[edsg25]

we're going on vacation to Mackinac next week. Been there before and really enjoy the scenery. anyway, we'd like to go to some of the nice resort towns are the Lk Mich shore where downtown shopping is quaint and pleasant.

We've been through both Potoskey and Harbor Springs and while we didn't stop, these two seem about the best places to go. Am I right?

another question: anyone ever been to the night sky park in Mackinaw City….if so, is the star gazing really worth it?

and one more: anyone ever go on the 2 hour carriage tour on the island and can tell anything about it. I've only been in town on the island and I hear it can be really beautiful in the interior of the island.

[Regajohn]

Mackinaw Crossings, Mackinaw City, MI

I have not been to Mackinaw Crossings, as when I'm up there I don't really go shopping.

You are correct that Petoskey & Harbor Springs are the 2 most upscale towns in the area.

I have not been to the stargazing park, but I have heard good things about it.

Yes the interior of the island is definitely worth seeing. I've never done the carriage ride thing, always rode bicycles & sometimes horses.

If you haven't already, you might search / post your questions on the TripAdvisor forum, as TA is geared specifically to tourism and travel.

Reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals - TripAdvisor

[edsg25]

thanks, i've been to Mackinaw Crossing and liked it. It does create a real village setting built into an existing downtown. We do plan to return. My question, however, were more about the upscale resort towns down the coast and what the had to offer with shopping.

[belleislerunner]

Charlevoix is nice too. A little smaller than Petoskey, more in line w/ Harbor Springs. Only 15 more minutes.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by belleislerunner

Charlevoix is nice too. A little smaller than Petoskey, more in line w/ Harbor Springs. Only 15 more minutes.

I knew it was there, but for some reason didn't check it out. thanks, belleislerunner

[Regajohn]

Petoskey Michigan Travel and Hotel Information - Petoskey Area CVB

Petoskey Downtown - Petoskey Michigan

Harbor Springs Visitors Guide - Shopping

Both cities have upscale shops as well as typical turist shops ( t-shirts, etc.). Harbor Springs has very strict zoning, so you will find no retail chains or large signage. You can find anything from $25 T-shirts to $150,000+ pieces of artwork.

There's also additional information on the internet, on TripAdvisor (in the fourm and in the city specific areas), and probably other sites too Internet search engines (Google / Yahoo / Bing) can be very useful.

[Nephler]

Yes, without a doubt, Petoskey and Harbor Springs is the best and closest shopping to Mackinaw City. Cheboygan is closer, but not really much there.

[Jan Alaska]

I take it you are looking at tourist shopping ? Mackinaw crossings has plenty of tourist type stores but not many with anything that is made in Michigan. Lots of cheap Chinese gizzits aimed at tourists.

Harbor Springs and Petoskey are the quintessential Northern towns with a mixture of high end stores as well as more touristy stores. However keep an eye out for Kilwins between Bay View and Petoskey for locally made chocolates and ice cream and also American Spoon foods who make all of their jams, preserves and delicious spicy things right here in N Michigan.

The dark skies park is great, of course depending on cloud cover and more lately smoke from the Washington wildfires you get a wonderful unbostructed view of the stars and planets accompanied by folks who can help identify constellations, highly recommended.

Mackinac Island, have never taken the standard tour of the island instead preferring to hire our own buggy from Jacks livery for a leisurely plod around the island. Once again watch out for those made in China goodies, the Island has plenty of tourist traps but also local stores that make the best fudge and candy.

Enjoy your visit !

[bobbyd72]

Cross the bridge and go into St Ignace. Much more down to earth and less "touristy'. While there have breakfast at Java Joe's- it will not disappoint.

[teachbeach]

Shopping in Harbor Springs and Petosky are always part of my "up North" visit. Not as impressed with Charlevoix, but love P and HS.

Would recommend the tour on the horse & buggy~have done it twice, gives you a good idea of the boundaries of town, the geography of the island, the life of the island during non-tourist season and some of the inclusive tickets also get you in to the Fort, onto the porch of the Grand Hotel, the museums etc. Check out the Mackinac Island Visitor's site, they often offer combo tickets.