Visiting Mackinac Island

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

25 Aug 2007 02:39 PM

Looking for a way to get over your pain at the pump? Pack up the kids and travel to a place where high gas prices don't exist... a place where gas stations don't exist. In fact, not only don't you have to worry about exorbitant gas prices; you don't have to fight to find a parking space or stew in bumper-to-bumper traffic either. That's because on Mackinac Island cars are not allowed.

It's the first thing you notice when you take a trip to this gorgeous northern Michigan haven. I've had the opportunity to visit the island a couple of times in the last few years and I am always struck by how peaceful life is without some of the modern day conveniences we all think we can't live without.

If you are looking for a place to escape from the buzz of the city and simply soak up some old world charm then Mackinac Island is a must-visit destination. The island is only accessible by ferry (you leave your car on the mainland) or private plane. Once you're on the island you make your way around on two feet or two wheels (bikes: yes, motorbikes: no). Or, you can opt for a more relaxing mode of transportation-a horse-drawn wagon.

There are 600 horses and 800 bikes (including tandem bikes) on Mackinac Island. Vehicles were banned from the island back in 1898. These days most visitors are happy to hoof it alongside the horses. The ferry drops you off in the tiny (yet charming) "downtown" area, which is home to dozens of quaint shops and cozy restaurants. But, by far the most popular place to be is on Main Street where shops are crammed with visitors buying up boxes of world-famous Mackinac Island fudge. In fact, the locals call the tourists "fudgies" because the first thing anyone does on Mackinac is try the fudge. You can even watch the labor-intensive fudge making process through the gigantic windows in all of the shops.

Once you've had your fudge (and downed your entire caloric intake for the day) you can explore the myriad of outdoor activities the island has to offer. Be it hiking, boating, horseback riding, swimming, or touring Mackinac's historic sites. Regardless of what activity you choose, you'll want to make sure you find your way to the water's edge just before sunset. You won't want to miss the brilliant explosion of color that comes when the sun disappears below the horizon. Believe me; Mackinac sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful... and they are only part of a trip that you will likely remember for years to come.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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