I remember the first time I drove over the Mackinac Bridge many years ago and the rush of adrenalin I felt as I left the mainland behind. It was exciting getting on the boat in St. Ignace and churning through the waters feeling alive with the air in my face and lungs as the glory of Mackinac Island unfolded in all its majesty. My gaze fixed on the rows of beautiful hotels, homes on the East and West bluffs and the fort perched on top. I had this warm, inner peace that collided with excitement as the boat reversed its engines and slowly pulled into the dock as the ducks moved aside as if to make room. The Chippewa Hotel was in full view. Many years later and countless times I’ve travelled the same route and I still feel the magic and innocence as if its my first time coming to Mackinac.
There’s an amazing transformation that happens to your soul when you cross all 26,372 feet of the Mighty Mac then take the boat from St. Ignace or you take the boat from Mackinac City to the Island. You become free once again and your spirit soars as you leave the world behind. There’s no place on this planet where you can be on an 8 mile island that’s so close and yet, feel so far away from it all. It really is like going back in time.
Remember when we were kids? We had big dreams of adventure that now take a back seat to the stress of work, taking care of families and all of life’s responsibilities. It’s time to dream again. Your adventure begins at the Chippewa Hotel, your home away from home. Mackinac Island is a magical place where you welcome each warm kiss of a morning sunrise like family. Each day rejuvenates your soul with a magnificent view. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner at our Pink Pony. Whether you stroll down Main Street going into shops, explore the history of the Island at the Fort, or bike ride the 8.2 miles around the island or explore the inner depths, there’s magic in the air.
Sitting on the waterfront balconies at the Chippewa is one of my favorite things to do. I’m at peace. A few summers ago, I wrote a poem as I sat on a balcony and took in the view and thought of how great I feel and the love I feel about being on the Island. Last year, the Mackinac Island Community Foundation had a poetry contest for a book they were publishing so I entered my Chippewa Hotel, inspired poem in the contest. I titled it; “Is This Heaven?” My dream came true as my poem was accepted for publication in a book titled; “Beneath the Lilac Canopy”, Mackinac Island in Poetry. It captures how I feel looking out at the Huron waters from the Chippewa and the joy I experience in biking away into the inner Island. If you love Mackinac like I know you do, allow me to share my poem so you can imagine yourself here when you come this Spring or Summer.
Mackinac Island is heaven on earth to me and I’m sure you feel the same which is why my other dream came true to write the blogs for the Chippewa Hotel and Lilac Tree Suites & Spa. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I love writing them. It’s time to leave the world behind, travel back in time when life was good to experience the innocence and magic of Mackinac Island. Like it’s your very first time. Dream big at your home away from home so give us a call.
We’re looking forward to seeing you again soon! Welcome home!
George Piliouras for The Chippewa Hotel
