ESCANABA, MICH. - As our small jet dips its wings on approach to this Northern Michigan outpost, I’m struck by the sight of puffy white clouds being reflected in a crystal-clear lake that’s framed by an evergreen forest. It’s a masterpiece only Mother Nature could paint.

MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN – The pace of life is slow on this turtle-shaped island. Cars are banned (except ambulances and fire trucks), so the only horsepower you’ll see on the handsome streets is the four-legged kind pulling delivery wagons.