The Perfect Couple’s Itinerary at Mission Point Resort

I’ve written dozens of travel guides, and along with those have come requests for more detailed itineraries to help make planning travel adventures, especially when you’re headed somewhere new for the first time, even easier. I wanted to start this itinerary series by sharing how we spent a long weekend at Mission Point resort on Mackinac Island. Mission Point is a very family-oriented and dog friendly hotel, so even though we travel as a couple, this itinerary can be adjusted to include the whole family – four legged family members included!

Click Here to read my travel review of Mission Point Resort.

Day 1

1:00 PM Arrive at Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to take the ferry to the island.
– Purchase ferry tickets at Shepler’s ticket office
– Shepler’s will send luggage directly to Mission Point Resort for you
– Arrive earlier to go on the Mighty Mac tour that takes guests underneath the Mackinac Bridge, see Shepler’s schedule here, and select a time in blue for the Mighty Mac Tour.

2:00 PM Explore Island on foot or rent bikes from Mission Point Resort on Promenade Deck

4:00 PM Check-in to Mission Point Resort
– Bags will be brought to room within an hour of checking in
– Unpack, relax, and plan out the rest of the day

5:00 PM Dinner & Drinks at Round Island Bar & Grill
– I recommend the Seared Salmon

8:30 PM Sip N Sail Sunset Cruise
– Bring a light jacket (depending upon weather), camera, and boat shoes
– Has a cash bar, live music, and takes guests around the Straits of Mackinac, around Round Island Lighthouse, along the West Bluffs of Mackinac Island, and under the Mackinac Bridge at sunset for incredible views of the island
– Click here to read more about the Sip N Sail Sunset Cruise

10:00 PM Dock Back at Mackinac Island and Stroll Downtown at Night
– See downtown Mackinac Island at night
– Pop into locally owned bars to listen to more live music, or head back to hotel.

Day 2

8:30 AM Breakfast at Round Island Bar & Grill
– Ask for a table outside to look out over the water
– Stop by concierge desk to make a lunch reservation at Bistro on the Green for 12:30 PM

9:30 AM Bike rentals to explore the island
– Ask for an island map with pre-planned biking roots to hit the most beautiful spots on the island
– Bring water, sunglasses, and a camera
– Pick up a snack or drink at Doud’s Market before heading out if you need one

12:30 PM Lunch at Bistro on the Greens
– Ask for a table closest to the water for the best views of the lake and Round Island Lighthouse
– Try the lavender seltzer if you’re like me and don’t drink alcohol
– I recommend the Pan Roasted Whitefish

2:00 PM Mini-Golf on the Greens of Mackinac & Walk Along Beach

4:00 PM Prep for Stargazing & Sunset
– Grab a bottle of wine and some fruit (or whatever you’d like to accompany your snacks) from Boxwood Café, located within Mission Point Resort
– Make Appointment at Lakeside Salon & Spa for tomorrow morning’s spa day

5:00 PM Bike or Hike around the Island
– My Husband and I spend most of our time on the island outdoors, so make the most of your time in one of the world’s best outdoor destinations
– If you’ve never hiked up to Fort Holmes, it has my personal favorite panoramic views of the island, and makes for stunning photos

7:30 PM Dinner at Chianti Restaurant or Other Restaurant
– A great chance to dress up for the evening
– Make reservations at dinner of choice about a day in advance
– If the weather is nice, plan a picnic dinner, featuring food from the resort’s restaurants or Boxwood Café

Sunset Watch Sunset on the Great Lawn
– Check sunset time for the day of your stay to plan the best way to watch the world famous sunsets on the island

Stargazing If the weather is clear, head up to the clearing near Fort Mackinac, bring a blanket and a bottle of wine (grab a bottle from Boxwood Café earlier in the day), and watch the stars.
– You may even catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis!

Day 3

7:30 AM Breakfast at Round Island Bar and Grill
– Alternatively, if you’re an early riser: Before sunrise, plan to pack breakfast, rent bicycles, and ride to British Landing, or Arch Rock to watch the sunrise with your loved one
– We love going for early morning runs before breakfast, and the air on the island is so fresh and refreshing, there’s no better place to get an outdoor workout in!

9:00 AM Hike to Robinson’s Folly to See a New Side of Mission Point Resort (view pictured above)
– It’s a great hike, and an exceptional photo spot

11:00 AM Check-out
– Bring luggage to hotel’s bell stand for transportation back to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace

11:30 AM – 2:30 PM  Couple’s Lilac Body Treatment & Spa Day at Lakeside Spa & Salon
– Schedule massages for 12:00-12:30 and spend awhile relaxing and unwinding in the spa’s sauna and relaxation room
– Request the Made in Michigan brand of Nail Polish to support another Michigan business
– Add on a couples mani/pedi and even enjoy light bites, champagne, and infused water during your spa services

3:00 PM Grab Lunch
– Try a restaurant on the island that’s new to you both, like the Fort Mackinac Tea Room, The Pink Pony, or Gate House

4:30 PM Souvenir Shopping Downtown and/or Hike/Bike Around the Island
– Check out work by local artisans at Little Luxuries Artist Market, pick up a new book at Island Bookstore, and check out my favorite gift shop Paddle & Canvas downtown
– If you like sugary treats, don’t forget to grab a slice of world famous Mackinac Island Fudge to bring home (we like to cut a slice into quarters to freeze it and share with our family and friends!)
– Refer back to the map from Mission Point to see iconic spots around the island (Mackinac Island is one of my favorite hiking destinations in Michigan)

7:30 PM Dinner on the Island
– Try a new restaurant with a beautiful view of the water and the sunset
– Verify the ferry return schedule, as it changes from month to month, and plan accordingly

~9:00 PM Take the Last Ferry Back to the Mainland
– We always take the last ferry of the day, so we get as much time as possible on the island

I hope this itinerary gives you ideas for how you can spend your time on the island to make the most of a romantic weekend away together. My husband and I love being active and spending time outdoors, so this itinerary reflects that. Of course, you can also spend more time exploring the more touristy aspects of the island, playing tennis, kayaking around the island, and so much more. To adjust this itinerary, simply remove the aspects you don’t enjoy as much, and replace with something you love to do, it’s that simple!

Safe travels!

xAnnie Fairfax
Follow Me for More: @AnnieFairfax & @AnnieWearsit

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