Going to the Michigan UP next week. Don't really know anything about that area of the country. Guess they call themselves Yoopers up there. My wife put together a basic itinerary although I don't know what it is. We will see if this makes for a nice vacation spot. Anyone have any strong recommendations for 'must do's' in this area?
Muir
Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum
Ok. Just wrapping up our trip to the Michigan UP. One last night in Detroit before flying out. So, here is my Muir review
We spent almost 2 days on Mackinac island. I really enjoyed this. Heard of it but never knew much. Fun place with good shopping. Relaxing since no cars are allowed. The horses and carriages give it a feeling of going back in time. Didn't stay in the Grand Hotel but toured it. Very impressive with old time feel and old wealth. The road that goes around the island is 8 miles long. Being a runner I read Runners World magazine. Every issue they put on a feature called a 'rave run'. It's always someone running through a pretty area. For me, doing the 8 mile run around Mackinac was my rave run. I loved it. Later, DW and I rode bikes around that same road and it was quite fun.
Next went up to Sault St Marie and briefly watched some boats go through the Soo locks. Then drove to the Pictured Rocks Natl Seashore. This was a very fun area. I love to hike and we took some very decent hikes. Not particularly challenging since the area is not mountainous like we are used to when hiking. But it was pretty and had nice destinations. I was particularly impressed with Chapel Rock. We also took a sunset cruise out of Munising to see the pictured rocks seashore from the ocean side. That was actually very nice. Overall, given the increased outdoor activity level this may have been my highlight.
Lastly, we went all the way up Keeweenaw Pennisula to Copper Harbor. Stayed at Keeweenaw Mountain Lodge which was a nice cabin. Enjoyed this very much. Lots of lighthouses and mining history. Pretty coastline.
Overall impression. Lots of driving! The UP is not small. It has a feel like a 51st state. It's funny, I felt almost like I was in another country. It's just a geographical area I've never associated with the US. I've paid no attention. So, I learned a lot. About the UP and the Great Lakes. Lake Superior is intimidating. Tried 2 pasties. Don't like them very much. Why don't they put more meat in them? And maybe some cheese. Abdul what's up with rhudabaker? Anyway, being from Texas I'm probably trying to turn them into an Empanada. Lots of trees in the UP. Very pretty. Two weeks later and we would have caught the fall colors in full bloom. But it was already very cold. Two more weeks might have been too cold for us. They like their fudge, pasties, smoked fish, whitefish, and big boy restaurants up here.
Glad we went. Thanks for the advice from those who gave it. Yooper land was pretty cool.
Muir
Sent from my iPad using Early Retirement Forum