Wanderlust is like a drug.Once you've had it, you can't get enough. And while on this 'trip' I've undertaken a little adventure to see this wonderful country I now have chosen to call home.
The adventure being, to experience United States in all its natural glory; to visit every one of the fifty states and territories of the USA. Detours, drive-throughs and layovers are to be stricken from record. So far my travels have brought me to a grand number of seventeen. And with this last visit, I have officially made it to my Eighteenth state: Michigan.
The trip to Michigan came about due to a number of factors. T started his journey in the US here, old friends who are very dear to us for fabulous company, and the lure of a very popular destination four hours drive north of Detroit: Mackinac Island.
WHEN TO GO:
Early September around Labor day is a fabulous time to visit Mackinac Island. The summer sun is still out, warm enough for one to enjoy it but not hot enough to burn you. The evenings are pleasantly cool and thoroughly enjoyable.
HOW TO GET THERE:
One must ensure to have enough of good music and fabulous company for the journey North from Detroit, because one simply zooms up 75 all the way through, so the journey can get a little monotonous for the lack of former.Plenty of pit stop options along the way. The most interesting aspect of Mackinac island is of course, despite the existence of a bridge, there are no automobiles allowed on the islands.
Charming ferries have frequent runs from Mackinac City (Where one parks the motor vehicles) to the island. they also have a convenient Valet park service .The moment you step off the ferry of course, you step into a different era, untouched by modern transportation. Mackinac welcomes you to a world of horse-drawn carriages, bicycles , charming inns and lilacs.
WHERE TO STAY:
The advice is to book early, especially if visiting on a long weekend, because the inns and B&Bs get sold out pretty quickly. I would recommend staying in a charming old inn , although the option of a few hotels is also available, the Grand hotel for one, with its charming architecture and grand views. The inns are fairly comfortable and affordable, and equipped with most of the modern amenities. True, you sometimes feel like you may have landed up in your grandma's house with pink paint or floral wallpaper, but that's a part of the charm of this island. Most of the inns are crowded around the Main street and Market street, minutes from the ferry dock.
WHAT TO DO:
1. Bike or hike the island!:
The entire island is only 8.2 miles all the way around and a bicycle is the best way to get around. Affordable bikes with handy baskets are easily available all around Main street. Most places also hand out bike trail maps and a bottle or two of water. Experience a 50's Hollywood moment as you ride along the island coast, wind in your hair, sweet smell of lilacs. The coast is a also a wonderful place to demonstrate your skill will stone cairns.The adventurous might also want to see the island on foot.
2. See the sights
This isn't really an island to do a whole lot of site-seeing , but there are a few spots one could visit: St. Anne's church, the butterfly farm (nothing as spectacular as the one I saw in Penang, Malaysia, but its nice), the natural limestone formations like Arch rock (a natural formation shaped like an Arch), Skull rock or Sugar Loaf, or the old fort.
3. Go equestrian!
Consider yourself a rider? Go horseback riding..there are riding stables with some beautiful stallions and offer guided tours in the island's wooded areas. The romantics have an option of taking a midnight horse-drawn carriage ride. One might also want to get a buggy ride or a guided horse carriage tour of the small island which gets one acquainted with the history.
4. Become a fudge-a-holic!
Fudge is an integral part of the Mackinac Island history. The recipe originates here and is so famous, they even have an annual Fudge festival. So indulge a little, get lost in the creamy deliciousness and always remember..there is no such thing such as too much fudge :)
5. Wind Down, relax, soak in the culture.
The island sets the tempo for a Victorian era, and the idea is to wind down. Read a book by the shore, take a moonlit walk near the boardwalk, enjoy a picnic on the fort grounds, enjoy some Jazz at the Grand Hotel. When the moon comes up, the water looks like a sheet of shimmering gold.It's almost breathtaking..
The home of the Ojibwa Native Indians, settled by the French in the 1600s, Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) island offers a wonderful getaway from the everyday hustle bustle, to an era bygone..where one always has time to stop and smell the lilacs...
