we either went to the beach or to the mountains for vacation. I only went on an airplane once or twice to visit with family growing up. If we could drive we did. This changed when I graduated college 6 years ago. Since then I have traveled everywhere and flown enough to be able to fly around the world with 7 stop-overs and still have points left. I have re-visited several of the same destinations multiple times that were memorable… this goes for Mackinac Island in Michigan. I believe this was my 5th trip to the island. The trip is about a 7 hour drive but well worth it! There are no motorized vehicles on the island. There are three modes of transportation; bicycle, horse, or your own feet. This island is timeless in the architecture and has so much history. I’m sure many more will be visiting Michigan with the marketing push for vacationers recently. It’s horrible that our beaches are being ruined by oil that people are even having to look for new places to vacation. Nevertheless, this is one of the best spots to visit in Michigan. The island is very family oriented.
The Mackinac Bridge is longer than the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Arnold Ferry is the closest dock to the island. You have to cross the Mackinac Bridge to get to the ferry but there are also ferries in Mackinac City that is a shorter drive but a longer ferry ride.
We just so happened to arrive during their Lilac Festival and catch the parade!
There were many Scottish bands and a variety of floats with humor! I thought the Sound of Music idea was awesome with the horses wearing the curtains!
Everyone around me in the crowd gasped when they saw these horses dressed in tuxes!
This vacation we didn’t rent a horse or bicycle but decided to walk. It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon.
This was a continuation of my mom’s birthday weekend together. We didn’t make any plans… we just relaxed!
When Charlene & Carol visited the island with me 2 years ago, Charlene couldn’t get over how downtown looked like her Victorian Village.
Mackinac Island is known for two types of fudge. One is nicknamed “hot apples” and the other can be found in 13 shops downtown in what seems like unlimited varieties.
Mom & I … corny I know but cute too.
One of our favorite things to do is play putt putt here because it’s on real grass and has flagged posts like golf. We feel like pros. Mom beat me this game. We worked up an appetite so soon after had a nice meal which included this strawberry shortcake on a biscuit. Yum!
Since my first trip to the island their landscaping inspired me in my own garden. Before visiting I had never seen flowers rearranged in such colorful patterns. You’ll see this all over the island for businesses and in home gardens. Thank mom for sharing this trip!
