Mackinac Island, a journey back in time

It's easy to see why a production company would select this venue to film "Somewhere in Time". This beautiful island with it's quaint Victorian village of shops, eateries and lodging is a short ferry ride from either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City, Michigan. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the island so transportation is by horse drawn carriages or bicycles. The iconic "Grand Hotel" and it's 600 foot long porch covered with Adirondack chairs overlooks Lake Huron.

Karen and I arrived at 9 AM the day after Memorial Day and missed the crowds normally associated with the holiday weekend. After checking with the ferry company, we transported our E-bikes over for the day. Our first objective was to circumnavigate the eight mile long trail that circles the perimeter of the island. We stopped along the way at the Arch Rock and British Landing, ending the ride at Mary's Bistro Draught House for a "Dark and Stormy" and lunch.

We continued our bike adventure after lunch by way of an inland route through the middle of the island passed an old 1814 battleground (now golf course), cemetery and eventually the massive Fort Mackinac above the village. From the fort we traversed above the village via a back road to the Michigan Governor's summer residence, island stables, Grand Hotel carriage house finishing the ride at the Grand Hotel's Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor.

If you are ever in or near the upper peninsula (aka "the UP") of Michigan, do yourself a favor and see this magical island. You will not regret the journey or the experience.