All Blog Posts (190)

I shot this video as horses arrived on the island on June 1, 2010. It's a sight that is occurring regularly right now and will continue through early June.

Nearly all the hotels, B&B's, restaurants and shops are now open with the remaining businesses opening in the next week.

Happy 2013 and welcome to the new season of the Mackinac Island Blog. Hopefully you've stayed up-to-date over the winter with our Twitter feed (http://www.twitter.com/mackinac) and Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/mackinacislandblog). If you haven't visited them, please follow or like them as they have more frequent updates both in season and in the off-season.…

Does anyone have any information regarding the history/story of this beautiful property? Also, does anyone know if it has been sold yet? Any information regarding Silver Birches, the people who used to live there, anyone who's ever stayed there, would be extremely appreciated! I am so fascinated and in love with it. 

Thanks so much!! 

Hey there!  I found your site and was wondering if you ever posted the pics that were taken at your visit to the Med Center. I'm stocking up on staples and looking forward to my first winter on the "Rock."  I hope to hear from you. 

With the 17th Annual Mackinac Island Great Turtle Run on Saturday, the Somewhere In Time Weekend and the Close the Grand event, the 2012 season on Mackinac Island effectively comes to a close. Some businesses have already closed, but most are in shutdown mode this week, anticipating one last 'pop' of business during the sold-out race on Saturday.

By nearly all accounts, it was a good season on the island, which saw tourism numbers increase, a few new businesses open and others upgrade…

I have a big update after our visit to the island last week. Every year I take a look at what’s new on the island and this year there is quite a bit to report.

Downtown is seeing lots of changes, most for the better, in my opinion. One thing that can’t be denied is that business owners are spending money making improvements, upgrades or changes to their businesses. After several years of stagnation, it’s nice to see fresh coats of paints and new businesses opening their…

Grand Hotel celebrates 125 years of hosting guests July 10, 2012. While you may have been built in less than 100 days, your builders laid a solid foundation that I hope will last another 125 years! Congratulations!…

I took a trip to Mackinaw Island and fell in love with this carless, bike friendly, charming and wonderful place. I am interested in knowing how a single retired (55 y.o.) and healthy individual could go about working on the Island as a caretaker, or house sitter/pet sitter. I have put an ad on Craigslist, and have even had a call or two, but from others who would like to do the same!

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Lorraine

Get ready for a full day of activities on Mackinac Island tomorrow. Here's my suggestion for the day (many of which I'm doing):

9:30am - Governor's Summer Residence is open for tours (free)

10:00am - Stone-skipping contest begins at Windermere Point (kids games and family activities)

12Noon -…

June 19th is World Sauntering Day. A day to enjoy a leisurely walk with a joyful disposition. W.T. Rabe of Grand Hotel created the holiday in the 1970's, according to Wikipedia 'to encourage people to slow down and enjoy the world around them.'

Personally, I can't think of a better place to saunter than the porch of Grand Hotel, which celebrates 125 years of hospitality in July. (Photo by Mackinac Island Blog Member Pam Schuch).…

Hi Mike,

I noticed the Chippewa webcam is gone?  What's up?

Pat Steele

While I normally don't write trip reports, I thought I'd share a few highlights from my visit last weekend. The highlight was hopping a boat for the ride to the Round Island Lighthouse Open House. The Round Island Lighthouse Preservation Society (www.roundislandlightmichigan.com) did a great job of organizing the event. Freeland Boy Scout Troop 323 played host to the visitors with scouts located throughout the lighthouse…

I've never been to Mackinac Is. but would like to check it out! What are the options around Thanksgiving?  Is there snow on the ground by that time?  enough to X-C?

From Tampa, FL what airport do I fly into?  Then, is there a shuttle to get me to the ferry to avoid a car rental?