At the end of each Mackinac tourist season our team gathers to reflect on the experience of all our fans — old and new — who we’ve met over the last few months. The conversation spans a myriad of topics, from how we can improve our hospitality to what innovative designs we think are missing from our collection of in-house-created designs.
You’ve probably seen our new Lilac Sleeve design, inspired by our stunning and fragrant lilacs that count the largest collection of lilacs in North America. We were pleasantly surprised with how fast it moved and how diverse the fans who purchased it spanned: from skater boys and girls to grandmas, it simply flew off the shelves.
Today, we’re very excited to share two versions of our ‘Spirit’ design that animate the Mackinac Island mascots that give our little island so much of its personality. This design is inspired by and dedicated to the beautiful and hardworking horses that make everything on the island possible.
The first design features “Mackinac Island,” on the front and the silhouette of a trotting horse on the back accompanied by the words, “Where Horses Reign,” on the back. We’re calling the design ‘Royal Spirit’ and we hope you love it as much as we do.
And for the little ones in your group meet ‘Mackinac Spirit’. Available in youth and toddler sizes, the royal horse is displaying his stomping ground pride with a ‘Mackinac Island’ banner.
In addition to our pursuit to reinvent the tourist t-shirt shop through original and inspired designs, Threads of Mackinac posts helpful guides and blogs on our website as a service to guests on the island. See below Threads of Mackinac’s Horse Lover’s Guide to Mackinac Island.
Horse Lover’s Guide to Mackinac Island: Must see spots and experiences for celebrating Mackinac Island’s favorite equestrian mascots.
1. Mackinac Island Carriage Tours: Let the horses be your guide to Mackinac Island. Take a guided carriage tour across the island, available for booking at their kiosk on Main Street across from the ferry docks. Standard tours last about two hours starting downtown, although special routes can be arranged.
Good to know: Horse-drawn taxi cabs are available through radio dispatch. Call the taxi dispatch office to arrange a pick up.
2. Grand Hotel Horse and Carriage Tours: Learn about the history of Mackinac Island in a grand fashion, or opt for a private tour with your own itinerary. The Grand Hotel stables house 12 horses and is free and open to all visitors on Mackinac Island — it’s a great way to see the horses up close.
Good to know: The Grand Stables doubles as an antique carriage museum with approximately 30 carriages from both the Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. Scan the QR code on each carriage and take a self-guided tour.
3. Jack’s Livery Stable: Take the reins with family horse and buggy rides that put you behind the horse. After an assessment of your driving ability and some important guidelines, the island is your oyster. Trail Guides will be on-hand to let you know the best routes and paths. Avoid downtown instead opt for a leisurely ride around the parts of Mackinac Island you don’t get to see every day.
Good to know: Jack’s Livery Stable only takes reservations the day before your rental, same-day rentals are welcome.
4. Cindy’s Riding Stable: Sister company to Jack’s Livery Stable, Cindy’s Riding Stable maintains about 30 horses a year. If you’re looking for a chance to sit in the saddle and sight-see at a horse’s pace, Cindy’s is the place for you. After saddling up, professional guides will give you riding instructions and escort you to the state park, from there you can opt to follow your guide or explore independently.
Good to know: If you ever have a question or concern, your trail guide is always available to offer advice and expertise. They know the island, they know the trail, and they definitely know horses.