I told y'all I would be back with a second travel guide to cover Mackinac Island! Did I lie?! Did I lieeeee?! If you know that meme then you get it, haha. If you have not read my Mackinaw City Travel Guide yet, here is the link. Catch up on that blog post first then come back to this one. Are you ready for Mackinac Island?! There is way more places to go and things to do in this travel guide, so without further ado let's go!
Where I Stayed {Again}
I stayed at The Mackinac Beach & Bay Inn & Suites, again. My review of the hotel is on the Mackinaw City Travel Guide.
Places To Stay On The Island
Grand Hotel- This is the hotel that Mackinac Island is known for. I have never stayed at the Grand Hotel, but would love to just to experience the atmosphere. As you can imagine, this hotel is very expensive at $465 a night. Each night, after 6:30pm, dresses, skirts, blouses, etc. for ladies are preferred. Gentleman are required to wear a suit coat, necktie and dress pants, no denim or shorts. You cannot wear a crop top, cut-off shorts or sweatpants at all. The attire is very formal. There is a lot of restaurants inside Grand Hotel. I am not going to go into specifics. Plus, there is also a cute ice cream parlor right outside the hotel. There is so many activities you can do at the hotel such as swimming, tennis, golfing, live music, afternoon tea, biking, horse + carriage rides, etc.
Here are some of my photos of the Grand Hotel & the gardens:
Inn On Mackinac- A vintage style hotel with Victorian & Colonial rooms. A little porch you can kick your feet up and relax on as well.
What To Do
Bike- One of the main activities Mackinac Island is known for. So many people go here just to bike around the whole island. I never have, but really should because I love to bike ride.
The Butterfly House- The original Mackinac Island Butterfly House. First of its kind in Michigan, and third oldest butterfly exhibit in the United States. Honestly, I was not that impressed. I went to a butterfly house at Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan. There was soo many more butterfly's, many rooms you can walk through and many places to sit down and enjoy the butterfly's fly all around you. The Butterfly House in Mackinac Island is a little pricy to walk around just one room with less than 10 butterflies.
See Arch Rock- A famous rock attraction on the island. It towers above the water, and is more than 50 feet wide. I didn't see the rock this time, but have before. It is a must see, highly recommend.
Look At The Cottages- There is so many adorable cottages on the island in a variety of cute colors. You honestly could just walk around the island looking at them.
Shop- There is so many cute shops on the island as well. My favorite I went into was Pink Pony. Everything is pink and girly in this store. They also sell Lilly Pulitzer. I got a nice floppy hat from here.
Fort Mackinac- The oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures boast exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments and family life within the fort. There's many exhibits to see and tours to go on. Been here before, and definitely a must see. A memorable experience. History comes alive here!
Where To Eat
Carriage House- My favorite restaurant on Mackinac Island. They are pricy, but you get the most gorgeous view of the water while eating. They have indoor and outdoor seating. I ate outside, and could see the boats pass back and forth. Plus, you also get a view of two lighthouses. THIS IS THE PLACE TO EAT! They have sandwiches, salads, fish and lobster options. A few different wine and beverage options too. Everything was delicious. Little to no wait to be seated.
Pinky Pony- A hotel, a shop & a restaurant. This restaurant is also on the water, and gives you gorgeous views. They have sandwiches, seafood, salads and a bar. There is also a drawing of a pink pony on the wall. I regret not getting a pic )-: Call ahead and make a reservation if you are looking to eat here because there is always a long wait.
Starbucks- The only fast food place on the Island that is a big corporation. I went in to get a Frappuccino in the evening, and they were all out of the ingredients. Not enough supplies for the island crowd. If you are a Starbucks lover get your drink in the morning or early afternoon.
Doud's Market- If you are looking to buy a variety of snacks or drinks, this is the place. They have fresh fruit, vegetables and grab-and-go options. Good if you are not looking to sit down and eat in a restaurant.
Murdick's Fudge- I know you are probably wondering where is the best place to get fudge, and this is it. Murdick's has the best reviews, and a great variety of fudge options.
That's it! That is my Mackinac Island travel guide! I hope this travel guide was helpful and a nice read. There was so much to do in such little time. I would recommend spending at least a weekend on the island to take it all in. I love travelling, and cannot wait until I can travel outside of Michigan when it is safe to again. I go back to school in exactly one week which is soo crazy to me. Summer is going by really fast. It's so bittersweet because this will be my last semester at my home, my happy place for the last 5 & 1/2 years.
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Xoxo,
Chey