MAKE YOUR MEMORIES ON MACKINAC ISLAND.

Life is full of memories. Some of my fondest memories are reflecting on the many great times I had when my kids were younger and we went away to special places for weekends or vacations. My wife and I still reminisce about having our favorite family vacation on Mackinac Island some years ago when our kids were younger. Great memories of our bike rides around the island, photo moments posing at Devil’s Kitchen, peddling up to Arch Rock, hiking up to the Fort, and being a part of our nation’s history. Then after a long, fun-filled day, getting our bathing suits on, relaxing in the hot tub at the Chippewa Hotel and remembering how they all loved going to the Pink Pony for a great family meal.

Mackinac Island is a place where you can leave your everyday stresses behind and go back in time to a much simpler way of life with no cars, just people, bikes and horses. Every visit on Mackinac is filled with great memories that you can take with you. What great Mackinac memories will you make this year? Here’s some great memory making ideas so you can start planning now.

Opening Weekend: May 5^th– 7^th. Opening weekend starts on May 5^th this season and it’s great to go back in time and kick off the 2017 season at the Chippewa Hotel, your home away from home.

Michigan Craft Beer Weekend: May 12^th-14^th. Back by popular demand now in our 3^rd year. Package includes many great features including; Craft Beer Welcome Gift, Admission to Meet & Greet Brew Masters, Samples of Featured 2017 Craft Beers, Mackinac Island Scavenger Hunt with lunch, a spectacular 5-Course Beer Pairing Dinner and much more! It’s one of my favorites with many great memories!

Memorial Day Weekend: May 26^th– 29^th. Enjoy a long, 3-day weekend where you can make lifetime memories with your family. Lots of weekend activities and there’s a special Memorial Day Observance at the Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery.

Lilac Festival: June 9^th– 18^th. The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is an island favorite. It’s the first and largest summer event that lasts for 10 days and it attracts thousands to the island. Festivities include the Lilac Festival 10K, horse drawn carriage tours, concerts, wine tastings, A Taste of Mackinac Culinary Event, Mackinac Island Dog and Pony Show, the coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and Court, the Lilac Festival Grand Parade and lots more.

Mackinac Boat Races: July 16^th– 19^th – Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac followed by the Bayview Yacht Club Race to Mackinac going on July 23rd-26th. With thousands of colorful boats coming to Mackinac Island, there’s plenty to see and do and no better place than the Chippewa Hotel and Pink Pony. Great memories and Yachts and Yachts of fun!

So, start making your plans for a great time on magical Mackinac Island this Spring and Summer. Step back in time and make memories that you’ll look back on for years to come. We’re looking forward to seeing you again! Welcome home!

George Piliouras for the Chippewa Hotel