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 🚲
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!
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!
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!)
Mighty Mac 🌉
Elevate your manicure with Mighty Mac, a versatile matte-drying top coat that transforms any polish into a sleek, modern masterpiece. This clear top coat instantly removes shine, leaving a smooth, matte finish that’s both stylish and understated.
Matte-drying clear top coat for a sleek, muted finish
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Nicknamed the "Mighty Mac," Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere, stretching five miles across the Straits of Mackinac. It’s a true marvel of engineering and design.
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!
