Wife and I would like to take a 3-4 day trip over Labor Day weekend. We both enjoy the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and wonder whether someone can recommend a setting similar to Mackinac that is not Mackinac? Just looking for a (little bit of) change of pace. In other words, "If you like Mackinac, you'll love _______" Thanks!

I loved Mackinc Island and think it is very unique.
I can't think of anyplace on the same scale. We enjoyed the charm and casual feel of Lake Geneva, WI. There are some nice B&Bs, a lot of history (Wrigley family, etc) cute shops, fudge, and of course, the lake. It was similar, but with traffic.

I hope you get some great ideas here and have a great trip.

Not to be compared with the Grand Hotel, but a great place nevertheless in Lake Geneva ~ www.lazycloud.com

Mont Saint Michel in Normandy is kind of a French Mackinac Island, just smaller and older, like most things European.

For a feeling like the Island in general, I would say the Leelanau Peninsula - perhaps Leland or Sutton's Bay. But there is nothing to compare to the Grand Hotel.

Keith

What is it that you like about Mackinac Island? Is it the old houses, the water, the shops? That may help you get more answers.

Have you ever visited Petosky or Pentwater? Both have older houses, quaint villages with lots of shops and that small town feel. In Petosky, I'd recommend Stafford's, and the Nickerson Inn in Pentwater. Although, the Grand Hotel is in a class by itself, as is Mackinac Island, so you may not find something that will compare.

I guess wherever you pick will have to have lots of fudge?

Fudge is a food group here in Michigan.

Drummond Island is supposed to be very nice. I was in the Wisc. Dells many many years ago and if you can escape the wax museam and water ski shows, the terrain is amazing. What about pictured rocks in the U.P.? Or Porcupine Mts.? I know there are many cute b&b's up there including some in lighthouses. Still no Grand though.

I guess your best bet, especially if you like wine, would be driving up Old Mission Pen. by Traverse City. It would be harvest season. Chateau Grand Traverse supposedly has a really nice inn at their winery.

Drumund is nice in a wild sort of way, but it is not similar to Mackinac Island. It is way down my list of Michigan attractions.

Keith

Jekyll Island Club, Jeckyll Island, GA.

i don't know where you'll be traveling from, but my niece who lives in Newport, RI loves Diamond Island, Maine - and there are no cars - just like mackinac....

http://www.greatdiamondrentals.com/

(i don't have a rental, this was the only website i could find describing the island)

Living in Michigan and having travelled a fair bit, I would recommend Bar Harbor, Maine or Asheville, North Carolina. They are extremely different from each other however they both possess certain qualities of Mackinaw Island.

The Inn on the Biltmore Estate and the Estate itself are right on par with the Grand Hotel as well as the Grove Park Inn Resort (both located in Asheville). The views, gardens and wineries in this area are unbelievable. The town itself is quite charming with a lot of local musician playing throughout.

Although I don't have a specific accommodation recommendation for Bar Harbor, there are plenty of quaint B&Bs. This town compares to Mackinaw in the historical sense. Very charming with a victorian flare. The bonus however is the fresh Maine lobster. Also nearby is Acadia national park which offers coastal tours. Very scenic and beautiful. The local harbor full of sailboats set among the rocks is a beauty in itself.