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Mike Forrester's Blog – April 2009 Archive (9)

Finding fans of Mackinac Island

Every day I take a look at what the internet has to offer regarding Mackinac Island. In some ways, I'm surprised at how much I find. After all, it's a small place with perhaps 500 year-round residents. It's not exactly easy to get to and it's basically 'open' six months of the year.

Most everyone I speak to either 'knows it' or has never heard of it - with the majority being of the never heard of it crowd. But those who have heard of Mackinac Island and especially those who… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on April 26, 2009 at 11:13pm — 1 Comment

Spring is in the air

Few things beat spring. Other than the occasional but necessary rain showers, I think it's the perfect season. It gets you in the mood for the summer and all it has to offer. While the calendar indicates spring starts everywhere at the same moment, we all know that spring arrives in the south before it arrives in the north. At least most of the time.

I know spring has arrived in Atlanta when I can't see the color of my car under all the pollen. On Mackinac Island, I know spring has… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on April 20, 2009 at 11:00pm — No Comments

Buy your ferry tickets online and save

One of best features of Mackinac Island is it's isolation from the automobile. Since visitors cannot drive via bridge to the island, it is served by three ferry companies during the the most popular May to October tourist season. While the trip from St. Ignace to the island takes less time, most visitors choose to depart from…

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Added by Mike Forrester on April 19, 2009 at 3:30pm — No Comments

Find your perfect island lodging

If you're like me, making my hotel reservation is one of the most important decisions when I am planning a trip to Mackinac Island. With nearly four dozen hotels, inns, B&B's and condos to choose from (and none of them belonging to a major chain) you have a variety of choices and styles.

Each one is unique and can require a little bit of research to ensure it has the amenities you seek. More than a few do not offer air conditioning since summer temperatures are generally…

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Added by Mike Forrester on April 19, 2009 at 3:30pm — No Comments

A DVD worth watching: Ice Bridge: Mackinac Island's Hidden Season

If you are like most visitors to Mackinac Island, you probably visit sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the weather is nice and crowds plentiful, but there is much more to the island than the summer season.

'Ice Bridge - Mackinac Island's Hidden Season' takes viewers on an entertaining journey through…

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Added by Mike Forrester on April 18, 2009 at 10:24am — No Comments

Delta Airlines adds Pellston to destinations

Delta Airlines has apparently integrated destinations from Northwest Airlines into its database, so Pellston, MI is now an option for the Atlanta-based carrier. Pellston is the closest airport in the lower peninsula to Mackinac Island with commercial air service.

Pellston Regional Airport opened its new terminal…

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Added by Mike Forrester on April 18, 2009 at 10:21am — No Comments

Pure Michigan Commercials

If you haven't seen them on TV yet (and lately they're difficult to miss), Michigan has produced a series of tourism commercials, which include great images and a relaxing, inviting theme. They are all voiced by actor Tim Allen. Many of them include shots of Mackinac Island, including this one, titled 'Trailhead'.

This one, 'A Simple Sunrise' is also a personal favorite:…

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Added by Mike Forrester on April 9, 2009 at 9:30pm — No Comments

A Mackinac Island Tweet-up?

As far as I can tell, Mackinac Island is missing one thing...besides automobiles. A tweet up. This is something we can do something about and it seems there might be enough people interested in seeing this happen...even if it's just 3 or 4 of us.

My hope though, is that since the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is coming up in June, and I happen to be on the island from June 11 to June 16, that we could do a little planning, find a location that will put up with some Tweeters and make… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on April 6, 2009 at 8:41pm — No Comments

Mackinac Island reverses 100-year ban on automobile.

After a century of tranquilty, the City Council of Mackinac Island voted yesterday they can no longer afford the luxury of horses. Just kidding. April Fools!

Added by Mike Forrester on April 1, 2009 at 6:31am — No Comments