Quick Straits of Mackinac Trip Report

Question

I've been waiting for the Straits area to have enough winter so I could make a quick trip for winter photos. I flew into Traverse City on Wednesday, drove to Mackinaw City, and returned today, staying at the Holiday Inn Express the first and last nights and Pontiac Lodge on Mackinac Island on Thursday. I won't stay on the Island in winter without allowing 24 hours in case weather makes it impossible to return.

I've been to the Holiday Inn several times and it was good as always. It includes a better than average free motel breakfast. It was my first time at Pontiac Lodge, which is pretty much the only place to stay on the Island this winter. I paid a few dollars extra for a small suite. My only complaint was the amount of lighting fixtures and the very low watt bulbs in those they had.

I managed to hit 10 restaurants. One of the highlights was breakfast the opening day at Fred's Up North Dining in St. Ignace. The Truck Stop Restaurant has moved next door into the former Big Boy location and changed its name. I had the Fisherman's Breakfast - 2 eggs, potatoes, toast, and deep fried whitefish.

The other highlight was Northwood Family Restaurant in Oden during the drive back to Traverse City. It had been a few years since I ate there and I was impressed with quality and price of their whitefish, a real bargain. The house made Peanut Butter Butterfinger Pie was great as well.

Answer

It sounds like you had a wonderful winter trip to the Straits of Mackinac! I’m glad to hear your accommodations and dining experiences were enjoyable, despite a couple of minor issues. Here’s a summary of your trip with some additional highlights based on your experiences:

Your stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Mackinaw City was familiar and comfortable, as expected. The free breakfast at the Holiday Inn seems to be a nice touch with a variety of options that set it apart from typical motel offerings. It’s great to know that it lived up to your past stays, which is always a positive sign.

As for Pontiac Lodge on Mackinac Island, it’s great that you had a chance to experience it, even though it’s the only option for winter stays on the island. Your feedback on the lighting is useful for future visitors, especially with the very low wattage bulbs. For those who may stay there, it’s good to be prepared for a more dimly lit environment. But, it’s great that the suite upgrade provided you with extra space. And yes, I agree with your suggestion of allowing at least 24 hours for weather-related reasons when visiting in winter. Mackinac Island’s winter weather can be unpredictable, and having a buffer day would definitely be wise!

It’s clear that you enjoyed your time dining in the area! Here’s a closer look at the restaurants you mentioned:

Fred's Up North Dining (St. Ignace): What a perfect place to start your trip! The Fisherman’s Breakfast with deep-fried whitefish sounds like a tasty, hearty meal to kick things off. Fred’s seems like a great spot for breakfast with a local vibe.
The Truck Stop Restaurant (St. Ignace): It’s interesting that The Truck Stop has moved to the former Big Boy location and undergone a name change. It sounds like they’re doing a good job with the transition and keeping things fresh. Your meal there seems to have been a solid choice with some hearty breakfast options!
Northwood Family Restaurant (Oden): It’s always nice to return to a restaurant after a few years and find that it still impresses you. The whitefish there, along with the Peanut Butter Butterfinger Pie, sounds like a real treat! Northwood sounds like a hidden gem for anyone driving through Oden.

In terms of winter photography, it seems like you got the perfect mix of good weather and scenic locations. The Straits area is beautiful in winter, especially with the snow-covered landscape and less crowded atmosphere. The winter season truly gives the area a different, peaceful vibe compared to the bustling summer months.

Overall, it sounds like your trip was a success with great dining experiences, a comfortable stay, and beautiful winter scenery. If you plan another visit to the Straits of Mackinac, the places you mentioned are definitely worth revisiting or recommending to others!

Quick Straits of Mackinac Trip Report

More Michigan (MI) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions