Thank you all for your replies. I too have been to Mackinac Island at least 3 times.....the first time was so much fun and I have never forgotten all the wonderful colors of the bright sunny summer day. When I arrived the 1st time, I did not not about the sailboat race that starts in Chicago and ends in Mackinac Island. So the first time I was there, the sailboats were coming in from the race and the marina was filled with colorful sails of all boats. Very true, the isalnds does needs it lilacs, never to be forgotten.