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32 July 7 • 2016 T here are few places you can travel to that grace you with the feeling of being in a specific and special place on the globe. Take a walk or a bike ride, and the bridge beyond — connecting two pieces of land distinct from your island — rein- forces your disconnect from the rest of the world. On Mackinac Island, you're not Up North — you're away, secluded, yet also standing in the middle of an entirely open, spacious blue land of its own. And it's only a four- hour drive from Metro Detroit. Home to Native Americans before 17th-century European exploration, the 3.8-square-mile island in the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet, is all about its impressive and gorgeous history while still catering to its modern visitors. A vital hub of trade along the Great Lakes, the island became a summer tourist destination in the 19th century. The entire island is a National Historic Landmark, with more than 80 percent of it preserved as the Mackinac Island State Park. It is also notable for its prohibition, since 1898, of motor vehicles — meaning visitors are required to explore its exquisite shoreline with pristine blue waters, lush forests, fur- trade era homes and shops and grand Victorian cottages by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. It also means an island vacation can be as energetic or laid-back, romantic or family-friendly as you choose. WHAT TO DO Visit Fort Mackinac, established by the British in 1780, for a tour of its 14 original buildings led by guides in period costume. Stroll Downtown Mackinac Island's boutiques, galleries — and world- famous fudge shops, a tradition since the late 19th century. Ride the trails on a horse from Cindy's Riding Stable, drive a carriage from Jack's Livery Stable or take a private or group carriage tour of Mackinac State Park with narrated tours of Surrey Hills, Arch Rock and more. Have some watery fun: Rent a kayak or paddleboard, charter a fishing boat, take a sailing tour or para- sail. Take in historic paintings, maps and photographs and Native American art at the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, housed in the historic Indian Dormitory. WHERE TO STAY Sprawling across 18 bucolic acres, Mission Point Resort offers an upscale yet relaxed experience, in the spirit of an old-school summer camp. The resort's original structure, Mission House, was built by a Protestant missionary to house and teach Native American chil- dren (later, he established Mission Church, one of the Midwest's first Protestant churches). As a result, the entire southeast end of Mackinac Island become known as Mission Point. In the 1950s, the property was built up, adding a still-used the- ater with 50-foot trusses made of Norway Pine from nearby Bois Blanc island, a main lodge with a five-foot marble-encased fireplace — and a movie-production sound stage, which Universal Studios leased for the 1979 summer season to produce the dreamily iconic film Somewhere in Time. The entire cast and crew were hosted at the resort, then called the Inn on Mackinac. In 2014, current owners Dennert and Suzanne Ware purchased the resort and embarked on a multi- million-dollar renovation and upgrade — completed just in time for this season's visitors. Along with a massive facelift, Mission Point Resort now includes a fit- ness center and the Lakeside Spa & Salon (try the Lilac Facial & Body Treatment, using the island's historic varieties of lilacs, or a Great Lakes Stone Massage). Many of the 239 rooms and suites offer Jacuzzis and grand views of Lake Huron. With four on-site restaurants to choose from — kids 12 and under eat free at Round Island Bar & Grill or Bistro on the Greens — Mission Point has created a comprehensive farm- and water-to-table menu, using local Native American fisheries for its signature whitefish. Try the An Island Getaway arts & life t r a v e l Lynne Konstantin | Arts & Life Editor A horse-drawn carriage guides visitors through the historic streets of Mackinac Island.