Things to do / Travel Guide
To many in the U.S., northern Michigan is a premier spot for a romantic getaway. There's good reason for this, on account of the region's proximity to raw nature and the inclusion of the beautiful Mackinac Island. One visit and you'll see why so many people choose a northern Michigan getaway, either along Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, or Lake Superior. Beach bed and breakfasts count for a lot when it comes to a romantic vacation or a getaway, and in this northern Michigan excels.
Mackinac Island, in the sea between Michigan's Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula, easily holds the greatest appeal for lovers. The island was built in the Victorian era, so all of the architecture, even the more-recently built, are in a lovely Victorian and Queen Anne style, half fairy tale-esque and half rugged and natural. To add to the atmosphere, there's another thing you ought to know about this four-square-mile island: there are no automobiles, period! Park your car at the ferry station from Mackinaw City, and kiss that combustion engine goodbye. On the island, the most common mode of transportation aside from bicycles is horse-drawn carriages. Now THAT'S romantic!
Romantic Accommodations in Northern Michigan
There's a large selection of bed and breakfasts on Mackinac Island. The crème de la crème of this beauteous lot is the Inn at Stonecliff, located conveniently (for the name) right on the island's western bluff, providing some of the most beautiful views on the island. The façade of this Tudor mansion from the turn of the 20th century is studded with large windows, for access to these views. Rooms at Cudahy Manor and the suites at the Summer House are all appointed with charming antiques and period furniture. Throughout, tasteful woodwork is apparent, surrounding the fireplaces and bordering the ceilings and the doors.
If the Inn at Stonecliff is representative of the best bed and breakfasts, Main Street Inn and Suites is representative of the best of hotels. Stonecliff is for those romantically-inclined longing for a country scene. Main Street Inn, on the other hand, is in the thick of things. Wake up, therefore, to the gentle clop-clop of the horses. No honking here!
Main Street Inn is one of the newest additions to the island, though since its style is thoroughly Victorian, you wouldn't guess the age - except for the modern amenities like air conditioning, cable television, Jacuzzis, and more. The views from the balconies, of the harbor and of quaint Main Street, are inviting - especially at sunset.
Romantic Dining in Northern Michigan
You can find a number of tasty restaurants on Mackinac Island. Not far away from Main Street Inn is the Carriage House, the restaurant of the esteemed Iroquois Hotel. The Carriage House's menu offers much in the way of seafood and meats prepared classically or according to local custom. First-class entrées include roast prime rib with natural juices, creamed horseradish, and blue cheese bread pudding. Again, more hot fudge, this time in sundae form, for dessert. Adding to the aura, choose a table facing the bay for romantic views of the water.
Another favorite on the island, this time for entertainment and a flourishing boaters' scene as well as for good food, is Pink Pony Bar and Grill. The stage is often in use to provide a festive but chill atmosphere, and the red-brick walls make the scene warm and inviting. The menu is all seafood and meats, and there's a good selection of comfort foods like onion rings and French fries.
Romantic Excursions in Northern Michigan
There are three modes of transportation here on Mackinac Island, and each one can be fully utilized for a romantic excursion. One - walk. Take a nice stroll down Market Street or the Boardwalk and find some hot fudge to buy. Ah yes, the fudge. If chocolate is an aphrodisiac, fudge is a love potion. And the island is famous for its fudge boutiques, found at virtually every corner. Possibly the best of the lot is Ryba's, where you can see the fudge being made, then sit back and eat some.
Two - take a carriage ride. Flag a driver for a nice excursion at dusk, and reenact scenes from the cult movie “Somewhere in Time,” starring a young Christopher Reeve and located on the island. Three - for the more energetic, there's always biking, in reality the most common form of transportation on the island. Leave the town, explore the island a bit in the cool spring or summer air.
Romance on Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Northern Michigan is a big place, and there's the whole Upper Peninsula to explore! Fortunately, for the romantically-inclined, there are a number of great bed and breakfasts in the area from which you can take hiking and biking excursions galore. Believe it when we tell you that there are some real finds along the coasts. Make the trip to Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast, on the northern coast. This piece of history is located high atop a bluff overlooking Lake Superior. The breakfasts are sensational, and you are highly recommended to try the banana pancakes, among other things.
There are a number of other lighthouses on the Upper Peninsula (as well as on the Lower Peninsula), and lighthouse tours are a popular and romantic excursion idea. The Gambles, proprietors of Big Bay Point Lighthouse, know a good deal of lighthouse lore, and they can be mined for some good yarns, for hours around the fireplace or at the breakfast table.
Planning a romantic trip to northern Michigan means a wild wonderland that treats all the senses. You and your loved one will enjoy every moment, whether on Mackinac Island or on the mainland; from the quaint Victorian accommodations to the hot fudge, from the staying put around the warm fire to cuddling close in the cool evenings on an island carriage ride.
Romantic Vacation Ideas in Great Lakes, Traverse City, Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island, Northern Michigan
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