“The name Machilimackinac, the place of the “Great Turtle”, was first given to Mackinac Island for its shape and was eventually given to the entire Straights of Mackinac region. In time…it was shortened to simply Mackinac. The founders of Mackinaw City opted for the phonetic “aw” spelling, probably as a way to distinguish their town from Mackinac Island for confused postal carriers. Today Mackinaw City retains the “aw” spelling while the bridge, straits and island steadfastly cling to the “ac” spelling. No matter how it is spelled, however, it is always pronounced Mackinaw!” – Mackinaw City Chamber of Tourism.
Now that we have that clear, I can tell you about our visit!
We weren’t able to get a slip at Mackinac Island and in hindsight we were perfectly happy to be in a quieter location. Our slip at Straights State Harbor Marina, Mackinaw City, was easy in/easy out, clean and close to restaurants, shops, a grocery store and Shepler’s Ferry to the island.
We arrived at lunchtime and walked to The Hook Lakeside Bar and Grill then to the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. It was fascinating to learn how this ship and her sister icebreakers kept commerce going on the Great Lakes in the winter months! We stopped by Shepler’s Marine Services on the way back to our boat to order supplies for our pending oil change.
There were four other looper boats in this marina so I made the rounds to say hello. I met Ed and Cathy on Just Another Day. These Michiganders were only two weeks into their Great Loop and able to entertain children and grandchildren before moving south and into the rivers. The other crews were not on board; most certainly they were out enjoying the city or island.
Early on Wednesday, 7/21, we boarded Shepler’s Ferry with our bicycles. I took two paniers knowing that I would find souvenirs! These ferries departed every fifteen minutes with passengers, their luggage, bikes and large supply carts to replenish the businesses on the island. It was an impressive operation! Unloading was equally efficient.
We walked our bikes through an archway that brought us to Main Street (also labeled Lakeshore Drive). The scene was almost overwhelming with the sights and sounds of horses and buggies, cyclists, pedestrians, brightly colored buildings bedecked with floral window boxes, and the smells of fudge and food and …equine excrement! There were candy stores, clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, bicycle rental kiosks, taverns, hotels and spas, a bank and a haunted house.
We found our way to Seabiscuit Cafe to fortify for our ride around the island. I enjoyed a Mimosa with my omelet! Pete had a traditional Eggs Benedict.
Due to some construction, and some sort of emergency activity, we were not able to ride the entire circumference and instead rode up and over the center of the island. This route took us right by the airport and made for a convenient rest break. We spoke to an older gentleman, an island visitor that has come every summer for the last forty years, who said he has never seen the small airport so full of airplanes. Maybe it had to do with the sailboat races or maybe just pent up demand for a vacation. Either way, it was good for Michigan’s economy.
We cruised downhill to the Grand Hotel, parked the bikes and wandered the beautiful grounds. It was like walking into a postcard! We made our way to the Veranda and took two stately wicker chairs to people watch. It wasn’t long before a server came by and took our order. Two very chilled glasses of Chardonnay arrived as I made small talk with the couple next to us. It was their anniversary and she was dressed to impress! They believe, as we do, that each day should be lived to the fullest while one is vibrant and healthy. Jacqueline was widowed and then Jay came along. Their affection was evidenced with handholding, thoughtful gestures and spoken sentiments. Pete and I understand and appreciate second chances. We try to not waste a single day!
We finished our drinks and wandered some more before completing the ride down the hill. It was souvenir time. The last stop before the return ferry ride was Murdick’s Fudge. One can watch the artisan candy makers while making a selection. I left with a generous amount of fudge!
Thursday was a quiet day. The marina was less than half full, the sailors had moved on and it was overcast. I walked to Starbucks to the second level Internet Lounge for some blog editing. (This marina didn’t offer WiFi.) Meanwhile, Pete was busy calculating the next legs of our voyage.
Michigan or Wisconsin? Choosing has been no easy task. You’ll know soon.
I’m just now catching up on your blog. In another lifetime, I was a newspaper photojournalist. Your writing and photography are just great.
I hope you pick Wisconsin. I cruised Green Bay in my Ranger Tug R27 for a week in early August. If Wisconsin is your choice, at Fish Creek, take a Northern Sky Theater production at their Peninsula State Park Ampitheater, the fish boil at Pelletier’s is fun, and have some stuffed French toast at the White Gull Inn.
Have a safe trip!