Michigan s Upper Peninsula

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1 Michigan s Upper Peninsula by Chris Ellison A Winter Wonderland Only a Stone s Throw Away! Issue

2 Over the years I have visited Ontario s Sault Ste. Marie a handful of times. Each time, while standing on the edge of the Ontario side, I recall peering across to Sault St. Marie, Michigan and wondering what there was do to over there. I promised myself I would visit and recently just had the chance. I was very surprised with what I experienced and honestly left Michigan different than when I arrived, feeling invigorated, inspired and excited to return! I started my journey with some online research at Tourism Michigan s easy-to-navigate travel website, www. Michigan.org. The first thing that seemed clear was that vacation experiences were plentiful in all four seasons and that I needed to focus. I chose winter, and especially when I learned that the World Ice and Snow Sailing Championships 2012 were taking place, I quickly booked a ticket and planned a trip! It was on a cold winter s day that I landed at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport and I was excited to explore some of the Upper Peninsula s favoured winter s activities. Prior to venturing out around the region I first wanted to explore this lovely little city commonly known as The Soo. I learned from the Sault Ste. Marie tourism website at com that there is lots to do in this closely knit community and it s citizens are a proud and friendly people who are extremely welcoming to visitors. The area offers winter visitors an average 120 inches of snow fall annually, laying the foundation the countless ski trails, tubing runs, snowmobile trails. Sault Ste. Marie offers visitors and citizen s alike local winter Known as the Northern Gateway to Can- fun at the Sault Seals Recreation Area, the city s major ada the Sault is home outdoor winter recreational facility equipped with 7 Tubing runs Soo Locks, connect- to the world famous with 2 lifts, and a ski/snowboard ing Lake Superior hill with 1 lift. with Lake Huron. Issue

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4 The Agawa Canyon Snow Train is another of the city s featured experiences offering a breathtaking journey into the land of the winter giant. Experience this truly unique look at Algoma Central country, clad in a mantle of snow and adorned with sparkling diamonds of ice. The journey begins at the train depot located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada and as the train winds its way northward, snow laden trees give way to panoramic views, towering trestles, snow-choked rock cuts, frozen lakes and waterfalls transformed into fantastic ice sculptures by the cold breath of winter. During my time in the Soo, I stayed at the Park Inn Hotel and the Kewadin Casino Hotel. Both were wonderful and the casino offered lots to do at any time of day. Some of the fabulous restaurants I considered out-of-the-ordinary were Antlers Restaurant ( a very unique dining experience with a the collection of antlers, numerous animals and memorabilia and Karl s Cuisine Café ( where I enjoyed a wonderfully delicious, fresh, and wholesome breakfast featuring some fabulous quiches and specialty cuisine. Issue

5 Departing Sault Ste. Marie I drove to Tahquamenon Falls State Park for a guided snowshoeing hike. The Tahquamenon River is located within the 50,000 acre Tahquamenon Falls State Park and only a short snowshoe away I enjoyed the majestic waterfalls. The Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, has a drop of nearly 50 feet, more than 200 feet across and a water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second. Learn more at ( tahquamenonfalls). A really interesting and unique experience I encountered was an Elk viewing sleigh ride and dinner at Anchor Creek Elk Ranch situated on the property of Thunder Bay Resort just 20 minutes west of Alpena and 50 miles East of Gaylord. Visitors are provided with a gourmet dinner & wine tasting with culinary artist and co-owner Jan Matthias. Dinner was prepared on two antique wood cook stoves and served in an impeccable setting. From apple/pear crepes to white chocolate mousse filled pizzels it s always guaranteed to be a gourmand s delight. I was treated to an evening of fun, stories and an up-close and personal view of the Elk from the comfort of a horse pulled sleigh ride. Learn more about this at The Antlers Restaurant (left page top). A a guided snowshoeing hike to Tahquamenon Falls State Park (left page bottom). Anchor Creek Elk Ranch tour (top right and bottom. Issue

6 The Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, has a drop of nearly 50 feet, more than 200 feet across and a water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second. Issue

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8 The region is also home to hundreds of miles of wellgroomed trails in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In fact, there are over 6,204 interconnected snowmobile trails throughout the state. I made my way to Gaylord Michigan and, after an few hours of riding in this well-known snowmobiling mecca, I can clearly see why the Upper Peninsula trails are rated as America s best trails year after year. During my time in the area I stayed at Gaylord Michigan s Treetops Resort in, a destination that has a lot to offer visitors any time of year. In the summer visitors can lose themselves in the beauty and challenge of their golf courses 81 holes of pure delight for both the novice as well as the touring pro. In the winter, some prefer to lose themselves in the challenge and thrill that comes from a run on our downhill ski runs or trying new tricks in their terrain park. Treetops features beautiful deluxe hotel rooms and a lobby that s the perfect place to relax in cozy furniture whether you re next to the fireplace or watching the large-screen TV. Hunter s Grille, an excellent new restaurant reflects an eclectic mix of repurposed wine and spirits elements in a casual and elegant atmosphere infused with what they describe as a sense of whimsy. Learn more at Issue

9 As mentioned earlier, one of the reasons I chose to travel to the region in the winter is because I heard that the town of St. Ignace was hosting the World Ice and Snow Sailing Championships 2012, simply referred to as WISSA.This International event, being hosted in the USA for the first time in over 17 years, is the only world event where wings, kites and sails all compete together on snow or ice, slalom and course. This event, which is the oldest event of its type, is the longest running international competition in the history of windsurfing. It s also the most prestigious winter sailing event in the world. Held every year since 1980, the event location alternates annually between Europe and North America. From first hand experience, multiple multi-colored sails gliding along the surface of the frozen lakes surface is a beautiful sight. It was clear those involved were proud to host this international competition. What was also great to watch was the pond hockey tournament being held where young and old came to play Canada s favourite sport! Issue

10 For more information on the Upper Peninsula and other outdoor activities in Michigan, visit Issue

11 St. Ignace, Michigan, established in 1671, is the 3rd oldest city in the U.S. While in the city I visited the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, the Fort de Buade Indian Museum and downtown St. Ignace. I stayed at the Days Inn Lakefront and Suites during our visit and it offered a very comfortable place to stay and play throughout the event. I dined at Bentley s restaurant, a historic soda fountain, reminiscent of Happy Days, still retaining its original counters and stools. Among their specialties are the big, made from scratch shakes or malts, homemade soups, pies and hand-dipped ice creams. I dined at Timmy Lee s, a fun pub for a mid-day break, where I ate a fabulous moose meat burger. The Mackinac Grille was a cozy restaurant with a railroad station inspired decor with an authentic caboose room overlooking the marina, Wawatam Lighthouse and Mackinac Island. Another exciting place to be during the WISSA event was the Driftwood restaurant, a locally owned popular establishment specializing in fresh fish, steaks, seafood and pasta. During the evenings the bar was alive with fun and laughter as many of the event s competitors gathered to share stories of the day s races. Michigan offers so much and is so close. Many Canadians limit their travels to only within the limits to our borders. However, only a stone s throw away, Michigan is a friendly and fun filled vacation destination. Whether you are looking for an overnight romantic getaway to Detroit or an off road adventure to the Upper Peninsula, there is something for every taste. Experiencing the region first hand makes me proud to be a Canadian neighbor to the north and I would absolutely recommend it as an incredible destination to explore! Issue