Uncharted Waters

Whitefish Point

This morning, March 18, I read a press release from Rick Keyes, President & CEO of Meijers.  He identified our current coronavirus environment as uncharted waters.  Like so many larger companies in our various communities their hearts go out to their team members as well as their customers as we maneuver our way through social distancing, virus testing, and community containment.

Yesterday, I read a post from one of Paradise's restaurant owners, Josh Winkler, The Inn, Paradise, Michigan.  He expressed his concerns for all our small businesses and unselfishly recognized that there are many small, tourism-centered towns in Michigan in the same boat.  As he was closing his restaurant by mandate of Michigan's Governor Whitmer, he encouraged each of his followers to support those small local businesses as much as possible.  He closed expressing concerns for families having limited incomes in the next couple of months; a major decline in discretionary income and concerns as to the impact of tourism come July, August, and September. 

In the federal government's coronavirus update, March 17, President Trump stated the unthinkable, the 'new' realities in these uncertain times, the coronavirus battle may last through August. At this writing at least one state has cancelled school classes for the balance of the 2019-2020 school year.  A parent expressed concerns for a gap in learning.  There is no quick fix or exacting model we can use to predict the next few months.

Tahquamenon Lower Falls (Social Distancing)

In these days, I ask you to turn your attention to nourishing thoughts; contemplate strolling the shores of Lake Superior, rock hounding along Vermillion Point or lost in the shear volume of water cascading over the Tahquamenon Upper Falls.  This region is not as populated as many and is considered a less expensive adventure then many get-a-way options.  Plan a visit this summer to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum to learn about the rugged lives of those that sailed the Great Lakes to fill any learning gap. Add a visit to the Tahquamenon Logging Museum  which offers insight to the story and dangers of the logging industry.  Be in wonder at the technical genius of the Soo Locks.  Make yourself a promise that you and your family will get away this summer to immerse yourself in the beauty of  Michigan's Upper Peninsula. 

The Woods | Canoe & Kayak Tours

Hike the North Country Trail, take a guided kayak tour of the Tahquamenon River, listen to the history and science of the region on the Tahquamenon Riverboat Tours. Relax at the end of the day and reflect with your children and friends; how good it feels to have moved beyond the coronavirus and celebrate the beauty of nature and the resiliency of the human spirit.





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This information is brought to you by the Paradise Area Tourism Council and their members:  Curley's Paradise Motel, Magnuson Grand Lakefront Paradise, Paradise Inn (Hotel), Paradise Shores Cabins, and Vagabond Motel. Sign up for our newsletter to stay current on activities in the area