Celebrate Your Independence On Mackinac Island

July 4^th weekend means many things to many people. It’s a long weekend away from work, family barbeques, relaxing, games and fireworks. July 4^th is Independence Day and it represents the birth of our great nation.And I can’t think of a better place to spend Independence Day than on Mackinac Island. It’s the one place where I can feel free from everyday life. A place where my spirit comes alive. Independence Day is loaded with history and that rings true on Mackinac because when you come to Mackinac, you’re going back in time, and Mackinac Island played a big role in the birth of our country.

In July of 1812, British soldiers coursed the waters by boat and landed on the shores of Mackinac Island, which is now called British Landing. The soldiers dragged two cannons to the highest point on the Island, where Fort Holmes is today. The Americans didn’t know that war had been declared, ultimately surrendered, and the rest is history.

When you come to Mackinac, you can also course the blue waters by boat and land on the shores taking the Star Line, Shepler’s or Arnold Ferry boats. You’ll love the feeling of freedom as the wind brushes your face and Mackinac comes into full view as you anticipate your independence when you stay with us at the Lilac Tree Suites & Spa! July 4^th is a wonderful, fun packed celebration on Mackinac Island with so much to see and do celebrating America’s Independence. One of my favorite things is going to Fort Mackinac, which is one of the two original Revolutionary Forts left in America.

You can step back in time and be a part of an authentic Independence Day celebration with American and British Soldier demonstrations, a 38 gun salute, the firing of the canon overlooking Lake Huron, Patriotic music, dancing and lots more! You and your family will love the All- American picnic at Fort Mackinac, so make sure you build up an appetite when you’re dancing.

My daughter Kelly did a study abroad program in London, England while she was in college and brought me home an official London t-shirt that I proudly wear on Mackinac Island. She also married a young man from England and one of my favorite things to do is pose with the British Soldiers wearing my London shirt! And because of my son-in-law’s heritage, our nation’s history has taken on a much deeper meaning for me as I explore the role that Mackinac Island had in the birth of our Country. Your family will also love the Fun and Games at Windermere Point which includes good old-fashioned Sack Races and the famous Greasy Pole Climb!

What’s the 4^th of July without fireworks? Bring your family and bask in the excitement and wide-eyed wonder to see spectacular fireworks on the water from the beautiful shoreline at the end of Main Street by Windermere Point and the schoolyard. The fireworks will start at dusk which is about 9:30 pm-10 pm. Bring your blanket, towel, folding chairs or you can stand in awe to watch the fireworks light up the sky to the sounds of Boom!! Oooh! Aaahh! Another Mackinac favorite is that the Ferry Lines offer special fireworks cruises so you can celebrate a Star Spangled 4^th and see the fireworks in style while you’re out on the water on a big ferry boat!

What’s Mackinac Island without a bike ride? I love bike riding the 8.2 miles around the Island– I call it theHighway to Heaven. I also love going on the inner roads and trails to explore Mackinac’s inner beauty. Make sure you bring your bike or there’s plenty of great places where you can rent bikes for you and your entire family. With a great weekend and 4^th of July celebration activities, you’ll want to declare your independence by pampering yourself with a well-deserved Spa treatment at our Lilac Tree Spa. Celebrate with a Swedish massage and Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue massage, and even a Couple’s massage. Plus Hot Stone Treatments, Bath & Body wraps, Facials and more! Make the cares of the world dissolve away. You deserve it!

There’s no better way to celebrate your Independence this year than being on Mackinac Island for the 4^th of July, or the many other great events coming up this Summer! Give us a call and make your reservations for yousweet suite at the Lilac Tree Suites & Spa!

We’re looking forward to seeing you again!

George Piliouras for The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa