Fall Escape to Mackinac
If you've only been to Michigan's Mackinac region during the summer (or never been there at all), you owe yourself a fall trip. You'll find the best seats on ferries, prime lakeside restaurant tables, wonderfully deserted hiking trails and bargain hotel rates.
Your getaway: Where to eat
Mackinac Island
-- Yankee Rebel Tavern: Great homemade soups and sandwiches, plus unforgettable slow-cooked pot roast. (906) 847-6249; yankeerebeltavern.com
-- Sea Biscuit Cafe and Grog: Casual pub-style restaurant with hearty options that include whitefish Reubens and Indian corn chowder. (906) 847-3611
-- Mary's Bistro: Spit-fired chicken, roasted over local seasoned hardwoods, is the signature dish; fish of the day also is grilled over wood. (906) 847-9911
North of the bridge
-- Mackinac Grille: Some of the best fresh fish in the Straits region, including lake perch and whitefish (pictured at left). In St. Ignace. (906) 643-7482; mackinacgrille.com
South of the bridge
-- Bluewater Grill and Bar: Features all manner of seafood, including fresh local fish and homemade clam chowder; at the south end of the Mackinaw City strip. (231) 436-7818
-- Audie's Chippewa Room: A locals' favorite for fresh, well-prepared local whitefish, lake perch and steaks in a historic up-north atmosphere. In Mackinaw City. (231) 436-5744; audies.com
-- Legs Inn: Eccentric folk architecture and authentic Polish food, including pierogi (dumplings) and szarlotka (berry crumble cake). In Cross Village. (231) 526-2281; legsinn.com
(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living® September/October 2009.)
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