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As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscape, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the crisp, cozy magic of the season than Mackinac Island. This cherished Michigan gem casts its spell over visitors with horse-drawn carriages, fudge shops galore, and a car-free oasis that seems frozen in time. But as we discovered on a recent getaway, Mackinac has some deliciously unexpected treats in store too.
It started with an irresistible deal – buy one, get one free ferry tickets to whisk us away to the island. With the clock ticking on their expiration date, we pounced on a cozy boutique hotel booking that promised a front-row seat to Mackinac’s annual transition into its quieter, off-season self. The Inn on Mackinac (left) was the perfect place to stay in walking distance to the hubub of downtown. It has a lovely balcony to watch the sunset over the water as bicyclists pass by on the street below.
Of course, no visit to this Lake Huron paradise would be complete without indulging in the local flavors. We kicked things off at the Gatehouse, a Grand Hotel restaurant where the aromas alone had been beckoning us for years. Lounging on the patio with jalapeno-laced nachos and pierogis, we soaked up the last of the afternoon sun before hopping on our rented bicycles for a leisurely loop around the island.
With happy hour in mind, we made our way to Doud’s Market, the oldest family-owned grocer in the U.S. A bottle of local Chateau Grand Traverse wine in hand, we retreated to our balcony for a front-row seat to Mackinac’s emerging evening tranquility. For dinner, it was the cozy confines of Mary’s Bistro & Drafthouse, a gem serving up homey American fare with a waterfront view that offers online reservations.
But it was the island’s unlikely Jamaican eatery that stole the show. After spying a tantalizing mention of Kingston Kitchen in an Eater article, we made a beeline for this unassuming, chef-driven spot located steps off of Main Stree. From the first whiff of jerk pork to the crisp sip of Red Stripe beer, we were transported back to the warmth and vibrance of our Caribbean honeymoon. For a taste of the unexpected in the heart of northern Michigan, this humble Jamaican outpost was a delicious reminder that the best travel adventures often come from embracing the element of surprise.
As the autumn chill gave way to starry nights, we wandered the hushed streets in a state of contented bliss. Mackinac may be renowned as a summer getaway, but those in the know understand that fall is when the island’s magic is most palpable. The weather was perfect for riding bikes around the island! With stunning scenery, cozy accommodations, and hidden culinary gems waiting to be uncovered, this one-of-a-kind destination is the perfect spot to sip the last rays of summer while cozying up to autumn’s irresistible charms.
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The quaint lakeside town of Ludington was our home base for the weekend. We checked into the delightfully eclectic 
Back in Ludington, we embarked on a beloved local tradition: the invigorating two-mile hike to Big Sable Point Lighthouse within Ludington State Park’s sprawling dunes and woodlands. Despite the cloudy skies, the solitude and natural splendor made for a rejuvenating escape. We also paid a visit to Stearns Park Beach, where the mercurial Lake Michigan reminded us of its raw power, with crimson flags warning of treacherous currents one day after granting us a serene swimming opportunity the previous afternoon. Shortly after our visit, most of Ludington State Park closed for a year-long renovation, opening back up in July 2025.
The Main Museum building features exhibits about shipwrecks throughout the history of Lake Superior. The biggest display was dedicated to the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank 17 miles off the coast of Whitefish Point in 1975 with all 29 crew members on board. The museum displays the bell from the ship and you can hear the 1976 Gordon Lightfoot song while you browse the exhibits.
