Robert Jerstrom is a local photographer of some note. His pictures of Mackinac Island capture the beauty and essence of the Island, including fall and winter - seasons not normally experienced by vacationers. A couple of his pictures are on this page, as well as our "Mackinac Winter" page. Stop by his gallery, have a chat, and purchase some art to keep that Mackinac experience with you all year long.

The Grand occupies a unique place on the Island. Visible from the Mackinac Bridge, it's timeless beauty is a sight to behold. Visitors can enter the Grand only by paying an admission fee. If you can't afford to stay at the Grand (or wish to seek more reasonably priced accomodations), a tour of the Grand is in order. Or perhaps a meal in one of their restaurants, with a view over the Straits of Mackinac? If you make dinner reservations, be sure to wear a coat and tie.

What trip to Mackinac Island can be considered complete without a taste of fudge? And don't forget to bring some to your friends back home (if you can resist temptation long enough). There are five fudge companies with multiple locations to satisfy that sweet tooth.

There are dozens of shops on the Island to choose from. Food and other necessities, recreational clothing and fashion attire, souvenirs, gifts, local artists, photographic treasures, Island memorabilia, you name it, you can find it. Bring an empty suitcase for all of the extras you'll end up bringing home...

If you come late in the season, many merchants have excellent sales to tempt you with. (We tend to do a little Christmas shopping as store owners try to get rid of extra merchandise before they close for the season.)

One of our favorites is the marker for "Somewhere in Time," just west of downtown on the main highway, below the Grand Hotel. This is the spot where Richard Collier first approaches Elise McKenna in the movie "Somewhere in Time," filmed on Mackinac Island. A must see for that romantic weekend.

Speaking of romantic, the Stone Church down the street from the Grand Hotel is situated in a beautiful location. Many weddings are performed here every year, with the bride and groom carried away in a horse-drawn carriage. What could possibly be a more romantic wedding?

Historic buildings, old churches, military installations, Post Cemetary, Arch Rock, the Crack in the Island, trails, historic houses downtown, the list is endless. Sightseeing on Mackinac Island is like a trip to another time, another place. Guaranteed to wash away the everyday blues and put a spring in your step and relaxation in your heart. Please be sure to get maps and directions from the Chamber of Commerce booth downtown, in front of the Arnold Lines dock.

Whether you walk, bicycle, rollerblade, carriage tour, horseback ride, or any combination, seeing the sights on Mackinac Island is an experience unto itself. Enjoy your visit.

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