Mackinac Island

We just got back from our first visit to Mackinac Island. Neither of us had much of ideas what it really was like, except for the pretty brochure pictures. Also the island just opened for the season, and the northern Michigan in May can be still pretty cold. Of course, this weekend happened to be way below the average, even with a chance of snow forecasted. It was indeed very cold. But we unexpectedly enjoyed the more relaxed off-season island, though we got wet and chilly more than once. We did catch their daffodil season, however, while tulips were just starting.

Our second day was mostly dry and sunny, started out with a wonderful lakeside view for breakfast. We then put on layers of warm clothes and explored the island's long history (going back to mid 1600s).

A highlight was the Fort Mackinac and a snapshot with a cannon.

Only if we had one more day, preferably warmer than 40 degrees, on the island we would have gone for a bike ride. Next time for sure. There are a lot more of the island's nature and landscape that we missed exploring this time.  The island is very historical with no motorized transportation, so you either walk, bicycle, or ride a horse carriage. The island is only 3 hours away from our home, yet a short ferry ride across the straits magically put us in a place like no others, sort of like the movie "Somewhere in Time" which takes place at the Grand Hotel (below picture).

We admit we did miss being in Hawaii, a lot warmer alternative. This was also our first major road trip with our new Subaru, putting about 350 miles total. A grand way to break into our new car!