Where in the World Wednesdays - Destinations to Explore Before Leaving This Life

Mackinac Island, Michigan

A Victorian relic in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. continues to charm guests every single summer.  Mackinac Island preserves the spirit of the Victorian era with its’ horse-drawn carriages driving down automobile-free streets, as pedestrians promenade down the avenues and bicyclists ride around town.  Ice cream parlors, candy shops and cafes litter the main street of town, along with souvenir and trinket shops galore. Be sure to stop in and sample the fudge though, which truly is world-renown.

The island itself is located in the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lakes Huron and Michigan meet, and where the Lower and Upper Peninsulas of Michigan are linked at their closest points by the four-mile long Mackinac Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.  The island itself is more than a mile off-shore from the Upper Peninsula, and be reached from both peninsulas by boat.  There are only about 500 year-round residents on the island, and the only automobile is the ambulance.  The island does have its' own small-craft airport, specifically for airlifting in emergencies and resident departure from the island during the winter months when the straights of Mackinac freeze over. 

The island was first settled in the 1700’s as an outpost by the British during the French and Indian War, and later, much later, in the late 19^th century by wealthy urbanites and railroad barons for their summertime enjoyment.  “Cottages” sprang up all around the shores of the island (grand and imposing homes), and almost as quickly as it arrived, the automobile was banned from the island.  Today there are more than 500 horses stabled on the island.  

The most impressive structure on the island is the famous, sprawling, Grand Hotel, built in 1887, boasting the world’s longest front porch, coming in at 660-feet long.  This impressive structure was designed in Greek Revival style, that some call a palace – and can be seen from the mainland of both peninsulas, up to about 5 miles away to the Lower Peninsula.  This grand dame of the 19^th century boasts a magnificent dining room, as well as expansive lake views.  It played host to a number of motion picture shoots, including Ester Williams and her synchronized swimming of the 1930’s and the 1980’s cult classic, Somewhere in Time, starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve. 

Accommodations on the island include of course the Grand Hotel, but there are a variety of other hotels and homes for rent on the island.  Many visitors choose to stay on either peninsula of the mainland in either Macinaw City (Lower) or St. Ignace (Upper), as both provide easy day trips to other Michigan treats such as the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along the shores of Lake Superior and Sleeping Bear Dunes near Traverse City, along the shores of Lake Michigan. 

For more information about a visit to Mackinac Island or other parts of Michigan, call 855.776.1733 or via my websites:  www.neverlandadventurestravel.com or www.neverlandadventurescruises.com.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter, like my page on Facebook, circle me on Google+, and pin me on Pinterest.