Welcoming Autumn in the Mackinac

Since the day I stepped into Michigan, I have been told that Michigan has the most beautiful Autumn in all of United States. "You should visit the Upper Peninsula," one said... "Mackinac Island is the place to be in Fall" said another... and the often heard, "It's BEAUUUTIFUULL!"

Surely there must be something special about Michigan during Fall, since almost everyone I spoke to raves about the colors of Michigan Fall. This October I decided - it's time to verify... let's see what's the hype about, I'll be the judge!

First, it was the drive. It takes about 5 hours (long drive) to get to Mackinac City where you'll take a 20mins ferry to Mackinac Island. After an hour on the I75 highway, I was pleasantly greeted by a sea of green, yellow, orange and red on both sides of the road. Clearly, just the colours of the Fall on each side of the road is already... "impressive". 

"This is a good start," I thought. And yes, the best is yet to come.


(Scenic drive to Mackinac City - my wife says I need to acknowledge her as the photographer of this photo) 

After spending about 5 hours on I75, we finally got to Mackinac City. The city looks very welcoming with heaps of restaurants and hotels but we wasted no time and went straight to the ferry point (tip: those of you who wants to visit Mackinac Island, try going with Arnold Transit and if you purchase the ferry tickets online it's a saving of $6 per person).

No motorized vehicle is allowed on Mackinac Island, so you'll have to either walk, ride a horse-drawn carriage or cycle.  Great exercise for city dwellers like myself! We've decided to bring our mountain bikes with us into Mackinac Island.


(If you bring your bike with you on the ferry, there is an additional $8 fee you'll have to pay - I think the $8 is well worth it.)

As with all tourists, the first thing we did on arrival was to check into our hotel - Mission Point Resort. While the exterior was breath-taking, the rooms were... in short, much less impressive. For over US$250 per night, you'll expect much more. The rooms are dated and the worst part - the walls are so thin you can hear you neighbour talk throughout the night... not to mention the occasional footsteps. Really... it was just a horrid experience for us at Mission Point Resort. But thankfully that was the worst part of the trip for us... everything else was "Awesome!"



(Mission Point Resort - I don't recommend it!)

After dumping our heavy luggage in the room, we went straight for the beach - yes, it was in the middle of Fall and way too cold to take a dip (altho' it was tempting). The beauty of the island's beaches was simply captivating - the water was crystal clear (and I have not seen such clear blue water in a beach for a long time).


(Mackinac Island's beautiful beaches - perfect BBQ spot!)

After enjoying the island beautiful beaches, it was almost dusk! We headed straight to the Western Bluff of the island to catch the island sunset. The island's Western Bluff is a short walk away from the Grand Hotel. We found a scenic spot and waited for the sun to set (while trying to take as many photos as possible).


(Outside the famous ... and $500 per night - Grand Hotel)


(Western Bluff - waiting for the sun to set. Grand Hotel in the background)


(Horse-drawn carriages)

The "Golden Hour" started... Pearly and I were busy clicking away, while ensuring that we take in as much of the moment as possible. As nightfall approaches, the tourists return to the mainland leaving only the folks staying in the island behind. There was such a sense of serenity and peace... the buzz is gone and now replaced with calmness and the Island.


(Enjoying the moment - as the sun goes down)



Well, if you think the sunset was beautiful... wait til you see the sunrise shots in Mackinac Island (stay tuned).