Mackinac Island

Our trip to Mackinac Island from Drummond Island was cold but smooth. We steered from down below. As we entered Mackinac Harbor we saw the awesome bridge, the ferries do not slow for anything or anyone...as they are the big business here........and unlike some of the marinas we have visited.........the slips were taken.....as we approached we saw the town bustling with bikes, horse and buggies, joggers and ice cream cone lickers.................come with us for our visit.............fudge, fudge, and more fudge

The island is as good as it gets when it comes to remembering the years past.........china plates and cups are used in many of the restaurants.....and with only horses and bikes on the island....the only motorized vehicles are the fire trucks and police cars.......

The Mackinac State Marina is actually the only marina here.......The Chicago to Mackinac Sailing Race is this weekend and the town is actively preparing for the crowd.........As usual this is a popular spot for weddings and we were fortunate enough to see the bride and groom riding in their carriage............very romantic ......

A great business here obviously .....bicycles.....wheather it is the rental, repair or parts side of the business.....great spot for you if that were your specialty. Of course the horses are the main attraction...as many breeds as one might imagine and all seem to be well taken care of and catered to......they also provide in an indirect way, all the colorful flowers on the island.....the men with the shovels and wheelbarrows are on the streets all day...cleaning up after the carriages and riders.....taking this to fertilize I am sure..........great recycling..............

Fort Mackinac on the hill .....overlooks the water and is a nice gathering place for tourists and locals.........................

We hope to see the boats as they come in from Chicago.....we will be staying thru Monday in hopes to catch a glimpse of the front runners...........................

Sea la Vie seems to be at home anywhere..........so far so good...................................

We had to take a tour of the island first thing.....Andy our driver did a good job of pointing out the history and particular points of interest......Oscar and Oliver were given ample time to rest and drink as we proceeded thru the streets.............

This time of year is it the collection of bicycles along the street, but a much different picture in the winter months with the snow covered buildings and streets as the snowmobiles park along the sidewalkes.......

The Grand Hotel has special carriages for their guests........and the drivers are suited oh so elegantly in red suits with a top hat..................or in this case a ball cap...ha

Some of the pretty homes are actually still residences....though most are charming business....this was one of my favorites.....an art and jewelry store....with all hand made special and one of a kind items......very interesting....................

We stopped at Arch Rock on our carriage ride for a break and photo opportunity.........

You can see that this is appropriately named............amazing........................

This is a cottage on the main street and it's entrance.........It is so pretty, the foliage around the gate......it is this attention to detail thru out the island that makes it so very special...................

All the houses are painted....one local resident said that it is necessary to paint at least once a year and maybe twice........another good occupation here ......for painters...................

Mackinac Island Yatch Club............

Sunday morning we go a carriage ride to The Grand Hotel........what can we say......if you have not been there ....it is worth the trip........

Great detail in the architecture of the residences here............................all very Victorian.............You can see the Grand Hotel in the photo................one of the finest and largest hotels in the world..........................Aproaching the hotel....just a grandeous entrance........and one can just imagine Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeves on the front porch in the 1800's.......better still are all the unknown lovers in there time that were fortunate enough to be here.........

A private litle herb garden at the side of the hotel......I bet it is appreciated by the chefs here............

Horse and carriage ??/..........................................................

I just cannot imagine the staff and money to maintain the gardens here.........unbelievable..........

Down the hill the hotel pool with plenty of chairs for sunbathing....although today it is a little chilly still..............................

Downstairs are several small shops .............................

To the lawn....as guests play..................................

Across the street the Jockey Club ........................

Think Christopher Reeves might have changes into his superman outfit in this???

Even the trash can are adorned with flowers...................................

Our view from our galley window on the boat of all the homes on the main street...............I cannot imagine values here........................

And as we leave .......we truly feel like we have been to "A Place in Time".......................