SEASON 6, EPISODE 18

On this weekend’s Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez -- 

We are headed back to the island, Mackinac Island that is, and we couldn't be happier. Mackinac Island is one of our state's very special vacation spots, and we take you behind the scenes and all over the island to share all that is new for the 2024 season. 

We would like to thank Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, and our incredible driver Kaitlyn Mann, for transporting us from West to East, and to all points in between. We felt like royalty driving around in the rain in the wicker wedding carriage! Tune in to our special podcast with Kaitlyn about what it's like to be a carriage driver on the island, why the horses are a big part of her life, and what she loves about living on Mackinac. (LISTEN HERE.)

We kick off this week with Steph Castelein from the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, who gives us an island "overview". We talk about a new development at Arch Rock which will help out weary trekkers, a fun new spot to play some old school video games, plus get updates on remodels that happened all over the island throughout the winter months.

One major remodel, that has completely transformed a long-standing favorite, happened out on the West Bluff, at Stonecliffe Inn. Closed for the last two years, the Inn has undergone $40 million dollars in renovations, additions, and improvements. We get to hear all about it from Bethany McCann, the director of sales at the resort. We also got to tour the Inn, and let me tell you, it is totally fantastic. The wallpaper! The tiles! The themed rooms! New restaurants! New pool! New family cottages! It's awesome, and you don't have to stay at the Inn to experience that view from the bluff. We'll tell you just how to do that during this segment.

We hopped back into our wedding carriage in a an absolute downpour and headed just a little ways down the road to that big, gorgeous wedding cake looking out over the straits, the Grand Hotel. The property was just awakening from it's winter work, and it's always fun to see what transformations have taken place. Our interview with Jeff Hess, senior VP of operations at the hotel, confirms that the new ownership team is just as in love with this beauty as Michigan is. We talk about some of the historically accurate renovations they've been working on, and ways to visit the Grand even if you aren't an overnight guest.

Finally, it was back out in the rain (thankfully cozy warm under the extra blankets Katelyn provided) and headed back down to Main Street and out to East Bluff, where you are greeted by the incredible Great Lawn at Mission Point Resort. 

The Ware family took a big leap of faith when they purchased the resort in 2014, but Liz and her brother Mark, along with support from their father Denny, had a vision and weren't afraid of hard work. Together, they've transformed the resort into a world-class destination. This summer, look for updated menus with delicious new items from Chef John Clements at both the Round Island Kitchen and at the very lovely Chianti. Insider tip: DO NOT MISS his pimento cheese dip. 

We also talk about the exciting new musical show that Mission Point is hosting all summer long at the Mission Point Theater. The McCartney Years is an international touring act featuring the music of the Beatles, Wings and Sir Paul, all brought stunningly to life by Yuri Pool, who will transform and perform each Wednesday through Sunday all season. This historically accurate show sounds incredible, and something totally new to enjoy with friends of all ages this summer.

Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.

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