“Somewhere in Time”
While we were dating, Kevin introduced me to the 1980 film “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. When he first viewed it, he was enthralled with the music and was on his hands and knees in front of the TV reading the credits to find the composer’s name. In our wedding ceremony, we incorporated the theme song as well as Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini which was also featured in the movie.
Another outcome of our admiration of this movie was that we hoped someday to visit Mackinac Island, Michigan where it was filmed. This summer that dream came true.
Island Charm
Mackinac Island is located at the “tip of the mitt”, in the Straits of Mackinac, between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. We arrived at this romantic, fairy tale destination via a high-speed ferry from St. Ignace. Stepping off the ferry, in downtown near the shops and restaurants, we quickly noticed the Victorian charm of the island. Many beautiful old homes have been converted to lodging accommodations. The island banned automobiles in the late 1800s, so horse and buggies, pedestrians, and bicycles fill the streets. This makes for a relaxing, slower paced atmosphere.
The downtown area has a variety of eating establishments and shopping opportunities. The island is known for its fudge shops. In several stores we were able to watch the candy makers at work. Plentiful samples allowed us to taste the treats to help with purchasing decisions.
Bicycling on Mackinac
Numerous bikes rentals on the main street tempted us to take a trip around the eight mile perimeter of the island’s shoreline. Bicycle companies promote the trip as being mostly flat and incredibly scenic. The bicycle built for two seemed like a romantic option. The day we visited, however, was cold and windy with rain in the forecast. The weather helped us make the decision to save that for another time and explore on foot and on the carriage tour.
Mackinac Island Carriage Tour
A fun experience is taking the Mackinac Island Carriage Tour. On the ride, we learned about the history of the island through the driver’s often humorous stories. Throughout the tour we were able to see many of the island’s iconic landmarks.
Two draft horses pull a buggy through town for the first part of the tour. It stops at the carriage house where there is an opportunity to view the antique carriages. Concessions are also available at this site. The second part of the tour exits out the back of this building. Three horses pull a larger wagon for this portion of the tour. Winding through the back roads of the island we saw the old cemetery and the 15-story Arch Rock. Back at the carriage house, a two-horse buggy took us to stops at the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac. Disembarking at the fort allowed us to avoid climbing the steep hill for our visit to the fort.
Fort Mackinac
Entering the historic fort’s gate is like stepping back in time. Fort Mackinac was founded during the American Revolution changing hands between the British and Americans several times from 1780 to 1895 while it was an active fort. Interactive displays and period furnishings fill the fourteen original buildings. We watched costumed reenactors hold a soldier’s court-martial and demonstrate rifle and cannon firing. Guests can also participate in events such as soldiers marching drills and Victorian children’s games make it exciting and interesting for all ages. The setting high atop the bluff allows for beautiful panoramic views of the harbor.
The Grand Hotel
Since 1887 the Grand Hotel has beckoned guests to a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm. You can now experience the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, staying overnight in one of the uniquely decorated 393 guest rooms, dressing up for dinner, nightly dancing to the sounds of the Grand Hotel Orchestra, and sitting in a rocking chair on the worlds longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac. We chose to take a self-guided tour of this lovely hotel because it served as the backdrop for “Somewhere in Time”. And the movie was what had beckoned us to the island in the first place.
Check out our adventures on Mackinac Island in this ShowMe Travellers channel video on YouTube.