must see and do's on the island

what%26#39;s your top five list and why

favorite restaurants?

things to do with kids?

events?

It%26#39;s been years since I%26#39;ve been and would love any input. I don%26#39;t have time to read every post that goes way back but am looking for a general great list of ideas to work with, websites to help me, any suggestions would be appreciated.

also which Fudge shop?

is there old time photos?

must see and do's on the island

The fort.

Yankee Rebel is very popular. Village Inn has always been a simple, good place for us. The Fort has a small restaurant with fantastic views of the marina, Round Island etc., and they have very good food, too, though not a varied menu.

Rides bikes around the island-because it is fun, scenic and well, just do it.

Take the carriage tour, it takes you to the high points of the island, which you may not get too if jus relying on yourself, it gives you a break from walking, your kids get to see the horses up close and personal.

I hear the library is very nice with a great back deck-a place for a break? The school has a playground for your kids to let off steam, if so desired.

Any fudge shop, really. Ryba%26#39;s is one of our favorites. JoAnne%26#39;s is also very good.

Flower gardens at the Grand.

Butterfly House.

Skipping rocks.

must see and do's on the island

No kids here so can%26#39;t help much but I would suspect the fort might interest them.

Obviously bikes are a big part of the island so bring or rent.

I am pretty easy to please when it comes to restaurants so Yankee Rebel and Horns Bar are a couple of favorites of mine.

Fudge: I am partial to Murdicks but everyone has their own favorite.

And yes, by golly, there is an Old Time photo place.

Ok here we go:

The Woods Restaurant (Austrian restaurant with formal but fun atmosphere and duck pin bowling alley to keep kids busy)

Drinks and appetizers at The Pink Pony.

Lunch and mini-golf at the restaurant on the water at Mission Point, Bistro on the Green. Food is pretty good and the view is amazing! I love when ships go through the straits as we are dining!

Things to do with kids:

Bike around the island (a must!)

Carriage tour of island (you see the inner parts of the island missed on the bike ride with a witty tour guide)

Shopping along the main street

Visit to the fort...especially during the live demonstrations.

Fudge shops: Watch them make fudge...Joann%26#39;s is our favorite.

So many things to do and explore, it%26#39;s hard to narrow it down but that should get you started! Moms

Restaurants: Seabiscuit (Whitefish Rueben - yum!), Yankee Rebel Tavern, Village Inn, Pink Pony (great for kids food), Tea Room at the Fort for lunch (food average - view unbeatable!).

With kids: Ride bikes, ride bikes, ride bikes, hike trails, Fort Mackinac, and Fort Holmes.

Events: We try to avoid the events to avoid the crowds, but Lilac Festival is lots of fun.

Fudge shops: our favorite is Joann%26#39;s, but the fun is searching out your own favorite.

Old Time photos are on Main Street next to the ferry docks.

Go to mackinac.com for a great list of accomodations, restaurants, services, and even special deals offered by hotels etc. Mackinacisland.org is great for lists of events, calendars, and maps.

Have fun!

all great info. to take in, thanks! I hear mixed about the carriage rides, but took one 23 yrs. ago and loved it as a kid. I have wanted to have an old time photo with our family and this would seem like great timing to do so. I%26#39;m glad to hear there%26#39;s one there I figured it was pretty likely. Thanks for the restaurant input. The personal spin gives more insight into the places that might appeal to us. :-)

Some ideas: 1) Fort Mackinac, Just a short walk or bike ride - this fortification commenced in 1780 by British troops and today 14 of the original buildings still remain. There are numerous informative and interactive exhibits along with a Victorian-themed museum store. 2)It’s time to bike around Mackinac Island. There are numerous trails, most of the trails are paved and fairly flat. Make sure you ride out to Mackinac Island State Park, British Landing Nature Center, see the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse on the Island, stop at the beaches before heading back into town. other ideas - greatgirltrips.com

I echo the recomendations of the Village inn.

Everyone should experience the Grand Luncheon Buffet at the Grand Hotel at least once.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is in Mackinaw City, a block east of the Bridge. Perhaps you meant see Round Island Light.

your responses here have filled some gaps, thanks for the great helpful info. I think our kids will enjoy this place. Fort Mackinac alone provides some rich history. I can%26#39;t wait to make our return, whether it%26#39;s this coming year or the next I%26#39;m ready!

Also although I%26#39;m not keen on crowds we%26#39;ve found ways to work around it in some places...the Lilac Festival though crowded and an extra busy time I%26#39;m sure would be lovely. Lilacs are my favorite.

I love the restaurant suggestions and such as well as the nature stops, bike rides, etc. We like lighthouses so we%26#39;ll make a point to get out that way as well!

The Lilac Festival is not very crowded, particularly compared to late July and early August.

They have the festival to bring more people to the Island during the slower time.