The Fashion Girl’s Guide to Mackinac Island

Even though I’m a lifelong Michigander, I didn’t make my first trip to the magical Mackinac Island until one year ago for a work trip. I heard tales of the horse drawn carriages, fudge shops on every corner and the colorful facades and decor of almost every business, but didn’t fully understand until I visited in person. It’s amazing.

Cars are not allowed on the island and so transit is by foot, horse or bike. I love the sounds of horse hooves on pavement and the pretty bikes whizzing past me while I walk (to get my steps in!) I’ve now been here a grand total of three times in the last year and consider myself a pro now as its easy to try everything out in the small downtown radius. Plus, my trips here for the Mackinac Policy Conference means I’m restaurant-hopping each night and I’ve been taking notes to share here.

Shopping

There are so many great little shops. Of course I gravitate towards the shops with apothecary products, pretty purses, candles and gift items that I get for others (and myself.)

Little Luxuries is just below Lilac Tree where I’ve stayed the last couple times. It’s adorable and it’s my absolute favorite shop on the island. They have their own line called Island Girl with wine, clothings and other home items with the adorable pink bike logo. Nicole the owner let me pick out the mint crossbody bag (co-designer by Nicole and Michigan designer handbag Jenna Kator) and a bottle of Island Girl riesling I can’t wait to share with my friends when I’m back home. I also bought a cute, slouchy top for my niece! The vibe in there is definitely Joanna Gaines-style and I love it.

Canvas and Paddle is the rustic brother of Little Luxuries with its woodsy scents candles, plaid adorned coasters, wood signs and cozy sweatshirts for men or women. It’s super small, but they pack a lot of cute in there and make the most of the space. It feels like Michigan, perhaps more northern Michigan with its rustic, cabin vibes. This is more Chip Gaines-style, and I also love it.

The Artists Market is another great gift shop for unique souvenirs and handmade gifts. My clients snagged some cute items here when I wandered with them on a quick shopping excursion. I love the Meanwhile Back on the Farm bag line, Mackinac-themed tiles, the jewelry and apothecary products they carry.

Poppins is an adorable, pretty shop filled with paper goods, candles, gift items and more. I love their selection of cute and funny greeting cards, candles and just all the pretty home decor. I bought a card, pineapple-shaped candle and leather notebook with a to-do list notepad perfect for my at-home to do’s!

Coffee & Treats

Lucky Bean Coffeehouse is small coffee shop located off the main street. The coffee is always good and expect this place to get busy!

Good Day Cafe is an adorable cafe with baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, coffee and even Moomers ice cream. I made several trips to grab iced lattes, breakfast and ice cream during my time on the island and was never disappointed.

Murray Hotel Fudge Company is hidden inside of the Murray Hotel. To a noob like me, I would’ve never stumbled upon this without an urgent and strong recommendation to try their Reeses Pieces fudge (which by the way, did not disappoint.) There’s a sign that says “voted the most creamiest fudge” and I’m like okay who cares, what kind of distinction is that and then I tried it.. And the fudge’s consistency and incredible flavor options has made it an instant favorite for me.

Food

Pink Pony has been voted as the top spot/iconic restaurant on the island by countless publications–I don’t think the food is particularly amazing, but the drinks and ambiance make up for it–and the views. It’s a great place to go for drinks, especially a cocktail like their lilac lemonade or their famous island rum runner. One side of the space is definitely more bar while one is more fine-dining vibes with great views of the water. I’ve enjoyed dinner and drinks on both sides, but I must say I prefer the quieter dining side with its large booths and window views.

Mary’s Bistro has a great patio right on the water and their lunch options are tasty. I think I’d only go here on a warm day to take advantage of the outdoor space like I did last year and very much enjoyed a solo salad watching the ferry come and go.

Yankee Rebel Tavern is a cozy, perhaps a bit outdated, but welcoming restaurant with a great steak, fancy mac and cheese and a good wine list according to my colleages (I don’t know shit about wine.)

The Gate House is a more casual restaurant down the hill from the Grand Hotel. I think their customer service is always superb and the nachos are so good, I’m such a fan of spicy jalapeno cheese. They even humored my request for everything pretty much to be on the side since I’m so picky and I got a plate of plain chips and all kinds of bowls of toppings to use and sprinkle on as I pleased!

Photo Opps

The island is begging for selfies and Instagrams from the crystal clear water at the shore to the downtown vibes with horse drawn carriages and a main street lined with colorful shops and restaurants.

I personally love outside Ryba’s Fudge Shop for a splash of pink. There are two Ryba’s locations on the main street and both are cute for photo opps!

Rent a bike and cruise around the island and snap photos of the crystal clear waters, view of the Mackinac bridge, limestone formations and the famed Arch Rock.

Anywhere on Main Street is perfect for a photo opp with horse drawn carriages in the backdrop and colorful facades! I think right outside Good Day Coffee or Lucky Bean are cute little spots for a quick Insta!

The Grand Hotel‘s outdoor space is incredibly grand and beautiful for a photo as is inside with it’s bold colors, patterns and textures in any space you enter. The parlor, dining hall and its enormous porch are my favorites for photos. I haven’t actually stayed here, but I’ve read that all 393 rooms are uniquely decorated–and no two are the same. I’m sure the guest rooms would be an incredible photo opp if you plan to stay here!

Above: Little Luxuries

Above: Canvas and Paddle

Above: Good Day Cafe also serves Moomers Ice Cream!

Above: The dining room at the Grand Hotel

Above: Inside at Lucky Bean

Above: Outside Good Day Cafe

Below: Inside at Pink Pony