20 Oct 2014

Mackinaw City, MI: the most popular tourist city in Michigan

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Mackinaw City, Michigan is a great place to visit while you are working on the road. It is a smaller town, so it doesn't have the traffic and parking issues that a larger city has. And, most hotels are within walking distance to the town's activities.

It also a beautiful town, as you are right on Lake Huron. It is located on the northern tip of Michigan's lower peninsula and is at the southern end of the Mackinaw Bridge, the magnificent bridge which unites the Lower Peninsula of Michigan with the Upper Peninsula. The drive across the bridge is, in itself, an amazing experience.

It is very much a tourist town. In fact, it has been called the most popular tourist city in Michigan. It's main attraction is Mackinac Island, an island that has built a major tourist trade based on the fact that is has no cars. Mackinaw City has several ferries that take the tons of tourist to the island. 

The town itself is more of a village, with a multitude of fudge and candy shops, souvenir shops and restaurants. It is just the right size for a pleasant shopping trip in between bouts of working, or on the weekend.

Machinaw City also has several other easy-to-do tourist attractions, including Jack Pine Lumberjack Show, Colonial Michilimackinac (a 1770's fort), the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum Inc., the Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park and Mackinac Bridge Museum.

The town itself  is less than 1000 people (without tourists) - it is literally a one-grocery store town, and has no Walmart or Target stores. So, don't expect to get caught up on any utility or technical shopping you might have.

I was there in mid October – only find that many of the tourist attractions were closed in September, and that much of the town would close the end of October, including most hotels, many restaurants, and most of the tourist attractions. After all, you can't get to Mackinac Island by ferry when the lake is frozen. The good news is that I was able to get some good deals on my hotel costs, so could enjoy working with a great view of Lake Huron right outside my window.

I would highly recommend a visit to this town - even in October!

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11 Nov 2014

Wandering While Working: Escanaba, MI

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Smaller towns are great to visit, as you can be a tourist without spending a lot of time driving from place to place, and you don't have to pay exorbitant parking fees.

29 Oct 2014

Taking city tours while travelling

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

When I travel I tend to spend many hours researching where to go and what to do. This planning can be very stressful and to be honest, I’m not very good at it. Taking a city tour is an inexpensive way to avoid some of that unpleasantness. Plus, I had never really considered the fact that everyone knows about the places mentioned online. It would be nice to learn about the places the locals appreciate and so few tourists really get to see.

20 Oct 2014
If you are in Mackinaw City, MI, don't even think about going to a national fast-food restaurant. Why wold you, when you can go to The Mackinaw Pastie and Cookie Co? You can get a quick and nourishing pastie (and, all MUST eat at least one pastie if you are in Michigan) for not that much more money than fast food. And, before you leave town - take some frozen pasties with you so you can enjoy the taste of Michigan again and again.
5 Oct 2014

Escanaba, Michigan: Sunset Lodge

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi
For great lodging in Escanaba, MI - skip the usual hotels and go to The Sunset Lodge. You wll find a comfortable room, a good location (just up the road from downtown Escanaba), and great owners - all at a decent price.