Three Trips: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Because sometimes you need more than a getaway to rekindle those waning sparks. Luckily, there is Bois Blanc Island in the Straits of Mackinac that—thanks to its more famous island sister—keeps a relatively low profile, while offering a unique way to hide away.

You can get to the western Upper Peninsula—home of half a dozen ski areas—in as little as five hours by car, so it is a great way to get in one last ski trip without trekking all the way out West!

Sometimes the hustle and bustle of the city can get tiring, so head north (way north) to the Newberry, Michigan, area of the Upper Peninsula for a mix of old world charm and the ultimate family adventure!

At the Insel Haus Bed and Breakfast (888-634-7393), bedrooms and suites are perfect for two, with some suites offering fireplaces, kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs, and even full libraries. The B & B is purposefully located in the middle of nowhere to offer guests complete seclusion.

For a central location close to many of the area’s hills,Black River Lodge (906-932-3857) offers rooms, suites, and condominiums that are made for skiers, with such après ski amenities as a cocktail lounge, game room, hot tub, and pool.

If you want something that speaks to the area’s history, check out The Falls Hotel (906-293-8621). Built in 1915, the hotel has gone through the necessary updates, all while keeping its twelve-foot ceilings, large windows, and original woodwork.

Though you can get a hearty home-cooked meal at the island’s only store and restaurant, Hawks Landing, there are both communal and private gourmet kitchens at Insel, so you can cook a gourmet meal for two.

Whether it’s a Cornish or Finnish pasty, Joe’s Pasty Shop (906-932-4412), in Ironwood has been serving the meal-in-your-hand since 1946. In his February column in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Andrew Zimmern says the pasty “defines culture in Northern Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula, and our own Iron Range.”

Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub (906-492-3300) is located northeast of Newberry on the edge of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Besides microbrews and traditional pub fare—steak, beer cheese soup, deep-fried pickle spears—diners will find two of the area’s staples: mild whitefish and the meat-filled pasty.

Insel Haus encourages guests to shut out the world, though there is access to phones, Internet, and satellite TV. Otherwise, take advantage of the B & B’s large library, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing opportunities, or relax in the second-level Jacuzzi tub that provides views of the island’s 1,800 feet of Lake Huron shore.

Hit the slopes! Whether it’s Big Powderhorn, Blackjack, Indianhead, or one of the area’s other ski resorts, skiers can expect decent snow and numerous runs, from bunny hill to black diamond. Take advantage now, it may be your last chance before next winter. See the Ski Michigan website for resort information.

Nothing will give you the true UP experience quite like hitching your family up to a friendly pack of sled dogs and whizzing through the backcountry. Nature’s Kennel (906-748-0513) has everyone covered, from the amateur to the experience dog-sledder, with half-day minitrips, kid-friendly tours, and even two-day trips that include lodging and meals.