Beyond the Island: Mackinaw City

My family recently enjoyed a delightful day on Mackinac Island, just off the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. Read all about our Mackinac Island Carriage Tour, the Grand Hotel, Arch Rock and their world-famous fudge in Grand Getaway on Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island is an amazing destination, and I encourage everyone to pay a visit to the island. But there is so much more in this area to be explored beyond the island!

Mackinac Bridge

We started our trip in Northern Wisconsin and drove across the scenic upper peninsula. Traveling through St. Ignace and across the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinaw City. The “Mighty Mac,” as the bridge is often called, is no ordinary bridge, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t expand on this amazing feat of architecture.

After 7 years of planning and construction, the bridge first opened to traffic in 1957. The Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere at 26,372 feet. As suspension bridges are designed to do, this bridge can move to accommodate high winds.

And the day we drove across the bridge, it was quite windy! We paid the $4 toll and slowed to the recommended speed during high winds (almost!) as we gingerly crossed the massive bridge.

While I had no doubt we were completely safe, I didn’t care to look out the passenger window and down into the icy water below. Instead, I looked straight ahead and held my breath until we were safely across and on solid ground in Mackinaw City.

Mackinac vs. Mackinaw

If you are anything like me, you have already asked yourself “What is the difference between Mackinac and Mackinaw?” And am I even pronouncing them right?!

While on our Mackinac Island Carriage Tour I got my answer from our knowledgeable tour guide, Maggie. The reason behind the two similar names with just slightly different spellings traces back to the 1700s and is the result of influences from the Native American tribes, the French, and the British who all had a role in developing this area.

If you want the full story, read all about the debate over Mackinac vs. Mackinaw. But keep in mind, if you don’t want to sound like a tourist…both words are pronounced Mack-in-aw. Even though I now know the correct pronunciation, I still slip and say Mack-in-ack from time to time!

Now you know!

Where We Ate

Dixie Saloon

When we first arrived in town it was already past time for lunch, so we got right to finding a place to chow down.

We drove down the main strip of shops on East Central Avenue and were excited to start exploring…as soon as we fueled up. At the end of the strip, along the water and next to a Shepler’s Ferry dock, we spotted the Dixie Saloon.

This was the perfect spot for a casual sit-down lunch for the family.  The menu has a variety of options and I devoured an order of fish and chips. The fish was quite tasty and just the right amount to split without getting stuffed.

Always save room for fudge!

The atmosphere at the Dixie Saloon was fun and rustic with wood paneling and beams throughout. It seems that every person who has ever dined at Dixie Saloon has written or carved their names into the wood, immortalizing their dining experience. Somehow my 11-year-old daughter found a spot to make her own presence known and seemed to take delight in the fact that writing on the walls was actually encouraged!

Scalawags

Since we were near water and the seafood was fresh and plentiful, we decided on a second meal of fish and chips for dinner! This time we chose the more casual, Scalawags, right in the heart of all the cute shops on the strip.

With its nautical theme and deep-fried delights, our entire party got their bellies full and left with a smile. And some of us even saved room for a late-night treat of ice cream and a bit of fudge!

Nonna Lisa’s

After returning from our tour of Mackinac Island the next day, we decided to switch things up and opted for Italian. A family favorite. Nonna Lisa’s came highly recommended, and we were not disappointed!

I  ordered the lobster ravioli and a glass of Michigan Cherry wine. My daughters enjoyed a pepperoni pizza and chicken alfredo, but couldn’t finish the huge portions.  You definitely get your money’s worth at Nonna Lisa’s!

Beyond the yummy food and gigantic portions, we also enjoyed the ambiance at Nonna Lisa’s. While it does not have the traditional Italian decor, the environment is very inviting with a cozy Northwoods theme. You feel as if you are dining in the woods among the animals!

Where We Stayed

Being budget-conscious travelers, we opted for the affordable Baymont by Wyndham Mackinaw City.  We found that it had everything we needed. Clean spacious rooms, a nice indoor pool and hot tub, and a free hot breakfast…all at an affordable rate. And it was within walking distance of the main attractions in Mackinaw City.

There are plenty of other hotels in the area as well, also ideally located to all the fun. If you are looking to spend a bit more, you will find several nice options along the shore with great views of Lake Huron.

End of Season

We did not check out any of the haunted tours or spooky attractions on this trip (next time!). But Mackinaw City did seem like somewhat of a ghost town as it was mid-October and the end of their tourist season.

The bad news was that some shops were already closed for the season and the weather vacillated between sunny, rainy, and snowy all within the same hour.

But the good news for us…plenty of parking spaces, no lines, and HUGE discounts! Many of the stores had upwards of 50-75% discounts, so we just HAD to stock up on several commemorative sweatshirts and T’s!

We found plenty of shops still open and willing to take our money in exchange for memorable souvenirs and world-famous fudge. Not to mention all the free samples of fudge!

No matter what season you find yourself in Mackinaw City, there are always fun things to see and do…and there’s always fudge!

Next Time

With just two days to explore Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, there were so many amazing sites we missed. We clearly need to plan a future vacation when we have a full week to explore the area.

Here are just a few of the spots and activities we hope to check out on the next go around:

• Dining on Pasties (I’ve heard Bessie’s Pasties in St. Ignace are some of the best!)
• Visiting Colonial Michilimackinac
• Exploring St. Ignaces
• Driving up to Sault St. Marie and touring the Soo Locks
• Getting spooked at Mystery Town USA

Have you traveled to Mackinaw City or Mackinac Island? Comment below and share your favorite things about this top Michigan destination, and Traveling Tanya just might check them out on our next trip to the U.P.!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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