Color My World in Mackinac

Mackinac Island, Michigan

by Dawn Woolcott

Mackinac is a place that really knows how to do summer. It embraces summer full on and in full color. Those bright and cheerful summer hues are there to be found, bringing that cheerful happiness to your day when you visit this charming island. If color is your summer mood enhancer, try one of these fun and fabulous restaurants around town:

The Pink Pony

The Pink Pony Bar and Grill is right on the waterfront and within view of your ship when you dock. Seek out those bright pink patio umbrellas and you’ll soon be enjoying one of the most lovely views over the harbor around. Located in the Chippawa Hotel, as you enter look for the humorous illustration above the bar with prancing pink ponies to  set the mood. The mood is light and whimsical and sure to be a memorable stop for lunch or an afternoon cocktail.

The Grand Hotel

There is no missing the grand dame of the Victorian era in town – the Grand Hotel stands proudly on a rise over looking the area. Clad in elegant white as it has for over 135 years, the Grand Hotel is a must-see when on the island. The interior design philosophy stresses the use of bold, bright colors, large imposing stripes, and audacious floral patterns,with a mix of art and antiques to help create the hotel’s eclectic look that is elegant, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. You do not have to be a resident at the hotel to enjoy its diverse variety of dining options. Perhaps afternoon tea in the main dining hall with brightly colored walls and striped chairs?

The Grand Hotel’s Bavarian Restaurant, is indeed someplace special. You can enjoy a leisurely horse drawn carriage ride out to the cottage on the grounds of the hotel, where you step inside a Bavarian Lodge and step into a bit of old Europe for a truly special meal! The restaurant sits on the first tee of the hotel’s golf course.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch out on the patio at the Jockey Club at the Grandstand  under colorfully cheerful umbrellas as you watch the golfers and horse drawn carriages pass nearby. Can you imagine a more wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon lemonade on a summer’s day?

Hotel Iroquois Carriage House Restaurant

This beautiful Victorian classic boutique hotel offers waterfront dining with amazing views, beautiful gardens, and makes for a special meal to remember your stay or celebrate a special occasion.

Watercolor Mackinac

Color with Coffee at this coffee shop by day and art class hub by evening. Stop by for a cup of coffee or light lunch in this pretty little waterfront cafe. Classes start after the coffee shop closes, with a variety of different projects available for you to make and take.

During your time in Mackinac, there is no shortage of color and character to celebrate summer. It is easy to understand why this area is such a popular summer getaway and a very popular stop on small ship cruises. Mackinac is located right at the intersection of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, and thus a natural stop on any Great Lakes cruise. Which cruise would you like to try next summer?

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