By CHRISTIE MASTRIC

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Two outdoor attractions in the eastern Upper Peninsula have been recognized for what they have to offer to visitors.

Mackinac Island earned high marks in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, which were announced on Tuesday.

The Huron Island destination, famed for its fudge and horse-drawn carriages, among other characteristics, ranked second in the Favorite Islands in the Continental U.S. list and 19th in the Favorite Islands in the World list. Hotel Iroquois, Island House Hotel and the Grand Hotel all placed on the list for Favorite Resorts in the Midwest.

For the Continental U.S. rankings, islands were rated on natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness and value.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top islands by the loyal readers of Travel + Leisure for the second year in a row,” said Tim Hygh, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau executive director, in a news release. “We know Mackinac Island holds a special place in the hearts of many and a recognition of this stature reflects just that. We are grateful for our community members and businesses for working to make this island an unforgettable destination that keeps visitors coming back time and time again.”

Mackinac Island, which finished No. 1 in 2022 on the domestic list, this year placed behind the Golden Isles, which are four barrier islands — Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island and St. Simons Island — located between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida.

The Dyrt, a top app for camping information and booking, has announced the 2023 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. based on reviews and ratings from its camping community.

At No. 7 are the backcountry sites of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

“If you ask 10 people their favorite thing about camping, you might get 10 different answers,” said Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt, in making the announcement. “Whether your favorite campsite is up in the mountains, beside the ocean, in the middle of the desert or close to a big city, they can all offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences and become your favorite memories.”

The annual Best Places to Camp list, she said, recognizes campgrounds that are “truly next level and resonate with a wide variety of people.”

The Dyrt’s 2023 Best Places to Camp: Top 10 in the U.S. are:

1. Denali National Park, Alaska

2. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

4. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

5. Many Glacier Campground, Montana

6. Alabama Hills Recreation Area, California

7. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore backcountry sites

8. Cathedral Pines Campground, Maine

9. Cherokee Rock Village, Alabama

10. Keuka Lake State Park, New York

In the three years The Dyrt has released a national Top 10 list of the Best Places to Camp, Alabama Hills Recreation Area is the only spot to appear all three years. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Goblin Valley State Park and Many Glacier Campground are each on the national list for the second time. Each of these campgrounds was ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in The Dyrt’s Best Places to Camp Regional Awards that were announced in May.

“Every day that goes by, The Dyrt community of campers keeps adding more photos, reviews and general information that further clarifies and captures the essence of camping in the United States,” said Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt, in a news release. “Releasing this list each summer is one of our favorite things to do. It’s the culmination of another year of campers generously sharing their knowledge to help other campers optimize their own adventures and make the most of their time in the great outdoors.”

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.