Lovely Lilac Lane ~ Mackinac Island, Michigan
Photo I took last summer!
Lilacs on Mackinac Island are a draw for many visitors. Each year, the Lilac Festival is a 10 day celebration, the first and largest summer event on the island. The island is home to all 23 lilac species, 400+ varieties, and thousands of individual lilac plants.
During the past two centuries, lilacs have flourished on the island. Though the plants aren’t native to Mackinac, they find good growing conditions in the island’s shallow, well-drained soil with a high pH level due to the underlying limestone. Adequate rainfall and a good hardening each winter have strengthened Mackinac’s lilacs to the point that they are the largest in the country – with some stems larger than two feet across at the base.
We like to make a trip to Mackinac Island each year or so, to see the sights and enjoy the shopping, food, and nature.
A couple summers ago when I was pregnant, we visited the island. We had walked around the island several times before, but this time I was 8 months pregnant and I was getting b-i-g. It was a sweltering hot sunny day, and I was feeling a bit swollen after eating some of the best poutine fries for lunch. So we took our first horesdrawn carriage ride around the island to learn the history and facts of the area. (I have since taken these tours two more times, since it’s just a nice leisurely way to see the touristy highlights, and it’s child/family friendly!) They take you for a joyous, relaxing ride through the large natural forest, and stop at points of interest such as Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac.
Summer 2016 standing by Arch Rock, Mackinac Island
On this particular tour, they pointed out the oldest Lilac bushes on the island. Some Mackinac Island lilac trees are original Victorian plantings, dated at almost 200 years old and were brought to the island during the Colonial era. The tour guide told us about where the best street for Lilac viewing (and floral sniffing) pleasures is, but I don’t remember the proper name of the street - all I remember is the nickname for it: “Lovely Lilac Lane.” I immediately started to imagine what a nail polish color with that name would look like, to commemorate the large and wonderful lilacs of Mackinac Island.
I have since taken a bottle of my “Lovely Lilac Lane” nail polish onto the island to take photos of it with the oldest Lilac plants. They weren’t in bloom and were retired for the season, but wearing this color can give you all the gorgeous Lilac vibes any time of the year!
Look how amazing that ‘trunk’ of that Lilac bush is!!
Here are some additional items in my shop that are inspired by Lovely Lilacs and Mackinac Island!
Lilac Luna: this candle brings lilacs in full bloom into your home for when those lovely blossoms have retired for the year and you still need your lilac fix.
Just Keep Pedaling 🚲
Capture the charm of Mackinac Island with our playful Just Keep Pedaling nail polish.
Finish: Shimmery, creme
Description: Inspired by the spirit of perseverance and determination, Just Keep Pedaling is an upbeat medium mauve pink creme with a slight frosted shimmer. This versatile shade serves as a reminder to keep going, no matter how tough the journey. It is inspired by the bicycle culture on beautiful Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island famously bans motorized vehicles, making bicycles a primary mode of transportation.
Key Benefits:
10-free formula, excluding harmful chemicals for a safer manicure experience
100% vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with eco-conscious values
Chip-resistant and long-lasting
Non-staining formula that cares for your nails
Handmade with love in Traverse City, Michigan
Application Tips: For the full Just Keep Pedaling effect, apply 2-3 thin coats, allowing each layer to dry completely. Seal with our 30 Second Quick Drying Top Coat for extended wear and added brilliance.
Perfect For:
Michigan travel enthusiasts and Mackinac Island lovers
Those who appreciate a refreshing, mauve pink nail color
Adding a touch of island charm to your everyday look
Celebrating Michigan's unique car-free island paradise
Mackinac Island
Capture the essence of Mackinac Island's natural beauty and rich history with this delicate sheer pink nail polish.
Finish: Sheer
Description: Mackinac Island is a subtle, sheer pink polish that embodies the timeless charm of its namesake. This elegant shade adds a feminine and refined touch to your nails without being overpowering. Inspired by the island's Victorian-era allure, stunning landscapes, and iconic landmarks like Arch Rock and the Grand Hotel, this polish allows you to carry a piece of Mackinac's magic wherever you go. The sheer formula provides a natural, understated look that's perfect for both casual outings and formal events.
Key Benefits:
10-free formula, excluding harmful chemicals for a safer manicure experience
100% vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with eco-conscious values
Chip-resistant and long-lasting
Non-staining formula that cares for your nails
Handmade with love in Traverse City, Michigan
Application Tips: For a delicate Mackinac Island effect, apply 1-3 thin coats, allowing each layer to dry completely. The sheer formula builds beautifully, allowing you to control the intensity of the color. Seal with our 30 Second Quick Drying Top Coat for extended wear and vibrancy.
Perfect For:
Those who prefer a subtle, natural touch of color
Fans of Mackinac Island and its rich history
Adding a touch of elegance to any outfit
Professional settings or special occasions requiring a refined look
Read our blog posts about this charming island:
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!)
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.
NEW Coming Summer 2020:
Soon you’ll be able to buy your own bottles of Northern Nail Polish while visiting the island, at Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island.
Have you ever been to the island? What are your favorite attractions and things to do on Mackinac Island? Tell us in the comments below!
