Restaurant Review: Iron Bay, Marquette
Iron Bay Drinkery, Restaurant, and Taproom are located in the heart of downtown Marquette, Michigan in one of the most iconic and historic locations. Iron Bay is serving about all the American classic from burgers and salads to chicken wings and my personal favorite anything whitefish. You cannot come to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan without getting some Lake Superior whitefish. Iron Bay is serving up a variety of whitefish dishes from smoked whitefish dip and Lake Superior whitefish chowder to Lake Superior whitefish and chips, tacos, and more.
As mentioned above, you cannot visit Michigan\’s Upper Peninsula without eating some Lake Superior whitefish. Therefore, while I was in Marquette I met up with one of my friends to get whitefish at Iron Bay for some whitefish.
What I ordered at Iron Bay in Marquette, MI
After spending entirely too long deciding what kind of whitefish I wanted I ended up ordering the Lake Superior Whitefish Chowder, Lake Superior Whitefish Sandwich, a Chai Pumpkin Pie, because you know I can\’t skip dessert.
Lake Superior Whitefish Chowder
The Lake Superior Whitefish Chowder featured local whitefish in a creamy style chowder. Hands down this were the best chowder I have ever tasted in my life and highly recommend getting it if you like chowders.
Lake Superior Whitefish Sandwich
The Lake Superior Whitefish Sandwich featured whitefish, arugula, tomato, slaw, and remoulade on a ciabatta roll. Nothing that was on the sandwich overpowered the whitefish which I really appreciated. The sandwich was the perfect combination of everything.
Chai Pumpkin Pie
Oh my gosh, this Chai Pumpkin Pie is the most delicious thing ever. I love chai and pumpkin pie and the combination of these two together was absolutely amazing.
If you\’re in Marquette, Michigan I highly recommend making a stop at Iron Bay for some delicious whitefish.
Things To Do in Marquette, Michigan: Kayak Dead River
One thing I have never done in Marquette, Michigan is go kayaking. For those of you that do not know, I went to college at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Where I spent my days hiking and adventuring around Lake Superior, but never went on a water adventure.
On a recent trip to Marquette, Michigan not only did I reconnect with a friend from college, but I got to go kayaking and check out fall colors along the Dead River. Katie and I were both graphic communication majors at Northern Michigan University. We both came to Northern Michigan University as transfer students in our sophomore year, and how we met/became friends is cutesy epic. We were both waiting in the hallway to get into a design class and both had the same laptop case (black with white polka dots from Target), it was an instant friendship.
Katie and Erica\’s Big Adventure
After talking and catching up on the past 12ish years, Katie and I loaded the kayaks onto her car and headed to the Dead River for our big kayaking adventure. Unlike Lake Superior, the Dead River provides calm water which means you do not need to have a ton of experience to kayak.
What I loved about this adventure was how quiet and calming it was. We were able to enjoy each other\’s company and immerse ourselves in everything nature has to offer. The best part, the leaves are changing colors in Marquette, and that made the view even better from the water.
I cannot wait for our next big adventure, especially if it involves kayaking.
Weekend Getaway: Marquette, Michigan – Fall Edition
Marquette is my absolute favorite place in Michigan\’s Upper Peninsula (UP), in fact it is also one of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan\’s most visited cities. I fell in love with Marquette while attending Northern Michigan University. Marquette is situated on the shored of Lake Superior, and filled with countless outdoor activities, good food and all the small town vibes you could hope for.
Everytime I leave Marquette, I wish that my trip was at least a week longer – or I could stay in Marquette forever. From the best food, hikes and adventures I am sharing the best things to do in Marquette during a fall weekend getaway.
Things to do in Marquette, Michigan
Presque Isle Park
You have just arrived in Marquette – what is your first stop? My first stop is always Presque Isle Park. Presque Isle Park offers scenic viewpoints. Take a trip through the park and make a stop to take in the views at the famous Black Rocks. Black Rocks is a highly known spot for cliff jumping into Lake Superior.
If you\’re looking to hike in Marquette, Michigan
Sugarloaf Mountain
If you\’re like me and always looking for a hike head to Sugarloaf Mountain. The hike may be easy, but it is my absolute favorite hike in Marquette, because of the stunning fews. If you take the easy trail you will be heading up and down a series of steps that can be hard on your knees. I prefer the difficult trail, which isn\’t actually difficult it\’s just more rugged.
Phils 550
Along 550 on your way to Sugarloaf Mountain you will come across Phils 550 store. While Phil may no longer be alive, the shop is still run by new owners. The sign out front of Phils 550 always has something funny, and this is a great stop to grab some drinks before heading out to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Dead River Falls
If you\’re looking to chase waterfalls head to Dead River Falls. Follow the trail to see some spectacular waterfalls. The hike is definitely for more experienced hikers and is very difficult after it has rained. However if you can make the hike you\’ll get upclose and personal with some of my favorite waterfalls.
Ore Dock
A must-see in Marquette is the Ore Dock located downtown. It makes for the perfect photo opportunity. The Ore Dock is located in Lower Harbor and is reminisent of Marquette\’s rich Mining history.
Lake Superior Sunrise
Wake up early and head to Lake Superior to catch a sunrise – trust me, you do not want to miss a Marquette sunrise!
Mountain Biking
Not only is Marquette home to some of the best hiking trails, it is also home to some of the best mountain biking in the country. If you are looking to hit the trails I recommend:
NTN (North Trail Network) – Beginner to Intermediate but scenic and loads of fun
STN Trails (South Trail Network) – Advanced and very fun
Kayaking
With plenty of lakes around Marquette, there are plenty of opportunities for you to grab a kayak and adventure around to checkout the color changing along the shoreline.
Fall\’s Best Kept Secret
510 Bridge
While Marquette is filled with a ton of different places you can leaf peep, my favorite is actually at the 510 bridge. You will get the most gorgeous view of trees, water and of course a bridge. If you are looking for quintessential fall foliage pictures, I highly recommend heading to the 510 Bridge.
Where to eat in Marquette, Michigan
Breakfast
Babycakes Muffin Company – If you\’re looking for something sweet, I highly recommend heading to downtown Marquette and grabbing a muffin or two from Babycakes. They have the best muffins that I have ever tasted.
Third Street Bagel – If you\’re looking for something savory, Third Street Bagel is for you. I love their bagel sandwiches and typically get the Village Veggie and Veggie Delight on a 9-grain bagel.
Donckers – Eating out with kids or just want to get the cutest pancakes in the universe? I recommend Donckers in the heart of downtown Marquette for moose pancakes.
Lunch
Vangos – Vangos was my go-to place to dine when I attended Northern Michigan University. Located just outside of downtown Marquette, Vangos is known for their waffle fries and ranch – trust me, you need them in your life.
Togo\’s – Looking for a sandwich? Skip Subway and head to Togo\’s for the best sub sandwich you\’ve ever tasted.
Border Grill – If you are looking for something quick and easy, Border Grill is serving up the best Mexican food. I love their Veggie Bowl with Mexican rice.
Jean Kay\’s – Don\’t forget to grab a pasty while you\’re in town visiting. Jean Kay\’s serves up my favorite pasty\’s in town.
Dinner
The Vierling – The Vierling is one of Marquette\’s oldest restaurants located downtown and is known for their blueberry beer and white fish recipes.
Iron Bay – Iron Bay is serving up some of the best desserts (I had slice of chai pumpkin pie that was unreal) and delicious white fish meals. Don\’t forget to get their white fish chowder, guaranteed to be the best soup you have ever tasted.
The Delft – When I was in college The Delft was actually a movie theater and was our rainy day hangout. Today The Delft is serving up American Fare meals in the converted movie theater right in the heart of downtown Marquette. The coolest thing about The Delft is they still utilize the movie screen and fun movies while you enjoy your meal.
Dessert
Babycakes Muffin Company – Babycakes offers muffins, macarons and other various desserts. I am addicted to their muffins and could eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
231 West Patisserie – 231 West is one of the newest establishments in the heart of downtown Marquette. They\’re a patisserie, which means they\’re serving up some delicious recipes including macarons and crossiants.
13 Budget Friendly Ways to Upgrade the Exterior of Your Home
13 Budget-Friendly Ways to Upgrade the Exterior of Your Home
Give your house numbers a font upgrade. A simple change from serif to sans serif font or vise versa can make a world of a difference.
3. Frame your door
Painting the trim and adding matching molding you can get at the lumber store will add class and character to your front door.
4. Add a new porch light
Take a step in your local Home Depot or Lowe\’s store and look around at the porch lights they offer. Sometimes you can even find the perfect ones at Sam\’s Club or Costco.
5. Add tile to a plain entryway
If you want a simple update to your home, why not lose the plain cement entryway and go for something more decorative like tiles?
6. Add dimension to your porch
Adding dimension to your porch is a cost-effective way to upgrade the look. Think about a variety of plants and a doormat that is on a simple woven rug.
7. Camouflage ugly electrical boxes
Paint your electrical boxes the same color as your house so they will blend in.
8. Faux shutters
Upgrade the exterior of your home with faux shutters. Not only will it completely change the look of your house, but it will also give you a cost-effective change.
9. Repair torn screens
You can easily bring your screens into your local hardware store and have them repaired.
10. Pressure wash everything
Give everything a good cleaning with a pressure washer. You can pressure wash bricks, wood decking, concrete, stucco, windows, vinyl, plastic garbage cans, metal, grills and more. Let\’s face it everything looks better with a little scrubbing.
Weeds make your home look trashy, once you remove them they\’ll instantly upgrade the aesthetic of your home.
12. Create a flower bed
You can easily make a raised flower bed in your backyard using lumber.
13. Porch swing
Complete the look of your porch with a porch swing if you\’re able to. I know sometimes this is not feasible if you do not have a front porch, but if you do have one, you\’re doing yourself a disservice if you do not add a porch swing.
Let me know if you have any budget-friendly ways to upgrade the exterior of a house!
Five Things
Happy Plaidurday. Here in Michigan the first Friday in October is known as Plaidurday and we celebrate by wearing something plaid! Will you be rocking plaid today?
This week has definitely been a fun one for me. I actually got to do something with people. A friend and I headed to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for some adventures. I got to see a friend I haven\’t seen since college and her and I went kayaking which was a ton of fun. I also got to go to the Hocus Pocus open house at Lottie Mae which is my favorite little shop. I highly recommend visiting Lottie Mae if you are looking for gifts.
Fashion meets Food 