Indiana Classmates Visit Mackinac Island Yearly

Connie and Jim Williams of Mitchell, Indiana, have been visiting Mackinac Island since 1994. As the pace slows on the Island and fewer visitors make the trek north, that's when the Williams' prefer to be here. They come each year about the second week of September, along with six or eight friends from the 1964 Mitchell High School graduating class. "It's really peaceful," said Mr. Williams of the Island in early fall. The group stays at the Iroquois Hotel for three to four days and the Williams' always take the same room. During the day, the classmates head off in different directions, walking and riding bicycles, and each night they gather for a group dinner. During their first visit 13 years ago, Mrs. Williams was concerned her husband would not like the Island trip, but he told her it was the most peaceful vacation he'd ever had, and they have returned almost every year since then. "We just love it here," she said.