Lake Superior may be cold, but Marquette is always worth the visit… Even in the winter months.
The snow and ice is what brings Michigan so much of its’ beauty, especially as you move further North.
Although it may be intimidating to face the cold weather, believe me when I tell you that it is worth it.
Of all the small towns in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette is a Must See.
Things to do in Marquette Michigan
My favorite part of both life and travel is food. I cannot turn down an opportunity to try a new restaurant, drink a fun coffee, or sample a new dessert.
It just feels like a crime to skip past a restaurant that I’ve never had before.
Click Below to see their Website
The Portside Inn of Marquette
While being in school, visiting home has become some of the most specials weekends, spent with the people I love most, doing the things that I love the most.
My mom had always, and I mean always, been the biggest fan of the house made breadsticks created and served at Portside Restaurant.
It is now a staple of my visit every time I go home.
Along with their delicious breadsticks and house made garlic butter, their French Onion Soup is completely to die for. Hot, Fresh, Cheesy, and Delicious.
They have fabulous outdoor seating and amazing staff. You’ve got to try it out.
Huron Mountain Bakery
One of my favorite shops to stop at is Huron Mountain Bakery. They have fresh bread, fresh bagels, croissants, cakes… Anything you can think of. Their prices are reasonable, and their food is delicious. They do have indoor seating, but not very much. I recommend grabbing your treats and driving towards the park, about two minutes North. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Want to take a hike? Check Out Sugarloaf Mountain.
Sugarloaf Mountain is perfect for those who want to take a hike, but aren’t necessarily in the physical shape to do so. That’s okay! I’m not either.
Sugarloaf contains a series of stairs that you will bring you to the top of mountain where you’ll find some of the greatest views you’ve ever seen. The photo above doesn’t do Sugarloaf the justice it deserves.
My birthday is in October, and for the past four years I’ve climbed Sugarloaf to see the fall colors on my birthday. Some years there’s been snow, and some years I’ve worn shorts. That’s Michigan!
Fancy Free Antiques and Thrift.
One of my favorite stops in Marquette is Fancy Free Thrift shop. The owner travels and hunts for the coolest antiques (clothing, decor, jewelry and more). Because she has dedicated so much time to find such beautiful pieces, we are left to shop the finds without the hunt.
This is a hole in the wall shop, somewhat hard to find, but worth the walk through once you do find it.
It’s on E Michigan, which is right off 3rd Street which has a ton of spots worth stopping at, but we’ll talk about 3rd Street later on.
Small Local Shops Worth the Stop
After you try Fancy Free Thrift, move two blocks over towards 3rd Street. Find a parking spot, all of these places are walkable. Time for coffee, and maybe a few more snacks.
Here are my favorites.
Click on the photos to head to these company’s sites.
Contrast Coffee Co.
Delicious coffee, calming atmosphere, never too long of a wait (which is a determinant of whether or not I like a restaurant… I am inpatient).
The Pasta Shop
This is my all time favorite. I wouldn’t dare call it authentic, but I will confidently tell you that this is worth both your time and money. Generous portions, reasonable prices, small/local vibes, and supporting small businesses.
This is what we’re all about in the U.P.
Black Rocks Brewery
With many brewed beers, delicious food, a fun atmosphere, and enticing merch to be purchased- Black Rocks is somewhere you must visit. They have an amazing patio view, and fair prices as well.