Why do you come to Mackinac Island? It’s my home away from home and by far, my favorite place on the planet. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a living ad campaign for all things Mackinac. People come to Mackinac for many reasons and it was recently named one of the top 10 islands in the world by Conde Nast Traveler.We agree. Some people come here to go back in time, explorethe history of the Island, to experience the beauty and tranquility of Mackinac, and to get away from their day-to-day routine and unwind. Some come here to think clearly, get focused so they go back to their jobs energized, refreshed and full of new ideas.
Maybe that’s why the most influential leaders from across our great state met on Mackinac Island from May 26th– 29th for the annual Mackinac Conference to discuss the crucial issues Michigan is facing. The Chippewa Hotel was proud to have a full hotel with conference attendees. Plus, we were honored that The Pink Pony and Chippewa Hotel hosted a major Detroit Chamber networking event, appropriately titled, “Schmooze & News” with WWJ 950 radio from Detroit. It was jammed-packed with conference attendees, sharing new ideas plus, as expected, everyone had yachts and yachts of fun!
Some people come here for the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. Its starts on Friday, June 5, and goes through June 14. Did you know that celebrating Mackinac’s lilacs began in 1949? It started from a conversation with Evangilene “Ling” Horn and Nurse Stella King who encouraged a teenager, now Mackinac Island Carriage Tours veterinarian Dr. Bill Chambers, to have a parade on Lilac Sunday.
The idea? To bring people to Mackinac to enjoy a great horse drawn parade with the fresh aroma in the air of the beautiful lilacs in June. What started as a 1- day event called the Mackinac Island Lilac Day, has blossomed into a 10-day festival known as The Lilac Festival, now proudly celebrating its 66th year. Who says teenagers don’t listen! It’s the first and largest summer eventon the island with activities for everyone. An Island favorite is A Taste of Mackinac, where you’llenjoy culinary favorites, served directly to you by the chefs from the Island’s restaurants.
Michigan is quickly being recognized for its numerous craft beers all over our state. This year, we’ve made it easy for you so you only have one destination and that’s here. The Pink Pony, recently named Most Iconic Bar in Michigan by Thrillist, is hosting a special beer tasting. Where else can you journey around Michigan, sampling Michigan’s best craft beers in 120 minutes without leaving your seat? You’re right! The Pink Pony andwe hope to see you there! Cheers!
If you decide to run in the Lilac Festival 10 K, you can soothe your muscles at our sister hotel, The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa with atherapeutic spa treatment and treat your feet to something new, a beer pedicure! Craft beers at the Pink Pony followed by a beer pedicure. How’s that for a combo?
The Lilac Festival will feature plenty of concerts, boat cruises under the Mackinac Bridge, sailing tours of our beautiful harbor, horse drawn carriage tours, plus another Island favorite, coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and Court. If you’ve never been to the Lilac Festival, it’s time to experience the beauty of Mackinac like never before. We know you’ll come back again and again, and again! We still haverooms available so give us a call to make your reservations at your home away from home. Whether it’s the Lilac Festival or any of the great events going on as our 2015 season unfolds, make your reservations for your great get-away on Mackinac Island. So why are you coming to Mackinac Island this year? Let us know!
Better yet, tell us in person.
Your room will be waiting for you. See you soon!
George Piliouras for The Chippewa Hotel
