Steady topping the list of Michigan’s most romantic getaways, Mackinac Island has the recipe for romance with its unbeatable character, ambiance, and beauty.
Universal Pictures made no mistake when selecting the perfect setting to film the romantic fantasy drama, Somewhere In Time. Few things have changed since the film’s debut in 1980, however Mackinac Island’s romantic charm has always remained.
Like a scene out of Cinderella, the island beckons for romance. Be whisked away in a horse carriage with your love to the “clip-clop” of horse hooves, ASMR at its finest. Around each corner; secret gardens and picturesque castle-like homes.
Pinch yourself, yes, it’s real!
Carriage Ride
Like I just described, there is something completely enchanting about being picked up by a horse carriage and whisked away into the woods. A fairytale carriage ride with your sweetie is sure to set the mood. Just don’t lose your shoe!
Sunset Rock
Mackinac Island is abundant with amazing sights to watch the sun set, but there’s a reason this particular spot is called Sunset Rock.
Locate the bike rack on the west end of the Inn at Stonecliffe. Walk along the trees to the back left trail and follow it for a rather romantic walk through an apple orchard. When the trail leads to the edge of the bluff, follow it to the right.
When you see a flight of random stone stairs, you’re there. Go to the top and check it out. The breathtaking view captures the Mackinac Bridge, Lake Huron and the Upper Peninsula, making Sunset Rock one spectacular stop.
Bike ride around the island
You, your honeybun and the open road!
Why not try a tandem!? Take your love on the 8-mile trek around Mackinac Island on a bicycle built for two. However, riding on separate bikes is equally as romantic! The ride should take around 1.5 hours to complete without taking long stops along the route.
Dinner at Woods
There is something so special about the scenic ride out to The Woods for dinner. It is a magical two-mile trek from downtown. Tucked between the Inn at Stonecliffe and the back 9 of The Jewel, Grand Hotel’s golf course.
You’ll want to arrange your transportation ahead of time. Walk or ride bikes past the West Bluff through the Annex for the most beautiful route. To schedule a carriage call Mackinac Island Carriage Tours to reserve a taxi or for The Woods Shuttle, a carriage with scheduled pick-up times on Main Street in front of the Star Line Dock.
Along Cudahy Circle, high atop Mackinac Island’s West Bluff, you will find two classic Tudor mansions. The largest is The Inn at Stonecliffe, Mansion and Suites; a summer staple for weddings and sweet romantic getaways.
Next door, you will find Woods Restaurant with its beautiful opulent exterior and colorful Bavarian charm. The Woods Restaurant is the epitome of romantic dining experience, with its unbeatable character and ambiance.
One foot in the door and you begin to absorb the true experience. Inspired by a Swiss hunting lodge in the interior, you are greeted by a warm inviting fire as aromas fill the air. Woods Restaurant offers a truly special dining experience, tapping into all five senses.
Arrive a little earlier than your reservation time to enjoy a drink and fresh popcorn at Bobby’s Bar. Be sure to try your luck at America’s oldest operational Duck Pin Bowling Alley.
Be seated in the Gingham adorned main dining room, alongside a cozy fireplace and enjoy the nightly piano performance. For an all-natural setting, choose the outdoor patio to be among flower blossoms and feel the island breeze.
Reservations here are a must, as this tops Mackinac Island Restaurants. Each beautiful dish, served alongside a warm friendly welcome. Fine German cuisine with seamless presentation, has you leave feeling like family.
Fort Holmes
After dinner, make your way to Fort Holmes, the highest point on Mackinac Island. Walk, bike or call for a carriage to drop you off for one of the more uniquely romantic things to do.
On a clear night, with the unobstructed view from Fort Holmes, you’ll be able to look up and see one of the many wonders of Mackinac Island – stargazing! Mackinac Island night skies offer a breathtaking lightshow, if you’re extremely lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
Boardwalk Sunset
Hand in hand, you can hear each other’s footsteps on the boardwalk as the waves crash into the rocks. The silhouettes of passing ferry boats, the seagulls calling to them, goodbye. The sun starts to set behind the Mackinac Bridge, like molasses in the sky. You look each other in eye… the rest is history.
Get Married
Have the most fairytale wedding dream come true on Mackinac Island. Imagine getting married in one of Michigan’s most romantic locations. With several churches and unique outdoor options, Mackinac Island is sure to make your wedding day sweet in the most memorable way.
Get Married on Mackinac Island – Fairytale Wedding Locations
A wedding on Mackinac Island is every fairytale dream come true! Imagine getting married at Grand Hotel, that’s like comparable to having your wedding at Disneyland – in my opinion. Make your wedding day spectacular in the most memorable way on Mackinac Island.
Grand Hotel Like You’ve Never Seen Before (or maybe you have)
Experience the tradition of Grand Hotel, located on northern Michigan’s Mackinac Island.
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Cassondra Wanders the World 