Mackinac Island

I plan on going next summer (Late July). I’ve followed the Grand Hotel for a year now on Instagram. I’m not sure what your plans are while you’re there but if it’s anything “summerish” you’ll possibly freeze your arse off in early May.

What are you wanting to do? Why are you considering staying off the island?

I went for the day last year. Didn’t stay on the island but I wish I had. Numerous bed-and-breakfast that you could stay in potentially. I definitely would.

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Not sure if you’re aware but the island is only bikes and horses. No cars.

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I mean, isn’t that sort of what it’s mostly known for and pretty much the whole “schtick” of the place? I’ve never been, but I know this. Would there really be folks actually planning a trip there who don’t?

Go in the middle of the summer, May is likely to be cold. If budget allows, The Grand was a wonderful experience.

I’ve been twice, stayed at the Mission Point resort both times. I highly recommend it; plenty to do at the resort and on the island as well. It doesn’t get dark during the summer until around 10pm so you’ll have plenty of time for dinner plans and other stuff. 2 days in the island is plenty and 3 days would be my absolute max. I my opinion you get more bang for your buck at Mission point and you can visit the Grand Hotel and hit all their restaurants and bars, and of course their front porch.

Also take the ferry from St. Ignace instead of Mackinac City, it is far less crowded which makes it easier to get to and from the island.

Take 23 from Standish up. Eat at Austin Brothers brewery in Alpena. Go to Sturgeon Point Lighthouse near Harrisville.

Might be cold but the rates will be good.

Grand Rapids

Yea it is. Two things, there is a shop on the way that my wife follows on IG and they stopped there. The Found Cottage if a side trip interests you. Second, they were flying on SWA passes.

I've been the second week of May before. The days were jacket weather but not terrible . Night time was pretty frigid, but if you're at the Grand you don't necessarily need to leave. We were able to do a carriage tour, but no horse back riding since not all of the horses are there yet. Not every restaurant will be open but most will. We stayed at the Grand 3 nights and that was probably perfect, we had an awesome time, food was great. I just got an email from them about the celebrate Michigan deal, the Jewel is a short little course but the views are nice. Oh, and I still order Joann's fudge every year.