Mackinac Island, Michigan: Fort Mackinac; things to do

Fort Mackinac 

906-436-4100. Hrs. vary. $10.50, 5-17 $6.50.

costumed interpreters at Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, Michigan

The oldest structure in Michigan, and one of the few remaining Revolutionary War-era ruins in the nation, this fort looms high on a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Originally a British outpost, Fort Mackinac was conquered by American soldiers 20 years after the Revolution. In addition to housing historic ruins, the Fort hosts Victorian children's games; bagpipe, bugle, and drum corps music; hourly rifle and cannon firings; and military reenactments performed by costumed interpreters. The Tea Room, operated by the Grand Hotel, serves lunch in a cozy interior sometimes warmed by a fragrant fire, and also out on a balcony overlooking the town and lake.

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image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Mackinac Island, Michigan: Ryba’s Fudge Company; things to do

Fudge Shops

Don't leave the island without sampling its famous fudge--affectionately known as "fudgies." Many downtown shops sell the island's favorite confection, among them:

●Ryba’s Fudge Company 

800-44-RYBAS, 906-847-3347.

 Everyone can watch the yummy fudge dumped from copper cooking kettles onto marble slabs for creaming. Family-operated since 1960, this shop also makes delicious fudge sauce, Victor’s Caramel Corn, and English toffee. The promise here is: “No machine has ever touched it. Never has, never will.” Lard is an ingredient.

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image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Mackinac Island, Michigan: Grand Hotel; hotel review

Grand Hotel

800-33-GRAND, 906-847-3331. 385 rooms, each individually decorated. Pool; sauna; 2 hot tubs; children’s program; 4 clay tennis courts (rentals available). Full breakfast & dinner included. No tipping. Dress policy.

Everyone should experience fine living at the Grand Hotel at least once. From the world’s longest front porch—660 feet long to be precise—guests get a prime view of the straits as they sit in a long, long line of rocking chairs amid more than 2,500 blooming red geraniums in flower boxes lining the entire length of the porch.

 This National Historic Landmark built in 1887 still presents afternoon tea in the parlor, and the smiling staff greets you as you enter the main dining room. It is also the world's largest summer hotel (it’s closed from November through April). Rates include an elaborate breakfast and dinner daily, horse-drawn shuttle service, and all tips.

For non-guests, a small fee is charged to visit the hotel during the day (the ticket price is deducted from any hotel restaurant meal), but after 6 p.m. if you meet the dress code you can visit for cocktails or dinner and take in the scene at no fee.

Rooms are comfortable and individually decorated; some have balconies or lake views. Luxurious suites are named and themed after famous figures and include six First Lady rooms. Resort grounds include a beautiful 220-foot long serpentine-shaped outdoor heated pool, an 18-hole golf course, and formal gardens.

The doorman wears splendid red tails, guests make a red-carpet entrance, and  antiques throughout the hotels make it a lived-in museum.



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image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Mackinac Island, Michigan: horse-drawn carriage ride; things to do

horse-drawn carriage ride

Set on the north side of Lake Huron, in the waters separating Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, Mackinac (pronounced Mack-i-naw) Island is one of Michigan's loveliest and destinations. Cars are prohibited, and so visitors get around on foot, bicycles, and horse-drawn carriages. Visitors step back in time amid restored Victorian homes, many transformed into shops. 800-454-5227.

horse-pulled tour bus on Mackinac Island, Michigan

Trips via horse and buggy begin near the boat docks in the center of the shopping district and last about 2 hours. Sights include the Governor's Mansion, the Grand Hotel, Fort Mackinac, and Arch Rock--a limestone formation that is among the island's most popular natural attractions. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours 906-847-3307.



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image c2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers