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Mackinac Island, Mi

mimommy

By mimommy
in Traveling with Celiac Disease

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mimommy Contributor
mimommy
Posted

Hi all! We are thinking of taking a day trip to Mackinac Island either this weekend or in the fall for the colors. We have two issues--bringing our dog on the ferry/getting around with him on the island, and most importantly--providing gluten free dining for our daughter. Does anybody have any recent experience on the island? If we go this weekend it is the Fudge Festival, so eating fudge is a must--but which are gluten free? Gluten-free lunch or dinners available? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated...

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cal220 Newbie
cal220
Posted

I was there earlier this summer for a quick day trip with family including my 6yr. old celiac son. We got him a bun-less burger at Mighty Mac Hamburgers, it was ok and fast though there are probably better burgers around if you want to try a sit down place. We got our fudge from Joann's. We stuck to the basic flavors and he didn't have a problem (though he is not very sensitive.) There was a person that knew what we were talking about when I asked whether it was gluten free. We did the guided carriage tour and my son and his twin were rather bored - I wouldn't do it again if I had the choice. Many years ago before kids, dh and I rented our own horse and carriage there - I'd recommend that. I also noticed a nice playground at the school that my kids would have enjoyed had we had more time. I look forward to taking them back when they are better bike riders who can handle the bike traffic. I don't know about bringing your dog, but we used Shepplers to get over there and they were great. That is one of my favorite places - enjoy!

mimommy Contributor
mimommy
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the great tips!! We've decided to put it off for the fall color tour~maybe the first weekend in October. And leave the dog at home with the dogsitter. My little girl has her heart set on riding her bike on the island. I like your idea to have the bunless hamburger and will definitely try the fudge :)

Amandaleebest Newbie
Amandaleebest
Posted
Thanks for the great tips!! We've decided to put it off for the fall color tour~maybe the first weekend in October. And leave the dog at home with the dogsitter. My little girl has her heart set on riding her bike on the island. I like your idea to have the bunless hamburger and will definitely try the fudge :)

OMG that is so funny cause I was searching for Celiac and Mackinac because I will be staying on the island Mon Oct 5-6.

There is this fall color tour deal for the Island House Hotel, on the island, and since my husband has never been we thought why not? I however am happy that I can at least have some fudge...

Ahorsesoul Enthusiast
Ahorsesoul
Posted

You should be able to find out something from the place that featured this gluten-free weekend event.

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  • 2 years later...
glutenfreegracie Newbie
glutenfreegracie
Posted

I just recently took a trip to Mackinac Island and was very concerned about eating. The first night I went to Horn's Bar and got a salad and informed the waiter of my special dietary needs. He came back and suggested a different salad that did not contain gluten. The next night we went to the Yankee Rebel Tavern. AWESOME! The manager sat down with my and let me know what was gluten free and what was not. They have gluten-free bread and got to eat a sandwich! It was amazing! They gave me potato chips instead of fries because they use a common fryer. They also offer gluten-free pasta! The ribs are gluten-free and are AWESOME! The mussels were very tasty too! On top of all of this, they have Strongbow and Angry Orchard! I got to talk with the Owner and thanked him for the wonderful dining experience and I found out that he also owned Horn's Bar from the previous evening. I did not have any reactions and I am VERY sensitive. Overall a great experience!

  • 11 months later...
mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

Just to update and old thread.  Mackinac Island is definitely a gluten free friendly place.  21 Speed Grille even had a sign in the window.  I was very happy with my lunch and enjoyed a hot sandwich on a gluten free bun!

 

Murray's is now my favorite fudge from the island.  It is "the creamiest" texture.  (Use the same common sense as ice cream choices to avoid obvious gluten.)

 

It was just a quick day trip for me this year.  I can't wait to go back!

 

I forgot to mention there is a new place in St. Ignace (I think it is called the Garden)  that will have gluten free breads and vegan foods.  The same owner as Java Joe's and a Mexican place too.  Nice guy (some might even describe him as a hippie).  I did not get to eat there, as it is still not open just yet.  We did eat a safe breakfast at Java Joe's.

 

If you go to Mackinac Island... Go stay for 1/2 price hotel/motels in St. Ignace.  Mackinaw City is really a tourist trap. 

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  • 1 month later...
karichelle Newbie
karichelle
Posted

Mommida or anyone else who has been there recently -

 

Did it look like there was an intersection of vegetarian and gluten free dishes on the gluten-free menus at Mackinac Island? We are planning a trip to Charlevoix and wanting to do a day trip to Mackinac Island, but it will make me sad if there's nothing I can eat. We've found a couple of places with gluten-free vegan options in Charlevoix, but I'm not able to find any actual gluten-free menus or even regular menus with gluten-free things marked for the places on Mackinac Island that are listed on my various gluten-free apps.

mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

To be on the safe side go to the new location that is offering gluten free and vegan in St. Ignace and see if they will pack you a picnic lunch.  (I hate being in a panic over something to eat.)

 

I will try and check a few more resources to see if I can find out more.

w8in4dave Community Regular
w8in4dave
Posted

I just got back from Mackinac Island , there are a couple places that say "Gluten free" most restaurants are very nice and try to be accommodating We stayed in Mackinaw City, there is a great lil pizza place that has Gluten free Pizza they were very nice!! They really try hard to be accommodating I don't remember the name of the place but it had "Gluten Free Pizza"  sign in the window , I had no problem eating on the island or In MAc City. it was 63 there last week!! So be warned it will be chilly in the fall!! Altho they are very good at having sweatshirts and stuff for great prices!! :) 

karichelle Newbie
karichelle
Posted

We are good with fall weather and chilly :) I am sick of hot here in Louisville!

 

I found out about that restaurant, mommida -- I'm just hoping since they says it's seasonal that it's still open when we are there. I love the idea of vegan soup in a gluten-free bread bowl!

 

I also hate being in a panic over something to eat. I'm planning to pack a few GoPicnic meals and plenty of protein shakes/bars just in case there isn't anything of substance for me when we are out.

  • 1 year later...
mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

Just got back from staying on Mackinac Island!  :D

Sadly the 21 speed grill is now a new restaurant, and we didn't try eating there.  We went to Twist -N- Sprout and had gluten free free (some of the choices were vegan, dairy free, and the gluten free AND vegan) with the most excellent frozen yogurt I think I have ever had.  the side of my gluten free vegan roll included beet chips (and some other veggies I can't remember right now)  AMAZING soo much better than plain old potato chips. ~ did I mention they were viggies, healthy good for you veggies.  The owner was so kind and sweet.  I did get to sample some of the vegan and gluten free chili. very good with a nice spice and "heat".

So I truly LOVE this place, and it is a must for gluten free peeps!  Shout out to Allen!  Loved meeting you and wish you the best!

 

The SeaBiscuit is also awesome gluten free dining!  Heaped high sandwiches on gluten free buns.  Ate here twice in a row and :wub: had the same sandwich again!  ( I did try and switch it up by ordering a salad (Michigan chopped Cherry Cobb YUM to split up for half the Triple crown sandwich ~ but my daughter backed out on the deal and kept the whole sandwich and I was left my whole salad.  Excellent meals, great service, and really nice ambience!  I really love the way they do bacon there.  crispy and sweet.  :D :D :D  YUM

mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

We also packed some Go Picnic for snacking on the island.  (When you bike up some of those hills, it would not be sane to ride back down into the city to eat!)  There are many picnic tables along any trails to take a break at.

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