Clustered in the small downtown of an island whose total circumference is only 8 miles, Mackinac’s fudge-making industry dates back to 1887 when island candy-maker Newton Murdick discovered that the combination of the island’s characteristically low-barometric pressure and the marble slab he used to set his hand-dipped chocolates would make perfect fudge. A stop into a local store to grab some Mackinac Island fudge is a must for any Northern Michigan vacation. Grab some fudge to eat or to take back home for friends to enjoy later.
In the 1960’s Harry Ryba brought his fudge shops to the islands, and showman that he was, set his fudge makers in front of a glass window so everyone could watch the tantalizing operation. Since then, it’s become a tradition among the fudge companies to create their sweet treat in full view of passersby.
You smell the fudge the minute the ferry docks at Mackinac Island: the warm, sweet, intoxicating scent of fudge wafting down Main Street: Joann’s Fudge, May’s Candy Shop, Murdick’s Fudge, Ryba’s and Murray Hotel Company.
Stop in front of the big plate glass window—or better yet, slip inside the door—of any fudge shop to inhale the heady, sweet air as the sugar, heavy cream, butter, chocolate and other flavorings cook in a shiny 25-gallon copper kettle. When the mixture boils, watch as the fudge makers pour it into a metal frame set on a marble slab until it thickens. After they remove the metal frame the fun really begins. The makers stroke the batter back and forth across the marble, working first with a large spade and then a smaller one, until the fudge sets in a loaf. Finally, measuring by the eye, the fudge maker cuts the loaf into half-pound slices. A professional, they say on the island, is correct to within two-hundredths of a pound.
Your only remaining task? Pick your flavors. Heavenly Goo from Murray’s Hotel Fudge Company? Ryba’s Chocolate No Nut? Triple Chocolate from May’s? It doesn’t matter. If the fudge is made on Mackinac Island, it’s going to be good.
Find out which Mackinac Island fudge shop was voted best fudge in America by The Daily Meal!
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More Mackinac Island
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Mackinac Island Festivals and Events
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Getting to Mackinac Island
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Planning Your Mackinac Island Vacation
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TripAdvisor Names Mackinac Island Top 10 Island in U.S.
As family vacations go, this one is tops. The kids will put down the gameboys the moment the ferry pulls away from the dock and they won’t think of them again until after you leave.
The fort is worth a day. Another riding bikes around the island to Arch Rock. And one day shopping, sitting on the Grand Hotel’s porch after dinner, playing on the beach. And all of it without a car in sight.
Be sure to bring the video camera so you play the video at their rehearsal dinner when they get married.