*How can I best prepare to get the most out of the SIT Weekend?

The Somewhere in Time Weekend is an extraordinary event. We highly recommend you do at least one of two things:

1. Purchase at least one (of the 6) SIT Event Videos. These videos not only give you a full taste of what a SIT Weekend is all about, they are immensely entertaining! They include private interviews with the various SIT Celebrities present, (these archival interviews are worth the price alone! Each video is exclusive of material). By knowing in advance what very busy agenda of a Weekend is like, you can plan to get the most out of your trip and experience and participate fully. (See DVD/Video section of the online shop)

2. Join INSITE and receive our elegant quarterly magazine. 4Th Quarter issue always features the SIT Weekend recently celebrated. You'll love our magazine, (20 pages each issue) each is a collectible to cherish, enhancing your appreciation for the film. (See Fan Club section of the website)

*Do people dress up in period attire, and will I stand out if I don't?

About 80% of the people dress in vintage apparel, at least for Saturday evening, when we have our Costume Promenade through the Grand Parlor to live piano music--a very photogenic event. Many attendees dress for the entire weekend, even starting days before the event begins!

We highly recommend you do dress in period attire--it greatly enhances the 'time travel' feel of the experience. We always say the Grand Hotel Somewhere in Time Weekend is 'the closest thing to actual time travel as you can get!'

Remember, it does not have to be strictly 1912 era clothing. Richard's suit wasn't right either! We see everything from Civil War era to 1920's...people just wear what they can find that fits them. And it's so much fun to dress up!

While some find genuine vintage to wear, and some rent, or make or have made for them reproduction outfits, it is really not that hard for neophyte attendees. Most ladies can find a long skirt and lacy blouse, and dress up a hat. For men it's even simpler--rent a tuxedo. Or wear a derby hat and bow tie with a vested suit. Don't forget your accessories--parasol, gloves, purse/spats, cane, and pocketwatch!

Remember, Grand Hotel has a strictly enforced dress code. Casual attire is fine for the daytime, but at 5 pm, men must be in coat and tie and ladies in their best (this means cocktail dresses or dressy pantsuits.)

*How is the best way to get to Mackinac Island?

If one is flying, most fly to Detroit, and then either get a small plane from there to Pellston Airport. (Then a van will transport you to the ferry dock at Mackinaw City) Or, some rent a car in Detroit and drive the 5+ hours to the ferry landing at Mackinaw City. Either way, each leg of the journey will take you further back in time, so to speak! Once arriving on the island, a horse-and-carriage will take you to Grand Hotel.

Ferry tickets are approx. $18.50 round trip. There are 3 ferry lines, Star Line, Shepler's, and Arnold's, the official ferry line for Grand Hotel. One can choose any of these lines. The schedule at this time of year, end of season, is every two hours, on the half hour to the island (8:30 am, 10:30, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 pm. (No evening ferries at this time of year!!!) Return trips are on the hour, every two hours.

Michigan is in the Eastern Time Zone.

*How do I reserve for the SIT Weekend?

Call Grand Hotel and make your reservation. Call 800-33-GRAND to make your reservation. (We highly recommend you extend your stay at the front end of the event, Thursday night. Grand Hotel offers a fabulous special for this extra night, $129.00, including dinner and breakfast!  This extension option is limited, so reserve this early.

* What sort of agenda does the SIT Weekend offer?

Our agenda is a very busy one. The following is the typical schedule we have been using for several years...Most people arrive on Thursday or Friday. Thursday and Friday nights we show SIT.  Friday during the day is a settle-in and mingling time, with displays and SIT Collectibles for sale in a special room. This is time to sign up for participating in events. Friday late afternoon there is usually one program scheduled, this past SIT Weekend it was an Edwardian lifestyle program:  Buns and Bonnets, a History of Hair and Hats.   Friday night there is a cocktail reception in the Parlor, then a 5 course dinner and then either the movie, or dancing in the Terrace Room. The Cupola Bar is also a nice spot for a late night drink.

Saturday is a very, very busy day! From an early breakfast, most delight in taking the Walking Tour of Movie Locations which begins at 8:30 am!!! This tour takes you to many SIT locations on the island, with entertaining stories of its making by tour guide Dan Dewey, who was Location Manager on the film. He is a great storyteller (the tour is very popular). The tour also includes Scene Re-enactments, done on the ACTUAL spots where the scenes were originally shot. (Attendees can sign up to volunteer for re enactments on Friday) There are sometimes choices to be made, as there is overlap of programs...The Grand Hotel history lecture, Treasures of Somewhere in Time.  Buffet luncheon is included in the package. After lunch, the afternoon is full....Cinematographer Isidore Mankofsky gives a wonderful slide program on the making of the movie. The Trivia Contest is a very fun affair, followed by the Autograph Session.  Then there is the HIGHLIGHT of the Weekend, The Celebrity Panel, where attendees hear from the various celebrities who worked both in front of, and behind the camera.  Then it's time to change for dinner and the Cocktail Reception in the Parlor. Dinner follows, and at 8:45, those who want to participate in the Costume Promenade through the Parlor line up at the West end of the Parlor. When the Promenade is over, all go into the Theatre for the fun finale program.

Then Sunday, it's breakfast and most then leave the wonderful event for home, with hearts bursting with joy!

If one wants to take time to explore the island a bit, (for example, take a carriage tour, or shop for end-of-season bargains in the many shops) we recommend extending your stay at the front end of the event. There is no time for such endeavors once the SIT Weekend agenda begins! The hotel closes for the season the day we all leave, Sunday at noon.

Be sure to purchase one of the SIT Event Videos to see firsthand how fun the SIT Weekend is! (See all 6 offered, in the online shop, DVD/Video section.)