The Best Cookies on Mackinac Island: Mackinac Island Cookie Co

No Mackinac Island trip is complete without a cookie from Mackinac Island Cookie Co. for the ferry ride back to the mainland.

While Mackinac Island may be famous for its fudge, there’s another sweet treat that has become part of my island tradition: a giant cookie from Mackinac Island Cookie Co.

Located at the Arnold Transit Dock, Mackinac Island Cookie Co. is one of those places that quickly becomes a must visit every time you’re on the island. Whether you’re grabbing a cookie as soon as you step off the ferry, enjoying one along the waterfront, or picking up a few for the ride home, it’s a stop worth adding to your Mackinac Island itinerary.

My Favorite Cookies at Mackinac Island Cookie Co.

Every visit, I find myself ordering the same three cookies:

  • Gluten-Free Breakfast Cookie
  • Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
  • Birthday Cookie

Choosing just one can be difficult, but these are the flavors I come back for again and again.

Part of what makes Mackinac Island Cookie Co. so special is the family behind it.

The cookies are created by Shelley, the mother of Kate and Audrey, and sent across the Straits of Mackinac before making their way to the island. Then, bright and early each morning, Kate bakes the giant cookies fresh on Mackinac Island for visitors and locals to enjoy.

If you’ve ever followed Mackinac Island Cookie Co. on social media, you’ve probably already met Kate. She shares glimpses of everyday life on Mackinac Island, giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at island living.

Audrey is the creative force behind the shop’s adorable bicycle with cookie wheels logo and the thoughtfully curated apparel and merchandise available in the store.

Together, they’ve created more than just a cookie shop, they’ve created an experience that feels uniquely Mackinac Island.

What I love most about Mackinac Island Cookie Co. is that it feels like part of the island experience.

There’s something special about carrying a warm cookie down to the waterfront, enjoying one while watching ferries come and go, or saving one for the trip back across the Straits.

It’s become one of my favorite traditions and a stop I recommend to anyone visiting Mackinac Island.

Local Tip: You Can Also Find These Cookies in Hessel

If you’ve been following my Michigan adventures for a while, you may remember me talking about Liberty Bay Cookie Company in Hessel.

Long before there was a Mackinac Island Cookie Co., I was making special trips to Hessel just to grab these cookies.

Today, you can still find them at the E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works Marina in Hessel, located in Michigan’s beautiful Les Cheneaux Islands region. The Hessel location is now also Mackinac Island Cookie Co., making it even easier to enjoy these giant cookies whether you’re visiting Mackinac Island or exploring the eastern Upper Peninsula.

Visiting Mackinac Island Cookie Co.

📍 Mackinac Island Cookie Co.
Arnold Transit Dock
Mackinac Island, Michigan

Before you board the ferry back to the mainland, do yourself a favor and grab a cookie (or two).

Trust me, it’s the perfect way to end a Mackinac Island adventure.

Where to Find the Best Whitefish on Mackinac Island

If you’re planning a trip to Mackinac Island, there’s one Northern Michigan food you absolutely need to try: whitefish.

Caught throughout the Great Lakes region and served in countless ways across Northern Michigan, whitefish has become a staple of the area’s food culture. Whether you prefer it smoked, fried, dipped, or tucked into a taco, Mackinac Island offers plenty of delicious ways to enjoy this local favorite.

If you’re wondering where to find the best whitefish on Mackinac Island, here are a few dishes that deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Best Whitefish Dip on Mackinac Island

Mary’s Bistro Draught House

Big Stone Bay Smoked Whitefish Dip

If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer to share, start here.

Mary’s Bistro’s Big Stone Bay Smoked Whitefish Dip is rich, flavorful, and packed with smoky Great Lakes whitefish. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly once it hits the table and a great introduction to one of Northern Michigan’s most iconic ingredients.

Mary’s Bistro Draught House

Hand Breaded Whitefish & Chips

For those who prefer a more traditional fish and chips experience, Mary’s Bistro delivers.

Their hand-breaded whitefish and chips showcase the fish itself while providing the crispy texture everyone loves. It’s a classic Great Lakes meal served in a beautiful waterfront setting.

Best Whitefish and Chips on Mackinac Island

Seabiscuit Cafe

Tempura Battered Whitefish & Chips

If you’re only ordering one whitefish and chips basket during your Mackinac Island visit, this would be my pick.

The tempura batter creates a light, crispy coating that perfectly complements the flaky whitefish inside. It’s a fresh take on a classic dish and one I find myself recommending again and again.

Best Whitefish Tacos on Mackinac Island

Pink Pony

Pan Seared Whitefish Tacos

Looking for something a little different?

The pan-seared whitefish tacos at Pink Pony combine fresh Great Lakes whitefish with one of the best waterfront dining atmospheres on Mackinac Island.

The tacos are delicious on their own, but the views of the harbor make the experience even better. It’s the perfect summer lunch while exploring the island.

Why Whitefish Is a Mackinac Island Must-Try

While Mackinac Island is often known for its fudge, whitefish is one of the most authentic Northern Michigan foods you can order during your visit.

Fresh, local, and deeply connected to Great Lakes history, whitefish has been a staple throughout the region for generations. Whether you’re enjoying it as a smoked dip, crispy fish and chips, or flavorful tacos, it’s a meal that feels distinctly Northern Michigan.

And honestly, there’s just something about eating fresh Great Lakes whitefish while overlooking the water that feels like the definition of a Pure Michigan summer.

Whitefish Stops to Add to Your Mackinac Island Food List

📍 Mary’s Bistro Draught House

  • Big Stone Bay Smoked Whitefish Dip
  • Hand Breaded Whitefish & Chips

📍 Seabiscuit Cafe

  • Tempura Battered Whitefish & Chips

📍 Pink Pony

  • Pan Seared Whitefish Tacos

If you’re visiting Mackinac Island this season, make sure at least one of these whitefish dishes makes it onto your itinerary.

Your only challenge may be deciding whether you’re team whitefish dip, fish and chips, or tacos.

Why Watercolor Cafe Is My First Stop on Mackinac Island Every Time

If there’s one place I visit every single time I arrive on Mackinac Island, it’s Watercolor Cafe.

Before I start exploring the island, I’m heading straight to this cozy waterfront cafe.

Tucked away in plain sight, Watercolor Cafe has become a favorite among locals, seasonal employees, and visitors who know where to find some of the best breakfast and coffee on Mackinac Island. It’s the kind of hidden gem you almost want to keep to yourself, but it’s far too good not to share.

If you’re visiting for the first time, the Poppies are a must.

Watercolor Cafe’s Poppies are their homemade take on a Pop-Tart, and they have developed something of a cult following on Mackinac Island. Flavors change daily, and they often sell out early, so arriving in the morning is your best bet.

My personal favorite is the Brown Sugar Poppie, but honestly, I’ve never had a flavor I didn’t love.

What to Order at Watercolor Cafe

My Favorites:
Acai Bowl with Peanut Butter
One of their famous Poppies

One of Mackinac Island’s Best Hidden Gems

While many visitors head straight to the island’s busiest restaurants and cafes, Watercolor Cafe feels like a local secret.

Located along the waterfront, the cafe offers beautiful views of the harbor, a relaxed atmosphere, and a menu filled with fresh, affordable options. It’s the perfect place to slow down and ease into island life.

Whether you’re enjoying breakfast before a day of biking, grabbing coffee while watching ferries arrive, or taking a quiet moment by the water, Watercolor Cafe captures everything that makes Mackinac Island special.

More Than Just a Cafe

Part of what makes Watercolor Cafe unique is that it combines great food with creativity.

In addition to serving breakfast, coffee, and baked goods, the cafe is known for its art classes and creative experiences overlooking the water. It’s a place where visitors can enjoy both the beauty and the artistic spirit of Mackinac Island.

The combination of waterfront views, local charm, delicious food, and creative energy makes it one of the most memorable stops on the island.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Every destination has that one place that becomes part of your tradition.

For me, that’s Watercolor Cafe.

It’s where I start my Mackinac Island trips, where I order the same breakfast every time, and where I can slow down and enjoy the island before the crowds arrive.

If you’re planning a trip to Mackinac Island, add Watercolor Cafe to your list. Just make sure you get there early if you’re hoping to snag one of those famous Poppies.

Watercolor Cafe at a Glance

Watercolor Cafe
Mackinac Island, Michigan

Must-Try Orders:

  • Acai Bowl with Peanut Butter
  • Brown Sugar Poppie
  • Any seasonal Poppie flavor available that day

Pro Tip:
Arrive early. The Poppies are made fresh daily and often sell out before noon.

Cow Cuddling Near Detroit: Why Cuddly Coos Farm in Swartz Creek is Worth the Drive

There’s a small farm about an hour outside Detroit where time slows down, stress melts away, and two of the most irresistible Highland cows are waiting to meet you. Welcome to Cuddly Coos Farm, and yes, you can cuddle them.

If your idea of a perfect Michigan weekend involves something a little unexpected, a lot wholesome, and genuinely good for your soul, keep reading. Cuddly Coos Farm in Swartz Creek is the kind of place Metro Detroit didn’t know it needed. Once you’ve been, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.

A Family Farm Built on Love (and Really Good Vibes)

Tucked away at 9348 Seymour Road in Swartz Creek, just over an hour from Detroit and a quick drive from Flint, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and the surrounding suburbs, Cuddly Coos Farm is a small, family-owned operation. These are real people who genuinely adore their animals and have built something special.

Every session here is private and by appointment only. There’s no crowd, no chaos, no rush. Just you, the countryside, and two extraordinarily fluffy cows. For anyone living the Metro Detroit hustle, that alone feels like a gift.

Meet Pip Pip and Cheerio

Let’s get to the stars of the show.

Cuddly Coos Farm is home to two mini Highland cows, and they are the kind of animals that make you stop scrolling, put your phone down, and just be present, which, if you live in southeast Michigan, might be the rarest thing of all.

Pip Pip is a stunning black and white Highland cow. He’s striking, loves to lick, and completely unforgettable.

Then there’s Cheerio, a warm, golden-tan beauty who lives up to every bit of her cheerful name. She has a way of leaning into you like she’s known you her whole life, and honestly? You’ll feel the same way almost instantly.

Highland cows are a Scottish breed celebrated for their calm, unhurried temperaments. They don’t spook easily, they move with quiet confidence, and they have an almost meditative energy that rubs off on everyone around them. Spending time with Pip Pip and Cheerio isn’t just adorable, it’s genuinely calming in a way that’s hard to explain until you’ve experienced it yourself.

What You Can Book

Cuddly Coos Farm keeps things beautifully simple with two core experiences. Both are worth doing. Here’s what to expect from each.

Cow Cuddling Session — 30 Minutes

This is your introduction to the good life. Thirty minutes of one-on-one time with the Highland cows, brushing, leaning in close, soaking up their calm energy, and letting the outside world completely disappear.

It is wonderful. It is peaceful. And it goes way too fast.

Seriously, the 30-minute session is pure joy from start to finish, but you will absolutely look up at some point, realize your time is almost up, and feel a very specific kind of mild grief about it. Pip Pip and Cheerio are that charming. Come prepared for that moment.

Cow Spa Session — 1 Hour

If the cuddle session is a taste, the Spa Session is the full meal. You get a whole hour to bathe the cows, brush out their stunning coats, blow dry them, and give them the full pamper treatment they absolutely deserve.

If you’re trying to decide between the two sessions, go with the Spa. Book the cuddle session another time. You will not regret giving yourself the full hour, even if it still won’t feel like enough.

Why Cuddling Cows Is Actually Really Good for You

This isn’t just a fun outing (though it absolutely is that). There’s real science behind why people leave Cuddly Coos Farm feeling genuinely lighter.

Calm animal interaction has been shown to lower cortisol, the stress hormone your body produces when you’re overwhelmed, overscheduled, or staring at Metro Detroit traffic. Time with gentle animals also triggers the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone linked to feelings of warmth, connection, and calm. It’s sometimes called the “cuddle chemical,” which feels extremely appropriate here.

Highland cows are especially well-suited for this kind of experience because of their naturally slow, steady temperament. They’re not reactive. They’re not loud. They breathe deeply, move gently, and seem entirely unbothered by everything, and that energy is genuinely contagious.

There’s also something powerfully grounding about being fully present with a large, gentle animal. You can’t half pay attention. You can’t multitask. You are simply there. Which, for a lot of us, is harder to find than it sounds. For anyone managing anxiety, burnout, or just the relentless noise of everyday life in southeast Michigan, time at Cuddly Coos Farm is the kind of reset that actually works.

Who Is This Perfect For?

Honestly? Everyone. But if any of these sound like you, move this to the top of your Michigan bucket list:

  • You want a unique date idea near Detroit that’s actually memorable
  • You’re planning a girls’ trip or birthday outing in Michigan
  • You need a mental health day that doesn’t involve a screen
  • You’re looking for family-friendly activities in Genesee County
  • You want a day trip from Detroit, Ann Arbor, or Lansing that feels worth the drive
  • You’ve seen Highland cows on your feed and thought I need to meet one, because you do

Cuddly Coos Farm also offers Mobile Minis, where they bring the cows directly to your event, birthdays, weddings, graduations, you name it. Highland cows at your wedding is, objectively, the correct choice.

Plan Your Visit

Address: 9348 Seymour Rd, Swartz Creek, MI 48473

Swartz Creek is a straight, easy shot up I-69 from the Metro Detroit area, about an hour from Detroit, 30 minutes from Flint, and under 90 minutes from most of southeast Michigan. It’s absolutely worth the drive.

Conclusion

Cuddly Coos Farm is a small place doing something genuinely special. It’s a family-owned Michigan farm where two beautiful Highland cows, Pip Pip and Cheerio, are waiting to completely win you over.

The 30-minute cuddle session will leave you wanting more. The hour-long Spa Session will leave you wondering why you don’t do this every weekend. And either way, you’ll drive home feeling better than when you arrived, which is the whole point.

Book your session at cuddlycoosfarm.com. Go for the hour. Bring someone with you or go solo!

Have you visited Cuddly Coos Farm? Share your experience in the comments! And if you’re searching for things to do near Detroit, unique Michigan day trips, or farm experiences in mid-Michigan, you just found your new favorite answer.

The Faithful: Women of the Bible. Free Coloring Page & Scripture Inspiration

The highly anticipated Biblical Event Series, The Faithful: Women of the Bible, starring Minnie Driver, Natacha Karam, and Jeffrey Donovan, premieres Sunday, March 22 (8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX and unfolds as a three-week television event culminating on Easter Sunday, April 5. Episodes will also stream the next day on Hulu.

Filmed on location in Rome and Matera, Italy, this landmark series brings to life the stories of women from the Book of Genesis, exploring themes of faith, hope, perseverance, and God’s guidance. Through moments of waiting, trust, brokenness, forgiveness, and redemption, the series invites viewers to see Scripture passages with renewed understanding and compassion.

Meet the Women of Faith

Each episode follows the journeys of five women:

  • Sarah (Minnie Driver) — learning to trust God’s promises even when hope feels impossible
  • Hagar (Natacha Karam) — discovering that God sees and cares for the forgotten
  • Rebekah (Alexa Davalos) — wrestling with family, purpose, and the consequences of choice
  • Leah (Millie Brady) and Rachel (Blu Hunt) — sisters navigating love, identity, and God’s blessing

These stories remind us that God works through imperfect people to accomplish a story far greater than any one life, a story that ultimately points forward to hope.

Anchor Your Soul in Hope

Inspired by the themes of the series, we created a free coloring page featuring the message:

“Hope Anchors the Soul” — Hebrews 6:19

This printable is a creative way to reflect on Scripture and meditate on God’s promises. Whether you’re having a challenging day or just need a moment of calm, coloring and journaling can help anchor your heart in hope.

Scripture Inspiration for Women

While using the coloring page, meditate on these uplifting verses:

  • Proverbs 31:25 – “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
  • Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
  • Psalm 46:5 – “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
  • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

These verses anchor us in God’s promises and offer encouragement for women navigating life’s challenges.

How to Use the Coloring Page

  1. Reflect – Meditate on Hebrews 6:19 while coloring the anchor illustration.
  2. Color – Engage creatively while practicing mindful reflection.
  3. Journal – Write prayers, thoughts, or insights inspired by Scripture.
  4. Share – Gift it to a friend, family member, or small group to encourage faith and hope.
  5. Download Here

Watch, Reflect, and Discuss

Pair your coloring time with watching The Faithful: Women of the Bible. Use the episodes as a conversation starter about faith, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness across generations. The journeys of Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel remind us that hope is active, resilient, and anchors our soul — just like the coloring page illustrates.