Swag in the Air – Mackinac Island

I received a text from a friend this past weekend asking if Cora and I would like to fly to Mackinac Island for the day. My response? Does anyone seriously answer that question with a no? I didn’t think so… We met Jon and his Cessna at bustling Empire airport, where we (a.k.a. Jon) managed to fit the pieces of three bikes, our smiling faces, and my camera into the plane.

Cargo of passengers and bike parts

After an epic flight that included aerial views of Glen Lake, Suttons Bay, Old Mission, Lake Charlevoix, and the mighty Mac, we arrived on the island. By my estimation (or slight exaggeration), the flight took less time than waiting in line to buy a ticket on the ferry.

Passing by the bridge

After a quick reassembly of the bikes and a mile-and-a-half ride to Main Street, we were enjoying the truly unique experiences of the island: amazing history, architecture, the most fun/chaotic streets around, and fudge (duh).  We also enjoyed a visit to the butterfly conservatory, which was surprisingly enjoyable for adults too!

Bike reassembly at the Mackinac Island Airport

Non-motorized traffic

Happy fudgies

If you haven’t been to the island since your middle school field trip, we think it’s time you consider going again. And if you have an opportunity to visit the island via air, it is a no-brainer, go! It will be a once in a lifetime experience. Mackinac is a little island in time (literally, the entire island is listed as a national historic monument). Leaving with our tourist trinkets in hand was a little bittersweet, but at least we had the views on the way home (and fudge) to distract us!

Thumbs up Fudgies!

Departure past Mackinac Bridge