Michigan is fast establishing itself as a destination for foodies. The variety of fresh produce here is astounding, with fish, dairy, pork, cherries, pears, apples, beets and potatoes just some of the items grown or caught locally. Moreover, Michiganders are a diverse people and this varied heritage is evidenced in regional specialties like the Cornish-influenced pasties found mainly in the Upper Peninsula. Every great meal has to be ended with something sweet and in the Mitten State the ultimate treat is Michigan fudge.
Confectionery seems to have been perfected in a place known as Mackinac Island. Pronounced to rhyme with 'draw', Mackinac is located in the strait that separates Michigan's main Lower Peninsula from the smaller Upper Peninsula. It's been a popular destination for summer vacationers for more than a century and a half.
Mackinac's charm lies in its old-world atmosphere. Historic buildings such as Fort Mackinac and the majestic Grand Hotel have been well preserved so that the island as a whole is a historic district. Cars are banned and people here get around either on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by horse-drawn carriage. Hiking, fishing and kayaking are popular activities.
One of Mackinac's main attractions is its fudge. Confectioners on the island first started making this sweet delicacy in the late 19th century. Some of those original confectionery shops are still in business. The sweet as it's produced on Mackinac is so superior and popular that every day, more than ten thousand pounds leave the island's shores.
In keeping with the old-world charm of the island, there are old-fashioned flavors such as caramel or vanilla to choose from. Chocolate flavors are popular too and turtle fudge, a concoction of nuts in a chocolate base and topped with caramel, is a particular favorite among lovers of all things sweet. However, you can also indulge in many other flavors, from peanut butter to caramel with sea salt and even pumpkin pie.
Watching the process of making the heavenly treat is a revelation. Fresh cream and butter are delivered by carriage and then boiled with sugar and whatever is used as flavoring, such as decadent chocolate. The mixture is then spread into a log shape to cool and set. These logs are sliced and you get a little knife with your order so you can cut each slice into smaller pieces.
With its water sports, Mackinac is especially great in summer. This is also the time for the island's fudge festival. There are live entertainment and many activities and most of the food and drinks are inspired by the island's most popular export product.
If you find yourself in the Mitten State, be sure to pay a visit to Mackinac Island to buy some fudge by the pound. You'll also be able to buy from outlets elsewhere in the state. When you're back home and need to get a new supply of your favorite flavor, simply order it online, curl up somewhere comfortable and savor the heavenly taste.
Confectionery seems to have been perfected in a place known as Mackinac Island. Pronounced to rhyme with 'draw', Mackinac is located in the strait that separates Michigan's main Lower Peninsula from the smaller Upper Peninsula. It's been a popular destination for summer vacationers for more than a century and a half.
Mackinac's charm lies in its old-world atmosphere. Historic buildings such as Fort Mackinac and the majestic Grand Hotel have been well preserved so that the island as a whole is a historic district. Cars are banned and people here get around either on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by horse-drawn carriage. Hiking, fishing and kayaking are popular activities.
One of Mackinac's main attractions is its fudge. Confectioners on the island first started making this sweet delicacy in the late 19th century. Some of those original confectionery shops are still in business. The sweet as it's produced on Mackinac is so superior and popular that every day, more than ten thousand pounds leave the island's shores.
In keeping with the old-world charm of the island, there are old-fashioned flavors such as caramel or vanilla to choose from. Chocolate flavors are popular too and turtle fudge, a concoction of nuts in a chocolate base and topped with caramel, is a particular favorite among lovers of all things sweet. However, you can also indulge in many other flavors, from peanut butter to caramel with sea salt and even pumpkin pie.
Watching the process of making the heavenly treat is a revelation. Fresh cream and butter are delivered by carriage and then boiled with sugar and whatever is used as flavoring, such as decadent chocolate. The mixture is then spread into a log shape to cool and set. These logs are sliced and you get a little knife with your order so you can cut each slice into smaller pieces.
With its water sports, Mackinac is especially great in summer. This is also the time for the island's fudge festival. There are live entertainment and many activities and most of the food and drinks are inspired by the island's most popular export product.
If you find yourself in the Mitten State, be sure to pay a visit to Mackinac Island to buy some fudge by the pound. You'll also be able to buy from outlets elsewhere in the state. When you're back home and need to get a new supply of your favorite flavor, simply order it online, curl up somewhere comfortable and savor the heavenly taste.
