Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea at Grand Hotel

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Afternoon tea is a great excuse to slow down and enjoy life, particularly when you’re a busy, active traveler. It’s a bit more challenging if you can’t eat gluten since most afternoon tea items like cookies, sandwiches, scones, and mini-muffins are full of gluten. I had the best gluten-free afternoon tea I’ve ever had on Mackinac Island, MI, at Grand Hotel, and I’m hooked! Even if you’re not gluten-free, this is an option if you have afternoon tea more than once during your visit should you wish to mix it up even further. Read my review of their standard Afternoon Tea here.

Afternoon Tea at Grand Hotel

Location: Mackinac Island, Michigan
inside Grand Hotel
Dining Experience: Indoor or Outdoor on World’s longest porch
Price: $65 per Person
Hours: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Dress Code: Business Casual+
Reservations: Highly Recommended
Tipping: No tipping inside Grand Hotel
Special Diets: Pescatarian, Vegetarian,
Gluten-Free (not GF dedicated)

My afternoon tea was delicious and much lighter than the traditional afternoon tea. Instead of scones, muffins, cake, or other similar items, mine came with healthier fare. Fruit spread, a chocolate-covered strawberry, and a mini petit four-style brownie adorned the top tier.

Chocolate and vanilla pudding with vegan fruit squares decorated the second tier. These were SO delicious. The bottom tier included grapes, a gluten-free cucumber sandwich, a mini Nutella and fruit sandwich, plus a fruit skewer.

Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island by Luxury Travel Writer Annie Fairfax

For $65 per person, I would’ve liked to have seen more fruit, macarons, or a little bit bigger portions. This was already too much food for me, and it also includes tea and champagne or sherry, so it really is a good deal in that respect, but the standard teas seemed a bit more substantial, so keep that in mind when placing your order.

Still, this is a delightful afternoon tea if you can’t eat gluten like me. As far as I know, this is the only place on the island that serves afternoon tea, so keep that in mind when considering the price too. You can’t put a price tag on a memorable experience!