Nestled just half a block from downtown Manistique and directly across from a picturesque harbor on the shores of Lake Michigan, The Blue Mystique Inn offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Built in 1905, this exquisite bed and breakfast, owned and operated by Elizabeth Douglas, has quickly become a beloved destination, celebrated for its commitment to high standards and exceptional guest experiences.

Elizabeth was inspired to transform a local historic property from a vacation rental into a full-service bed and breakfast. Her vision was clear: to create an unforgettable stay where every detail matters. This dedication is evident in every aspect of The Blue Mystique Inn, from the use of luxurious linen bedding and napkins to the emphasis on locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients for their meals, including their signature “Chef’s Table” nights on Fridays and Saturdays. “We really care about our guests,” Elizabeth emphasizes, highlighting the detail-oriented approach that ensures a high-standard experience.

Elizabeth’s journey to establish The Blue Mystique Inn was bolstered by relationships she built with both regional and local organizations. Elizabeth credits Michigan Small Business Development Center (Michigan SBDC) business consultant Lance Wolfe for his invaluable support. “Lance helped me with ideas and running numbers. He was a great guidance and was with me every step of the way,” she shares. Nicole Young Potvin, another Michigan SBDC consultant provided assistance with website development, online booking tools, establishing an online presence, optimizing the Google Business listing, and offering marketing and social media guidance.

Erica Huss and Ilana Minor with the Central UP Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) were instrumental in winning a grant, providing “amazing help” through the entire application process. With this support, Elizabeth was able to upgrade the Inn’s kitchen.

Other local partners contributed to the Inn’s development and promotion. Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce, particularly Veronica, provided ongoing promotional support.

Despite the challenges of developing a website and finding the perfect online booking system, Elizabeth’s focus on building relationships drives her success. Her efforts have been met with remarkable success; The Blue Mystique Inn is already booking for next summer, and Elizabeth delights in the high number of return guests, many of whom have traveled from around the world.

What advice does Elizabeth have for aspiring entrepreneurs? She recommends considering purchasing an existing business due to the significant effort involved in starting one from scratch. She also stresses the importance of consistency: “Be consistent in whatever you do. Be open the same times every week, even if you can’t be open every day.”

Looking ahead, Elizabeth plans to expand the Inn’s culinary offerings beyond the current Friday and Saturday Chef’s Table nights, exploring options for additional chefs or even a food truck. The Blue Mystique Inn is a true small business success story: entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to quality, and the power of community collaboration in fostering small business growth in Michigan.