Arial & Dylan
Things To Do
The Big Store with The Little Prices
If you are an attendee of the Lux wedding it is a must that you visit The Big Store with The Little Prices. Arial is the fourth generation of this family business founded by her great grandparents. Arial also grew up in the apartments above The Big Store, and worked many summers in the store. If you look up at the second floor her childhood bedroom is the third window from the right. The Big Store is the only brick building on Main Street, therefore it is easy to find. Mention that you are on the island for the Lux wedding and you will receive an Islander discount!
Mackinac Revealed Walking Tours
Take a walking tour and see an inside look of Mackinac Island. These tours are owned and operated by Dylan’s mother Moira Croghan. Moira grew up on Mackinac Island and has extensive knowledge of flora and fauna of the island.
The Trading Post
Another one of the businesses owned and operated by Arial’s family. This is our original store. Very charming and a must visit in your exploration of downtown.
Baxter's
Another of Arial’s family owned businesses. The movie Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, shot a scene in Baxter’s where Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) purchases the time traveling coin from the movie. Come and check out the fabulous movie memorabilia.
Merchants of Mackinac
The newest of Arial’s family run businesses. There is a drinking fountain inside if you need to fill up your water bottle while picking out a Mackinac souvenir.
Fort Holmes
Fort Holmes is the highest point on Mackinac Island. It is Arial’s favorite place on the island and also where her father Tim Leeper proposed to her mother Patty Trayser Leeper. Take a hike up to this historical spot after dark to enjoy an amazing lit up view of the Mackinac Bridge at night. Email Arial at luxwedding2020@gmail.com to join us for an after dark hike during your stay.
Bike Around the Island
The eight mile shoreline of Mackinac Island is like nowhere else in the world. Rent a bike and ride past natural wonders such as the rock formations of Arch Rock and Devil’s Kitchen. Stop at The Cannon Ball Restaurant on the opposite side of the island and try their deep fried pickles! http://www.mackinacisland.net/cannonball-inn-catering/
Swim in Lake Huron
It is cold! But once you are in there is nothing more refreshing. Arial used to have a tradition in middle school of jumping in every year on May 1st! Swimming in the lake is one of our all-time favorite things to do while on the island.
Golf at Wawashkamo
If you enjoy a round of golf head up to the center of the island to Wawashkamo’s battle ground golf course. This course is one of Dylan’s favorite activities to enjoy while on vacation. In high school Arial often rode her snowmobile through the closed course in winter to hang out with her island friends.
Butterfly House
Located behind St. Anne’s church on the East side of town, this is a great place to take the kids. Stroll the garden and enjoy the flowers and butterflies. At the end of the garden is another room to explore with all kinds of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Wings of Mackinac
This tropical environment is fun for all ages. Birds, reptiles, and butterflies can all be enjoyed at this conservatory. A fun spot to stop while up the hill on the island.
The Haunted Theater
This spooky treat is located in the center of downtown Mackinac. As a kid Arial walked through so many times I could walk it forwards and backwards without screaming. It is good fun for those who like to get their hearts racing.
Arch Rock
Located outside the East side of town, this natural stone arch is an awe inspiring sight. Hike the stairs to get a peek from up top and peer at the lake through the other side.
Sugar Loaf
Located near Fort Holmes in the center of the Island, Sugar Loaf is a 75 foot high rock formation, one of Mackinac’s natural wonders. A keyhole through the center of the rock holds a summer memory for Dylan where he would climb through as a kid. He remembers the year he thought, “next year I will not be able to fit through here.” Years later a fudgie (Mackinac’s word for tourist) got stuck trying to make the squeeze and after his rescue the hole was cemented shut. Nevertheless, this geological wonder is absolutely magnificent to see in person.
Devils Kitchen
Located outside of the West side of town pasted Mackinac Island Public School, this ancient underwater cave now rests above ground along the outside road of the island. Practiced climbers can climb above the main cave to find more ancient once-underwater caves.
Skull Cave
Mackinac Island was originally an ancient Native American burial ground. A survivor of the capture of Fort Michilimackinac recalled spending an unexpected night in the ancient cave, “I broke small branches from the trees and spread them for a bed…On awaking, I felt myself incommoded by some object upon which I lay, …I discovered, with some feelings of horror, that I was lying on nothing less than a heap of human bones and skulls, which covered the floor!” Take a tour up through the inside of the island to view this historical cave.
The Pink Pony
Visit the Pink Pony restaurant and bar, the place where Dylan and Arial first met. Try a Rum Runner with a Dragon Berry floater, Arial’s all-time favorite drink.
St. Anne’s Church
This breathtaking church is the parish that Arial grew up in. Inside the ceiling is ornately decorated with colorful murals. Take a peek inside this hushed place of worship to admire its beauty or consider spending your Sunday service as a visitor to the church.
Little Stone Church
This church located behind Mackinac Island Public school provided Arial the scholarship that supported her education at Michigan State University. This small and lovely church is another wonderful option for your Sunday service.
Saint Anne’s Cemetery
Pay your respects to Arial’s late mother Patricia (Patty) Trayser Leeper at St. Anne’s Cemetery. To get their take Fort Hill (Fort Street) up to Huron Road and take your first right into the woods on Custer Road, follow Custer Road which leads onto Fort Service Road following the right. This road will take you passed the cemetery, the first gravel road on your right leading into the cemetery walks right passed Patty’s grave. It is a pinking headstone lovingly decorated with planted flowers, tended to by Arial’s father Tim.
Take It All In
These things listed above are some of our favorites, however there is so much to see, explore, adventure to, dine upon, and experience on Mackinac Island and in the Straits of Mackinac. If you want help planning your trip please reach out to Arial via email or text. I would love to share my love of my hometown of Mackinac Island with you! Dylan and I will be adventuring to many of these places on the days leading up to and after the wedding, if you would like to join us please email me at luxwedding2020@gmail.com. We hope you have so much fun!