Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • 240

Travl 8 Section 12 Chicago Tribune, Sunday. August 15, 1933 1 A grand place to stay on Mackinac Island: the Grand Hotel, which claims to have the world longest porch. I I 4 Madonac Island Chamber or Commerce photo Sunset on Mackinac Island with the Mackinac Bridge in the background and the Straits of Mackinac. K. i.

Mackinac Contimtd From Page 1 accoutrements at Doud's, the island's only grocery, across from the Visitor's Center at the southern end of town. While cooking a hot dog. watch freighters cruising past a few hundred yards offshore and ferries flitting back and forth. 4. Bring a wildflower book from your local library or buy one for $1193 at the Visitor's Center and enjoy identifying the island's wild-flowers.

My favorite places are on the cliffs along West Bluff Road amid the splendid Victorian mansions above the Grand Hotel, the paths along Manitou Road on the south end of the island near Robinson's Folly lookout and the pine-cushioned paths of the inland trail leading to the island's historic cemetery. 5. Visitors to the island can rent a horse-drawn carriage for $30 an hour for up to four people. Or they can rent drive-it-yourself carriages for $28 an hour (two-person carriages) or $35 an hour (four-person carriages). For something different, approach Joe Plaza, a carriage owner and the main dispatcher for carriages, at the intersection of Fort and Huron Streets (next to Doud's), where taxis are dispersed.

Charter his services for a private tour or evening picnic. 6. One way to avoid being a tourist is to cross the line and become a tourist watcher. People-watching from one of the island's great porches perfectly suited to this endeavor can begin at the Island House directly above the marina. The great Victorian porch extends out toward the marina like the bridge of a sailing vessel, elevated for perfect observation of bicyclers, carriages and the yacht harbor.

In the center of the island's bustling Huron Street (also known as Main Street and Michigan Highway 185, the only highway in the state on which motor vehicles are banned) is the Murray Hotel where you can get fudge and yogurt and prop your feet on the railing of the hotel's porch at street level amidst the activity. Most afternoons you can listen to the gossamer tones of a dulcimer being played at one end of the porch. It goes without saying but not without paying $5 admission for non-guests that the world's longest porch at the Grand Hotel, suits this activity most elegantly. 7. Mackinac Island's place in history is vividly re-created with a Mayflower Tours photos Visitors to Mackinac Island can rent a horse-drawn carriage or they can rent drive-it-yourself carriages.

and secluded attractions. Much of the movie was filmed at the Grand Hotel, but you will have fun looking for other filming locations. Get help along these lines and inquire about "Insights," a "Somewhere in Time" fan club that meets at the Bay View bed and breakfast Owner Doug Yoder will fill you in on the details from the porch of the Bay View, which has arguably the island's best marina view. See how many pictures of Jane Seymour you can find hanging throughout your island stay. 13.

Take a stroll along the marina docks and examine the luxurious boats. A good time is in the morning when the yachts are docking. Watch for the yacht entering a slip across the wind. Watch for the captain's self-assured confidence. Watch this demeanor transmute into one of panic and helplessness as the wind or -captain error gently eases the craft into a piling crunch! Listen for new sea expletives.

Michigan Department of Natural Resource personnel are superb professionals, assisting boats in docking, but owners never refuse an extra hand to toss a line to, or an extra foot to fend their boat from one of the pilings. Enjoy your stay at Mackinac Island, and don't take any wooden fudge. For more information about the Mackinac Island area, contact the Mackinac Island Chamber of Commerce, Box 451, Mackinac Island, Mich. 49757; 800-225-6225 or enjoy this imposing retreat Andi will gladly help. Rooms are $89 to $199.

11. Few events have such extraordinary reputation as dinner at the Grand Hotel, but fewer people know about Woods, a restaurant where meals are prepared by Grand Hotel chefs. Located near Stonecliff, Woods got its Bavarian decor from Carleton Varney, a famous designer. Old oak floors, hand-hewn wooden furniture and moose heads establish the deep Woods feeling. Best of all, Woods has a Grand Hotel quality at more pf a backwoods price.

Most entrees are around $12, with the grilled venison chops, at $17.75, being the most extravagant, and popular, dish. However, another favorite reason for a sortie to Woods is the game of 10 pins. That's right, the island's only bowling alley was built here years ago when the structure was then part of Stonecliff. You must set your own pins, walking the long narrow antique wainscoting-lined corridor of the solitary alley. It's quite an experience, a stout ale being the best accompaniment for this activity and the necessary purveyor, a pleasant tavern, is right there.

12. Before you visit Mackinac Island, rent the movie "Somewhere in Time" starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. This sweeping romantic love story is an island obsession that not only captures the essence of a love so deep it allows Reeve to go back in time, but it also highlights many of the island's prominent in the island's interior. "No one who is talking has seen it recently," Haun challenges. 9.

For a truly spectacular view and private walk, identify wild-flowers on a trek about one mile above the Grand Hotel on your way to Stonecliff Manor. Walk through this elegant Tudor mansion, now a hotel. Step onto the expansive rear lawn overlooking the Mackinac Bridge. Bear left and find a little path leading past an old apple orchard, along a soft trail of pine needles, emerging onto a stone porch known as Sunset Rock. This peaceful, secluded spot hundreds of feet above the water offers a beautiful vantage point to witness the brilliant sunsets over the Straits of Mackinac.

10. Hotel registrar Andi Staffan, daughter of Stonecliff owner, will provide directions to Sunset Rock and to the fountain, a magical clearing in the same general area. It was selected by Andi's sister, Suzie, for her wedding site. The fountain rests at the center of a small valley surrounded by lawn. Slopes rising from its perimeters are carpeted with lush wildflowers and giant pine and birch trees.

The feeling is that of being in a natural cathedral. Bring a lunch. After experiencing Stonecliff Manor's magnificent splendor the stately oak-paneled dining room, gracious Victorian antiques, stained glass windows and sumptuous rooms it hardly would be surprising that you would not pledge a return visit to tour of old Ft Mackinac, which was captured by the British during the War of 1812. One way to immerse yourself in the island's fascinating history is to stay at one of the family residences that has been operating over the last several decades. At McNally Cottage, a bed-and-breakfast on HuronMain Street, Carmen Golden, granddaughter-in-law of builder Michael McNally, will relate little island details from the 104 years the family has lived on Mackinac, most not available in the travel brochures.

Family antiques appoint this handsome cottage, and with a lake view room for $60, listening to Carmen's accounts from the porch while watching the bustle of Huron-Main Street or the tranquility of the lake may be one of the best bargains on the island. (Room rates at island range from about $45 to $175 a night; the Grand Hotel is even more expensive, though meals are included.) A bulletin board with hundreds of family photos supplements mental journeys to the past A block north on Market Street, Thomas Donnelly, Michael McNal-ly's cousin, and his wife Bridgett built Cloghaun (Gaelic for "land of little in 1884. Great-grandson James Bond and his wife, Dorothy, run Cloghaun Bed and Breakfast and will share the morning meal with you in a dining room filled with island pictures (Aunt Kitty hoarded them). The room once was sealed for 40 years, and the pictures hang from their original hooks. Folklore is free with breakfast; rooms are $65 to $95.

8. Strolling down to the eastern end of HuronMain Street, a visit to Haun's 1830 Inn Bed and Breakfast can prove interesting. Owner Nick Haun, a history teacher from the Chicago suburbs, will provide any adventurous inquirer a special map dating to 1915. Spend a relaxing respite looking for the secret distillery hidden in a cave FALL PRICES FROM LONDON FRANKFURT $399 PARIS LONDON be HOTEL PACKAGES INCLUDE: Trip DtfMrt Evtry Oayf SPECIAL PACKAGE FALL 1993 NON STOP JEfS BONUS VOUCHERS FUN BOOKS HOTEL of Your Cholco I I SIGHTSEEING Tour I FREE SHOWS I I 1 (J Miami $191 rt New York $130 rt Denver $160 rt Orlando $191 rt Washington DC $138 rt Los Angeles $244 rt Fort Meyer $191 rt Atlanta $198 rt Las Vegas $253 rt Tampa $191 rt Philadelphia $198 rt San Francisco $318 rt Fort Lauderdale $191 rt Boston $208 it Seattle $319 rt West Palm Beach $191 rt Norfolk $259 rt Portland $319 rt I I WMk'Endw I MifWMlitr IFuH WMklAnwkia WMllAnwrtc WHtlAimriea WmI I HOTELS ItHURSIoSUNIsUNIoTHURSI SEVEN I 2 NITES I NITES I 7 NITES I I FRIIOMON I MON tO.FRI I (7)NITES I Irom I Irom I Irom 199 I 189 I 219" I 199- I 229 I 248 I FLYfTQUR 219 239 289 219 QOLO SPIKE 289" 259 259 CONTINENTAL 329 259 269 259 299" STARDUST 5 Night Caribbean Cruise $579 Tampa, Plaza del Carmen, Cozumel Key West (Includes Five Night Cruise Roundtrip Airfare) 279 329 HACIENDA 289 379" IMPERIAL PALACE 285 299 389 369" One-way daily walk-up fare from Chicago's Midway RESERVED SEAHNGlSSLlGrfTlYHIGHER Sale prices good for Trawd originating Aug. 15 thru 31 EXCALIBUR 299 299 289 389 309 CIRCUS-CIRCUS 309 299 309 RIVIERA 7 Night Caribbean Cruise $799 Cozumel, Honduras, Belize (Includes Roundtrip Airfare) RYSimm: flYFSKMEJZH 305 335 329 329 9" FLAMINGO Towr 589" 319 579 399 365 CAESAR'S PALACE 329" 299 435 409" 319 RIO SUITES 319" 269 285 345 279 279 BOURBON STREET 5 GRAND HOTELS Plu suites at BALIY'S and CIRCUS-CIRCUS HOTELS llsoJLHE PLAZA nd BALLY MM FLORIDA.

Call your Travel Agent for details or 1 -800-949-9400 you'll be getting all this at a great value. After the dis- mim( entertainment. Our exciting casino. Plus a gourmet menu orchestrated by internationally acclaimed chef Michel Roux that was voted number one in the industry i by Ocean and Cruise News. And since we wT-- nieht cruise ranpp 0 illf i from f-John don't sail with the hordes of passengers you'll find on the mass-market ships, you'll actually be able to enjoy all of it.

our 11-night cruise As you might have guessed, so far everyone we've heard from is "A pretty definite on the free days. So unless we hear otherwise, when you book a 10 or 11-night Ultimate Both include airfare. If Also keep in mind that since it's a Celebrity cruise you're traveling alone, ask your travel agent about our special single's fares. Call for our brochure and your "3-free-days" certificate. Along with our brochure you'll find out how to get your three free days when you book Caribbean cruise we re going to give you three days of your cruise for free.

Think of it as getting three free Caribbean islands. And because we sail from San Juan, we'll be taking you to some of the most exotic ports in the southernmost Caribbean. Our 11-night cruise lets you experience something few people have, the Panama Canal. In addition to the six ports we'll be taking you to on our 11-night cruise, this season, for the first time we'll also be going to the Panama Canal. As you sail through the Gatun Locks, you'll understand why it's called one of the eight man-made We're hying to decide what to give away with our 10 fi-mght cruises.

A t-shirt. A tote bag. Or3 free days. Any suggestions? a 1U or 11-night Ultimate Caribbean cruise. It really that simple.

So call your travel agent or Celebrity. And with all the SarBado money you'll save by getting three days of your cruise for free, you can buy all the t-shirts and tote bags a person could possibly want, not to mention fsi' wonders of the some nice shirts and a very world. After handsome piece of luggage. wards, you can crM3n4 fVio Hair nn San Juan. At Sea.

PanamaCanal. San Bias. At Sea. Curacao. At Sea.

Martinique, St. John St, Thomas. San Juan. Meridian Meridian IQ-night Barbados. 11-night Caribbean Martinique.

Caribbean Itinerary nomas. Itinerary mm aane one of the most beautiful beaches of the San Bias islands; another new addition to our 11-night itinerary. If you're looking for a way to see the most Caribbean islands, take our 10-night cruise. Our 10-night cruise is perfect for anyone who wants to see the most islands and has more than a Call 1-800-395-2300, 24 hrs. Ask for our free brochure 18m.

-6 week to do it. In fact, we take you to more ports than any 10-night cruise from Florida. The Kn A It rf V-7rr eight ports we sail to include what experienced travelers describe as some of the fHI ii iuoi wcbhhuic ai iu uauliv. iaiai iub ui ii ic vuiuucdii. aiuuo, Ddiuduua and Grenada to name a few.

vttGuajra IS More ports aren't the only thing you'll be getting. Remember it's a Celebrity cruise. That means a five-star European-trained staff. An Olympic Health Club. World-class Allow us to exceed your expectations." C.

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