The beautiful Eastern Upper Peninsula has much to offer-history, scenery, interesting shops, and sports opportunities. Don't miss the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls (the 2nd largest falls east of the Mississippi). If one is ambitious there is a moderately-challenging 4 mile hike between the falls.

Cut River Bridge, an engineering marvel, is just a 20 minute drive. The views are breathtaking, especially in the fall when the leave change. There are many steps down to where the Cut River meets Lake Michigan. A great place to walk on the sand or wade in the water. If you don't like steps, there is a path you can take either up or down.

In historic Sault Ste. Marie (the oldest city in Michigan) you can watch huge lake freighters navigate the St. Marys River, then pass through the famous Soo Locks, learn about shipping at the Soo Locks Visitor Center, walk along Historic Water Street, and tour the Water Street Historic Buildings, the Museum Ship Valley Camp, the Tower of History, the River of History Museum and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Society office/museum. Soo Locks Boat Tours offer trips through the locks and lighthouse tours from two locations. Dine at the historic Antlers Restaurant (can't beat the atmosphere and great food), Karl's Cusine (gourmet choices), or Goetz' Lockview (try the fish). The U.P. is famous for it's whitefish and lake trout. Or try West Pier or Clyde's drive-ins where you get great sandwiches as you watch the freighters pass.

While in 'The Soo' travel to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (passport or enhanced driver's license for adults and birth certificates for children required for reentry into U.S.). There is much to see and do in Soo, Ontario.

St. Ignace (the second oldest city in Michigan) offers some unique shops and ferries to Mackinac Island. Good food available at the Village Inn (planked whitefish), Mackinac Grill,the bowling alley restaurant (great perch), and the Driftwood.

On the island, where the only motorized vehicles are fire and ambulance, enjoy a day of hiking, cycling, carriage rides, and shopping. Tour Fort Mackinac and the Mackinac Historic Sites homes. See the Grand Hotel with the longest front porch in the world-one may only enter the property if staying or dining (reserved) at the hotel. And, don't forget to sample Mackinac Island fudge.

See wildlife at Oswald's Bear Ranch and GarLyn Zoo. Visit Whitefish Point where you can walk on the beach of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay and look for agates and tour the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Museum buildings to learn about lighthouse life and lost lake freighters like the Edmund Fitzgerald. While at the point visit the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory (WPBO.org) where, at certain times, one can observe the bird banding.

The northern part of the Lower Peninsula offers some unique shops in Mackinaw City's Mackinaw Crossings and Petoskey's Gas Light District. The rebuilt Fort Michilimackinac is an ongoing archeological dig with re-enactors providing a glimpse into the past. Southeast of Mackinaw City is Mill Creek where one can see how logs were milled, hike or take a zip-line over the grounds.

A bit further afield is Munising with it's many small waterfalls and Pictured Rocks boat tours, and the town of Fayette reconstruction on the Garden Peninsula.

The North Country Hiking Trail winds throughout the Eastern U.P. and offers short or long hikes through the forest. Don't forget bug spray as the mosquitoes and black flies can be vicious in early to mid-summer.

These are just a few of the activities to be enjoyed in our area but don't forget to reserve time for swimming, fishing, boating (bring your own boat), cooking out, sunset watching, and just relaxing at beautiful Brevort Lake.