Summertime In Northern Michigan
Our Favorite Michigan Escapes
Truth be told, Northern Michigan had not been high on my bucket list when considering new places to visit in the summer. That was until my husband booked us a trip to the world's largest airshow in OshKosh, Wisconsin just a short hop from Michigan's upper peninsula.
After a few days exploring the airshow, a delightful experience for pilots and aspiring ones, we headed North to Michigan's upper Peninsula. What we found was nothing less than delightful!
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island (pronounced Mackinaw) is a hidden gem located in Lake Huron. It's a place where time appears to stand still, with transportation limited to horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and walking. Motorized vehicles have been banned on the island for over a century.
Stepping off the ferry in Mackinac is like stepping into a storybook, where every detail is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia. The architecture reflects a blend of Victorian elegance and rustic charm, with colorful storefronts and inviting cafes. Horse-drawn carriages clop by, the rhythmic sounds adding to the enchanting atmosphere, reminiscent of a bygone era. It makes me feel as if I had stepped into a scene from a classic novel.
The island is accessible from late April until around mid-October, as the winter months bring conditions too harsh for reliable travel. This makes the summer months particularly delightful for visitors to the area. Although summer can be crowded, as evening approaches and ferries return day-trippers to the mainland, the island becomes even more enchanting.
Where to Stay:
While there are a number of charming accommodations on Mackinaw Island, there are three standouts.
The Grand Hotel
Part of the island's allure is the iconic Grand Hotel which sits majestically atop a picturesque hill, offering views that stretch out over the waters of Lake Huron. The historic hotel has become a symbol of the island itself, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Established in the late 19th century. Its stunning architecture features a striking blend of Victorian elegance and modern amenities, ensuring that guests experience both comfort and a sense of stepping back in time. I particularly love the dress code required to enter the hotel after 6:30pm.
Hotel Iroquois
Renowned for its stunning location and breathtaking water views, the Hotel Iroquois is just a short walk from the ferry terminal. I stayed in room 323, a corner room with a panoramic view that I believe offers the best hotel room view on the island. The dining experience is exquisite, and the staff are attentive and accommodating. Many rooms offer views, but if you're sensitive to noise, you might want to choose a room on the top floor. Built in the 19th century, the building's charm includes its historical character, which might come with some creaky floors.
The Inn at Stonecliffe
Nestled in the heart of a lush forest, the Inn at Stonecliffe stands as a tranquil retreat away from the bustling main street. Surrounded by towering trees, the expansive lawn offers ample space for guests to unwind, basking in the dappled sunlight that filters through the leaves overhead. This is one of the few places on the island to be fully immersed in a serene environment enveloped by nature. In addition to its stunning outdoor spaces, the Inn at Stonecliffe provides cozy accommodations and exceptional dining options.
Dine:
The Carriage House at the Hotel Iroquois for unbeatable views
The Woods Restaurant for cozy romance
The Grand Hotel Main Dining Room for the experience
Experience:
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Drive your own horse and buggy at Jack's Livery Stable. This was my favorite part of the journey to Mackinac!
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Bike the 8.2 mile loop around the island. We had the easiest ever bike rental experience with Mackinac Cycle.
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Visit Fort Mackinac for a live historical demonstration
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Take a sunrise or sunset Kayak tour
Next stop, Charlevoix, Michigan, a charming town nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Petoskey & Charlevoix
From Mackinaw Island, I leave the ferry terminal and head South to Michigan's Lower Peninsula and the lakeside town of Charlevoix. Along the route, I make an unexpected yet delightful stop to explore the picturesque town of Petoskey along with its many boutiques and galleries.
The quaint downtown area has a blend of Victorian-era buildings and modern shops that create a unique ambiance. A scenic waterfront park makes an ideal spot for soaking views of the bay and enjoying a picnic.
As I explore, I note the ideal location of the Perry Hotel at the foot of town and vow to book a stay on my next visit to Northern Michigan.
Au Sable River
Magical Canoe Trip Down the Au Sable River
When my husband told me that canoeing down the Au Sable River was one of two magical experiences in his life (this is the other magical experience), I was skeptical. He had made the trip nearly 30 years before while on a military training exercise on the nearby military base. But, if canoeing down a river with a group of military pilots could be magical there must be something to it.
We set out from Charlevoix in route to Grayling a short drive away. The town of Grayling is small with a few restaurants, brewery, bakery and sparse accommodations. But, the town was abuzz as it had just hosted the annual Au Sable canoe marathon, a 120 mile canoe race from Grayling to Oscoda, Michigan on the shores of Lake Huron.
After a quick bite at what seemed to be the most popular diner in town, simply named Grayling Restaurant, we headed straight to Borcher's Canoe, Kayak and Bed and Breakfast, conveniently located directly on the Au Sable. After a quick safety briefing from our host, we set out on a four hour canoe.
Within minutes of being on the river, the tranquility is clear. My husband was right. It is an enchanting place. The river meanders softly, and since we picked a Monday for our trip, it seemed as though we had the whole river to ourselves, aside from the ducks, Canadian geese, and a single angler we came across.
After four hours on our journey, I felt a sense of disappointment that it had come to an end. Borcher's team was prepared for us at the take-out point, and despite floating for four hours, it took only a few minutes to get back to our starting point. After experiencing the river, I now intend to return for a longer canoe trip. It truly was a magical experience.
