News — mackinac

We have our first full month of the 2023 season under our belts. Along with our regular guests there were several school groups visiting and the cruise ships have returned as well. It is so good to see Main Street full once again! The weather in May varied from very cold to gorgeous warm spring days. On one particularly chilly day with bitter winds and temperatures in the 50’s a couple entered the shop. I asked if they were staying warm? The wife said, “Yes, I just layered up.” The husband joked that he actually weighed just 120 pounds underneath the...

 Like the flip of a switch, the island has come alive after the long winter. Happy greetings of “Welcome back!” are often accompanied with a big hug. The island horses have returned from their much-deserved winter rest. Watching them being led through the streets from the ferry to the stables is always a highlight of Spring.The green grass of Marquette Park is a welcome sight from the grays and browns of winter. Daffodils and other spring bulbs are beginning to bloom around the island. With the Soo Locks open for the season, the freighters can be seen passing through the Straits...

The days are slowly growing longer bringing the familiar up and down spring weather patterns. April was ushered in with a snowstorm that quickly melted.We’ve had some beautiful sunny days with gorgeous clouds and sunsets. Be sure and check out our stories, reels, and posts on Instagram to see spring unfolding on the island. The straits did not freeze this winter and it was nice to have ferry service most days. The Huron winter ferry takes between 35-45 minutes to cross from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island. Some trips took a little longer navigating through the ice fields, but with the recent warm weather this is...

Last week's snow is melting with the warmer weather, and snowmobiles line the streets instead of bicycles. Around town, people's voices were filled with excitement talking about their holiday plans. Even the men on the dock, bundled up against the cold, took time to wish ferry passengers a cheerful, "Happy Thanksgiving!" as they disembarked. Christmas wreaths, with red bows and white lights, are hung on the streetlights making Main Street extra festive. The holidays are a special time to visit Mackinac Island that you won't want to miss! Poppins, Poppins{Home} and Caddywampus will be open for shopping the following dates...

October days slowly grew shorter, but we still managed to pack in a lot of fun! A Poppins dinner at The Woods was extra special as Kate's mom joined us for a delicious meal. On our walk home, the night sky displayed a beautiful lunar halo. Our fall window was a hit as people would stop to look at the beautiful wreaths crafted by Kate.  Halloween was celebrated a week early on the island with children trick-or-treating along Main Street. The Poppins team joined in the costume fun after hours and coordinated as an “Enchanted Garden”. Our last day of the summer...