Fall Back In Time Before We Close For the Season.

I remember enjoying the beauty and magic of Fall when my daughters Jessie and Kelly were little girls. We had long walks in the crisp Autumn weather, we went bike riding over the sound of crunching leaves, and when we came home, we made hot chocolate and talked about how much fun we had! Great memories for this sentimental dad, as I look back in time as they are now young adults, married, and live far away.

I love all of the seasons in Michigan as they all have their own unique beauty but there’s something magical about Fall that brings me peace and solitude like no other, especially on Mackinac Island. And this quote brings it home for me. “ Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year long for the Grand Finale.” – Lauren DeStefano

It’s been a great season and it’s hard to believe that our 2016 season is coming to an end. Mackinac Island settles into a peaceful serenity that whispers to go back in time, once more before we close for the season with our Grand Finale Week and Weekend. Many of our guests love coming on the weekends, but have you ever come to Mackinac during the week? My wife and I absolutely love being on Mackinac in the Fall with the peace and quiet we love. There are great rooms available during the week with spectacular views and there’s still time to make your reservations so what are you waiting for? Or, if you’re going to be here for our final weekend, there’s going to be lots of excitement. It’s going to be SPOOK-tacular!

The magic at The Chippewa starts on Friday, October 21^st at our famous Pink Pony, which was recently 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. I’ve eaten at restaurants all over the USA and I can tell you from experience, that the Pink Pony is my favorite. The atmosphere, team of servers and the amazing food and drinks are top notch. At 9:00 pm, get ready for some killer music by Myk Rise, a Pink Pony favorite.

On Saturday, October 22^nd, starting at 11:30 am is Mackinac Island’s famous Great Turtle Run. It’s a fun-filled 5.7 mile run or walk around and into the island where you can experience the Fall colors like never before. After the race, you’ll need to re-fuel so make sure you come back to the Pink Pony where you can have a great lunch and watch a BIG 10 football game that starts at 3:30.

At 4:00, starting at Windermere Point, an island favorite is watching the kids dressed up in Halloween costumes for our annual Trick or Treat festivities on Main Street. To keep the Halloween spirit alive, the Chippewa lobby and Pink Pony are decorated with BOO-tiful Halloween décor. At 9:00 pm, get ready for more great music by Myk Rise playing everyone’s favorite songs. It’s great seeing everyone dressed for the thrill in Spook-tacular outfits for the Adult Halloween Party and costume contest at 10:00 PM because we’re all kids at heart, especially on Halloween. Last year, I didn’t have a costume, so my wife’s make-up came in handy for our ghoulish appearance at the party.

While you’re here, make sure you stop by our new Pink Pony Store for your favorite Pink Pony merchandise and also Destination Mackinac, which is right next door for some unique Mackinac Island merchandise. Get great end of season sales before they close for the season. Great news! We’ll be soon launching our new Pink Pony website where you can check out and buy all of your favorite Pink Pony merchandise online. It will be a great way to shop for great gifts for the upcoming Holiday season! Stay tuned!

As our season comes to a close, on behalf of all us at The Chippewa Hotel, Brian Bailey, our General Manager would like to say; “ Thanks for allowing us our best season ever and we’ll see you in 2017!” All of our Chippewa family will miss you, but always remember one of my favorite sayings. “Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end. They simply say I’ll miss you…Until we meet again.” I’ll continue to stay connected to all of you, our extended family with our monthly blog and we’ll eagerly look forward to your visit in 2017, when we meet again. Believe it or not, our famous Craft Beer Opening weekend will be here before you know it, Spring will be in the air with new buds on the trees and flowers blooming all over Mackinac Island.