A Grand time at Mackinac Island
Nov 5th, 2016, 09:05 AM
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A Grand time at Mackinac Island
I'd heard about Mackinac Island all my life but really had no clear idea of what it was like to go there. So glad to have finally made the trip. This year's "season" is over but my report with photos from our visit in September is here: https://polloplayer.wordpress.com/20...ckinac-island/
Getting there: Shepler's Ferry is incredibly well-organized and efficient. I purchased our ferry tickets and overnight parking online. Helps to look at the ferry schedule so you can try to time your arrival and not have to wait too long for the ferry. I was amazed at how quickly they processed us through, though - I think we arrived at quarter after the hour and made the half-past ferry.
Accessibility: Did not see a wheelchair the entire time I was on the island. It is basically a big hill; the only truly flat spot is at the harbor and main street, so if you just want to take the ferry ride and shop for fudge you'll be fine but otherwise you at least have to be able to get into one of the horse-drawn carriages. Lots of stairs at the Grand Hotel.
I wondered whether the Grand Hotel could be all that grand given its vintage. But it is! Really an incredible experience to stay there. I don't live in or near Michigan so it was a bit of a project to get there but am so glad we went. It closes down the end of October and I think it re-opens in May. Expensive to stay there, but meals are included and there is no tipping. Kind of feels like being on a cruise. Check-in was a bit of a cattle call - I think there were several large groups arriving the same time we did, but once we were settled in we found the service to be quite attentive and personalized. Jackets and ties for men at dinner. The directive for women is "dresses, skirts or pantsuits". I've never owned a pantsuit but found that a nice pair of black pants and dressy top and sweater or jacket was allowed as evening wear.
Getting there: Shepler's Ferry is incredibly well-organized and efficient. I purchased our ferry tickets and overnight parking online. Helps to look at the ferry schedule so you can try to time your arrival and not have to wait too long for the ferry. I was amazed at how quickly they processed us through, though - I think we arrived at quarter after the hour and made the half-past ferry.
Accessibility: Did not see a wheelchair the entire time I was on the island. It is basically a big hill; the only truly flat spot is at the harbor and main street, so if you just want to take the ferry ride and shop for fudge you'll be fine but otherwise you at least have to be able to get into one of the horse-drawn carriages. Lots of stairs at the Grand Hotel.
I wondered whether the Grand Hotel could be all that grand given its vintage. But it is! Really an incredible experience to stay there. I don't live in or near Michigan so it was a bit of a project to get there but am so glad we went. It closes down the end of October and I think it re-opens in May. Expensive to stay there, but meals are included and there is no tipping. Kind of feels like being on a cruise. Check-in was a bit of a cattle call - I think there were several large groups arriving the same time we did, but once we were settled in we found the service to be quite attentive and personalized. Jackets and ties for men at dinner. The directive for women is "dresses, skirts or pantsuits". I've never owned a pantsuit but found that a nice pair of black pants and dressy top and sweater or jacket was allowed as evening wear.
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bon_voyage
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Nov 18th, 2008 03:37 PM
