Macinac Island is a place out of time where horse-drawn carriages abound and romance is waiting just around the corner. Take a trip across the straights to the Island to relax with your sweetheart away from the hustle and bustle of a world with motorized vehicles and let yourself get swept away by the romance of a time gone by.
Points Of Interest
The Grand Hotel
Sit on a rocking chair overlooking the Straits of Mackinac from the world’s longest porch while enjoying the fresh island air. Stay at the same hotel that was featured in the movie “Somewhere In Time”. Be swept away by the romance of a stay on the island where horse drawn carriages are the method of transportation.
The Top 5 Mackinac Island Restaurants
1. Carriage House
2. The Jockey Club
3. The Woods Restaurant
4. 1852 Grill Room
5. Chianti
Fort Mackinac
Experience history. Tour the island and stop by the fort for a reenactment of the past. “Founded in 1780, Fort Mackinac is a walled cluster of military buildings on a coastal bluff.” The fort has soldiers dressed in period costume and has a charming feel of the past. For the couple with a love of hiking and history, this is the spot for you. Stand on the bluff and watch the tide come in with your sweetheart for a breathtaking view. Another fort on the island to be sure to visti is Fort Holmes, where you can see a fortified earthen redoubt located on the highest point of Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island Tours
To get to the island, a couple will have to take the ferry. The ferry to the island will show you some of the sights outside of the island like the Mackinac Island Bridge and the lighthouses that dot the Mackinac Straight. Once on the island, tour the island on a bike, by foot or via a highly recommended carriage ride. One of the more unique experiences that a couple can have while visiting the island is to charter a sailing boat to sail the Mackinaw Straights. All of these tours are a great way to see the historic island and to soak in the charming atmosphere. If you would like to see one of the historic homes up close, the Governor’s Summer mansion offers tours as well.
The Arts on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a museum piece all by itself. Much of the island is a historically preserved park, however there are a few things to see beyond the historical sights when visiting the island for a taste of culture. There is a romantic butterfly house and the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum on the island to visit as well as two historically preserved forts. Be sure to stop downtown for a wonderful shopping experience at some unique stores, such as Benjamin of Makinac, Scrimshanders, Loonfeather &amo; Balsam Shop, Ryba’s Fudge Shop, and Little Luxuries. While you are at it, buy some Mackinac Island Fudge, a treat you won’t forget. There is also a lively music and bar scene at night for those looking for something livelier than touring the island.
Mackinac Island Sports
While the island isn’t home to any professional sports teams, it is a breathtaking place to take in a round of golf with your loved one. “The Jewel is one of the most unique courses in Northern Michigan and the United States. With its unparalleled scenic beauty, lush landscaping, meticulously manicured tees, fairways and greens it is sure to be a Grand golf experience.”
Unique Dates
While visiting the island is a unique experience in itself, there are still a few things to do on the island that I would recommend that will make the experience all the more interesting and memorable. One of those things would be to take your sweetheart on a Kayak tour around the island where you can see the splendor or the Lakes and the beautiful shoreline of the island. If that doesn’t appeal, I recommend visiting the many stables around the island like Jack’s Livery Stable, Cindy’s Riding Stable, and Mackinac Community Equestrian Center, and going horesback riding with your sweetheart.
