Hidden Gem | Shoulder Season

    Hopefully, your interest is peaked with the "shoulder season"!  People have been traveling to the Paradise region in the summer to get away from summer heat and in the winter to ride the 200+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails since the early 1970's.  The tourism industry refers to the shoulder season as that time of year when the number of tourists visiting the area drastically declines. So much so that some of the tourist support businesses (museums, hotels, souvenir shops) actually close for a spell.  Why might that interest you and your family?  COVID 19  What better way to socially distance yourself then to travel to a vacation hot spot during it's off season!

     Yes, some of the area attractions and restaurants have closed for the season, the quiet is almost deafening.  But not every lodging facility is closed.  Lake Superior, the Hiawatha National Forest, Tahquamenon Upper Falls, and Whitefish Bay are stupendous enough to engage anyone's attention for hours.  There are still trails to hike, shorelines to rock hound, and drives to enjoy.  The lookout over Tahquamenon Upper Falls is open year round.  You can rent a cabin with a fireplace, read a good book and prepare foods that you know are healthy and uncontaminated.  Drive the Curley Lewis Scenic highway to the Soo Locks one day then return to the quiet of Paradise.   If its a bit windy or rainy, then take a drive to Pictured Rocks National Shoreline in Munising, then return to the quiet of Paradise.  There are so few tourists, even the seasonal residents are bugging out by October 15.   Please don't assume that there will cabins and motels open when you happen by, we highly recommend always calling ahead for availability.

    The first shoulder season falls between October 15 to December 30.   If ATV's appeal to you, you might still catch a couple of weeks of riding time. Paradise Recreational Sports offers ATV's for rent, groceries, and gear. They are open year round.  If the snow flies after December 1, the same store offers snowmobiles for rent as well.  Fall bird migrations will still be in process at Whitefish Point.

     The second season tends to bring a number of birders to the area, April 1 through June 1.  For many the sight and feel of snow will still be prevalent but locals are preparing and ready for the snow to be gone.  Spring bird migrations take off and Tahquamenon Upper Falls ROARS with the spring thaw.  Native Americans refer to spring as a waking up from the long winter's nap and you will find this so true.  If spring has already sprung in your neck of the woods, then most likely, it hasn't happened in Paradise yet.  Catch Spring in Paradise and you'll be converted to Spring as your favorite time of year.  Well maybe that is only true if you've been covered in snow for six very months!  Bets are usually on for the last of the snow to melt by May 15.

     This Hidden Gem series has been a lot of fun.  I've enjoyed expanding upon the history of Vermillion Point, the beauty of the Betsy River, the points of interest along the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway and the pleasure one can hike on Paradise Pathways.  In the shoulder seasons, Paradise becomes its own hidden gem.  Are you writing a book, hoping to catch a glimpse of the "gales of November" on Lake Superior or Whitefish Bay, take a picture of the Whitefish Point Lighthouse?  Then book a stay for a few days at one of our member's facilities.  They will let you know what is open and other hidden gems in the region!  Break the cabin fever during the shoulder season and spend a few quiet days in Paradise, Michigan!

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This travel 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