Labor Day in Mackinaw City

If you want to walk across Mackinac Bridge, every year on Labor Day is the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk. According to the stats anywhere between 10,000 and 80,000 people walk the bridge each year. So, the key to a successful and stress-free Labor Day in Mackinaw City is planning.

Staying the night at Straits State Park Campground in St. Ignace, we woke up at quarter to five with a loud crack of thunder. It was raining. But participating in the Mackinac Bridge Walk is on my mother’s bucket list, so we braved the foreboding weather and got packed up. My stepfather dropped us off at Marquette State Park and drove over the bridge to Mackinaw City before the bridge closed at 6:30.

After the runners (400 participants chosen by lottery), the Governor’s speech and the national anthem—not necessarily in that order—we were off on our five-mile walk across the bridge. I admit I was skeptical, but the walk was completely worth it. We walked quickly—no running allowed—and finished in about at about 8:00. Perfect time for breakfast!

We headed of Darrow’s Family Restaurant (stepdad in tow) for much needed coffee all around and pancakes, an omelet and the Mackinaw special for mom, me and stepdad respectively. We were hungry and everything was delicious. I ate my whole omelet—that never happens.

The city was waking up and we headed over the Old MackinacPoint Lighthouse.  This was unique lighthouse with the tower and keeper’s quarters still intact as well as the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum in the old warehouse and barn. I especially like the interactive screen in the museum allowing us to see details about each shipwreck through the straits. If you have time, watch the video on the shipwrecks. It’s fascinating.

From there we meandered down to Mackinaw Crossings. A little shopping is essential on vacation. We stopped in at the Nicholas Black River Winery and Vineyard tasting room. They offer three free tasting and the wine is very reasonable. Mom bought two bottles and I picked up a bottle of Pear and Share, a fun fruity wine. I loved the fun names like Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Riesling and Dionysus, The Greek God of Wine (a semi-sweet wine). Mom also found a Bridge Walk wicking shirt that she’d been looking for all weekend at US Apparel. Score!

All that shopping worked up an appetite. A short walk back to the car and a few detours—all those people—brought us to Biere de Mac BrewWorks. While a new brewery, Biere de Mac stands out with some Asian Fusion food options. We split a Thai Hummus Platter before a lunch of Black Bean Burger with Blueberry beer for Mom, ‘Mackinaw’ Cheesesteak Naan sandwich paired with Poe Reef (a caramel Amber ale) for stepdad and 20 Fathoms (Nitro Stout) with Asian Chicken Naan sandwich for me. I loved the little touches like the stamp on the table and the blueberries in mom’s beer. The food was delicious and the beer holds its own as the only micro in town. Our waitress mentioned the possibility for a barrel-aged beer around Anniversary time.

Has anyone else walked the Mackinaw Bridge? Did anyone get caught on the wrong side during the bridge closure? What’s your favorite place in Mackinaw City?