Mackinac Island fall color tour

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” 
― Albert Camus

When nature shifts her wardrobe to jewel tones, I follow her like a popular instagram influencer. In Michigan, fall color tour seekers journey through tunnels of trees that provide a canopy of garnet, sunshine yellow, russet brown and flaming orange hues that delight and amaze the senses. At the end of our tours, we refresh ourselves at local cider mills with the tantalizing aromas of mulled cider and cinnamon donuts.

This year, my fall color tour was full of precious memories with visitors from Philadelphia. My godmama and goddaughter were here for a long weekend. To immerse their senses in all the coziness of fall, I took them to Mackinac Island. I had never visited the island in fall, so it was a wonderful first for all of us!

If you’re not acquainted with Mackinac Island, it’s a charming island situated between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas in Lake Huron. The only horse power allowed on the island has four hooves. Cars were banned in 1898. The island is known for its varied history, Victorian architecture, fudge, gardens (Lilac Festival is lovely!), Fort Mackinac, and the world-famous Grand Hotel (https://www.grandhotel.com).

After we disembarked from Shepler’s ferry, we walked down to the Watercolor Cafe (https://www.watercolormackinac.com), located near the marina, for a scrumptious lunch. Then it was time for a carriage ride (https://www.mict.com) around the island, so we could decide what we wanted to see first. The Autumn Blaze maple trees on Cadotte Avenue were stunning (see picture above). My goddaughter adored the carriage ride.

Is there anything better than seeing the places you love through the joyful lens of a beloved child? Look at that fabulous smile!!! It makes my heart sing!

Before checking into our hotel, we stopped at the Butterfly House. It was a chilly day, so it was a welcome break from the cold. No matter how many times I visit, I still find myself pointing at the butterflies in sheer delight. I definitely recommend it.

We stayed at Mission Point (https://www.missionpoint.com), beyond the hustle and bustle of the village. It’s a peaceful location with a lawn that has beach access. It also allows pets, for those of you that travel with fur-babies.

Then we were off to see the Grand Lady. A visit to the Grand Hotel is like stepping back in time. It has retained most of its Gilded Age charm, while updating with modern conveniences. The hotel is famous for having the world’s longest porch, bedecked with red geraniums. We enjoyed the sunset views of the Mackinac Bridge (Mighty Mac) from the porch and Cupola Bar. If you stay at the hotel, dinner is an occasion.

Our final day on the island began with a sunrise hike and then a visit to Fort Mackinac for the cannon firing demonstration and a self-guided tour. You could easily spend half the day at the Fort, so be prepared. They have tours and demonstrations by costumed interpreters that bring the Fort’s varied history to life. It’s engaging for all ages and the views are spectacular!

We were fortunate with the weather too! The crisp blue skies and autumn colors were food for the soul. Speaking of food . . . I did promise to share a cider donut recipe.

My favorite recipe is from Susan Branch’s blog: https://susanbranch.com/appleciderdonuts/. I have to modify the recipe to make it gluten-free and lower in sugar, but if that doesn’t apply to you, just click on the link and enjoy!

If you are gluten-free, my modifications are as follows:

• 2 cups oat flour
• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
• 3 scoops of collagen powder, optional
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup maple syrup, or 1/8 cup maple syrup and 10 drops toffee flavored stevia

Topping:

• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/2 packet stevia

I follow her recipe for everything else, so I recommend using her detailed instructions. The donuts are marvelous straight out of the oven with a cup of cider, pu-erh tea or coffee. Enjoy!

Blessings to you and your families,

Bree