A Vacation Full of Unforgettable Mackinac Memories

by Hannah

One of my favorite Island memories happened one year when my friend, Mil, and I couldn't travel together to visit friends on the Island at their East Bluff Cottage. I had to find other means to get there for my anticipated, wonderful vacation/pleasure time. Time seems to triple in speed when you are enjoying Mackinac Island. When the time came to leave, I asked my husband, Jim, to come after me and spend a couple days sightseeing and enjoying our host family.

For his FIRST trip ever coming to Mackinac Island, I carefully gave him instructions about what to do once he arrived in Mackinaw City. Directions included where to find the Arnold Boat Dock, how to park his car for staying only a couple days, how/where to get his round-trip ticket to the Island, and finally, where to find the correct waiting line for boarding the boat. For some, it is easy, but for others, it's a new challenge, one he conquered! (Proof is in the grin on his face upon arrival - see photo)!

He talked and talked about his ride over, positioned as close to the boat pilot as he could get. He spent his ride admiring the Mackinac Bridge, the expanse of the Straits, the other islands, and a favorite, the Round Island Light House. Coming into the harbor and seeing the Grand Hotel, the Fort, and all the majestic cottages lining the bluffs were a sight to behold.

Years earlier, his parents owned a 36' cabin cruiser, the Lou-Han, docked at the marina in St. Joseph, MI. They took many trips, but one time traveled by themselves to the Mackinac Bridge, just to say they had been under that beautiful structure.

Anyway, a couple days was spent at the East Bluff Cottage, compliments of our long-time friends. A carriage tour was enjoyed seeing the Fort, Grand Hotel, Arch Rock and through the beautiful woods admiring all the many, many colorful wildflowers. The results were...he has returned for more visits with me!!

He was just one of thousands of happy visitors to the Island. An experience you dare not exclude in your lifetime!