Thinking of Leaving Michigan?

Despite Whitmer and the Democrat Radical Policies, Here’s One Reason to Stay

I’m sad to have to suffer the changes taking place in Michigan since Democrats managed to take control of all three branches of state government. And I’m deeply concerned about the future.

I was born here, and I don’t want to leave. But Michigan's social, political, legal, and economic environment is no longer based on our constitution and is no longer friendly to raising families. Sometimes I wonder to where I could move that might be more welcoming and less troubling.

You may feel as I do. Many with similar concerns have already moved out of Michigan. One result is that Michigan’s population has been declining for many years. Folks are leaving in record numbers to live elsewhere. But why, exactly?

People cite all kinds of reasons for wanting to leave. There are too many to list here, so I’ll just give you examples:

●     The unfavorable business environment;

●     A lack of well-paying jobs with growth opportunities for young people;

●     The growing disdain for law-abiding gun owners;

●     The depressing results of our school systems;

●     Constitutional amendments reducing ballot and election integrity; and

●     Providing abortions on demand at any stage – at our expense.

But Aren’t There Reasons to Stay?

Despite the increasingly unfriendly vibe from Lansing, there is one thing I can count on to keep me here … or at least coming back: Mackinac Island.

Situated in the Straits between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinaw Island is something I look forward to visiting every year. The recent Memorial Day holiday provided a terrific opportunity this week to reconnect in relative tranquility with family and friends. Yes, I was able to forget about politics briefly.

Mackinac Island is one of the great treasures of Michigan, offering stunning natural beauty and many fun recreational opportunities. Not even the Whitmer Administration can screw that up.

This week, I read that Mackinac Island has been named the top summer travel destination for 2023, according to USA Today's 10 Best list. With its horse-drawn carriages, roads perfect for bike rides, and attractions like the limestone Arch Rock and historic Fort Mackinac, it's no wonder the island is a popular spot. Plus, being located on Lake Huron means there's plenty of natural beauty to take in. We love it.

What I Like Most About the Experience

The drive up Interstate 75 from Oxford with my wife, Kay, is always a highlight, but the view from the Shepler's boat as we crossed the Straits of Mackinaw was breathtakingly beautiful last week.

As we sailed past the Mackinaw Bridge, the beauty of the surrounding landscape put me in a great mood.The water was crystal clear, and the sun on Tuesday before the holiday shone down on us, making the entire experience even more magical despite the mid-50s temperature. And the sheer size and grandeur of the bridge reminded me of our bygone achievements in engineering and infrastructure improvement.

As the ferry boat drew closer to Mackinac Island, I caught my first glimpse of the Grand Hotel in the distance. The white, sprawling structure was perched atop a hill, standing out against the island's lush greenery. Its iconic front porch was visible even from a distance, and I couldn't wait to observe the grandeur of this historic hotel on my bike from the street.

The anticipation about our week built as we got closer, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder at the sight of such a unique place.

The Island This Year

We avoid going to the island during the busiest times. I don’t like big crowds. When Kay and I stepped off the ferry this year, we were again surrounded by the island’s scenic beauty and architectural charm.

I was surprised by the many gardens filled with tulips of various types in full bloom. Kay mentioned we saw more tulips on the island this week than in Downtown Holland a few weeks ago during their annual festival.

Arriving three days before the start of the holiday weekend allowed us to enjoy the island features and restaurants with fewer horse-drawn carts, bicycles, and strollers in the streets. In fact, the huge influx of people and horses was not apparent until Friday.

On Friday, it took Kay and me about 90 minutes to leisurely bike the 8.2 miles around the island on Highway M-185. This automobile-free road circles the massive state park and provides access to a network of trails linking downtown shops, private residences, hotels, and the historic fort built in 1781 by the British. It also gives you time to think.

What Was Available at the End of May

Arriving before the Memorial Holiday does have some disadvantages. The Woods Restaurant, one of our favorites, wasn’t yet open. Nor were some of the attractions typically available to us as Mackinac Associates members, such as touring the historic Biddle House and Native American Museum, the American Fur Company, and the Doctor Beaumont Museum. But going early had its advantages, such as no waiting lines for everything else.

As we explored the island, we found plenty of activities to keep us busy, including horse-drawn carriage rides, bike rentals, hiking trails, and water sports. And of course, no trip to Mackinac Island would be complete without indulging in some of the island's famous fudge. Of the 15 shops, we favor Joanne’s fudge, made fresh daily in various flavors.

With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Mackinac Island is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. Thankfully, our Governor was not “in residence” at the State-owned mansion near Turkey Hill this particular week. Also, I understand she is not in her office very often, either, yet still manages to drive so many utopian laws and regulations.

We only had a week here and wanted to have some balance between the activities and just relaxing. For the week’s activities, we chose the following:

●     We explored the historic Fort Mackinac, which was built in the 1700s and played an essential role in the history of the Great Lakes region.

●     Hiked or biked about town and around the island, which offered stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests.

●     Visited Arch Rock, the natural limestone formation and one of the most popular attractions on the island.

●     Enjoyed casual dining with delicious meals at several of the island's restaurants.

●     Shopped for souvenirs and gifts for family at many boutiques and gift shops.

●     Took a break from everyday life and relaxed on our deck overlooking the passenger docks.

Places we chose for dining during the week included:

●     The Pink Pony: This waterfront restaurant and bar was our favorite for breakfast while taking in the beautiful views of the harbor. Free internet, also.

●     Mary's Bistro Draught House: This casual restaurant offered various dishes, including seafood, burgers, and vegetarian options. They also had a great selection of craft beers on tap, including the Tripleroot Double IPA.

●     Island Slice Pizzeria: If you're craving pizza for the family at a reasonable price, Island Slice is the place to go. They offer a variety of toppings, including some unique options like smoked whitefish.

●     Seabiscuit Cafe: We chose this for breakfast, two mornings, and dinner. They focus on fresh and tasty ingredients.

●     The Gate House: This family-friendly restaurant serves comfort food favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and mac and cheese. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating. We stopped by for a mid-day snack.

●     The Great Turtle: We visited for dinner but weren’t thrilled by the Braised Beef Brisket sandwich or beer selection.

The Escape Plan

Kay and I have reasons why we don’t want to exit Michigan now. Our families are here, and we love having the four seasons. I guess I will just have to focus and work harder to help restore the kind of welcoming environment we once had in Michigan.

You may be in a similar position and cannot leave. But if you want to temporarily forget the chaos created by our politicians in Lansing, it's time to plan your escape to one the many great places we still have in Michigan — including Mackinac Island. You will have a memorable experience no matter where you choose to go. I guarantee you will be able to forget your concerns and enjoy yourself.

So what are you waiting for?