When and where to see fall color on Mackinac Island can be a big part of planning an autumn escape. But don’t forget delicious fall flavors!
Each September brings seasonal sweets and other culinary delights that are a big reason Mackinac Island is the USA’s Best Place To Visit for Fall. For example, pumpkin becomes a popular flavor of world-famous Mackinac Island fudge. Each fudge shop has its own version, such as the limited-edition Pumpkin Spice Delight available through the end of the 2025 visitor season at Ryba’s Fudge Shops.
Here's a look at a few other ways to get your fix of pumpkin spice and other fall flavors on Mackinac Island:
Pumpkin Spice Beverages on Mackinac Island
The coffee shops of Mackinac Island are a great place to start the day with a burst of fall flavor. You can get a pumpkin spice latte at the Mackinac Island Starbucks, of course, a mocha latte with Murdick's fudge at Good Day Café, a fudge coffee at Sanders on Mackinac and a variety of seasonal drinks at other shops such as Lucky Bean Coffeehouse and Mission Point Resort’s Boxwood Coffeeshop & Café.
For an alcoholic version of fall in a glass, try the Pumpkin Spiced Hummer at Mission Point. Other options there include a Frozen Salted Caramel Apple Cider, Orchard Fruit White Sangria and Mulled Wine Spice Red Sangria. For a great toast on an autumn evening, head to Grand Hotel’s Woods restaurant for a S’mores Martini. You’ll also be able to find fall-themed beers and hard ciders at bars and restaurants all over Mackinac Island such as a fudge martini at Seabiscuit Cafe or The Gate House, a chocolate cherry fudge martini at The Inn at Stonecliffe, hot buttered pecan rum at the Pink Pony, a whiskey flight paired with fudge at Winchester's and the Graham Slam s'mores-blended cocktail at Mary's Bistro Draught House.
Pumpkin Spice Entrees on Mackinac Island
Order the Apple Cider Glazed Pork Porterhouse with root vegetable hash and golden raisin mostarda at Mission Point Resort’s Round Island Kitchen. Or try the Herb-Crusted Elk Rack Potato Pavé with fall vegetables and Michigan cherry gastrique at the Woods restaurant.
For something lighter, choose the Wild Mushroom Risotto at the Pink Pony Bar & Grill, pumpkin soup at Grand Hotel’s Jockey Club or the butternut squash soup at the 1852 Grill Room.
Pumpkin Spice Sweets on Mackinac Island
After dinner, treat yourself to a piece of pumpkin pie at the 1852 Grill Room, some Warm Apple Strudel at the Woods, or slices of Apple Cinnamon French Toast at Round Island Kitchen. Of course, you can always pop into a Mackinac Island fudge shop for some fall flavors such as Maple Bourbon Pecan at The Original Murdick’s Fudge and Peanut Butter Fall at Kilwins. Other favorite fall flavors include Mackinac Island fudge ice cream at Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor, Katie's Hot Fudge Sundae at the Inn at Stonecliffe, the Grand Pecan Ball at The Jockey Club and fudge poppies at Watercolor Cafe.
Pumpkin-Themed Souvenirs on Mackinac Island
Just like people love to savor fall flavors of Mackinac Island fudge, many visitors enjoy shopping for Mackinac Island souvenirs in autumn. The unique retail shops are full of distinctive, Michigan-made products including everything from fall-themed mugs and home décor to apparel and gifts.
Check out the Fall Favorites section at Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island where you’ll find pumpkin-themed candles, soaps and kitchen accessories. You also can discover seasonal home goods at the Balsam Shop in Surrey Hill and a variety of autumn accents at Canvas & Paddle.
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