Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel

Kregg had a business trip that took him to northern Michigan several years ago. He fell in love. He took me back for an anniversary trip, and I also fell in love with the area. We decided we needed to plan one of our famous road trips and take the kids. So, we set aside a little over two weeks and set out from west Texas. In route, we went through many beautiful country. But that will have to wait for another time. This post is about a little island we visited in Michigan.

A visit to Mackinac (it sounds like "Mack-i-naw") Island is like stepping back into the Victorian Era. No cars are allowed, only bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. It's quite romantic.

 

The main street is lined with quaint shops and restaurants. But the island is especially famous for its fudge. There are dozens and dozens of flavors to choose from. And the fudge shops will ship anywhere. During the Victorian Era, the people who owned the large summer homes along the hills were called "Fudgies".

Fort Mackinaw sits atop the hill overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. It was established in 1780.

The kids heading into the Fort

The view from the Fort

Rebekah and her cousin, Grant, participating in an old fashioned dance.

One of the many period actors

A "soldier" overlooking the Lake

This little chapel is at the foot of the hill below the Fort.

        

There are many beautiful little churches

Around the island are many historical buildings complete with actors to explain life 200 years ago.

This giant bellows hangs in the rafters of the blacksmith shop.

Of all the beautiful churches, this one is my very favorite. It is so quaint from the outside.

The stained glass is exquisite.

Isn't it wonderful?

In the distance, you can just see the Mackinac Bridge, joining the upper and lower peninsula's of Michigan. It is considered an engineering marvel and the story of its construction is fascinating.

The Grand Hotel is a huge, old summer hotel and is the most famous thing on the island. It's front veranda is over 600 feet long and is lined with white wooden rockers and geraniums. It has been open since 1887.

The landscaping is incredible. This is a life-sized topiary.

It is quite charming to arrive at the Grand Hotel in a horse drawn carriage

Another beautiful little church

A limestone arch overlooking the lake

One of many lovely bed and breakfasts on the island

                   

After spending a glorious day, the ferry took us back across the Straits of Mackinac. It is one of those places we would visit over and over again if it were not 1600 miles away! If you ever get a chance to see it, you should go. And send me some fudge! :)