In my opinion breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and therefore finding the right restaurant can really add to your entire experience. Finding a restaurant that has great food, and creates a memorable experience is not an easy feat. This can prove especially difficult when traveling with a group, since everyone’s views on the optimal breakfast may differ. However, worry no more because when it comes to breakfast, the Pink Pony is the spot. This amazing restaurant has not only traditional favorites but some local ones as well. With an abundance of options, their menu will have something for everyone. Along with great food they also have some incredible views from their outdoor covered patio.
The Pink Pony
7221 Main Street
Pink Pony Restaurant outdoor covered dining room.
The Pink Pony is located inside the Chippewa hotel. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. The Pink Pony is one of the most established and loved restaurants on the entire island.
Breakfast at the Pink Pony is phenomenal. This is one of the few places where I can honestly say that they have just too many good options. If I were to narrow it down, I would recommend the Home Style French Toast. This delicious choice includes several thick slices of cinnamon or banana nut bread that are cooked to a perfect light crisp texture, with a soft inside and topped with powdered sugar. Both options, the banana nut bread and cinnamon bread are amazing and served with your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham.
If French Toast is not your thing, I would also recommend the Mackinac Country Skillet. This is a delicious skillet that is loaded with onions, peppers, sausage and topped with cheddar and pepper jack cheese. It is also served with two eggs and toast. This would be a good option for someone who wants a heartier breakfast.
My Wife’s favorite is the Pony Power Scramble. Just as the name suggests, this little breakfast pleaser will get you energized for those long island walks or bike rides. The Pony Power Scramble consists of egg whites, spinach, onions, asparagus, tomatoes, mushrooms, and it is topped with homemade salsa. This dish comes with home fries (diced potatoes cooked in oil and topped with salt and parsley) and choice of toast.
Mackinac Island Public Harbor
If you are not much of a breakfast person, this landmark restaurant has some amazing lunch and dinner options as well. For lunch and dinner, they are famous for their whitefish dip and lunch burgers. Moreover, if you enjoy a livelier dinner experience, the Pink Pony provides live music, which is played all throughout the summer months.
Waterfront Dining
The dining options are excellent, but for those who enjoy a beautiful Michigan summer morning, then you may want to make this your breakfast place. If you are spending a few nights in one of the Mackinac Island hotels, you may need to visit this breakfast spot a few times in order to get to try all of those delicious items on the menu. My wife and I only got to have one breakfast while there, and we sure wished for a repeat so that we could try more of their delicious options.
Furthermore, if you enjoy those beautiful Michigan mornings, you will also want to venture to the outdoor patio for your breakfast, which provides beautiful views of the island and marina. In my opinion, The Pink Pony has the best outdoor real-estate on the whole island. The views provide you with the opportunity to enjoy breakfast as you are surrounded by nature and distant sailboats gliding through the tranquil waters of Lake Huron.
Sailboat in Mackinac Island Public Harbor
If you are visiting Mackinac Island in the summer take a trip to the Pink Pony restaurant. You will not regret it. If you are able to ask to be seated in the outdoor patio as it overlooks the Mackinac Island State Harbor. We also recommend getting there early and being prepared to wait a little, as this place is quite popular. However, the spectacular view and great food makes it worth the wait.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokand subscribe to our YouTube channel
Mackinac Island is a unique place that everyone should experience in their lifetime. A truly remarkable experience that is full of history, breathtaking beauty and just one of those places that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The hotels are also just as unique as the Island. Each hotel offers its own unique style and themes that cater to different types of luxury and distinctive characteristics of Mackinac Island. Here are a couple of The Best Hotels on Mackinac Island that we feel would be a good choice for a family or couples.
Lilac Tree Hotel
The Lilac Tree Hotel is located right in the middle of downtown Mackinac Island. The hotel is steps away from restaurants, shopping, the ferry docks and fudge. This central location gives you access to all that downtown Mackinac Island has to offer. In this little downtown you will find exceptional gift shops where you can collect a memorable ornament or keepsake. Throughout the downtown you will also find various ice cream shops that will cool you off after a warm walk through the sun-drenched afternoon. If you do not mind a little noise and a little hustle and bustle, you will enjoy this hotel.
Downtown Main Street Mackinac Island at dusk
We would recommend a room with a balcony as they face the main street where you can see all the action. The majority of the tourist traffic occurs during the day. At night, the main street quiets down a lot, providing a calmer atmosphere. All of the rooms have a small sitting area, marble top bathrooms, and each balcony comes with a table and chairs. On the balcony you can enjoy your mid-day latte or even a meal from one of the local restaurants as they are all within a short walking distance. Furthermore, the balcony gives its visitors a spectacular view of the stars and distant boats on the horizon.
Balcony from the Lilac Tree Hotel overlooking Main Street Mackinac Island. As you can see you are in the center of all the action.
Mission Point Resort
Entrance into Mission Point Resort
If you are looking for a little quieter accommodation with a little more luxurious touch, the Mission Point Resort might be your spot. It is located about a mile from downtown Mackinac Island. This beautiful hotel has some of the best views of all the hotels on the island. Upon entering the lobby you will be awed by the hotel’s enchanting and cozy appeal. The main entrance is lined with several fireplaces and over sized couches that overlook the forests of Mackinac Island, giving an intimate and relaxing feel. Here, you can enjoy your morning coffee or an afternoon latte with your favorite book. This lobby was probably one of the coziest lobbies I have ever visited. Filled with over sized chairs and leather couches the comfort level is incredible and makes waiting for anything more enjoyable.
Mission Point Resort seen from the Great Lawn
The outside of the resort is just as impressive as the inside. In front of the hotel you will have access to “The Great Lawn,” which offers a beautiful meadow that feels like a lush carpet on your feet. The oversized Adirondack chairs that are positioned throughout the landscape are extremely comfortable and are great to have a picnic on or to enjoy the beautiful summer weather that northern Michigan has to offer. This also makes for a great place to watch the boats pass by and feel a sensation of tranquility.
My wife and I enjoyed a nice picnic with sandwiches and pastries on a beautiful sunny afternoon. We saw the boats gently gliding through the straits and Canadian Geese flocking overhead. It was a memory we will always cherish and hold dear.
Mission Point Resort’s famous Great Lawn at dusk.
In addition, the hotel features several restaurants. This allows you to stay in after a long day of exploring the island and gives you an assortment of food options. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a grass putting course as well as a kids club. The kid’s club is open daily from 4:30pm to 7:00pm (late May to early September) and provides dinner, activities and ice-cream. So, if you bring your little ones along, they will alway have something to do.
This well-established resort offers some of the most breathtaking and uninterrupted views. Furthermore, the hotel rooms are large and provide exceptional views of the straits of Mackinac and Lake Huron. In the morning you will wake up to large cargo ships gently gliding through the calm waters of Lake Huron. Peace, tranquility, and luxury are the defining points of this world-class resort.
Mission Point guest room view from the Main Guest Lodge
So, whether you want to be in the heart of it all or on the outskirts of the lively downtown, there is a place for everyone. Most hotels that are not directly located in the downtown region offer horse drawn taxis that run throughout the day. The island is very walkable as horse drawn taxis and bicyclists make up the majority of the traffic. So, there you have it the Best Hotels on Mackinac Island, MI.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokand subscribe to our YouTube channel
When it comes to picking the right place to stay there are several factors to consider. The location of the hotel, the amenities, and the level of comfort a hotel offers. The Harbor Lights Resort on Lake Michigan meets all of those and so much more. Let us explore this iconic resort right on Lake Michigan in the beautiful charming beach town of Frankfort Michigan.
Harbor Lights Resort
15 South 2nd Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Luxury Suite
The Harbor Lights Resort is on lake Michigan and has its own private beach access from the resort. This resort is family owned and the owners are onsite daily. You are also within walking distance to downtown Frankfort and the vast majority of its restaurants and shopping. I personally feel walkability is a big factor to fully enjoy a relaxing vacation. In my opinion this is the best resort in town. Not only does it offer great amenities but it is also in a convenient location. You can literally park your car and never have to use it since you can easily walk to the beach or the downtown area. Additionally, there is ample parking and it is free of cost.
Furthermore, the resort offers an indoor pool, and the lobby serves coffee and has fresh donuts delivered every morning from the crescent bakery. We have stayed at this resort multiple times so far and plan on continuing to stay there when we travel to Frankfort in the future. Moreover, the resort is very clean, and cozy. Upon entering the suite we were overwhelmed with a warm northern feeling of comfort. Also, the staff is friendly and always able and willing to assist with towels and other inquiries that you may have.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Hot Tub Inside Bedroom
This resort offers various types of rooms. I would recommend the luxury suites for its size and amenities. The luxury suite is about $80.00 more per night than the standard motel rooms, but you get a lot more, including double the amount of space at around 740 square feet. Basically, you go from a motel room to a full condo with amenities, such as a whirlpool, fireplace, balcony, living room, and a full kitchen stocked with plates silverware and glasses. Moreover, the balcony gives you a partial view of lake Michigan and Betsie Lake.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Full Kitchen
Each Suite comes with a complete kitchen, which can be advantageous as you can shop for groceries at the Main grocery store or stock up on some of the baked goods from the Crescent Bakery down the street. This also allows you to do some of the cooking at home, instead of having to go out to eat for every meal. The luxury suites have a large dining room table for meals and a comfortable living room with a double-sided gas fire place to really set the mood. The fireplace is especially wonderful during the cooler fall months.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Gas FireplacePHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Living Room
The best part of the luxury suite is the large balcony each one of these suites offers. We would spend every morning and evening sitting on the balcony in one of the Adirondack chairs and listen to the waves in the distance crash onto the shore. The balcony is also a great place to read your favorite book while enjoying a mid afternoon latte.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Balcony view of Lake Michigan
Frankfort is a special place that merges nature, good food, and a beautiful beach to provide a one of a kind family gathering or relaxing vacation. If you want to reconnect with loved ones and family, then stay at the Harbor Lights Resort on Lake Michigan. This beautiful resort is located in the best charming beach town in Michigan.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Twilight over lake Michigan & Frankfort Bluffs
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokand subscribe to our YouTube channel
Where toShop, Parks to visit, Restaurants to Eat at & What to See in this Beautiful Quaint City on Little Traverse Bay
Petoskey is a Beautiful Quaint City on Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan. This water wonderland paradise is located in the northwestern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan. It is known for its picturesque coastline along Little Traverse Bay. This small city happens to combine a small-town charm with a vibrant resort community. Furthermore, this small city offers fun activities for all ages throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Petoskey is best described as a Beautiful Quaint City on Little Traverse Bay
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse Petoskey
We visited Petoskey in the summer of 2019 for a day and we had a very cozy experience. The cozy experience is most likely the result of the small town feel and its walkable sidewalks. As we headed towards downtown, we were mesmerized by the beautiful rolling hills that slipped into the gorgeous plumage of blue colors that made up the bay. Upon parking our vehicle, we immediately felt excited about exploring the town.
We first made our way down to the Bayfront Park to see that gorgeous bay with its different shades of blue. Afterwards, we worked up an appetite and found a delicious pretzel shop. We ate our pretzels outside on their patio that overlooks the Bayfront Park. After enjoying our pretzels, we headed to explore the Gaslight District to find a Christmas Ornament. This is where we were able to explore their shops and restaurants that we will be sharing with you in this article.
Why Choose Petoskey, MI.
Petoskey is one of those cities that will instantly relax you as it brings in all the charm from Northern Michigan. The city sits on Little Traverse Bay, which is simply picturesque during the summer months. Furthermore, Petoskey has some of the most adorable shops and parks throughout the downtown and Bayfront. The city has many sidewalks and is easily walkable whether you are in the Historic Gaslight District or just wandering around enjoying the ambience of this charming city.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Petoskey has pretty much everything you would want for an enjoyable summer vacation. For instance, they have golf courses, docks to park or rent a boat, wineries, and an abundance of nature that will satisfy any explorer. It also makes for a great place for a summer vacation with the family. This resort city can be an excellent stop for a day or several days. So, be a part of the history and beauty of this iconic northern Michigan city and Enjoy the Journey.
The Petoskey Stone
Over 350 million years ago Michigan was once covered by warm shallow saltwater (1). A particular marine animal once thrived on the area of land we now call Michigan (1). The animal was called colonial coral (hexagonaria percarinata) and it thrived with other marine life in tropical reefs (1). The Hexagonaria percarinaysn consists of tightly packed six-sided corallites, which are the skeletons of the once-living coral polyps (1). The hexagon shape of each cell and thin lines radiating out from the dark “eye” in the center are distinguishing features unique to this fossil.
Several million years ago glaciers scraped the earth and spread these fossils across the northern lower peninsula, while also depositing a large amount of them in the Petoskey region (1). This prehistoric fossil which is unique to the Northwest region of the lower peninsula of Michigan also became Michigan’s state stone in 1965(1). The word Petoskey is a native word that translates to “rays of light” (2).
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Little Traverse Bay
History
Petoskey was established in 1879 and originally named Bear River. The name was changed to Petoskey after the local Indian Chief and well-respected businessman Ignatius Petoskey (2). A statue was built in honor of Chief Petoskey in 2005 that overlooks Little Traverse Bay on Lewis Street (2).
Ernest Hemingway
One of the greatest American authors used to frequent the Petoskey area during the summer months. His name was Ernest Hemingway, and his family had a cottage on Lake Walloon. Hemingway spent the first 22 years of his life every summer in Petoskey (2). The young Ernest Hemingway created several short stories and a novel that was inspired by the beautiful surroundings of the Petoskey area.
Economy
Petoskey’s original economy when it was being settled was dependent on limestone mining and timber (2). Furthermore, the lumber in this region helped rebuild a lot of Chicago after its famous fire (7). Petoskey is located on Little Traverse Bay, which is connected to the Great Lakes. This helped make Petoskey easily accessible for commerce to other cities on the Great Lakes such as Detroit and Chicago.
Tourism
Petoskey started to become a tourist spot for many Midwesterners during the late 1800s (2). Petoskey offered cooler summers and pleasant summer evenings due to the cool breeze that would come off the Bay and lakes in the surrounding area. This region became especially popular for families to escape the busy and non-airconditioned cities of the Midwest during the summer months (4). By 1900 there were 14 hotels in Petoskey that could accommodate up to 2,000 overnight guests. Petoskey has since grown into a small city and tourism is still one of its main economic drivers. Currently, the city’s tourism has grown to well over 750,000 guests every summer from 2,000 over a century ago (4).
Bayfront Park is a large 25-acre park that parallels the shores of little traverse bay. This is a great place for a family photo or to just peacefully watch the boats glide through the waters of Little Traverse Bay. The park is easily accessible on foot from the downtown district and has over 7800 feet of public shoreline on Little Traverse Bay (5). This is also a great place to hunt for that Petoskey stone you always wanted.
Gaslight District
Gaslight District is where you will find the majority of restaurants and shops in Petoskey. This is a great spot to stop for a snack and some mementos as they have an abundance of neat, and charming stores. Each store offers distinctive gifts that are local to the region and give off a northern woods appeal. In the Gaslight District you will find bookstores and art stores that reflect the nature and homage of the Petoskey area. Furthermore, the Gaslight District has large wide sidewalks that can easily accommodate a group, therefore creating a very walkable downtown.
Pennsylvania Park
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Pennsylvania Park Benches
Pennsylvania Park is a beautiful park in the heart of downtown Petoskey, just east of the Gaslight District. The park is filled with large beech wood maple trees that present a shaded canopy for the daytime traveler. The park also features a beautiful gazebo that is great for relaxing and enjoying your surroundings, as well as a statue of the famous author Ernest Hemingway. In addition to features, the park also has a public restroom and is home to many picnics and live music concerts in the summer months. This beautiful park is well maintained and a great reprieve from a day of shopping and dining.
The Best Quaint Shops
McLean and Eakin
307 E Lake Street
McLean and Eakin opened in 1992 by a schoolteacher and lover of books. This charming bookstore is located in the Historic Gaslight District of Downtown Petoskey. The bookstore has old world charm and a quaint feel to it that will leave you inspired to read more. The store features many local authors, such as a large collection of Ernest Hemingway books. This is a wonderful book store that we are sure you will enjoy when you are visiting Petoskey, MI.
Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts
301 E. Lake Street
Grandpa Shorter’s is a fascinating gift shop that offers all kinds of unique souvenirs that represent the area’s beautiful natural setting. This is Petoskey’s original souvenir shop which opened its doors in 1946 (6). The gift shop is full of locally sourced jams, treats, Petoskey stones, clothing and many other fun gifts. The store also has toys for children.
In addition, the shop features Minnetonka Moccasins (handcrafted footwear that is influenced by traditional native American moccasins and uses natural leather) which was the first item the shop ever ordered in its modest and humble beginnings. The shop is still owned by the same family passing from generation to generation.
This gift shop had a wide selection of souvenirs but unfortunately they were lacking in the Christmas ornament department. My wife and I are always on the search for the perfect Christmas ornament that represents the region or area we are visiting at the time of our travels. Unfortunately, we did not find one, but we did find a great souvenir shop where you will find some unique gifts for your loved ones.
The Best Restaurants
City Park Grill
432 E. Lake Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl City Park Grill Main Bar
This is an amazing restaurant and it is one you must dine in when visiting Petoskey. The restaurant is in one of the oldest buildings in Petoskey and it was originally constructed in 1875. The City Park Grill is one of the highest rated restaurants in the area and is known for some amazing dishes. Also, this used to be the famous author Ernest Hemingway’s favorite hangout in the 1920’s. If you venture to the bar, there is a small indentation on the bar top where Mr. Hemingway used to put out his cigar when he visited (3).
Now onto the food. The food in the restaurant is phenomenal. My wife and I were amazed by how each dish we tried was delicious and full of unique flavor. A few of the items we enjoyed are the following:
Chicken NoodleSoup – The soup my wife ordered was a delicious hearty version of the classic chicken noodle soup. The soup had large chunks of white chicken meat and fresh vegetables. I could not help myself and had to sample my wife’s soup several times, which she was happy to share.
Creole GumboSoup – I ordered the gumbo and was equally impressed with this soup as with the chicken noodle. My wife was also impressed, and we ended up sampling each other’s soups throughout the course. This delicious southern inspired soup had large shrimp, large chunks of white meat chicken, and spicy sausage that really enhanced the flavor profile. It was also loaded with fresh vegetables and rice that seemed prepared that day.
Hummus platter – This appetizer was not only delicious but immense and could easily be shared with a large group. By the time we had finished the appetizer we contemplated ordering any more food. The hummus platter had delicious grilled pita bread that was crunchy and soft in all the right places. The hummus dip itself was a delicious chickpea seasoned spread that had a unique smokey flavor to it. We ended up finishing the entire platter.
Parmesan-Herb Whitefish – After our fill of soup and the hummus platter, we decided to split the Parmesan-Herb Whitefish, and I am glad that we did as this dish was amazing. The dish was served with mashed potatoes which were excellent and really complimented the dish. They were made with white truffles and mashed to perfection. We simply could not get enough of those delicious mashed potatoes and almost ordered them as a side to take with us.
The locally sourced whitefish was divine as well and had a parmesan and herb seasoning on top encrusting the fish, which really preserved the flavor giving it a nice crunch with every bite. As with our previous dishes, the vegetables were grilled and tasted like they were picked that day. When visiting Michigan, you need to try the Whitefish as it is a true delicacy and gives you the flavor and taste of Michigan.
Petoskey Pretzel Co.
200 Petoskey Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Petoskey Pretzel Co. entrance door overlooking Bayfront Park
This charming shop is located across the street from the famous Bayfront Park tunnel and on the corner of Bay Street in the Gaslight District. This little pretzel shop is sure to delight any traveler who is looking for a nice warm soft pretzel for their mid-day snack. Their pretzels are made fresh daily in house, using all natural ingredients including their very own patent flour blend. This is what adds to that perfect texture and flavor profile that we all love about a soft warm pretzel.
The interior of the shop is small, charming and cozy while smelling of fresh pretzels. The fresh smells will permeate your senses as you enter the shop, enticing you to leave with more than what you intended to come in for. The shop has indoor and outdoor seating offering a dine-in counter and a few tables and chairs outside the shop. Most patrons take their order to go and enjoy their pretzel in one of the beautiful parks surrounding the downtown area of Petoskey.
The Pretzel Co offers many types of handmade pretzels served daily such as the PPC Buttery Original, which is the original house made butter and salt pretzel. This is where the magic all started.
The Cinnamon & Sugar Pretzel is for the sweet tooth lover (my wife). The Pretzel is an original buttered pretzel that is dipped in cinnamon and sugar. Tasty!
In addition to their classic pretzels, the shop also serves several seasonal pretzels such as the Pumpkin Pretzel. Moreover, the store offers various beverages, hot drinks, bottles of water and other flavored beverages that you can easily transport with you.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Downtown Petoskey Map
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, everything you could do in one day in Petoskey Michigan. Petoskey is a city where you could easily spend a few nights and still feel like there is more to explore and do. That is the beauty of northern Michigan in the summer, there is always somewhere to explore. The weather is beautiful, and each day can be a beach day, a shopping day, or just a day to explore the abundance of beautiful nature that Petoskey and northern Michigan have to offer. We hope you make a stop here during your travels to Michigan’s northern part and enjoy this Beautiful Quaint City on Little Traverse Bay.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokand subscribe to our YouTube channel
Schons, Mary. (2022). The Chicago Fire of 1871 and the Great Rebuilding. National Geographic Society. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/chicago-fire-1871-and-great-rebuilding
Copyright (2025) TravelingMindfully All Rights Reserved
A Guide on Where to Eat and Find the Best Ice Cream.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The Best Restaurants and Ice Cream
The following article is going to describe The Best Restaurants in Frankfort, MI and what the surrounding areas have to offer. Northern Michigan is a very special place, especially in the summer. Many of my fondest memories were made in this special little town. I will share with you my personal favorite restaurants that I have been dining at since I was a little boy. I hope that you too can find a table at one of these places and make memories with your loved ones and family just as I did over the years.
Dinghy’s
415 Main Street
Dinghy’s is a local favorite and one of mine as well. This pirate inspired restaurant and bar has been serving great food for over 30 years. The menu items are excellent, and the chef is constantly creating new dishes but keeping the long-time favorites as well. Located on Main Street in Frankfort, it is easy to find and walk to whether you are staying at one of Frankfort’s many Bed & Breakfast Inns or at one of the hotels.
I would like to mention that in the summer the lines can be rather long due to the high volume of tourists, but it is definitely worth the wait. Known for their award-winning BBQ, this northern inspired Michigan landmark is one you do not want to miss. Some of my favorites are the Michigan cherry wrap, pulled pork BBQ sandwich, coleslaw, chili, cornbread and Bomba fries (fries topped with Cajun seasoning). Moreover, the menu is broad and will even accommodate some of the pickier eaters you may be traveling with.
Crescent Bakery and Café
404 Main Street
Crescent Bakery and Café is a cute bakery located in the heart of downtown Frankfort. This incredible bakery offers a wonderful assortment of breads and pastries. They also have a fantastic breakfast menu that will transform you into a morning person instantly.
The inside of the bakery has all sorts of creative cookie jars lined up as decorations throughout the bakery, which is a unique experience of its own. This little gem is also extremely popular, especially in the summer and therefore, you should plan to get there early.
However, even if you do not find indoor seating, Frankfort has an abundance of benches and waterfront parks with picnic tables to enjoy any meal with comfort and a beautiful scenery. Although, if you make it there early enough you could find indoor seating. Eating indoors would be worth it because you would get to admire the various cookie jar decorations. This is a must for anyone who loves a good bakery as you will not be disappointed.
Some recommendations I have would be the breakfast panini and the pretzel rolls. The pretzel roll is a soft buttery and delicious lightly salted roll. The pretzel rolls are so good that one year we bought two dozen. I cannot get enough of those, but unfortunately they sell out fast due to their popularity.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Famous Pretzel Roll
Another recommendation would be the the ham, egg and tomato panini served on sourdough bread and made at the location. The donut is a simple glazed donut that is also made at the location. Delicious!
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Crescent Bakery Panini & Donut
The Manitou “Honor, MI”
4349 N. Scenic Hwy, Honor, MI 49640
Although, The Manitou restaurant is not in Frankfort, I had to acknowledge it. This is probably one of the most scenic restaurants I have ever encountered. The restaurant is located in a remote area between Frankfort and Honor, MI just past Crystal Lake. Upon entering you are immediately overcome with a feeling of warmth with its inviting fireplaces, warm lighting, and woodsy feel to it. This Northwoods cabinlike feel is sure to give you the ambience of peace and serenity.
The food is great as well. I have eaten there many times but have noticed a slight decline in the grilled and baked items being replaced with more fried and beer battered items. All and all, this is a must because of the ambience and uniqueness in nature. If you can make it there before 6:00pm you can get their early bird special and save a few bucks. The restaurant is located on M-22, which has been declared one of the most scenic highways in the US, and the most scenic highway in the state of Michigan. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and onsite parking.
Kilwin’s of Frankfort “ice cream”
413 Main Street
I have been to several Kilwin’s ice cream parlors, but I have never been as impressed by the ice cream as I was at this location. Located on Main Street, this old-fashioned ice cream spot is simply the best. Upon entering you are immediately engulfed with the smells of baked waffle cones, homemade fudge, pralines, chocolates, and many other homemade treats they offer at that time.
The ice cream parlor has a local farm that provides them with dairy products for their ice cream and other treats, enhancing the flavor profile and giving the ice cream a creamier flavor and texture. If you have a craving for ice cream or sweets, this place is sure to satisfy your craving.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Frankfort Beach
I hope that you can get a chance to visit the restaurants and ice cream place we described in this post. They are amazing little treasures that have served travelers for decades and have given lifelong memories to generations of families over the years.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokand subscribe to our YouTube channel
Explore the beauty and allure of Mackinac Island in this mindful approach travel guide. Mackinac Island is known for its horse drawn carriages, breathtaking nature trails and delicious fudge. Mackinac Island is the most iconic summer vacation spot in Michigan. This beautiful place offers a relaxing experience and the opportunity to explore nature trails and small unique fudge shops. In addition, Mackinac Island is a place of wonder where you will not encounter any vehicles driving on the roads. The main sources of transportation are bikes and horse-drawn carriages. A beautiful island where horses, nature trails and fudge can be enjoyed all summer long.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Gazebo and garden on Mission Point Resorts Great Lawn
Mackinac island is located in Lake Huron between the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan. To experience this place of wonder, visitors must take a ferry or a charter plane to get to the island. If you decide to take the ferry, it is a short ride of approximately 20 minutes. The ferry departs every 30 to 45 minutes depending on the time of the year.
Furthermore, the island is famous for prohibiting chain hotels and chain restaurants, which gives its visitors a unique shopping and diverse dining experience. In addition, Mackinac Island is known for its world renown fudge, that offers a sweet tasty treat while enjoying the scenery that Mackinac Island has to offer.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Fudge shops, restaurants and more on the main street in downtown.
There is plenty to see and do in Mackinac Island in addition to the famous horses, nature trails & fudge. This unique island is an amazing place to spend a day or even a couple of nights, as there is something to do for everyone.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Mission Point Resort seen from their Great Lawn
In addition, to Mackinac Island’s natural beauty and environmental friendliness this famous summer resort island is an extraordinary experience for all groups and ages. Mackinac Island allows the historian to peek into simpler times, the foodie to try the wonderful and diverse cuisines and the adventurer to hike and bike along the abundant trails found throughout the Island. This is a must see experience and should be on everyone’s travel list as you will be impressed by the extraordinary natural beauty the island has to offer its visitors.
Nature Trails
Arch Rock
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl This famous limestone formation has been attracting visitors for years with its picture-perfect views overlooking Lake Huron.PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Looking up from Lake Shore Drive at Arch RockPHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl History of Arch RockPHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Arch Rock Staircase to the top.
Lake Shore Drive
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
If walking or biking is your kind of thing, then take a day trip around the island. There is an opportunity to bike or walk around the whole island. The main road from downtown Mackinac Island is a pathway that takes you around the entire island. Once you are outside of the town, the road turns into Lake Shore Drive and can be very scenic.
Also, an interesting and important fact that you should be aware of if you are planning to embark on a walk around the island would be the total walking distance. Although, the island may only be about 3.776 square miles, it translates to 8.3 miles around the perimeter. The walk around the island can be quite a distance and therefore, we would recommend bringing a snack and some water as it gets increasingly remote in some parts of the island.
Preparing for a Hike
Some snack suggestions that will help keep you energized, hydrated, and nourished are the following:
Honey Stinger Waffles are a great way to keep you energized throughout the hike. I like the Honey Stinger Organic Vanilla Waffles. These delicious waffles are packed with a thin layer of organic honey, potassium, and other ingredients that will help you with endurance and enhance your hike. The Waffles are also USDA organic, non-GMO making them a great selection for a healthy choice snack to keep your energy up during the hike.
In my opinion GU Energy Gels in Carmel Macchiato flavor are a great option if you would like a little extra pep in your step. These gels are great as they give you much needed energy that will not only increase your endurance but also performance. The Gels have about 40 mg of caffeine for this flavor, but they do offer other flavor options with less caffeine and no caffeine as well. These Gels are not only great performance enhancement but also on the healthier side as they are Vegan and Gluten free and considered a Kosher product. My personal favorite would be the Caramel Macchiato as it tastes like a caramel infused macchiato, and I am a man who enjoys a good cup of caramel favored macchiato. Delicious!
Power Crunch Protein Bars are another great snack to have while you are on your hike as they give you higher levels of protein that will fill you up and reduce hunger. My personal favorite is the Strawberry Crème flavored Power Crunch bars. For one I love strawberries and these bars really know how to bring out the flavor. The power Crunch bars contain 13 grams of protein and only 6 grams of sugar which is the perfect balance as it still tastes good, but it also has a lot of nutrition that your body will use. These bars come in various flavors including key lime pie, lemon, vanilla, peanut butter, and many others. This snack is also easy to transport and a smart choice for a protein rich nutritious snack.
You need to keep hydrated during your hikes and should bring a couple bottles of water. As we discovered when you leave the tourist spots, Mackinac Island despite its size can become increasingly remote. We appreciated the bottled water we had after the sun was beating on us for a couple hours. My personal favorite bottled water is Evian. Evian has a balanced mineral composition and naturally occurring electrolytes which help keep you hydrated for longer periods of time. Evian is naturally filtered through glacial rocks for over 15 years, giving Evian a neutral balanced 7.2 pH for a delicious natural spring water and smooth taste.
Disclaimer: The products listed are of my personal opinion and you should follow your doctor and dietician recommendations, which are based on your own nutritional needs. Some products contain caffeine and other compositions that could affect each individual differently.
Architecture
Sainte Anne’s Catholic Church
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl St. Anne’s Catholic Church entrance off Lake shore Drive
St. Anne’s Catholic Church was originally built in 1743. Nearly a 130 years later in 1873 the church was torn down and rebuilt to what it looks like today. Sainte Anne’s is one of the oldest congregations in Michigan that was established by Father Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit missionary in the 1670’s. The church has an abundance of history and beautiful architecture that every visitor should explore. (steanneschurch.org/history.htm, 2020)
Horses
The source of all transportation outside of walking and biking is the horse (Percheron draft horse). These horses haul hotel shuttles, cargo trailers and some island tours. In addition, the Draft horses are the main source of deliveries for the entire island.
PHOTO: Christopher GradwohlPHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Main source of Transportation on Mackinac IslandPHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Lake Shore Drive EstatesPHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Metivier Inn front gardenPHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Star line ferry passing Mackinaw bridge en route to St. IgnacePHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Grand Hotel seen from a ferry entering Mackinac Island
The Grand Hotel, which was featured in the movie “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. This prestigious hotel is perfectly situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron and all of its glory. It is located a short distance to downtown.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Grand Hotel personal taxi servicePHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Just another beautiful day on Mackinac Island. The beautiful and iconic Mackinac Island lighthouse also known as the Round island lighthouse is seen in the distance.
Mackinac Island is a special place that will leave you and your loved one with lasting memories. A place where you can enjoy world renown fudge, horses and nature trails. In conclusion, Mackinac Island is known as Michigan’s most iconic and historical island and can be enjoyed by everyone. A beautiful island filled with hisotric buildings, natural beauty and endless views of Lake Huron.
Summers in northern Michigan are spectacular for those who have visited you know what I mean. For those who have not, it’s never too late to experience peace and relaxation surrounded by the beauties of nature.
CHRISTOPHER J GRADWOHL
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokand subscribe to our YouTube channel
Copyright (2025) TravelingMindfully All Rights Reserved
