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Day 2 - The UP

Yesterday I explored Marquette, MI which is on Lake Superior.  Nice town that is home to Northern Michigan University.

First stop was Contrast Coffee Company.  A very different coffee shop - everything was black and white and the total opposite of cozy.  But I did meet a local who gave me suggestions for the day.  My favorite question for locals has become "Where do you take your quests to show them the area?"  It's interesting because it tells you a lot about who they are; outdoorsy, artsy, foody, etc. as well as giving me ideas of what to see.

Across the street from the coffee shop.  Honoring all life's events?  Do you think they do weddings too? I'm confused.

The day started out rainy but soon cleared up to be another wonderful, sunny (hot!) day.

First stop was the Peter White Public Library. Very impressive for such a small town.

Once the day had cleared up I went to the Presque Isle Park to explore.  The local I met on my cruise told me that it was designed by the same architect who designed the New York Central Park.  It was very nice and I hiked along a cliff, out to a lighthouse and along the rocky shoreline.






View back to shore from near the lighthouse.

I did some widow shopping down the old town main street, Washington Street and then off to a water front park to people watch and read.

Here's a picture of an older Marquette Ore Dock - I failed to take a picture of the newer one with a ship being loaded.  Unique feature of this area

Dinner at the Iron Bay Restaurant where I had an amazing Sweet Potato - Quinoa burger!  Yummy!

There was so much to do in the area that I didn't have time for.

A younger store owner recommended; Mount Marquette, Sugar Loaf & Dead River Falls  But he also was talking about how he loves winter here so not sure he's a good source.

A women from the coffee shop recommended De Vos art museum but it was on campus and my foot was reminding me that it had recently been broken.  I also missed Marquette Regional History Center

One of the unique things about the UP is the intense pride locals have of this area.  The radio stations are constantly mentioning the UP and I've seen a version of this UP map wherever I've stopped.

   
That's all for now...still enjoying myself and I'm off to see what today brings.

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