Michigan on a long weekend

Day 1

-Landed at Detroit by evening. Car rental is huge at the airport and not cheap. Probably a better idea to rent from an agency in town rather than at airport.
-Drive to Machinaw city is around 4 hours with a straight road, no tolls or traffic.
_ This being very North, the days are very long during summer with light till almost 10:30 PM.

Riviera Motel
520 North Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
This is the only motel int he area with a fascinating view of the Machinaw Bridge during daytime as well as night.

Day 2

Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry
801 South Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701

Mackinaw Island
-First thing to do on the island is rent a bike since they tandems run out quickly on a long weekend.
-No cars are allowed on the island hence only means of commute are bike or horse carriage (or walking!)
-If you are a local, it is better to bring a bike on the ferry than rent one since the rentals are expensive.

Ryba's Bicycle Rentals
7245 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757

-The ride around the entire island is around 8 miles which is very relaxing with breathtaking views of the island!
-A few recommended stops are
Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf Rock, Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island Beach, Ryba Fudge
-While biking, I saw an area where people were diving into the water (no lifeguards). This could be very exciting for the adventurous types!
-Mackinac Fort felt expensive for the visit but there is a nice park at the bottom of the fort by the ferry docks which is pleasant.

-Take the return ferry

-Since my next stop was Pictured Rocks, I chose to cross the Mackinaw Bridge (toll road) and drive more north.

Drive to hotel
Adoba Hotel Naubinway
W 11655, US-2, Naubinway, MI 49762
This is a family owned business. Though the rooms were not too impressive, they have a hot tub and gym along with one of the best free breakfasts. Everything is made fresh in the adjoining kitchen and the hospitality is great.


Day 3

-Pictured Rocks Cruise
http://www.picturedrocks.com/
 This 2 hour cruise is the only boat ride offered in the area with some of the most amazing views.  Absolutely worth the time and money.

-We picked up Subway on the way and went to the Miner's Rock Overlook which has a great view of the Lake.
-If you walk further down on the trail, you can see the same view but a little closer.
-In the same area (driving distance) is the beach where water seemed very cold for early July (since this place is more north).
-The beach was great with people Kayaking but had too many bugs (our bug spray didn't help much).

I drove back to Detroit for the night and flew the morning flight next day.