MICHIGAN - A trip to this small, car-free island is incomplete without treating yourself to the famous Mackinac Island fudge. The island is spotted with fudge makers and shops taking you back to the Victorian era. The irresistible smell of chocolate wafts across the streets.
Mackinac Island Fudge in Michigan
The island has 13 fudge shops making over 10,000 pounds daily during the peak season.
The fudge makers are skilled; watching them work their magic is fun. They use a combination of sugar, heavy cream, butter, and other flavors cooked in 25-gallon copper kettles until the mixture reaches its proper consistency. The fudge is then transferred to marble slabs to cool. Once cooled, the fudge is spread out and shaped into a loaf. The fudge is then cut into half-pound slices. With a variety of different flavors and sizes to choose from, there's something for everyone at these Mackinac Island fudge shops.
The famous fudge here has also inspired several ice cream flavors. For instance, Mackinac Island Fudge offers various flavors, including Birthday Cake, Rocky Road, and Tiger Butter. Many shops even have an online store to order fudge during the off-season.
The oldest shop still offering genuine Mackinac Island fudge is May's Candy. Its founder Harold May moved the business to Mackinac Island from Atchison, Kansas, in 1881. During WWII, he followed sugar rationing, opening the store only in the morning and limiting sales to one pound per person. His dedication to quality fudge kept him in business after the war.
Original Murdick's Fudge is another excellent spot for fudge on the island, and you can watch them make their famous fudge right in their storefront window. Their fudge is incredibly creamy and smooth, so grab a box when you're done!
The island has plenty of fudge vendors to visit, and the entire island is spotted with fudge confectioneries. The irresistible smell of chocolate wafting across the island makes it impossible to avoid them!
