Start your morning with a pour-over or specialty latte at Lucky Bean Coffee House, a cozy spot just off Main Street that serves what is easily the best coffee on the island. For something a bit more whimsical, Watercolor Café pairs light breakfast and lunch fare—try the breakfast burrito, peanut butter deluxe toast, green dream smoothie, or housemade pop tart—with painting classes and creative workshops.

Many of the island’s finest dining experiences can be found within its historic hotels: The Inn at Stonecliffe, The Grand Hotel, and Hotel Iroquois, as well as the elegant 1852 Grill Room at the Island House Hotel, where white-tablecloth service contrasts nicely with its hidden-gem sibling, the casual Ice House BBQ tucked into the garden out back.

For a taste of the Caribbean, head to Kingston Kitchen at the Village Inn, where chef Shawn Fearon serves the flavors of his native Jamaica—oxtail, jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, curried goat, and the best whitefish sandwich on the island. Fearon first came to Mackinac more than two decades ago on a summer work visa and now runs one of only two restaurants open year-round. His story reflects the long-standing ties between Jamaican workers and Mackinac: through the H-2B visa program, they’ve filled essential roles in hospitality and other seasonal industries for decades.

Finally, for a quintessential Mackinac moment, grab a seat on the harbor-facing patio at The Pink Pony. Yes, it leans touristy, but with a pink-hued cocktail in hand and a bowl of whitefish dip in front of you as the ferries glide in and out, you’ll quickly understand why this lively spot has been beloved for generations.

As a Michigander with a sweet tooth, I never miss the chance to stop at Kilwins for a scoop of their rich, decadent ice cream. And of course, no trip is complete without fudge. The sugary aroma wafts down Main Street, where artisans continue the century-old tradition of pouring, paddling, and slicing molten fudge into glossy, irresistible bricks. There are plenty of fudge shops to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with the Original Murdick’s Fudge.

Where to Play

Photo: Courtesy of The Inn at Stonecliffe