It's summer, and the travel season is alive and brimming. People from all around Michigan and the world are making their way to Michigan, and many of whom are headed "up North" to the beautiful Upper Peninsula.

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If they're not going there, they may be headed to the #1 summer travel destination four years in a row - Mackinac Island.

white concrete building during daytime
Photo by Steve Saunders on Unsplash
white concrete building during daytime

It's a special spot to visit, and if you're lucky enough to live on the island full-time, you never know what to expect during travel season. For one shopkeeper, a Michigan (state) legend walked through her doors, and it was a meeting of a lifetime.

Tom Izzo Visits Mackinac Island

The Mackinac Island Cookie Co. is the first business you see when you step off the ferry, located on the Arnold Transit Line. Despite being open for just over a year, the business that sells "homemade cookies the size of your head" has garnered quite a reputation. 

READ MORE: How Residents Get Mail on Mackinac Island

Kate Conlon, one of the owners of the cookie shop, was working on June 19th when Michigan State University Men's Basketball coach Tom Izzo stepped into her shop. When you live on an island, even with it being a major tourist destination, running into one of your heroes is a real small world situation.

Mackinac Island Cookie Co. via Facebook
Mackinac Island Cookie Co. via Facebook
Mackinac Island Cookie Co. via Facebook

According to her Facebook post, Coach Izzo's surprise appearance at her shop was impactful for two reasons:

  • Tom Izzo is a Yooper himself, having been born and raised in Iron Mountain.
  • Conlon and her family are all MSU alumni, so she has been a fan of Izzo her entire life.

As I told Coach Izzo, there are not many people I would fan girl over, but he is top of that list! - Conlon

He got in a carriage shortly after and continued around the island. He was also spotted taking a photo with the Arnold Transit Company crew.

Mackinac Island Cookie Co. via Facebook
Mackinac Island Cookie Co. via Facebook
Mackinac Island Cookie Co. via Facebook

Izzo will be back on the court this November as the Spartans look to make a Final Four run with March Madness set to take place in Detroit.

24 Bridges to Enter the Upper Peninsula of Michigan that Aren't the Mackinac Bridge

Some people just don't enjoy crossing the majestic Mackinac Bridge. For others it's not in the route of thier travel. There are at least 24 other bridges that travelers can use to enter Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Here they are from east to west

Historic Mackinac Island Estate Can Be Your Own Private Grand Hotel For $5M

It's not the Grand Hotel, but it sure looks like a miniature version, porch and all. Cairngorm Cottage, built in 1888, is a 9600+ square-foot Mackinac Island West Bluff Victorian-era home currently on the market for $4,750,000. It features beautifully renovated and decorated rooms that come completely furnished with the selling price. The estate features 9 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, plus a completely furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath carriage house behind the home. In addition to the magnificent porch with a breathtaking view, the new owner will enjoy a beautifully landscaped backyard with a swimming pool, hot tub, gazebo, and stone-terraced gardens. This piece of Michigan history is a must-see. Take a look! Contact Patrick Leavy of Kidd & Leavy Real Estate for more information.

Gallery Credit: Zillow

 

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