Friday, July 10 – We returned south of the Bridge today to visit Mackinaw City. This is “tourist central” for this area. But first a correction in a previous blog is need. We reported incorrectly that tolls were only collected on the Northbound side of the Mackinac Bridge. We found out this morning that toll booth are on both directions. We paid $4 for the truck going BOTH directions.
There is another confusing issue here in Mackinaw City for many visitors. That is the correct spelling of the city and how to pronounce it. First it is pronounced Mack-in-naw regardless of how it is spelled. The spelling is another issue. When the British arrived and took over in 1761, they decided to change the spelling to “aw.” The French district (north of the Straits) kept their “ac.” So everything north of Mackinaw City uses the spelling … MACKINAC. Mackinaw City is the only reference that uses the “aw” ending but regardless they are pronounced the same. The straits are called Mackinac Straits and the island is Mackinac Island. Clear as mud!
After stopping at a local Mackinaw City bakery for coffee and a doughnut, we leisurely strolled along the main shopping district. Again, this area is all about the tourists and what they can take home to remember their visit.
We did enjoy seeing the “Northern style” interior of the Dixie Saloon and the 1000's of keys hanging around the Keyhole Bar, a former stopping off point for Paul and his fishing buddies.
Top of the Bar.
We were surprised that most of the wineries charge for wine tasting. Hey, do they want to sell this stuff or not? We eventually found a winery that has free tasting and ended up purchasing 4 bottles of tasty vino. Maybe those places should re-evaluate charging for tasting!
Last night after dark (It doesn't really get dark this far north until after 10 pm.), we drove down to get a view of the Mackinac Bridge all lit up in all it's glory. Nice way to spend the evening and definitely something you don't see every night.
We were treated to a fabulous setting sun.
Tomorrow, we pull up the jacks and head further north to continue exploring the North Country. We're going to zero in on the town Paul and his fishing buddies terrorized in their youth. Check back to get Marsha's take on some of Paul's old memories.....ha ha!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
Your sunset is definitely an amazing shot! One thing to be thankful of is when you say he name of the island, no one knows how you're spelling it but just how you're saying it. The island looks like another fun place to visit.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful area ti explore.
ReplyDeleteIf a winery charges for tastings we will not sample or buy any wine.
Free tastings we always purchase at least one bottle of wine.
Seems like more and more of the vineyards are charging for the wine tastings. If they are going to do that they should at least give you the glass.
ReplyDeleteI only drove through the UP back in 83 and didn't get a chance to explore. Hopefully Kathy and I will get that opportunity.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Great sunset!
ReplyDeleteThat sunset made me think of Halloween. If you host a party then that would make a good invitation photo.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely couple of days you've had...and we've really enjoyed tagging along. You've brought back some great memories and given us some things to do when we return. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the bridge lit up at night...so pretty:) Keys aren't something I would think people would leave at the bar. I guess people must bring unused keys with them if they know they are coming. That's a lot of keys! Gorgeous sunset!
ReplyDeleteYou convinced me. Headed there after Kalamazoo.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous sunset. Charging for something you hope to sell makes no sense. It's one of the reasons we haven't done many tastings I'm not much of a wine drinker to begin with, and to pay for it ... no thanks.
ReplyDelete