Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Survey Identifies Plans for a Family of 4, for a 3 Night Stay!

Tahquamenon Lower Falls

In a July 2017 survey of social media, a number of visitors to the Paradise area and residents chimed in with suggestions for a family of four planning a three night stay.  The survey results supported the notion that people like to help other people. Must see recommendations included the Tahquamenon Falls State Park and Whitefish Point.  Must experience favorites included paddling a canoe at the lower falls, an  ATV ride to Crisp Point, rock-hounding at Whitefish Point, the Shipwreck Museum, Oswald's Bear Ranch, Brown's Fish House, and Chainsaw Chad's.  The community of Paradise may be small but the region is filled with many opportunities for a family vacation, so much so, that Mary Kay was prompted to state, "You'll probably need to extend your stay by 2-3 days".

Tahquamenon Lower Falls Image by Suzy Drouse, Pinconning, Michigan

The Tahquamenon Falls State Park provides a vast number of experiences.   Don suggested renting a canoe at the lower falls, paddle the river and visit the island in the river. If you are a healthy hiker, walk the trail between the lower and upper falls. If you hike to the trail and would prefer a ride back, that is available as well. Don also suggested that if you have an inflatable boat or kayak,launch it at the Tahquamenon river mouth and explore the river and bay. 


Whitefish Point Lighthouse, Shipwreck Museum

Whitefish Point is home to the Whitefish Point Light Station, the Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory,  fabulous rock-hounding,  and an incredible view of the largest fresh water lake by surface area in the world, Lake Superior.  Due to its geographic location, Whitefish Point is situated along one of the major North American bird migration routes and houses a warning beacon to up bound and down board lakers as they move from the lake to Whitefish Bay.

 
Oswald's Bear Ranch

Oswald's Bear Ranch is a family owned bear rescue operation that opens its doors each season, offering people a glimpse of the lifestyles of native black and brown bears.  Housing some 29 bears in some four separate habitats ranging is size of 1/4 - 1/2 mile perimeters.   As one of the top ten family attractions in Upper Michigan, children of all ages enjoy the stop. My husband, 70+ particularly enjoys watching the yearlings play.

Whether you use an ATV or take the drive to Crisp Point, you will find the experience well worth the effort. The Crisp Point Lighthouse sits remotely along the southern shore of Lake Superior.  Having served as a beacon, the Crisp Point Historical Society works to maintain its history and preserve its life saving structure.

Brown's Fish House is a multi-generational family operation that serves the best, freshest Whitefish in Michigan.   You'll find then on the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway (M-123) just west of the blinking light in Paradise.  Plan on lunch or an early dinner, because they do close when they run out of fish. 


Chainsaw Chad's is a unique little studio serving as a shop along the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway (M-123) with incredible sculptures large and small produced by Chad.  Inspired by many north country natural wonders, on a nice day, you might catch Chad and his chainsaw working outside revealing one his masterpieces.  
Hiking the North Country Trail

 Hiking, walking, paddling, the Paradise area is flush with trails as there is so much to see.  Whether you wish to explore the North Country Trail, or hike between the falls, paddle the Tahquamenon, you need to leave the pavement, explore the forests, waterways, and beaches in the region.  Enjoy nature, enjoy your family, and  experience the trip of a life time and develop a life time of memories in Paradise.

Monday, February 12, 2018

2018 Holds Special Promises For Unique Adventures


350 Years Sault Ste Marie, MI
The summer of 2018 holds a promise of unique adventures in the eastern upper peninsula of Michigan.   With a rich history of 350 years,  Sault Ste Marie, Michigan is offering a year-long celebration to residents and visitors of one of America's earliest settlements.  Added to the mixture this summer is the 3rd Michigan Lighthouse Festival,  shining it's light on three lighthouses:  the Whitefish Point Light Station established in 1829, Crisp Point Lighthouse, built in 1875, and Point Iroquois Lighthouse, first illuminated in 1857.  Aside from the Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the Shipwreck Museum, why not consider the Paradise area for this summer's retreat?  Don't delay in setting up your plans.  Schedule a quiet location to relax in the Paradise area while visiting the Soo Locks, or paddling the Hiawatha Water Trail.  Then add to your agenda three lighthouses.

Throughout 2018, Sault Ste Marie is enriching their action-packed schedule with remembrances of their 350 year heritage.  Plan to book a room in quiet Paradise, visiting the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the Shipwreck Museum, Pictured Rocks, and Sault Ste Marie this summer.   Specifically from July 21 - 27, Sault Ste Marie will host the ultimate birthday party through their 350 Festival.  The event will feature food, kid and teen zones, military appreciation, historical information, cultural festivities, and other family events.  This is the summer to schedule a stop in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.

Whitefish Point Lighthouse

The first weekend in August will see an unprecedented group of lighthouse enthusiasts taking advantage of
Point Iroquois Lighthouse

  • special programs at each light house facility
  • a Friday evening  meal and concert at the Bay Mills Casino and a Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
  • Arts & Crafts vendors at the Whitefish Township Community Center, just south of Paradise on Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 AM
  • Pasties served at the community center, Saturday for lunch, 
  • a special concert, organized by Music on the Bay along Whitefish Bay's shoreline Saturday evening, 7 PM
  • local church services, Sunday morning offering the Light to the lost
  • Crisp Point Lighthouse
  • and a plethora of historically rich, illuminating the least informed,  information about the  origins and necessities of light houses in American's Mari-time culture 
Immerse yourself in a culturally rich era of history by visiting Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, then exploring three historically rich lighthouses.   Irregardless of when you might visit the Paradise area, these attractions are an experience you never forget.