Mackinac Island: The Land of Fudge and Honey

(Originally written for Michigan Sweetspots)

Fudge. I say Mackinac Island they say fudge. Smell the fudge, buy the fudge, eat the fudge. I have never really been a fan of fudge. My personal preference for fudge is no fudge. It’s too sweet or too chalky or just too fudgy. But something about this magnificent island raises fudge to be something transcendent. This is the magic of Mackinac Island. Things that may sound ordinary, trees and rocks and water and bicycles and cute colorful buildings, are almost mythologized by the simple grandeur of the lake island.

Mackinac Island is impressive. The waters surrounding the forested rock are crystal clear and strikingly sapphire-blue. A thick emerald forest shrouds the island, its pristine nature protected by the ban of almost all automobiles. Mackinac Island State Park hosts most of the island’s natural beauty, save for the select spots reserved for fudge conjuring, bike and carriage paths, and historical re-enactors. Whether you are with family and friends, fixing for a romantic trip, or opting for a solo getaway, there is a whole microcosmic world to enjoy.

Dominating the skyline is the old Mackinac Fort, outfitted with a whole troop of semi-authentic Union "soldiers." I say semi-authentic with special emphasis since I witnessed a few members of the garrison discussing if they should get dinner in town later, with one offering to “look up” the best pizza place. I doubt they used carrier pigeons for this.

Every once in a while, some of the local garrison-actors set off a cannon. They make a big show of it and get all of the onlookers whipped into a maddening frenzy for a cacophonous blast. “Are you ready?” the fifteen year old artillery officer bellows. The crowd goes wild. “Fire!” he screams as he ignites the cannon. A deafening boom echoes out. An initial fear drains from the faces of the audience until it is completely replaced with euphoria. Cheers ring out from the battlements.

Personally, my favorite activity is riding some rented bikes along the paths edging the island. The ride is accessible and easy, and it provides plenty of stops at natural and man-made landmarks. In addition to the various stops, there are many areas in which you can pull your tandem bicycle over and enjoy the calm turquoise waters or the vibrant green landscape. I couldn’t help myself on several occasions. Every little enclave begged to be meticulously witnessed.

While I highly recommend biking across the island, do not bike on paths designated for horse drawn carriages. This was a mistake I made during a slight drizzle. Unfortunately, I did not initially put together what it meant to mix a gentle rain and horse manure. It quickly got messy. This is a kind warning to stay on the bike paths that have little horse-based traffic. You can thank me later.

A golden hue settles over the island as the sun sinks into Lake Huron. This is the perfect time to head into town and settle in. Vibrant buildings shelter numerous bars and restaurants, and you definitely deserve to celebrate the golden hour. If you decide to leave the island for the night, make sure you don’t miss your ferry back to the mainland. Most of all, don’t forget to stow away some fudge for the journey home.