A beautiful island where cars are prohibited has been named the best place in the United States to see fall foliage.
Mackinac Island, off the coast of Michigan, earned the designation in a recent USA Today poll, which states that its ‘crisp, sunny days with vibrant foliage give way to a slower pace of life.’
The tiny resort town, which is less than four miles in diameter, is known for its fudge and its history.
It has previously been named the outlet’s top summer destination, but experts say the autumn is just as nice.
‘Fall on Mackinac Island is a remarkable experience, from the tranquil atmosphere to the brilliant fall colors,’ said Tim Hygh, CEO of Mackinac Island Tourism.
Mackinac Island, off the coast of Michigan, has been named the best place in the United States to see fall foliage
It earned the designation in a recent USA Today poll , which states that its ‘crisp, sunny days with vibrant foliage give way to a slower pace of life’
The tiny resort town is home to just a few hundred residents and is less than four square miles in diameter
The new designation as a fall destination comes just in time for the island’s Fall Fudge Festival, which runs from October 2 through 4.
During the two day festivities, guests can join fudge-making demonstrations, attend local tours and even go on scavenger hunts across town.
Those on the island during the festival will also notice a brand new fudge called the ‘Mackinac Magic’ debuting at several shops as part of an annual contest in which the local fudge makers receive the same name or prompt and must create their own custom recipes.
The small island will now remain busy through Halloween, when USA Today says children can go trick-or-treating at the downtown shops while adults enjoy grown-up costume parties at local establishments later in the evening.
After that, most of the hotels and bed-and-breakfasts on the island close up for the season, and much of the 600 horses pulling carriages are taken from Mackinac Island to a farm in northern Michigan, where they will spend the winter.
Yet life on the island – home to a few hundred people – won’t completely grind to a halt, with the islanders set to drop a giant, lit-up fiberglass turtle from the top of Lilac Tree Suites on Main Street to ring in the new year.
‘Only on Mackinac Island can a turtle bring in the new year,’ Hygh told the Detroit Free Press.
‘It’s quirky, fun and it’s Pure Michigan,’ he added, in a nod to the state’s tourism campaign.
At the end of October, the island’s 600 horses pulling carriages will be taken to a farm in northern Michigan, where they will spend the winter
The designation as a top destination for the fall comes in time for the island’s Fall Fudge Festival, which runs from October 2 through 4, and Halloween, when children can trick-or-treat in downtown shops
Tourism is the third-largest industry in Michigan after autos/manufacturing and agriculture.
But amid heightened trade tensions with Canada over the past year, Canadian travel has dropped.
Pure Michigan is now seeking to bring back tourists with its $3 million Keep It Fresh Fall Campaign, which continues through October.
‘There’s nothing like fall in Pure Michigan and travelers continue to discover why Michigan is among the country’s top fall destinations,’ said Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan – which falls under the purview of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
‘We are thrilled to showcase our state’s spectacular views, brilliant colors, Great Lakes coastline, thriving communities and truly unique fall experiences with a national audience as part of the fall Pure Michigan Keep It Fresh Campaign.’
Anyone interested in visiting the Great Lakes State during the autumn can stay up-to-date with where fall foliage is peaking by subscribing to the Pure Michigan Fall Color Report online.
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