So ready for this trip

Vacations are something most people look forward to; two day, three day, five day, two weeks and so on.

However when you are dealing with three women, who have three different life styles, many obligations, pets, and an occasional husband, you have the tiresome job to check with each before you make any final decision.

So it was with us. I started out wanting to spend at least two nights on the island, (Mackinac) however, it was hard to find a comfortable room with three beds, a private bathroom with sink inside the bathroom (as some are in a hall), fridge, microwave, etc.

Prices are quite high in most places. They are very booked. That’s probably because some idiot from Michigan told somebody else what a nice place the island really is (especially when the fudgies go home on the last boat), that people come by the boatload.

Rooms ranged in price from $300 up to what we thought was too much for what we could afford and wanted to spend. So because we (I rather) was so practical, I searched Mackinaw City. It has as many hotels, motels and condos for rent as any big city.

However there are so many sites to go to for renting; there is Verbo, Lake to Lake, Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association, chambers of commerce, real estate offices.

After being on the phone and reading 50 websites, somehow I ended up with the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce. In a guide book called ‘A Visit to Mackinaw City’, it had all the dining places, all available stores and attractions.

We finally settled on the Hamilton Inn Select right in downtown Mackinaw City.

We got a fine room with three beds, a deck with a view, fridge, coffee pot of course, free breakfast, spa, pool, large beach with firepit and s’mores at night.

The awesome person who answered all my questions, informed us when we register, to be sure to tell her what boat we are taking to the island, as there would be a discount for us, as well as discounts off on several places to eat and things to see.

You cannot beat that, plus we saw a layout of our room….big with a doorwall onto a large deck, perfect for our glass of wine, and snacks, and looking at the most stars you can imagine on such a big lake.

Close to town, a trolley to the ferry dock, needless to say we are excited.

It’s been five years since I paid for things to do on Mackinac Island, so I had to check out the prices just to inform the others.

The horse drawn carriage ride is $44 per person and lasts about an hour and a half. If you walk into the fort the cost is $17.50 each and includes several other stops, the taxi (horse drawn cab) is $9 per person, per trip.

You can go from one end of the island to the other, or around the block, it is still $9.

You have a choice between the Shepler’s Ferry, fast, $42 (it is said that Shepler’s owns a lot of the island) or you can take the Arnold Line, which is now called The Mackinac Island Ferry Co. $37 round trip of course.

You will enjoy the Butterfly House and Insect Museum, cost $14. We opted for lunch at the Grand, the table is 100 feet long or so and lunch will be $70, but our $14 porch fee will be deducted from that. Dinner was five courses and $125. Even on our hungriest day we could not eat five courses.

There is so much to see and enjoy you would really need a week. There are personal tours of Mackinac, saddle horses for rent, drive yourself carriages to rent, a real working blacksmith shop, the famous Haunted Theatre, of course golf (no pun intended).

Guided walking tours are now available, self guided audio walking tours available. Mackinac Island Ferry Company can provide you with a Pirate Adventure Cruise. There are sip and sail boat rides, shopping, sights to see.

There is a place to see called Arch Rock, old churches, and the cemeteries. The grave stones tell a story you will not soon forget. If you stay over be sure to go for a walk at night, take the road by Bogan Lane up to the next road, you will be able to see in the old houses, so beautiful they are. A guide book is a necessity, as you might want to do the unusual, you will find it on the island.

Back in Mackinaw City, we will not only look at the stars, but visit the dark sky park, climb up in a couple lighthouses, and enjoy some really great food and snacks and, of course, the beach and the view.

Take care and enjoy the good weather to come.

Contact Diane at dave@tri-citytimes.com