EXPERIENCE MACKINAC ISLAND LIKE NEVER BEFORE AS YOU SIP N’ SAIL!

I remember coming to Mackinac with my wife Brenda 13 years ago for our first time together. She’s from southern Missouri and had never seen the great lakes, let alone heard of Mackinac. We were really excited as we boarded the Arnold Ferry in St. Ignace for a day trip to the Island and we felt like kids on an adventure. We sat on the top deck squinting from the blazing sun with the wind washing over our faces and as we cruised over the water. The Mackinac Bridge was on our right and Mackinac Island came into view in all its glory as we approached the dock with engines churning in reverse as it nestled in perfectly. As we pulled in, I still remember the magnificent view of seeing the Chippewa Hotel for the first time and I was blown away thinking about how beautiful it was, perfectly perched on the water and now, many, many trips later, it’s become our home away from home.

As the main means of transportation to and from Mackinac, we all know that ferry boats play a monumental role in bringing people on and off this magnificent Island. After a great time on Mackinac, one of the hardest things to do is get on a boat and leave, as your mind is flooded with great memories of your time on the Island. What if you could get on a boat, cruise gently away from the Island, watch a glorious sunset by the Mackinac Bridge while listening to great music and enjoying a drink? Then return so you could still enjoy the island. Well, now’s your chance!

Imagine boarding on the Isle Royale Queen III, Arnold’s newest 81 foot boat that has numerous outdoor areas to catch great views, a wonderful sound system and it’s also fully stocked with selections of beer, wine and liquor. Cheers! This is all made possible because Pure Michigan Boat Cruises joined forces with the Arnold Transit System bringing you a wonderful variety of luxurious Straits of Mackinac tours with something unique for everyone. One of my favorite things to do on Mackinac is watching the sun slowly go down and gently kiss the water, casting a glow across the lake. Simply breathtaking. Now, you can enjoy a Mackinac sunset with a Sip n’ Sail cruise, where your eyes can drink in the views on a gorgeous sightseeing tour sipping your favorite drink as the sun slowly fades away. Here are a great variety of Sip n’ Sail cruises that you can choose from or you can try them all!

Sip n’ Sail Fireworks Cruise
Mackinac Bridge Sightseeing Tour
Bourbon Under the Bridge
Great Turtle Voyage
Michigan Craft Beer Cruise
Sip n’ Sail Sunset Cruise

As I mentioned earlier, the Arnold dock is in perfect view from the Chippewa Hotel which means its right outside your door when you stay with us. So you can conveniently walk to your cruise in minutes and get ready to Sip n’ Sail. For more details about the cruises including departure times, check out http://www.arnoldline.com/sip-n-sail-cruises/. And when it comes to spectacular views of the water where you can watch boats come in to dock and set back out on adventures, the best on the island is our very own Pink Pony. The views inside the dining area overlooking the water, plus the outdoor patio have breath-taking views and mouth- watering food and drinks so you can have dinner and grab a drink at the Pink Pony right before your Sip n’ Sail Cruise. The Pink Pony is an Island favorite and it was just recognized as ONE OF AMERICA’S 10 BEST RESTAURANTS FOR OUTDOOR DINING by The Daily Meal, a renowned publication for the best food and drink places around the world. Even Detroit’s very own Kid Rock recently gave us a surprise visit at the Pink Pony and we all loved it. Kid Rock definitely knows where to have Yachts and Yachts of fun!

August is a great time to come back to Mackinac and the weather has been perfect. Give us a call to make your reservations for your August get-away on Mackinac Island and while you’re here, make sure you check out the Sip n’ Sail Cruises right outside the Chippewa Hotel. We’re looking forward to seeing you again and we’ll have a room with a great view that has your name on it!

See you soon.

George Piliouras for The Chippewa Hotel