on vs. off season

Another ? would you consider off season--why/why not? If we do go in full on season I don%26#39;t think we can afford to stay on the island though which is one big reason we%26#39;re considering off season. I think it would really add to our experience to be on the island. Unless someone out there knows of a place at $100 or less on the island during peak season (?). What are your thoughts? My parents and brother are going in the off season and found a neat place, so this gives double appeal to consider the off season with our family.

on vs. off season

Depends on when you%26#39;re considering in the off season. Some of my best times on the island have been in the ';off'; season...a trip just after labor day when the crowds are gone and the weather%26#39;s still 80 and sunny...in October for the colors...early June, before the shcools let out, etc. The island can be great in the off season, but keep in mind, weather can be hit or miss.

on vs. off season

Deadheads are right...it depends on what off season...if I had my druthers I would go ';off-season'; right after Labor Day.

Late May and early June weather can be iffy.

Early September many times is a carry over from late August and can be very nice in Michigan.

I would look at a weekeday trip for better rates and fewer kiddies.

my parents/brother are going on weekdays the 1st week in May. I%26#39;m expecting iffy weather but can we still enjoy our visit despite that. I%26#39;m love summer and flowers and nice weather but I also love few crowds and cheap prices. So it%26#39;s up in the air. Also I%26#39;m wondering if the Fort, Butterfly House, old time portrait places will be running by then. I would assume most likely but will have to check. If this helps our general areas of interest include:

fudge shops

carriage ride

Arch Rock

Fort Mackinac

Butterfly House

bike rides

Can we manage to enjoy all these at this time I wonder. Weather isn%26#39;t a big deal, we%26#39;re used to WI weather so we can accomodate some cold and maybe rain.

thanks for the input so far, it%26#39;s helpful in weighing the possibilities and what%26#39;s better for our family.

Fall seems like a better off season time, weather-wise too....the only give here is our extended family is going and this may be a unique opportunity.

I guess all in all I%26#39;d likely make a return trip again. It%26#39;s been too long since I%26#39;ve been--23 years, nearly 24. So.....we could try it out in May (if the hotel is open yet that we want) and then come back and enjoy the island during peak time but stay off island the second time or come in Fall. Hmmmm.....

Early May would be a bad time in my opinion, just too chilly, and probably wet. I don%26#39;t believe those things will be open, either. I%26#39;d shoot for September, and try and include a weekend. If not, those things still would be open I am assuming. You might have to check each attraction. But early May, to me, would be worse than winter...lol.

carriage rides

butterfly house

fort mackinac

Old Time photos

I checked and all of the above are open starting in May which is good news for our planned itinerary.

Still not sure we%26#39;ll go in May or peak, or Fall....but the input has been helpful thus far thanks :-)

One other item to consider during May/June is that a lot of school groups make class trips to the Island during that time. Depending on which hotel you choose, you could sharing it with some rather lively kiddos.

To clarify further, I should have put that the class trips are usually late May to early June. Sorry.

I think much of the charm of the island is lost in peak season. While I%26#39;ve spent the 4th of July and Labor Day on the island, my favorite times are when it%26#39;s less crowded.

For me it%26#39;s easier to imagine you really are 100 years back in time and able to enjoy a slower pace of life. Restaurants aren%26#39;t as crowded and the island practically empties at night.

If you go anytime after Labor Day but before Mid-October, you%26#39;ll find most everything still open but lacking the crowds. Have fun!

Ok I think I%26#39;m definitely leaning towards a Fall visit. Thanks for the great input!!