I was just at a conference on Mackinac: Here are my honest reviews
If you’re reading this blog post (or have even heard of Resch Strategies), there’s a 50/50 chance you’re heading to Mackinac Island next week for the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.
Laura and I make up the “events arm” of the Resch Strategies team and one of the conferences we help coordinate each year is the EMS EXPO for the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services. Hundreds of Michigan EMTs and paramedics from across the state come together for three days of continued education and networking. 2025 was our third time planning this conference — we’ve been to Traverse City, Grand Rapids and now Mackinac Island!
The EXPO was at Mission Point Resort, but I won’t bore you with the event details. Lets skip to the good part… Food and drink reviews!
NIGHT ONE
We, of course, had to start off our time to Mackinac Island with a trip to the Pink Pony.
We’ve all been there, we know what it is.
Is it going to blow your socks off? No. Do you still have to go? Duh.
What I got to drink: Watermelon & Elderflower Aperol Spritz
My rating: 8/10
What I got to eat: Whitefish Beurre Blanc
My rating: 7/10 (Are you even in Northern Michigan if you don’t eat whitefish in SOME form?)
NIGHT TWO
On the second night, we made the harrowing journey from Mission Point to the Grand Hotel. Since it was so early in the season, we had the front porch all to ourselves! The weather was gorgeous but the views were even better.
For dinner, we headed to the Gate House — where I had my favorite meal on the Island!
What I got to drink: Bree's Campfire Old Fashioned
My rating: 12/10 (I’ll be thinking about this one for awhile. You can’t tell me that doesn’t look delicious...)
What I got to eat: Tuna Poke Bowl
My rating: 9/10
NIGHT THREE
On our last night of the conference, we headed to Mary’s Bistro for dinner.
What I got to drink: Some sort of spicy margarita. Their menu hasn’t been updated for the season yet so cannot confirm.
My rating: 4/10. I think all of the salt that was supposed to be on the rim made its way into my drink…
What I got to eat: Chicken Caesar Salad
My rating: 8/10. Nothing fancy, but at this point I NEEDED a salad. And the portions were huge.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
There were a few things that I got from the various eateries on-property at Mission Point that I thought were worth mentioning. Our lovely event lead at the Resort, Andrea, surprised us one day with Espresso Milkshakes from Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe. Definitely helped me get through my day, and is another item I will be dreaming of in the months to come.
Espresso Milkshake
My rating: 10/10
One night we got a quick round of drinks at Round Island Kitchen, which is located right off of Mission Point’s main lobby. The cocktail I ordered was very yummy - the perfect spring drink IMO.
Spicy Strawberry Paloma
My rating: 9/10
That’s all I’ve got, folks! I hope you enjoy your time on Mackinac.