We’re just a few short weeks away from a fabulous new travel season on Mackinac Island!  Businesses are opening, staff returning, and the birds are singing with excitement just like us!  Hopefully soon winter will break for some much needed spring-like temps and the official 2018 season will be underway with plenty of new and interesting changes paving the way for an even better #MyMackinac experience for you and yours. Imported Image Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes at Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Guests arriving at Mackinac Island via Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry will enjoy an enhanced electronic ticketing system allowing for easy scanning at the dock.  Guests can purchase online, and then present their confirmation barcode at the boat for immediate access, bypassing the traditional ticketing line.  In addition, parking enhancements at Mackinaw City will mean a more efficient parking process.  Day guests should proceed directly to the Day Parking Lot on Nicolet Avenue (Exit 338 from I-75).  Overnight guests may proceed directly to the dock for luggage and parking assistance.  In addition to parking and ticketing improvements, Shepler’s is also in process of completely renovating their Mackinac Island dock.  Already underway, the project is expected to be entirely complete in time for the 2019 season. Still Like Those Old Time Island Pics We’re thrilled to announce Mackinac Island Old Time Photos has returned to Main Street with two locations, after a far too long absence from the local business scene.  Visitors will enjoy an array of costumes and props for the perfect vintage photo look with friends and family.  Pop in for a shoot this season and take home a lifetime of vintage #MyMackinac memories! Just Another Tequila Sunrise… with BBQ Located on the  Mackinac Island Ferry Company Fock #1,  Smokey Jose’s boasts an unforgettable tagline for those looking to enjoy the perfect pairing of BBQ and spirits: Where Barbeque & Bourbon Meet Tacos & Tequila.  Stop in for some authentic smoked fair this summer. Meet Me At Mary’s Place Pop in at Mary’s Bistro on Main Street and experience the new al fresco dining area, re-themed to reflect their unique location directly on the iconic Halimand Bay.  Watch the comings and goings of our island ferry boats, enjoy the waves of Lake Huron crashing at the shore, and hope for a glance at our native otters playing in our crystal clear Great Lakes waters all while experiencing some of the island’s best BBQ. Go Windermere, It’s Your Birthday We’re gonna party like it’s Windermere’s birthday!!  The lovely Windermere Hotel on Main Street has been welcoming guests of Mackinac Island since 1917 all while providing the same exceptional hospitality throughout those hundred plus years.  Make plans today to experience this stunning Victorian hotel just steps from the hustle and bustle of downtown, owned and operated by the Mayor of Mackinac Island, Margaret Doud. Because A Bad Day of Fishin’ with “Chasin’ Tale” Beats Anything Else For our fishing enthusiasts seeking the ultimate off shore experience, we’re also excited to welcome Chasin’ Tale charter service!  Chasin’ Tale offers charter fishing experiences on the open waters of Lake Huron and beyond. Let’s Go Fly a Kite With Great Turtle Toys This summer, be sure to take in one of Great Turtle Toys’ kite shows at Windermere Point.  Our long standing island toy store will be offering daily shows open to the public throughout summer.  Stop into the Great Turtle Toys retail store on Main Street located inside the Lilac Tree Hotel arcade and inquire about kite show times, as well as stunt and power kite training opportunities.  Let’s all go fly a kite in 2018 with Great Turtle Toys! Love Is a Burnin’ Thing and Barbecue Makes A Fiery Ring Harbour Q, the island’s pop-up barbecue venue at Harbour View Inn is now a permanent structure!!  The seasonal operation will be open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting) 11am-3pm.  Post Labor Day, visitors will enjoy weekend only hours.  Grab a friend and enjoy barbeque on the lawn or take advantage of new limited seating while taking in the views of Main Street and the marina. Come Sail Away on Mackinac Island Ferry Company Mackinac Island Ferry Company is very excited to announce they are adding a Ferry in peak season for their runs from Mackinaw City. This addition will allow the company to offer an on-time 15 minute schedule during peak season as well as providing extra time between trips for loading and unloading of guests and luggage. Experience a Renovated Mission Point Resort On A Bright Island Getaway (Cool Wind In Your Hair) Mission Point Resort will officially open for the season on Friday, April 27 with 108 gorgeously renovated guest rooms and suites all located in the hotel’s main lodge.  The completion of these rooms marks a very significant milestone in the $5M renovation project by new owners, the Ware family. Life’s Been Grand To Guests So Far Two new named suites await guests visiting Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel this season.  The hotel now features more than 40 named guest rooms that celebrate historical figures and events.  Joining the list in 2018 will be the Lilac Suite and Prentiss M. Brown Suite, debuting in time for the hotel’s official opening on May 3.  Both will be uniquely appointed in Grand Hotel’s signature style while also featuring spectacular views of the Straits of Mackinac. The Prentiss M. Brown Suite is particularly notable for the hotel as it’s named after the grandfather of Marlee Brown who is married to Grand Hotel president Dan Musser III.  Brown was a former United States Representative, Michigan Senator, and first chairman of the Mackinac Bridge Authority, where he oversaw the building of the Mackinac Bridge.  Experience a grand stay this summer at America’s Summerplace, Grand Hotel! For more about Mackinac Island, sign up for our newsletter.