Hi Lilac followers,
Independence Day means celebrating our country’s freedom, a long weekend away from work, family gatherings, great food, games and fireworks. You probably think I was describing a great get-away on Mackinac Island. I was. Getting here is how the fun begins with boats departing from Mackinac City or drive the 5 scenic miles over the magnificent Mackinac Bridge to St. Ignace.
Independence Day is loaded with history and that rings true on Mackinac because when you come to Mackinac, you’re going back in time. Did you know that in July of 1812, British soldiers coursed the waters by boat and landed on the shores of Mackinac? Today, you travel the blue waters by boat and land on the shores of Mackinac taking the Star Line, Shepler’s or Arnold Ferry Lines. Enjoy the ride as the wind brushes your face and Mackinac comes into full view as you anticipate your stay with us at the Lilac Tree Suites & Spa! All of the Ferry Lines offers special fireworks boats so you can celebrate a Star Spangled 4th in style out on the waters! You can witness the spectacular fireworks on the water or from the beautiful western shoreline at the end of Main Street by the schoolyard. The fireworks will start 9:30pm-10pm. Bring your blanket, towel, folding chair or you can stand in awe to watch the light show to the sounds of Boom!! Ooooh! Aaaahhh! Take a step back in time and visit Fort Mackinac to be a part of history for an 1880’s Independence Day celebration. Enjoy real-live British soldier demonstrations, patriotic music, canon firing and more!
Mackinac’s boating spirit is brought to life on July 5th for the Pink Pony 4th of July Sailboat Race sponsored by our sister hotel, the Chippewa and the Pink Pony. It’s a fun, family event and all boats are welcome. After the race everyone will get a special plaque at an awards ceremony at the Mackinac Island Yacht Club.
The boating spirit to Mackinac continues with the Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac celebrating its 107th year and historically known as one of the most prestigious sailing events in the world. With over 3,000 world-wide racers and 324 sailboats participating, they will depart Chicago on July 11th and journey the 333-mile voyage to Mackinac Island on July 14th.
This is followed by another historical boat race that began in 1925 and is now proudly celebrating it’s 91st year.Bell’s Beer Bayview to Mackinac Race starts in Port Huron on July 18th and ends on July 20th with 250 yachts hitting the shores on Mackinac Island.
A super finish to the boat races is appropriately called, the “Super Mackinac” Race that also takes place in July.That’s when Bayview Yacht Club joins forces with the Chicago Yacht Club to host this amazing 568-mile race. It starts on July 11th in Chicago heading to Mackinac Island, then forging east past Bois Blanc Island and then journeying south hugging the Michigan shoreline of Lake Huron and finishes offshore the Port Huron Yacht Club!
There’s still time to make your reservations- your spacious suite is awaiting your arrival and so are we. We have luxurious master suites with large balconies where we offer some of the most spectacular “suite” views of Main Street and the water that will take your breath away as you witness the symphony of colored sails come to port at Mackinac Island!
We’re also proud to be the home to the Lilac Tree Spa. Imagine pampering yourself with a well-deserved Spa treatment. Imagine a Swedish massage and Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue massage and even a Couple’s massage. Plus Hot Stone Treatments, Bath & Body wraps, Facials or a Beer Pedicure. Make the cares of the world dissolve away.
Mackinac in July is the place to be! Come to celebrate Independence Day, be a part of the spectacular boat races, go back in time to visit Mackinac history, unwind, relax, and take in Mackinac Island’s magnificent views. Plus our very own Pink Pony has great breakfasts, lunches, dinners and was recently named Most Iconic Bar in Michigan by Thrillist. If you already made your reservations, we’re looking forward to seeing you soon! If not,contact us now to make your reservations for your “suite” summer get-away.
We’ll be waiting for you and have a suite with your name on it. Sweet!
George Piliouras for The Lilac Voice
