Joann’s Fudge (Mackinac Island)
7309 Main StreetWhat’s the first thing you think of when you think of Mackinac Island? Is it fudge? For me, it’s definitely fudge.
Fudge is synonymous with the Island and it’s been a part of the fabric of the community for well over a hundred years. Murdick’s was the originator on the Island, but there have been several others that have laid their claim to the busy Main Street on the south side of the Island.
Every so often I’ll get sent to the Island for a conference. The day typically starts before 8:00 and doesn’t end until after 7:00. The conferences are almost always at the Grand Hotel but we never stay there. It’s either back on the ferry to Mackinaw City for the night or across the Island to Mission Point Resort.
I typically like to walk on the way back to the resort or the ferry. It’s downhill from The Grand and it’s typically cooler in the evening. It also gives me a chance to stop in to some of the shops and do pick up gifts for the kids and, maybe more importantly, fudge for J and me.
This trip I decided to stop at Joann’s Fudge. No reason for that decision really. It just happened to be the one closest to me after I hit the ATM for some cash.
Joann’s Fudge is on the bottom level of the Main Street Inn & Suites in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island on Main Street.
The shop has been around since 1970 inside the historic building. The interior design, as with most of the buildings on the Island, make it look much older. The floors, and display cases are all shiny, polished wood and the walls, again, like most places on the Island, are covered in busy wallpaper.
They have more than fudge at Joann’s, but I wasn’t even interested in looking. The fudge takes up the bulk of the display case.
There are two levels with large trays holding the familiar slices of the sweet confection that was made famous on the Island. The guy behind the counter asked if I’d like to sample something, but for some stupid reason, I said no.
There’s a pricing option of three slices for $20 so that’s what I did. They have over 25 flavors so narrowing it down to just three can be a challenge.
The first slice I ordered was a no-brainer to me. It’s the one I always get. Chocolate peanut butter. This is the slice of fudge that combines the traditional chocolate slice with little studs of peanut butter in the middle.
The second slice I ordered was something I knew J would like. Double Dark Salted Caramel. This one was a dark chocolate fudge studded with caramel and topped with sea salt. These pieces were individually wrapped in the display case to keep the salt on each one.
The final piece I chose is a little plain but I have a weak spot for white chocolate. I got a vanilla slice and it’s just what it sounds. Very plain. Very vanilla.
I was able to wait until I got home the next day before I actually ate any of this for some reason. I wanted to be able to share the experience with J. The fudge is so creamy and rich. It’s sort of gooey when you tear away a piece, but it’s not sticky nor messy.
Is Joann’s any better or worse than the other fudge shops on Mackinac Island? To be honest, I’d have to do a blind taste test to tell you for sure…..and I’m not opposed to doing that if anyway wants to make it happen.
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