Category: Michigan

  • Spirit of Adventure – Christmas, Michigan

    Spirit of Adventure – Christmas, Michigan

    Bob here, and I’m bubbling with excitement to share about a little gem we stumbled upon while drifting from Winnipeg, Manitoba, to visit family in Ottawa, Ontario: Christmas, Michigan!

    As we glided eastward, my little rubber eyes spotted a sign that made my beak wiggle with glee, “Welcome to Christmas!”

    Can you believe it? A town named after my favourite holiday!

    Of course, we had to make a quick stop! With a name like Christmas, how could we resist?

    As I held onto my humans, we snapped pictures with a 35-foot-tall Santa, posed next to Frosty the Snowman, and even checked out the North Pole mile marker.

    Oh, and let’s not forget the adorable little red “Harley” car!

    The place may have a tiny population of about 400, but it felt like we were in a magical wonderland filled with festive cheer and charm. 

    We continued on our journey East with Christmas in our rearview mirror.

    Intrigued and a bit enchanted, I dove into the history of this quirky community tucked along the stunning shores of Lake Superior.

    Christmas, Michigan, was founded by Julius Thorson from Munising back in 1938 when he opened a factory for holiday-themed products.

    Sadly, a fire in 1940 extinguished his festive operation, but the town’s spirit stayed alive!

    Now, it’s a delightful playground of Christmas wonders, with Santa decorations, merry street names, and businesses echoing holiday cheer throughout all seasons.

    Speaking of seasons, this charming spot offers something for everyone!

    In the summer, you can soak up the sun on pristine beaches, paddle the clear waters of Lake Superior, or hike the breathtaking trails of Hiawatha National Forest.

    When winter blankets the ground with 200 inches of snow, grab your cross-country skis or hop on a snowmobile for a thrilling ride through a sparkling winter wonderland!

    Or if you are really adventurous, try your skills at ice-climbing!

    Just five miles away lies the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, ideal for an adventurous morning kayak trip!

    Uncle Ducky Outdoors provides a cozy glamping experience where you can rent kayaks and canoes to splash around those gorgeous waters.

    Oh, how I would love to paddle alongside new pals!

    And let’s not forget about the iconic Grand Island West Channel Rear Range Light!

    This historic lighthouse stands tall, casting its guiding light across Lake Superior, ready to lead adventurers back to shore!

    For year-round entertainment, there is the Kewadin Casino Christmas!

    My humans would love to try their luck there! 

    Though I’m too young for the games, I heard whispers of a delightful eatery called Frosty’s Bar & Grill. Food and fun wrapped in holiday festivities? Count me in!

    Here’s something extra festive: on July 8, 1966, Christmas got its very own post office!

    It’s a hotspot where visitors flock to send out holiday cards stamped with the joyous “Christmas, Michigan” postmark.

    And get this, you don’t even have to travel to send your greetings! You can find all the details online to have your cards mailed straight from Christmas!

    I can’t shake the excitement of returning to Christmas, Michigan, to experience its wonders!

    It’s astounding how much magic is packed into such a small town.

    Who knows, maybe we’ll venture back during the holiday season when everything glimmers with a special spark!

    Until then, keep quacking and spreading joy!

    NEVER MISS A

  • The Antlers Restaurant – Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

    The Antlers Restaurant – Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

    As we travelled from Ontario back to our home base of Winnipeg, we decided to cross over to the US at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

    We were feeling hungry, so we asked around town for suggested local places to grab a bite. Several locals said, “You have to go to The Antlers.”

    As a rubber duck with a penchant for adventure, I waddled on over.

    I can assure you that dining there is quite the experience, bursting with history, character, and, of course, delicious food.

    Let me take you back to the beginning.

    This legendary establishment has quite a storied past, starting off as the Bucket of Blood Saloon during the Prohibition era. Imagine an ice cream parlour making a hefty profit of $900 while only selling a couple of cones in the month. It did not take long before the government caught wind of it. Miraculously, it emerged as a lemonade stand! Talk about a twist in history!

    The Antlers has had six families involved throughout its over four generations of heritage. It was exciting to learn about the infamous Kinneys, two Detroit cops, who bartered their way into creating an impressive collection of taxidermy that adorns the walls and ceilings. The Szabo family now carries on this tradition. They ensure that The Antlers remains a family-owned landmark.

    Today, Northern Michigan folks gather at The Antlers. They share stories, play some cards and lift their glasses to the stories of the past.

    Now let’s talk about the ambiance!

    Walking into The Antlers is like stepping into a rustic cabin filled with over 200 taxidermy specimens.

    The impressive collection showcases the passion and dedication that went into the hunt for these eclectic animals.

    Each mount tells a unique story and adds to the charm of the place. In fact, it’s like an adventure waiting to unfold.

    It was a little scary at times with polar bears and lions looking down on us from the rafters. However, then I saw a friendly swan…he wouldn’t eat me right!?!

    And if you’re into ghost stories, The Antlers even had its moment in the spotlight on A&E’s Biography channel when they explored its haunted legends. Just imagine the excitement of dining among tales of the past!

    Now, let’s get to the main event, the food!

    I had the pleasure of sampling their fish and chips, as well as the classic hamburger and fries. The fish and chips were delightfully crispy and golden brown, served with a side of tangy tartar sauce. Each bite was a delightful crunch that echoed the thrill of a good hunt! The freshness of the fish, paired with perfectly seasoned fries, made for a meal that was simply outstanding.

    The hamburger and fries, on the other hand, were a hearty and satisfying option. Juicy and flavorful, it was cooked to perfection and served on a fluffy bun. The fries were crisp and seasoned just right, giving that nostalgic comfort that everyone loves. You really can sense the “Up North” tradition in each mouthful: rustic, homey, and made with passion.

    So, if you’re in the area and craving a meal filled with heart, character, and a dash of history, don’t miss your chance to visit The Antlers Restaurant. Whether you’re there for the stories or the scrumptious Northern Michigan cuisine, you’re in for a quacking good time! Grab a table, soak in the ambiance, and don’t forget to try the poutine while you’re at it. Just trust me on this one!

    NEVER MISS A