A memory of a lifetime! My family and I recently celebrated the 4th of July at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
outfit details: Sika Dress {from last year but check out her gorgeous dresses, tops, and matching sets here} // Loeffler Randall sandals // earrings c/o Tuckernuck via my P & P Creative Box
I received all kinds of questions and several of you told me you plan to go next year!
So if you found yourself wanting more details outside of my Instagram Stories, this post is for you.
Mackinac Island
I’ve always heard wonderful things about Mackinac Island but we could never get past the challenge of getting there. It’s about an eight hour drive from Chicago. Then a ferry ride to the island (it’s only twenty minutes but there’s the checking of the luggage, getting on, etc.). Then either a walk or horse ride to your lodging (cars are not allowed on the island).
I’m here to report, it’s 100% worth it. It’s a commitment and a challenge. But the BEST places usually are. Once you get there, you will agree. It’s just about making it happen and seeing for yourself.
When the ferry pulled into the marina, we were absolutely blown away. Sean and I both agreed it’s the same caliber as Nantucket in the sense that it’s a very special and unique place. It’s nothing like Nantucket but has it’s own feeling if you know what I mean.
Outfit Details: Mommy + Me {AKA P’s} matching dresses c/o The Coast Brand
Mackinac Island in itself is wonderful. Impeccable landscaping with flowers everywhere. Lots of charming inns, shops and hotels. Everyone gets around by bikes, horses and carriages. It’s like stepping back in time. No matter where you stay or go, you’d have a lovely time.
The Grand Hotel
As for us, we stayed at The Grand Hotel which is an ENTIRE experience in itself. I kept telling Sean, “I feel like we are on The Titanic!”.
We stayed three nights (this was a requirement given the 4th of July holiday) and found it perfect. Guests are required to follow a special dress code after 6 PM every evening. I LOVED seeing what people wore every night – lots of seersucker suits, matching Mommy + Me dresses, THE WORKS!
And despite it’s luxurious accommodations, it is hands down the most kid friendly hotels I’ve ever stayed. A surprising combination!
I’d say the biggest testament of the Grand Hotel is the abundance of people who told us they’ve been coming for over twenty to thirty years.
Our stay included daily sit down dinners and breakfasts. Access to the two day carnival including snow-cones, an ice cream social, prizes and so many fun games and bouncy houses. Note – this was specifically for the 4th of July but they have special events planned throughout the year – like the Grand Princess and Super Hero weekend or Jazz Labor Day!
They also hosted a welcome reception on their front porch (the biggest front porch in the world) with complimentary appetizers and drinks. There is a bike rental on the property, along with tennis, golf (my dad and Sean did this), a spa, several restaurants and one of the most beautiful swimming pools I’ve seen! You can play croquet on the lawn, attend complimentary yoga classes, dancing at night and more.
Fun Tip: Be sure to find “The Secret Garden”!
Oh and I did I mention they play LIVE jazz music EVERYWHERE?!
On the 4th of July we watched the fireworks on rocking chairs with a full bar and live jazz. No saving your seats, lugging coolers or sitting for hours reserving your spot. Absolute magic.
Fun Tip: Buy apples at “The Market” and feed them to the horses (just ask a taxi driver if you can!).
The ease of everything blew us away and there is ZERO tipping during your stay.
Getting There
We broke up our drive with a night’s stay in Traverse City. We would 100% do that again. On the way back we did it all in one blow and it was pretty exhausting. We left on the 9 AM ferry and got home at 7 PM at night. Between the holiday traffic and a squirmy toddler is was quite a haul. So consider staying an extra night to wait out traffic or break up the drive with a stay in any of the wonderful Michigan towns.
Pricing
As are far as pricing goes, it really all depends on when you go and what package you select. We opted to have our meals included which is an extra fee. We all agreed if we were to do it again we’d elect to dine at some of the hotel’s other restaurants and explore downtown. But I must admit the experience of dressing up and the ease of just being an elevator away is VERY nice. Especially if you have a newborn. So it just depends what you are in the mood for!
When pricing out your stay, just be sure to remember the amount of activities included!
Other Places To Stay And Things To Do In Mackinac Island
One of my favorite things we did was ride our bike around the island. It’s about eight miles and you get a great sense of all the shops, hotels and incredible water views! We stopped at a little beach for a break but HIGHLY recommend doing this the FIRST day to get a sense of what you’d like to do and go. Note: they have Burley Bee attachments and chairs for kids too.
My friend, Anna, was actually just in Mackinac Island too and put together THE BEST little guide for the island (including other hotels to stay). Since we spent the majority of our time at The Grand Hotel, I actually saved her post for next time.
I hope you found our review helpful. An absolute bucket list spot to put on your list!
And a special thank you to my mom and dad for the memory of a lifetime! We love you guys very much.
