Since we were so close and it’s probably Mom’s last summer in Michigan, we decided to do a quick day trip to Mackinac Island. We were there last year for the Lilac Festival 10K.

It’s about a 15 minute ferry ride from the mainland to the island. We passed the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the lower peninsula of Michigan to the upper peninsula. (We drove across it last year with David’s family while on vacation!) The Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race going on that day:

As you approach the island, you can see the Grand Hotel. It’s the setting for the movie Somewhere in Time:

We spent the afternoon walking around and looking at the cute shops. Mackinac is unique because no cars are allowed on the island. I think they might have a fire truck and an emergency vehicle, but other than that, you get around by foot, bike, or horse.

You have to watch out for horse pies when you walk across the street!

Mackinac Island is known for its fudge:

We had lunch at Mary’s Bistro:

David got a lamb and bleu cheese burger, I had a crab salad sandwich, and Mom had crab cake sliders. Yum!

The island is absolutely beautiful! It was a gorgeous, sunny day.

We walked up to the Grand Hotel. Mom, Mary, and I have stayed at the hotel before. It’s very fancy and formal. After 6 pm, they require women to be in dresses or skirts and men to be in suits. There’s a fee to look inside if you’re not a guest.

However, there was no fee to eat at the new Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor connected to the hotel!

More Hudsonville Ice Cream! Mmmm!

Mackinac Island is one of my favorite places in Michigan!