Marcy's Guidebook
Food scene
I'm a huge foodie who always seeks out recommendations from the locals when I travel. I'm saving you the search and offering up my long-standing favorites in the region.
This is quite possibly one of the best cups of coffee you'll ever have! I'm an avid coffee drinker and have tried coffee all over the world, from coffee sampling in Costa Rica, to sweet little European cafes..and I so far haven't found a better cup of Joe! And the best news is that it's a half mile away! Just up the hill behind the house.
Plus it shares a space with Urban Rustic, a unique and vibe-y shop with a variety of gifts, household decor and clothing.
6 Einheimische empfehlen
Steep & Brew Drive Thru
48345 M-26This is quite possibly one of the best cups of coffee you'll ever have! I'm an avid coffee drinker and have tried coffee all over the world, from coffee sampling in Costa Rica, to sweet little European cafes..and I so far haven't found a better cup of Joe! And the best news is that it's a half mile away! Just up the hill behind the house.
Plus it shares a space with Urban Rustic, a unique and vibe-y shop with a variety of gifts, household decor and clothing.
The best Chinese food in the area. JJ is the owner and he cooks all the food..he doesn't trust anyone else to the cooking. A native of China, he knows his country's cuisine and makes amazing dishes!
J J's Wok N Grill
200 Pearl StreetThe best Chinese food in the area. JJ is the owner and he cooks all the food..he doesn't trust anyone else to the cooking. A native of China, he knows his country's cuisine and makes amazing dishes!
Order some pizza for take-out on your way back from a trip north...it's a hole-in-the wall kind of place, but their pizzas are just incredible! The onion rings are great too!
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Jim's Pizza Calumet
117 6th StOrder some pizza for take-out on your way back from a trip north...it's a hole-in-the wall kind of place, but their pizzas are just incredible! The onion rings are great too!
A food truck, soon to be brick and mortar restaurant in Hancock...check them out on social media to find out where the truck is parked..their burgers and fries are AMAZING!
The Forge Food Smith
787 Market StreetA food truck, soon to be brick and mortar restaurant in Hancock...check them out on social media to find out where the truck is parked..their burgers and fries are AMAZING!
This is, hands-down, my favorite restaurant in the world so far. Authentic southern BBQ with a simple menu but meats that are slow-smoked to absolute perfection. Their brisket is the best I've ever had. Plus you get to dine practically sitting over Lake Superior. Make a reservation to be sure you get a table!
57 Einheimische empfehlen
Fitzgerald's Restaurant
5033 Front StThis is, hands-down, my favorite restaurant in the world so far. Authentic southern BBQ with a simple menu but meats that are slow-smoked to absolute perfection. Their brisket is the best I've ever had. Plus you get to dine practically sitting over Lake Superior. Make a reservation to be sure you get a table!
An original bar that dates back over 100 years ago with fantastic pizza! Lots of folks love their taco pizza, but my favorite here is plain old pepperoni. Weekends can be crowded and loud...if that's not your thing, order take out. You won't be disappointed!
52 Einheimische empfehlen
Ambassador Restaurant
126 Shelden AveAn original bar that dates back over 100 years ago with fantastic pizza! Lots of folks love their taco pizza, but my favorite here is plain old pepperoni. Weekends can be crowded and loud...if that's not your thing, order take out. You won't be disappointed!
Most of the online reviews you read will send you to The Kaleva or The Soumi Restaurant for breakfast...but I'm partial to the breakfast at Cafe Rosetta..if you are planning on driving north, this is worth stopping for a meal, or just coffee and a scone - their bakery is YUM!
25 Einheimische empfehlen
Cafe Rosetta
102 5th StMost of the online reviews you read will send you to The Kaleva or The Soumi Restaurant for breakfast...but I'm partial to the breakfast at Cafe Rosetta..if you are planning on driving north, this is worth stopping for a meal, or just coffee and a scone - their bakery is YUM!
OK, fair warning..enter at your own risk! The bakery here is the stuff of drooly daydreams! These folks know what they're doing with croissant dough! My mouth is watering as I write this - seriously!
Bread Loafers Bakery
OK, fair warning..enter at your own risk! The bakery here is the stuff of drooly daydreams! These folks know what they're doing with croissant dough! My mouth is watering as I write this - seriously!
A sweet little understated and low-key Italian restaurant in Hancock, with delicious house-made pastas and sauses. Cozy atmosphere and lovely food options. This is one of my top picks for a special dinner out :)
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Gemignani's Italian Restaurant
512 Quincy StA sweet little understated and low-key Italian restaurant in Hancock, with delicious house-made pastas and sauses. Cozy atmosphere and lovely food options. This is one of my top picks for a special dinner out :)
This cozy, little place is worth the drive as much for the scenery along the way as it is for the food! I love the chicken pesto pizza!
16 Einheimische empfehlen
Eagle Harbor Inn
460 West North StThis cozy, little place is worth the drive as much for the scenery along the way as it is for the food! I love the chicken pesto pizza!
Coffee is roasted in house, and they offer a selection of breakfast and lunch options in a hip, mellow atmosphere. Some gift items available too...I like it more for the atmosphere and food than the coffee ;)
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Keweenaw Coffee Works
113 5th StCoffee is roasted in house, and they offer a selection of breakfast and lunch options in a hip, mellow atmosphere. Some gift items available too...I like it more for the atmosphere and food than the coffee ;)
A surprisingly delicious little restaurant in an unexpected location! Their fish and chips are great! The atmosphere is a little eclectic but fun to experience! I don't love chowder in general, but friends of mine love the chowder here.
10 Einheimische empfehlen
Offshore Fish & Chips
431 5th StA surprisingly delicious little restaurant in an unexpected location! Their fish and chips are great! The atmosphere is a little eclectic but fun to experience! I don't love chowder in general, but friends of mine love the chowder here.
Fresh, light and so so gooood. These guys have their menu so dialed in. If you like fresh Mex, this is it. 100%
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Rodeo Mexican Kitchen
200 Pearl StFresh, light and so so gooood. These guys have their menu so dialed in. If you like fresh Mex, this is it. 100%
There are two reasons I love this place: 1. I can order ahead online and pick up my order at their drive thru pick-up window (easiest post-ski/bike dinner ever!) 2. Their orange sauce. It is BOMB. I have no idea what is in it (tomatillas??), but I could eat it by the boatload.
Although the dyed red chips are weird, the food is good! I think their burritos are the best...
Border Grill
There are two reasons I love this place: 1. I can order ahead online and pick up my order at their drive thru pick-up window (easiest post-ski/bike dinner ever!) 2. Their orange sauce. It is BOMB. I have no idea what is in it (tomatillas??), but I could eat it by the boatload.
Although the dyed red chips are weird, the food is good! I think their burritos are the best...
Sightseeing
Easily accessible by foot from the house! Walk a quarter mile to the left of the driveway and cross the road at the end of the guardrail to enter the park. There's a paved 4+ mile path along the Canal that is perfect for walking and running. In the winter, it becomes a snowmobile trail.
Kestner Waterfront Park- City of Houghton
1100 West Lakeshore DriveEasily accessible by foot from the house! Walk a quarter mile to the left of the driveway and cross the road at the end of the guardrail to enter the park. There's a paved 4+ mile path along the Canal that is perfect for walking and running. In the winter, it becomes a snowmobile trail.
Neighborhoods
The Copper Country is full of charming little towns...each one has something unique to offer, so if you want to do some touring, hop in the car and visit some of these places!
The northernmost town in Michigan is quaint and gorgeous. The biking trails are SO fun, but just driving up Brockway Mtn Drive is lovely if you don't want to bike :)
Visit Grandpa's Barn bookstore in Copper Harbor and step back in time in one of the coziest bookstores ever. The owners are my friends, so tell them hello from me if you visit the bookstore!
The Harbor Haus is the best restaurant in Copper Harbor (excellent!!!) but is only open seasonally, so check them out online to see if they are open. Otherwise, drive to Eagle Harbor and eat at the Eagle Harbor Inn.
52 Einheimische empfehlen
Copper Harbor
The northernmost town in Michigan is quaint and gorgeous. The biking trails are SO fun, but just driving up Brockway Mtn Drive is lovely if you don't want to bike :)
Visit Grandpa's Barn bookstore in Copper Harbor and step back in time in one of the coziest bookstores ever. The owners are my friends, so tell them hello from me if you visit the bookstore!
The Harbor Haus is the best restaurant in Copper Harbor (excellent!!!) but is only open seasonally, so check them out online to see if they are open. Otherwise, drive to Eagle Harbor and eat at the Eagle Harbor Inn.
Houghton is a small college town, with a charming downtown, friendly people and very safe neighborhoods. A stroll through downtown will have you popping in and out of all sorts of sweet little shops. Plenty of free parking around.
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Houghton
Houghton is a small college town, with a charming downtown, friendly people and very safe neighborhoods. A stroll through downtown will have you popping in and out of all sorts of sweet little shops. Plenty of free parking around.
Hancock and Houghton are "sister cities"...or towns ;) they are on either sides of the Portage Canal. Hancock has much less to offer but it's Art Center, and KC Bonkers toy and coffee shop are eclectic places to visit. The Omphale has great specialty pizzas, and The Keweenaw Co-Op is a great little natural foods grocery in Hancock. Again, small, friendly and safe!
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Hancock
Hancock and Houghton are "sister cities"...or towns ;) they are on either sides of the Portage Canal. Hancock has much less to offer but it's Art Center, and KC Bonkers toy and coffee shop are eclectic places to visit. The Omphale has great specialty pizzas, and The Keweenaw Co-Op is a great little natural foods grocery in Hancock. Again, small, friendly and safe!
Calumet is filled to the brim with history. Once the copper mining capital of the world, you will see the evidence of the booming success of 100 years ago in the scale and architecture of the buildings here, especially along 5th street. The historic Calumet Theater and Laurium Manor Inn are worth touring, as is the National Historic Park Museum on 5th Street.
18 Einheimische empfehlen
Calumet Township
Calumet is filled to the brim with history. Once the copper mining capital of the world, you will see the evidence of the booming success of 100 years ago in the scale and architecture of the buildings here, especially along 5th street. The historic Calumet Theater and Laurium Manor Inn are worth touring, as is the National Historic Park Museum on 5th Street.
Eagle Harbor and Eagle River are two tiny villages located along the shores of Lake Superior, on the scenic rout to Copper Harbor. The both offer beautiful beach access adjacent to the quaint villages. In the winter, you can walk out on the frozen lake and maybe explore the "ice volcanoes" formed by the wave action.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Eagle Harbor
Eagle Harbor and Eagle River are two tiny villages located along the shores of Lake Superior, on the scenic rout to Copper Harbor. The both offer beautiful beach access adjacent to the quaint villages. In the winter, you can walk out on the frozen lake and maybe explore the "ice volcanoes" formed by the wave action.
Adventure
There is so much fun to be had on our local trails and slopes in every season! Here, I'm sharing my favorites with you!
Before the snow falls, you can get a vigorous quick hike in by climbing Mount Ripley. Excellent views on top! Plus you can walk the old train tracks along the top of the ridge if you want more. Following the trail up the left side and coming down the opposite (right) side is recommended. It's STEEP, so wear good footwear!
33 Einheimische empfehlen
Mont Ripley Ski Area
49051 Ski HillBefore the snow falls, you can get a vigorous quick hike in by climbing Mount Ripley. Excellent views on top! Plus you can walk the old train tracks along the top of the ridge if you want more. Following the trail up the left side and coming down the opposite (right) side is recommended. It's STEEP, so wear good footwear!
Some of the best cross-country trails in the US. Just 20 minutes away! There is a great variety of trails, from gentle green trails to black diamond trails with crazy hills. Some of the trails are lit at night for post-sunset skiing. There are over 20 miles of trails, and a cozy little chalet with snacks and bathroom facilities. Plus a great sledding hill!
29 Einheimische empfehlen
Swedetown Nordic Ski Trails
56641 Osceola RdSome of the best cross-country trails in the US. Just 20 minutes away! There is a great variety of trails, from gentle green trails to black diamond trails with crazy hills. Some of the trails are lit at night for post-sunset skiing. There are over 20 miles of trails, and a cozy little chalet with snacks and bathroom facilities. Plus a great sledding hill!
If you are a mountain biker you DO. NOT. want to miss the chance to bike these trails! Absolutely my favorite trails ever. Stunning views, flowy downhill runs, and pine-scented forests...these are world-class trails that never fail to elicit a wooo-hooo! from me as I sail down the trails.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Copper Harbor Trail System
Manganese RoadIf you are a mountain biker you DO. NOT. want to miss the chance to bike these trails! Absolutely my favorite trails ever. Stunning views, flowy downhill runs, and pine-scented forests...these are world-class trails that never fail to elicit a wooo-hooo! from me as I sail down the trails.
If you are visiting the area hoping to do some extreme winter activity, this is where it's at! If you are familiar with Mt Bohemia then you already know..but if it's your first time be prepared for some of the most technical and challenging conditions! Bohemia slopes are never groomed, and the majority of the slopes are gladed, back country runs. Expect deep powder, and beware of rocks and logs beneath the soft snow. Early and late season conditions can be treacherous. Try to get there early to beat the crowds if you want to cut up the fresh powder!
20 Einheimische empfehlen
Mount Bohemia
If you are visiting the area hoping to do some extreme winter activity, this is where it's at! If you are familiar with Mt Bohemia then you already know..but if it's your first time be prepared for some of the most technical and challenging conditions! Bohemia slopes are never groomed, and the majority of the slopes are gladed, back country runs. Expect deep powder, and beware of rocks and logs beneath the soft snow. Early and late season conditions can be treacherous. Try to get there early to beat the crowds if you want to cut up the fresh powder!
Canyon River Falls are stunning in the fall color season and thrilling in the spring, when the Canyon River is raging. Summer is lovely too, and if you know someone who can bring you to the swimming hole, it's worth the plunge! The trail is short and gentle, views are A++. The drive there is scenic. I recommend stopping by the Camp Coffee drive-thru trailer in L'Anse on the way :)
Canyon Falls, L'Anse Township, MI 49946, USA
Canyon River Falls are stunning in the fall color season and thrilling in the spring, when the Canyon River is raging. Summer is lovely too, and if you know someone who can bring you to the swimming hole, it's worth the plunge! The trail is short and gentle, views are A++. The drive there is scenic. I recommend stopping by the Camp Coffee drive-thru trailer in L'Anse on the way :)