Mackinac Island, Michigan

Pronounced MackiNAW, Mackinac Island is only 8 square miles, and a step back in time. No cars are allowed on the island, only horses, carriages and bicycles. The clip clop of horse hooves is definitely part of the charm. Our carriage ride, arranged by a friend, was in an historic 1905 carriage that has carried five sitting presidents: Truman, Kennedy, Ford, Bush, and Clinton. Wow, did we feel like VIPs!

: Mackinac is smack in between the upper and lower Michigan peninsulas.

: The Grand Hotel has been THE place to stay since it was built in 1887. The horse topiary represents all the horse and carriages on the island. No cars are allowed except emergency vehicles.

: Very friendly clerks, and staff in general, many from Jamaica.

: Harp music set a delicate mood in the lobby for tea.

: HIgh tea, in which one must: A) extend pinkies B) not talk with a full mouth or C) interrupt

: Kenny, the maitre D, has been employed by the Grand for 46 years!

: Gents are required to be in coat and tie after 6pm, accompanying ladies in dresses.

: Elegant high stepping Hackney horses, champing at the bit to give us a ride!

: Romantic carriage ride, courtesy of our host, Dan Musser, owner of the hotel.

: Horse poop scooping is an actual profession here!

: The magnificent front porch, longer than two football fields, has 100 rocking chairs. Overlooking Lake Michigan, it feels exactly like being on a cruise ship.