Sunday, July 24, 2011

Mackinac Island, MI


Today we boarded the ferry to Mackinac Island for a day of walking through this really great village. Despite the spelling, the name is pronounced Mackinaw, by the way. Did you know that? We didn’t, but now we do. We were also lucky that the cool weather has continued.

















The island has been preserved much like it was in the 1800s. The automobile never took off here. When the first horseless carriages were introduced the horse carriage operators on the island petitioned the local government stating that the motor driven conveyances were startling the horses and creating a hazard. The city agreed, and there haven’t been motor vehicles on the island since. Horses and bicycles, that’s it!

















































The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is where the move ‘Somewhere in Time’ was filmed. Remember the one with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour? What a grand place it is. After six in the evening coats and ties are required of the gentlemen and woman must refrain from wearing slacks. That is on the GROUNDS, not just the dining room or lobby. We enjoyed the immaculate gardens and tried to visit the huge balcony only to find that there is a $10 charge (each). I understand. They want to discourage the masses from wandering around the hotel and creating a distraction for those guests that are really paying top dollar to stay at this hotel. Not to be outdone, I kept the attendant occupied while Barbara went up and got some pictures at least.







































We toured the old fort and visited the restored homes and businesses. Some dated to the 1700s. For me the high point was the Brats with kraut along the harbor and the ice cream. I think Barbara was impressed with the fudge.






















It was a great day. We leave early tomorrow for Kent, OH.


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