THIS SPRING, ENJOY A MAGICAL GET-AWAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND!

Over the years, people have come to Mackinac Island for different reasons. Many people and families come for the day, some for weekends and special island events, and many have longer stays and enjoy a week at their favorite hotel. Also, like me and my wife, we come as many times as we can to step back in time, leave the world behind and we love seeing friends we’ve made over the years. We like to bike ride a ton and really love coming to Mackinac when the season kicks off in May when the buds are just beginning to bloom. We enjoy relaxing in the summer, taking a dip along the shore and exploring the inner island trails in the Fall as the leaves roll out a soft, colorful blanket on the ground.

On Mackinac, everyone has their favorite things to do, whether it’s where to shop, where to stay, where to eat, buy fudge, places to visit, sight see, explore, bike ride or take a carriage tour.

What’s on your list to do when you return for the 2017 season?

Here’s some great get-away ideas for May and June so you can start planning now. Opening Weekend: May 5^th– 7^th. Opening weekend starts on May 5^th this season and it’s great to go back in time and kick off the 2017 season at the Lilac Tree Suites & Spa or our sister hotel, the Chippewa, right down on Main street.

Memorial Day Weekend: May 26^th– 29^th. With kids out of school, this is a fun-filled 3- Day weekend that’s always an island favorite. Enjoy great weather, rent a bike or bring your own. Plus, there’s a special Memorial Day Observance at the Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery.

Lilac Festival: June 9^th– 18^th. The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival has become one of my favorites. It’s the first and largest summer event that lasts for 10 days and it attracts thousands to the island. Festivities include the Lilac Festival 10K, horse drawn carriage tours, concerts, wine tastings, A Taste of Mackinac Culinary Event, Mackinac Island Dog and Pony Show, the coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and Court, the Lilac Festival Grand Parade and lots more.

When you come back, a great way to learn about the island, it’s amazing history while taking in the majestic views is by taking a horse drawn taxi with a Mackinac Island tour guide. We’ve done it a few times and we always learn something different. It’s a guaranteed great time!

Mackinac Island and bike riding go together and it’s our favorite thing to do. We bring our own bikes or there are plenty of great, affordable places to rent bikes. Bike around highway M-185, the road that encompasses the island, take in the views, stop by the beach and take plenty of pictures. I call it, Highway to Heaven because that’s how I feel when I bike ride and take it all in. As many times as I’ve biked the island, every time feels like the 1^st time!

And when you’ve built up a hearty appetite and need to quench your thirst, there’s no better place than the Pink Pony. I’ve eaten in restaurants all over the US and it’s still my favorite place. But don’t just take my word for it. The Pink Pony was recognized as ONE OF AMERICA’S 10 BEST RESTAURANTS FOR OUTDOOR DINING by The Daily Meal, a renowned publication for the best food and drink places around the world. “One of Mackinac Island’s most popular restaurants, bars, and music venues, The Pink Pony, located inside the Chippewa Hotel, serves a wide variety of funky cocktails and is famous for its whitefish dip and burger. It’s located right on the water and, in fact, its patio hangs out right over it. Offering stellar views of the lake, it’s a great place to cool your heels after discovering this charming island. “– The Daily Meal.

So what will you do when you come to Mackinac Island this Spring? Let us know! Better yet, tell us in person. See you soon!

George Piliouras for The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa