COVID-19 cases surge on Mackinac Island as season comes to an end

[Faygo Kid]

Source: Detroit Free Press

In the end, even Michigan's idyllic Up North summer getaway wasn't shielded from the global coronavirus pandemic.

Cases of COVID-19 rose sharply in September and October on this 3.8-square-mile island. The spike came as business owners closed out the season and tourists crossed the Straits of Mackinac last weekend to take in the fall colors and sink their teeth into its famous fudge for one last time in 2020.

From Sept. 23-Oct. 11, there were 29 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 tied to the island, said Kerry Ott, a spokeswoman for the LMAS District Health Department, which includes Luce, Mackinac, Alger and Schoolcraft counties. . .

Read more: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/26/mackinac-island-coronavirus-cases-covid-19/3658071001/

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One of the most special places in the world. I am sure most have not been there, but it's so very special, and beautiful and historic. If Mackinac Island is a "hot spot," we all better wake up.

[yaesu]

1. Haven't been there for over 20 years. Sill have an exact copy of an 1748 Spanish Milled Dollar

& 3 18th century military buttons that were found at the Fort during excavation decades ago, bought them at the gift shop in the 80's.

[gibraltar72]

2. There are places you could be dropped in and

instantly know where you are just by the smell. Horseshit and chocolate are an aroma never forgotten.

[kirkuchiyo]

3. We were going to go there this year

But something got in the way. Mostly tourists from downstate flocking to the UP and surrounding areas to get away from the southern part of Michigan.

[demmiblue]

4. A Michigan treasure.

I have always wanted to stay at the Grand Hotel, but it is too rich for my blood (I seem to remember that there was a dress code back in the day where women had to wear skirts or dresses... ugh, lol).

I do remember staying at the Murray Hotel, which was fun since it was amid all the hustle and bustle. I remember watching their free screening of Somewhere in Time.




The best part of Mackinac, though, was/is exploring the natural features of the island (and the fudge, of course!).

Ah, good times. Stay safe, people!

[llmart]

9. I've stayed at the Grand Hotel about 15 years ago.

Yes, women had to dress up but so did men. If a man showed up for dinner without a suit/sport jacket, they had a variety of men's jackets for him to choose from to wear for the evening. I also remember that you could not walk around the beautiful gardens unless you were staying there or paid $5 admittance.

It is an absolutely gorgeous place, but for me the most scenic was the bike ride around the island once you got away from all the touristy places. I thoroughly enjoyed waking up to the sound of horses hooves clip clopping outside the bedroom window. It was magical!

[demmiblue]

10. $5 is worth the experience.

Honestly, if I had to choose between staying there or biking/exploring the island, I would choose the later. As a girl, I explored by horseback (if you were an experienced rider, you didn't have to have a guide).

I am not someone who really cares for all the trappings of The Grand Hotel, but the history draws me in. And those views! I have seen people online over the years trying to find the exact shade of blue paint on the porch ceiling!

[lagomorph777]

5. I visited in the late 1970s..

It's a pretty place.

[IrishEyes]

6. Staying at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is on my bucket list.

[James48]

7. The whole surrounding area is exploding with cases

Cheboygan County went from 98 cases a week and a half ago, to 127 cases today. That’s up 25% in one week.

We’re about to be in big trouble here.

[roamer65]

8. I think Governor Whitmer will put us back into lockdown in November.

She will need to do it.

[James48]

11. She can't.

There isn’t any authority for her to do so now that the Supreme Court has overruled.

Our best bet is a huge Blue Wave, including the Supreme Court, to change the makeup of the legislature, but that is a long shot. I don’t think we have hope on that front until 2022, after the reapportionment House and Senate districts to get rid of gerrymandering.

[roamer65]

12. Then get ready for a October 1918 to June 1919 redux.

I am going to be locking myself down for the winter.