Turning Back the Clock on Mackinac Island
Turning Back the Clock on Mackinac Island
Image source: http://www.mict.com/carriage-tours.html
Mackinac Island 🌸
Embrace the timeless charm of Mackinac Island with this delicate, sheer pink polish that captures the island's natural beauty and Victorian elegance. Inspired by iconic landmarks like Arch Rock, the Grand Hotel, and the tranquil beauty of Lilac Lane, this subtle shade offers a refined, feminine look perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re strolling through history or adding a touch of elegance to your day, Mackinac Island brings the magic of this beloved destination to your fingertips.
Sheer pink polish with very slight iridescence
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Mackinac Island is home to the world’s longest porch, located at the Grand Hotel. Stretching 660 feet, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the island’s breathtaking views and timeless allure!
Image source: http://www.millerferry.com/tag/mackinac-island/
If you are looking for a break from the noise, pollution, and constant motion of everyday life, Mackinac Island is the perfect getaway. Here, you can relax, enjoy beautiful scenery and views of the Great Lakes, and indulge on world-famous fudge.
Transform any polish with Mighty Mac, a matte-drying clear top coat that instantly removes shine for a sleek, modern look. Apply over any color to achieve a smooth, matte finish and give your manicure a stylish, muted effect.
Image credit: KC Springberg
It is located in the Straits of Mackinac, between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, which are connected by the impressive Mackinac Bridge, the third-longest suspension bridge in the United States.
Mackinac Bridge
Changes colors in different temperatures!
In the cold state, it is an almost black nail polish. In the warm state, the polish lightens up to almost clear and you can see the gold and silver twinkling glitters much clearer!
Image source: http://www.mightymac.org/50thanniversaryfireworks2.htm
A few years ago, we decided to take the family to Mackinac Island for a vacation and we were glad we did! There was something for everyone, from exploring the island on horseback to learning about its history. Mostly we enjoyed reconnecting with nature. There are no cars allowed on Mackinac Island, so you get around by horse, carriage, bicycle, and on foot.
A Ferry Nice Day
Cute white heart glitters, peach, pink, violet and gold glitters in a clear nail polish base.
Image source: https://www.sheplersferry.com/about/sheplers-www-paulretherford-com-0099-e1430246940129/
After a scenic drive to Mackinaw City, we left our car and cares behind and embarked on the short ferry ride to the island, where we found ourselves transported to another place and time. At the port, a concierge greeted us and collected our luggage and we immediately felt relaxed and welcome.
Image source: https://www.10best.com/interests/hotels-resorts/a-grand-escape-awaits-at-the-grand-hotel-on-mackinac-island/
We stayed in a charming little inn. There are no chain hotels on Mackinac Island, but plenty of lodging options ranging from bed & breakfasts to condos. And of course, there is the historic and unique Grand Hotel. Built in 1887 in only ninety-three days, the Grand Hotel boasts the world’s largest front porch at 660 feet. It still retains its original charm and character; no two rooms are the same and the décor is fun and eclectic.
Just Keep Pedaling 🚲
Celebrate the charm and perseverance of Mackinac Island with Just Keep Pedaling, a medium mauve pink creme polish with a delicate frosted shimmer. Inspired by the island’s car-free culture and iconic bicycle trails, this uplifting shade is a reminder to keep moving forward, no matter the journey. Whether you're dreaming of the island's scenic shores or just love a versatile pink, this polish brings a touch of Mackinac magic to your nails.
Medium mauve pink creme with a subtle frosted shimmer
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Mackinac Island has banned motorized vehicles since 1898, making bicycles and horse-drawn carriages the primary way to get around the island’s picturesque landscapes!
Image source: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mackinac-island
We rented bikes and they served us well in getting around the 3.8 square mile island. We used them in town and spent an afternoon biking the eight-mile loop along the coast, known as M-185.
M-185 is a sleek grey creme nail polish inspired by the scenic road that circles Mackinac Island, known for its car-free environment where bikes reign supreme. This polished shade captures the essence of the island's charm and tranquility, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a laid-back lifestyle.
With its smooth application and full coverage, M-185 adds a modern touch to your manicure, reminiscent of the peaceful bike rides along the island’s picturesque shoreline. Celebrate the beauty of Mackinac Island and its unique character with this stylish grey polish.
Image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGerf-kmcNY
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, M-185 is "the only state highway in the nation where motor vehicles are banned". Downtown, the highway is called Main Street, and Lake Shore Road elsewhere. M-185 passes by several important sites within Mackinac Island State Park, including Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, British Landing, and Devil's Kitchen.
Image source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/island-vacations/mackinac-island-michigan
On one side there are stunning views of Lake Huron, while on the other the island’s many parks and natural beauty can be seen. Along the way, we stopped at the British landing, where the British captured Fort Mackinac and Mackinac Island from American troops during the War of 1812, and Arch Rock, an awesome natural rock bridge formation that offers fantastic views.
Shimmering peach sheer nail polish that is inspired by Arch Rock, on Mackinac Island.
Arch Rock is one of the natural wonders of the Midwest and one of the most popular tourist attractions on Mackinac Island. It is a magnificent rock formation that stands at 146 feet above the water and is 50 feet wide.
As you approach the rock formation, the sight of it will take your breath away. The grandeur of the rock towering above the water, the way it has been carved by the forces of nature, and the way it contrasts with the blue of the lake and the sky, create a sense of wonder and amazement for all ages to enjoy while they visit the island.
(It was a little hard to navigate while waddling around pregnant, but fortunately there are horse carriage tours that bring you right to the top!)
Image source: http://cincinnatirefined.com/travel/summer-vacation-idea-mackinac-island-experience-pure-michigan-firsthand
Among Mackinac Island’s vast State park is a limestone formation known as Arch Rock. To this day Arch Rock stands on the Lake Huron shoreline 146 feet above the water.
Image source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/island-vacations/mackinac-island-michigan
A unique aspect of the island is its horse culture. We learned that on Mackinac Island, horses always have the right of way. Horse-drawn carriages and taxis are used to get around. For our kids, going horseback riding on a trail through the woods was definitely a highlight of the trip.
Image source: http://www.mightymac.org/michilimackinac.htm
For me, learning about the island’s colorful history was the highlight. We toured Fort Mackinac, where we witnessed a historical reenactment. On a rainy day, we checked out the Stuart House City Museum, which tells the island’s history through the use of old photographs and models. Built in 1817 as the Agent’s House of the American Fur Company, the house itself is a historical monument.
Image source: https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2017/07/airport_notice_near_mackinac_i.html
While we enjoyed checking out the many quaint restaurants and shops, most memorable were the fudge shops. Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge and it comes in countless flavors and varieties. At Murdick’s, the original fudge shop that opened in 1887, you can watch the process of fudge being made. We ending up bringing home way too much fudge, but it was nice to bring back a piece of the experience and to share it with our friends.
Lovely Lilac Lane 💜
Transport yourself to the enchanting charm of Mackinac Island with Lovely Lilac Lane, a shimmering lilac purple polish inspired by the island's famous lilac blooms. This delicate yet captivating shade celebrates the magic of the annual Lilac Festival, where over 1,000 lilac bushes fill the air with their fragrant beauty. With a subtle shimmer reflecting the island’s Victorian charm, this polish evokes the timeless romance of spring on Mackinac Island.
Shimmering lilac purple polish inspired by Mackinac Island's iconic flowers
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Mackinac Island is home to some of the oldest lilac bushes in North America, with some dating back over 150 years! The island's unique microclimate and rich history make it a haven for lilac lovers from around the world.
Image source: http://www.mackinacblog.com/?p=132
It is no surprise that tourists return to Mackinac Island year after year. It offers such a different experience from other destinations. For our family, it was an opportunity to slow down, enjoy spending time together, and to create many lasting memories.
The nail polishes by Northern Nail Polish, inspired by the island and surrounding areas are a great way to keep those magical and sweet memories from fading away. Check out the entire collection here, or find the individual colors on the shop page.
Spring Sheer Collection
Mackinac Island Spring 2019 Collection
Mackinac Island Spring 2019 Collection
About the article author: Alison Rose is a historian specializing in Austrian Jewish history and a freelance writer. She is the author of two books and enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She lives in Columbus, Ohio.