u/creative_coast_mama

This group has been great for advice. Thank you! Next question, for those who have spent several nights on the island (with or without children), what did you forget to bring that you wish you would’ve? Anything that you would absolutely bring again (for yourself or your family)? What did you bring that was a total waste? I’m wondering about things like ponchos, water shoes, etc. I’m not typically an over-thinker and I’m a very relaxed traveler, but I’d like to see what people suggest.

I’ve never been to Michigan, but my husband is from Cleveland and we will be visiting Ohio from California. We will be taking a road trip at the end of July and currently have three nights booked on Mackinac Island at the Harbour View Inn and four nights booked at the Cherry Tree Inn in Traverse City. We plan to stop in Frankenmuth for one night between Cleveland and Mackinac. Here’s my question: with two little kids (ages 2.5 and 6) would we be better off cutting one night in Mackinac and spending an extra night in Frankenmuth? Are we spending too many days/nights on the island?

The island looks like complete heaven for me, but I’d love to know what other parents might do. *note: we are very “go with the flow” travelers. We don’t need busy itineraries and don’t mind walking, biking, shopping, and taking our time. We like good food, the water, and just soaking up anything local to where we are.