Mackinac Island Honeymoon
 |
|
Couples get around
Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle; the
island prohibits automobiles, giving it a relaxed and
romantic atmosphere. (Photo by Terry
W. Phipps courtesy of Travel Michigan ) |
Somewhere In Time,
a 1980 movie starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, tells the
story of a young playwright who travels back in time to find true love
on Mackinac Island. Whatever you think of the movie (which was initially
panned but has become a cult classic), it's an appropriate metaphor for
Mackinac Island (pronounced—and sometimes spelled—"Mackinaw Island").
The island's residents have worked hard to transport lovers back to a
bygone era of Victorian charm and horse-drawn carriages.
TOP ~
COST ~ LINKS ~ BOOKSTORE
Mackinac Island is located in
Lake Huron in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan's upper and lower
peninsulas. Stepping onto the island is a little like stepping back in
time; its 500 permanent residents boast of the Victorian charm of their
village. Automobiles are prohibited on the island; people get around on
foot or bicycle, or (if you're a tourist) by horse-drawn carriage.
Eighty percent of the island is occupied by Mackinac Island State Park:
"There are 1,800 acres under canopies of cedars and birches," according
to the park's web site. "Limestone bluffs tower over wildflowers and
crystal waters." Although camping is prohibited, the park offers several
historic sites: Fort Mackinac, built by the British during the American
Revolution, provides a panoramic view from the island's highest point,
and early 19th century downtown buildings that recreate a time when the
island was a hub for the fur trade. Several of the park's historic sites
are located on the mainland, including a reconstructed 1715 French
fur-trading village and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.
 |
|
Mackinac Island's
picturesque harbor. (Photo courtesy of
Travel Michigan ) |
Art galleries and two butterfly
gardens are among the island's other attractions. The 10-day Lilac
Festival, held in June, is the highlight of the island's busy summer
schedule. The festival celebrates the island's famous lilacs with the
world's longest horse-hitch parade, free outdoor concerts, boat cruises
and garden tours, among other activities.
The island caters to tourists with
dozens of lodging and dining options, many featuring a Victorian
ambience. It's also a popular wedding destination, and offers many
wedding-related services as well as a wedding guide. As with any island
tourist destination, prices are higher than what you'd expect on the
mainland—visit in the off-season and you'll get a better deal but fewer
activities.
Other Islands of the Great Lakes
honeymoon ideas:
 |
|
Tour the island,
including West Bluff, by horse-drawn carriage.
(Photo by Don Simonelli courtesy of Travel Michigan ) |
Rooms in Mackinac Island's hotels and
B&Bs range from $100 - $800 per night; cottages, condominiums, and
apartments are also available for rental.
TOP ~
COST ~ LINKS ~ BOOKSTORE
Mackinac Island Tourist
Information
A content-rich site listing almost
everything you need to plan a trip to Mackinac Island. Note that the
site sells advertising; you need to click on the "more listings" button
in order to get beyond the "featured listings."
Mackinac Island Official
Tourism Bureau
The official web site of the Mackinac
Island Tourism Bureau contains much of the same information as the
Mackinac Island Tourist Information web site in a simpler format.
A Wedding Trip to Mackinac Island
"Especially in the evenings, when many
couples and lovers stroll the quiet streets together, the Island comes
alive with a feeling of romance," Lynn Conway writes. Her account of her
wedding and honeymoon is full of travel details and beautiful photos
that make it a good travel guide for anyone planning a trip to the
island.
TOP ~
COST ~ LINKS ~ BOOKSTORE
Your honeymoon story
Have you done this trip (whether on
your honeymoon or other travel)? We'd love to hear about your experience
so we can share it with others . . . just
drop us a line.
Last Updated:
March 4, 2004 |
