Looking for some help!

Hello All,

I am looking to propose to my girlfriend in September on a trip to Mackinac Island/Mackinaw City. The budget is somewhat tight and I have already decided to wait until the weekend after Labor Day so most hotels will be in the ';off-peak'; season. Still it seems like most hotels on the island have nightly prices in the $150 on up range. Do any of you have any suggestions of places to stay on the island with a nightly rate close to $100 or less? Also I saw that there was a thread in the past on suggestions on where to propose, would any of you have any other ideas one where to pop the question? The girlfriend has never been up to the island and the last time I was here was 10 years ago so any suggestions would be a great help. Thank you

Looking for some help!

Since I am too lazy at this time of night to look for that thread, I will just mention a few, even though they may have been mentioned before.

Quieter end of the porch of the Grand Hotel.

In front of the flower gardens at the Grand.

Some deserted beach front somewhere around the back of the island, away from town.

Early in the day, at Arch Rock. EARLY IN THE DAY!

On the porch of the fort, overlooking the marina, Round Island etc. Picture postcard perfect. Early in the day...lol.

In the middle of Main Street downtown, with everyone looking on....hey, it is just an idea...

Well, there are a few, more will chime in later.

Looking for some help!

The thread you mentioned with ideas on where to propose is a great one! I really think the best bet would be at sunset, on the shore, within view of the bridge.

As for affordable places to stay, you should have some good choices after Labor Day, especially if the dates are flexible and you could go Sunday thru Thursday. Check out mackinac.com or mackinacisland.org and look at the options there. Bed and breakfasts can be more affordable and many have fall specials going on that may help out. Many hotels have specials during that time also. Some of those specials include such items as meals and carriage rides.

Best wishes and happy planning!

Well, I happen to be an expert in this area. I was in your exact shoes about 9 years ago. The island was (and is) my favorite place and my girlfriend had never been there. I wanted to propose and make it as special as possible (within budgetary constraints). Here%26#39;s what I did:

We went on Labor Day weekend since I could use the Bridge Walk as an excuse for the trip. We stayed in St. Ignace and took the ferry over each day. On Saturday night, we had dinner at the Grand Hotel (a memorable experience in itself). We then went on a walk up and down the porch while I fumbled for the ring and waited for a quiet spot that never appeared. I decided to walk down the steps in front of the carriage drop off toward the lawn, but ended up stopping at the %26#39;overlook%26#39; platform just a few steps down and isolated from the people above. That%26#39;s where I popped the question. She said %26#39;yes%26#39; and we enjoyed a beautiful, moon-lit walk back downtown to catch a late-nite ferry back to St. Ignace.

Looking back, I would have preferred to stay on the island (in the downtown area), but wouldn%26#39;t change anything else.

If you do go on Labor Day weekend, the bridge walk is fun and Arnold Line operates early morning ferries from the island to St. Ignace, then provides a free shuttle to a drop-off area that%26#39;s a short walk to the start of the bridge walk.

Since our engagement, we%26#39;ve returned with not only our siblings families, but also with our daughter. Mackinac Island is a special place for so many, including our family. I hope it is the same for you. Best wishes!

I would definitely stay on the Island. I think the Main Street Inn %26amp; Suites is a nice place to stay. I have stayed there for the last couple of years. Book the Deluxe Standard Room with one king bed in the bedroom with a small sitting area. The room is equipped with a refrigerator, a coffee maker, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, an iron and ironing board, a hair dryer, and cable television. Their rooms are very spacious. The rate is $100.00 September 7-10, %26amp; $90.00 September 13-17. You will want to book your room now, because they fill up fast.

You could take a picnic and go on the west side of the Island. I would propose at dusk when the sun is setting on the lake. Don%26#39;t forget to take a camera. Take a picture of the ring on her finger, and a picture of you both at sunset to remember the day with. She will think you are very thoughtful.

Maybe take your bikes and ride around the Island.

Go on the mackinac web pages and look at their pictures. It will give you a better idea where you want to pop the question.

Being on the Island is special in itself. I think she will be happy.

I think a great proposal place would be on the lawn overlooking the bridge at the Inn on Stonecliffe. This is where I am getting married this summer and I would imagine it would be a great place to get engaged. It is hidden in the island (about a mile walk from Grand Hotel) and is just beautiful. Good luck :)

I couldn%26#39;t agree more, MMM. I love the Inn at Stone Cliffe. The view over the cliff toward the Mackinac Bridge is amazing. The staff is wonderful and I imagine they could do something special for you, perhaps chairs set up with champagne overlooking the bridge. Moms

proposal: Arch Rock

where to stay: Lake View Hotel. They have an indoor pool. See if they%26#39;ll get you on board with a special rate for your special proposal. You never know they may do it. Their rates don%26#39;t come down till late Sept. www.lake-view-hotel.com/default.aspx?l=,1,2,3

www.lake-view-hotel.com/home.aspx?l=,1,2,46

sign up for win a free weekend for two :-).

Or: My family got early bird rates a few weeks ago for $95 for the 3 of them, plus free ferry tickets, free continental breakfast. The special was advertised through Jan. So call now, even if it%26#39;s not on their site say you saw their early bird special advertised online!!!

Best wishes.

btw I meant they did get their reservations through the Lake View Hotel, the early bird special was up on their website earlier this month but disappeared, but I believe it said through Jan. 31st.....so you should still be able to get it. It looks like a very nice place.

another proposal idea: on the carriage ride

or if you go to the butterfly house maybe there might be a neat location on the island to do propose:

www.originalbutterflyhouse.com

I just wanted to thank all of you for your ideas. I ended up getting reservations at the Main Street Inn as it looks like one of the best hotels on the Island and it still comes in as one of the cheapest.