MACKINAC ISLAND: Surrounded by Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is often referred to as being suspended in a forgotten, more innocent time. With its Americana allure, the island in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a coveted respite from daily commutes and full-speed-ahead lifestyle. Mission Point acknowledges these traits by offering both an early opening of the resort, before the date when most vacationers will descend upon the island, and a lakeside bike ride back in time—with a bit of Irish style.

On Friday, April 28, a week ahead of the official opening on May 6, Mackinac Island enthusiasts can experience the island coming alive for the 2017 season and be the first to stay at Mission Point—a casual, upscale, full-service resort experience, with a welcoming atmosphere in beautifully manicured surroundings. There are multiple room renovations, a newly added spa and wellness concept and the addition of two new beverage and dining outposts.

[See the renovations here]

Guests will be invited to a special General Manager’s reception hosted by Vice President and Managing Director Bradley McCallum where he will answer questions and share experiences about the “Off Season on Mackinac Island,” while debuting Mission Point’s new and exceptionally curated wines. The reception will be held on April 29 and 30 from 4–5 p.m. in The Colonial Room.

To celebrate the 2017 season, early-bird travelers can take advantage of Mission Point’s pre-opening package which includes daily breakfast, ferry tickets and a special pre-season rate starting at $129. Guests must book online here by April 28 for travel between April 28 and May 3.

During the official season opening on May 6, Mission Point will unveil its newest dining delight, Reserve Tasting Room, the perfect place for oenophiles to gather and sip from a selection of wines hand-selected from the world’s premier wine-growing regions in addition to the newly curated Mission Point wines. Charcuterie boards featuring artisan cheeses are served alongside wines, champagnes, and delectable chocolates.

May 6 will also be the official opening of the newly updated Lakeside Spa and Salonthe island’s only full-service health and wellness retreat. Mission Point’s on-site premier spa features multiple treatment rooms and indigenous treatments such as the Lilac Facial & Body Treatment that incorporates Mackinac’s historic lilacs, and the Great Lakes Stone Massage that utilizes hot basalt stones from the Great Lakes. For a mindful experience, guests are invited to start each day at Mission Point with a complimentary Sun-Up Hiking Session to watch the sunrise over Lake Huron.

Honoring National Bike Month with the return of their second annual Tweed Ride, Mission Point and guests will celebrate the island’s main form of transportation, while donning tweed suits, bowties, capes, knickers—and don’t forget the jaunty caps! (Need Tweed? You can find Dubarry of Ireland at The Boutique at Mission Point.) All bicycles are accepted on the Tweed Ride, but classic vintage bicycles are encouraged.

The event begins at 1 p.m. on the great lawn at Mission Point and is free and open to all. Bicycles can be rented onsite. The two-mile ride includes a parade through downtown historic Mackinac Island and a quick jaunt to beautiful Arch Rock in Mackinac Island Historic State Park, observing yet another leisurely car-free day on the bucolic island, where more than 70 miles of paved and unpaved roads, as well as crisscrossing trails, provide moments to savor the ever-changing views of Lake Huron. The ride will be capped off with an après-cycle reception at Round Island Bar and Grill where Dubarry of Ireland will bestow awards for best bike and best attire.

Weekend packages to attend The Tweed Ride and enjoy the island are available at Mission Point. Visit this site to book a room and reserve a ride, or call 800.833.7711.

–Press release provided by J Public Relations for Mission Point Resort


While you’re on Mackinac Island, check out these 5 things to do on an island bike ride!


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Photo(s) by Nicole Steffen