Oh wow, don't know why I was thinking 6 hours then! Thanks for the heads up. I will look at the two towns frugaltraveler recommended.

We booked the Metevier for the 2 nights on Mackinac. Starting to get so excited! Only 2 more weeks!

We leave tomorrow! I booked a motel in Manstinique as our stop between DC and Mac. Since the ferries are at a reduced schedule we wanted to get something closer to the island. Thanks for all your help!

One last question! We are going to take Sheppler's Ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island. On their Web site they have different pay-to-park options - indoor, fenced in, security, etc. Is there a need for that or should we be fine with free parking offered. I did not think it was a high crime area so I am a bit confused by all the options. Thanks!

I would think you could leave your car unlocked with many valuables inside and it would be fine. You can ask the ferry people if they ever have any troubles, but I would doubt it. They usually park the overnighters up right by the ticket booth, so I'm sure it will be okay.

Have fun!

p.s. Don't rely on the ferry times posted on their website. They often have "revised" schedules they fail to warn anyone about. I would call them today and make sure your departure time is set in stone.

Manistique is an interesting city with a great gift shop, The Mustard Seed on Cedar Street, if you have time to explore while there. It has many local items that are unique. The harbor boardwalk is also nice if the weather is good. Have a great trip and enjoy the fall colors!

I was a police officer in Mackinaw City in the late '70s and never once had a call regarding a break in to a vehicle parked at any of the ferry lots. I still read the local papers and crimes of all types are maybe a half dozen a month.

Just once had someone file a report that some items had been removed from a boat in the marina. Funny thing was, the person had already left town and was reporting to make an insurance claim. But they had left a bunch of bad checks for purchases made just before they left town, and their call gave me the info needed to have them picked up

Keith

Thank you for all of your comments. We just got back last night and had a great time. Door County was really nice and Sister Bay was a great option for a place to stay. The only thing we did not get to do was go to a Fish Boil. The best ones are closed on Sunday nights. We stay at the Star Motel in Manistique and it had a great view for $50. Mackinac Island was awesome! We had lunch at the Grand Hotel and a carriage ride. We drove Hwy 31 down Michigan and stayed a night in Grand Haven. We stopped in Holland, MI - a great little town. Thanks for all the help!

I was on the Island Sunday. Wonder if we passed each other.

Keith

Too funny! We actually were there Tuesday-Thursday. I am ready to go back. I was loving the cooler temperatures and no trafic.

I think my favorite thing was that they do the carriage tours the old way this time of year, rather than making us switch to the huge wagons once we were away from downtown.

Also, the Grand was not collecting the fee for going on the grounds. Though we would have used the credit toward the buffet, anyway.

Keith

Are these areas too cold to enjoy after November? Best to wait until spring?

Guess it depends on what you like. Things slow down in Door County and some of the shops and restaurants close or limit their hours. My real love affair with Door County is the water and it is just not as enjoyable (for me, anyway) when it is wintery cold.

There are those hardy souls that enjoy the peacefulness of the off-season.

Most things on Mackinac Island close down by then end of the month. But it can still be beautiful.

This is what it was like at the end of March this year: http://www.mightymac.org/mackinacislandwinter.htm

Keith

I have booked mission point now im second guessing after seeing this. Are the any of the ones you mentioned that have the same feel? big grassy area? classic architecture?
Thanks
tracey