Jim Koski's 107 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT MARQUETTE COUNTY

Well, here it is.

Back in 2000, I put together a list of the “107 Things To Love About Marquette”.  It sat on our website for several years, and drew countless comments about, additions to, and links from it.  I pulled it off the site in 2005, thinking that, in a month of two, I’d update it, and post the new version.

Well, the “month or two” stretched into 30-some months, and over the last few of those, I’ve been receiving many comments about when I was actually gonna get off my duff and do something about it.

Finally, my duff has been gotten off of.  Here is the NEW list of “107 Things To Love About Marquette County”! 

Now, like with the last list, everything on here is SUBJECTIVE.  It speaks to who I am, what I do, and where I go.  Most of the items on the list are from Marquette; that’s only because that where I spend most of MY time.  There are going to be many things left off that YOU would put on a list like this, and some things that will just make you shake your head and go “huh?” when you read them.  That’s fine; it is, after all, a list of 107 things that I love about living here.  Your list should be different.

In fact, I’m counting on your list being different.  That’s why I wanna hear from YOU about any item, person, or thing that should’ve been on the list that I, for whatever reason, left off.  I have a feeling that you’ll contribute more than enough to populate an entire second list, one that we’ll be calling the “107 Things To Love About Marquette County That Jim Was Dumb Enough To Leave Off Of His List” list!

Like I said before, comments are more than welcomed.  Actually, they’re required, because it’s YOU guys who got be off of my aforementioned duff and made me write this.

So thanks.  And just so you know, this list is not in alphabetical order, or ranked first to last.  Each part of it deals with certain topics.  And each item is capitalized...that way, you know what we’re talking about.

You ready? 

107 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT MARQUETTE COUNTY


LAKE SUPERIOR—



I mean, do you know just how lucky we are to have what we have, and right outside out back door?  It’s what draws people here to visit in the first place, and it’s what draws many of us who’ve left Marquette to come back, even if it DOES lead to some wind chill-induced cool spring days!

LOWER HARBOR PARK--Whenever I tell someone who doesn’t know what used to sit on that land before it became one of the crown jewels of the Marquette park system, they’re amazed by the transformation.  Besides, can you imagine life without all the activities that go on there, everything from food fests to Frisbee playing?  Neither can I.

PRESQUE ISLE—



The other crown jewel in Marquette’s park system.  I don’t even know where to begin talking about the park itself, so just let me say this—of all the things we need to thank Peter White for doing over 100 years ago, this may be the biggest.

PARK CEMETERY—Of course, this may give Presque Isle a run for its money in the “thanking Peter White sweepstakes”.  Now, I may be a bit prejudiced in this matter, seeing as how much time I spend in the cemetery, but how can you honestly NOT think that this may be one of the most beautiful (and peaceful) places you’ll ever come across?



SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN—Think about it.  When you have company come and visit you, company who’s never been to Marquette before, where’s the one place you take them AFTER taking them to Presque Isle?  Yup...you climb Sugarloaf, don’t you?

MOUNT MARQUETTE—Yet while the view from Sugarloaf is amazing in its view of nature, I personally don’t think ANY local mountaintop view can beat THIS—



FRONT STREET—



Although it looks pretty impressive from Mount Marquette, it’s not until you walk up and down Front Street that the history of Marquette hits you.  I’ll get into a few more specifics as this list wears on, but if there’s indeed an epicenter to the entire U.P., this may be it..


THE (OLD) COAST GUARD STATION—I wrote a blog about this a couple of months ago, and I’ll put forward the thought again.  Can you think of ANYTHING in the U.P. that is painted, photographed, sketched, drawn, and doodled about more than this?



THE BIKE PATH SYSTEM—Yeah, I know Marquette’s one of the top 5 places in the country to go mountain biking, but what if you just wanna go for a ride in the fresh air, gazing at some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet?  That’s what these 10+ miles of paved trails are for!

MCCARTY’S COVE—Sure, it’s one of those places I visit when I play hooky on warm, summer days.  But I do so for a reason...I’ve often thought that the stretch of beach between McCarty’s Cove and Shiras Park may be one of the finest stretches of cold water beaches ANYWHERE.  Can you imagine how packed it would be if it were in Florida?



HISTORY!

One of the things that we’re incredibly fortunate to have in this area is a sense of history; a sense of why we became the area we eventually became.  We have people and groups dedicated to preserving this story and, because of that, we live among marvels like the following--

RIPLEY’S ROCK--



How many of you know that this rock, now a nesting place for seagulls, was an important piece of land for the first non-native settlers of the area?  Ships used to anchor to the rock, throw supplies (and livestock) overboard, and then bring them to shore.  Before ore docks, there was Ripley’s Rock.

ORE DOCKS--



Then after Ripley’s Rock, there were indeed ore docks.  In fact, at one time, over a dozen of them graced both Marquette harbors.  And while only one of them is still functional, they serve as a vital reminder of the area’s past.  After all, Marquette came into existence because iron miners needed a place from which to ship their ore.  Without ore docks, there never would’ve been a Marquette.

THE MARQUETTE COUNTY COURTHOUSE--



Where else might you find a 104-year old building that’s still used for its original purpose (a courthouse and county offices), but has also doubled as a movie set, an architectural temple, and as a place where some of us get married?  Not many places...

PETER WHITE PUBLIC LIBRARY--



Yesterday, we talked about a couple of the civic projects behind which lurks the giant shadow of Peter White.  Here’s another; like the Courthouse, it’s 104 years old, and like the Courthouse, it’s still used for its original purpose.  The two year-long renovation of it last decade was certainly worth it, as well.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK--



Okay, it’s now known as the Wells Fargo building, but for a lot of us, it will always be the First National Bank building.  When Louis Kaufman built it in 1927, it was, per square foot, the most expensive construction project in the country.  If you’ve never been inside it, do yourself a favor, walk in the lobby, and just stare at the ceiling.  You’ll be amazed.

GRAVERAET--



Right before he built the First National Bank building, Louis Kaufman threw his muscle behind construction of a new high school, named after his mother’s family.  Over the years, it’s been a high school, a middle school, and now, an intermediate school, but after 80 years, it’s still going strong.

RIDGE/ARCH STREETS--



Where did people like Peter White and Louis Kaufman live?  In Marquette’s historic East Side, where a stroll up & down the streets reveal some of the most amazing houses built in the last 130 years.

THE LANDMARK INN--Over the last couple of decades, many of Marquette historic buildings were falling into disrepair.  Fortunately, most of them have been restored to their former glory; in the case of the Landmark, Christine Pesola went waaaaaaay past what the old Northland Hotel once was, turning it into an amazing place to stay, eat, and gather.

THE OLD ORPHANAGE--



This may be the one historic building that’s not yet been returned to its former glory.  It’s been tied up in legal proceedings for as long as I can remember, but plans are now afoot to renovate it and turn it into a performing arts school.  Let’s hope it works out!


FATHER MARQUETTE STATUE--



When this was erected in the late 1800s, it was actually down by the Maritime Museum; now sitting in Lakeside Park, it allows the city’s namesake to overlook his domain.  A fund-raising effort will shortly begin to spruce the statue up, so if you have the chance, help them out!

Finally, helping preserve all this history, not just in Marquette but around the county, are many local groups, including the MARQUETTE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, NEGAUNEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, and the REPUBLIC HISTORICAL SOCIETY.  I mention these three because, in order, I’m a board member, they’ve been helpful in providing all kinds of information, and they’re some of the nicest (and most dedicated) people I’ve met.  If you’ve not visited any of their museums, do so, and see for yourself!

Now, let’s move on to natural wonders of Marquette County.  If you know me at all, you know I’m not the stereotypical Yooper.  I don’t like to camp, I don’t hunt, and, if truth be told, I’m more comfortable around concrete than I am wild animals.  But that still doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate what we have around here; in fact, I ‘m willing to forego concrete just to have the chance to enjoy these wonders of our environment.

JULY, AND AUGUST--Whenever someone asks me why I want to stay in Marquette, living through endless months of snow and cold, I always reply with those two words.  During July and August (well, most Julys and Augusts) I can’t think of a more pleasant, enjoyable, and beautiful place on the face of the Earth.  It makes living through the snow and the cold worth it.



BIG BAY, AND THE DRIVE THERE--Depending upon which season you drive there, you get awesome views of green, or of white, or of red, or, if it’s spring, dirt.  But it’s always an awesome view heading up there, and once you’re in Big Bay, it’s a fun little place to explore (like, in fact, a lot of SMALL TOWNS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY).

COUNTY ROAD 492--Two things about the back road between Marquette and Negaunee have always appealed to me--the fact that it’s a FUN bike ride, and the fact that, during the fall, it’s one of the best places in the area to see amazing fall colors.  (The highway center line was also invented by K.I. Sawyer for this road; that’s just a bonus, I guess).

Okay, I’ve mentioned FALL COLORS twice so far, so I’m guessing they better make this list, too!

FOG--As far as I can tell, there are very few drawbacks about living next to Lake Superior.  One of those is that the lake can keep us quite cool during the spring and summer.  But an offshoot of that, when warm ground air meets cool lake air, allows us to see things like this--



THE FIT STRIP--Ever since I moved back to Marquette 20 years ago, I’ve used this one-mile trail for everything from running to skiing.  The fact that it sits right smack-dab in the middle of the city is amazing; the fact that it’s also home to everything from raccoon to deer is even more amazing!

BLUEBERRY RIDGE--When I’m looking for a longer ski than a few laps around the Fit Strip, this is where I go.  There’s just something about these trails that always puts me in a  great mood.  For others, though, the NOQUEMANON TRAIL NETWORK does the same.  You can’t go wrong with either!

HILLS--When I put this list together back in 2000, I left these off the list, and boy, did I hear about it!  Until you’ve lived somewhere flat, you really don’t appreciate having a little variety in your terrain.  You really don’t!



DUCKS--I’m not talking about the geese that see to pop up everywhere, leaving their calling cards wherever they go.  I’m talking about these cute little things



that make their home at places like Park Cemetery or on Lake Superior.  Just seeing a mom duck and her brood waddling around is enough to melt even the hardest of non-nature loving hearts.

Trust me on that one!

MY FAMILY--I’m incredibly lucky, in that I get to live in the same area as my mom & dad, Melanie and Marc, Courtney, Mallory and Sydney, and Denielle and Nick and their kids (a.k.a. my sister and brother, and my nieces and nephew), as well as any other people who share a snippet of DNA.  How many of us can say that?

MY FRIENDS--I’m incredibly lucky again, because Marquette County’s also home to people like Roxanne, and Luanne & Kevin, and Joe & Karen, and a whole slew of others.  But I do hafta single two of them out...

DEANNA--Many of you know of her from her days at TV-6, but trust me...that’s nothing.  Every day, there’s something new with her, and every day, I look forward to hearing what it is!

DENNIS--I met Dennis two days (and two jobs) after I moved back up here 20 years ago, and while we no longer see each other every day, the last 20 years just would not have been the same.  Besides, with Dennis, you get to see things like this--



CO-WORKERS--Speaking of co-workers, over the past 20 years it’s gotten quite huge.  And while I don’t even probably remember all of them, they certainly have made Marquette County a special place for me, at least.

KARL--I know I’m constantly on his case when it’s not 80 degrees outside, which means I’m almost constantly on his case, but the U.P. is really fortunate to have someone of his forecasting talent (and interest in the area and its history) among us!



The gang at MORRISON’S DRUG STORE in Ishpeming.  For 14 years, I worked one floor above them, and for 14 years, they kept me supplied with chocolate.  You can NOT underestimate the power that they held.

The TSA AGENTS AT SAWYER INTERNATIONAL.  You know, I’m guessing that theirs is a mostly thankless job, but every time I fly somewhere, they always ask where I’m going, in a manner and like they’re genuinely curious.  And what’s more amazing is that they often remember where I flew the previous time, and ask how THAT trip went.

Everyone who works at THE U.P. REGIONAL BLOOD CENTER deserves to be on here, too.  I know I may be a bit biased (because, as you know, I do a lot of work with them) but they’re very good at what’s a very hard job--trying to convince people to get stuck by a needle and give up some of their body fluids.  I know I wouldn’t be that successful at it.

PHIL NEIMISTO--I wrote a blog about Phil and his flowers a month or so ago.  He’s just one of those people who make Marquette Marquette, you know?



MARY WRIGHT--Same with Mary.  I mean, between the Grandma doors, the blue chairs for Finnfest, and wrapping downtown in giant plastic flowers, is there anything out of the ordinary she hasn’t proposed doing yet?



CAROL PAPALEO--One of my favorite local artists, if only because that’s what she is--an artist who paints local scenes (her downtown sandstone series being one of my favorite).  There aren’t a lot of artists from whom I’d buy originals...she’s definitely one of them!

JACK DEO--I’ve often joked that Jack’s my “dealer”, because I’m addicted to the enormity of his collection of historic photographs of Marquette.  Not only that, he’s a fun guy to talk to, as well.  Throw in all he does for the Marquette arts community, and you see why he’s on the list!

FRED RYDHOLM--What can I say about Fred?  He knows it all, and will be happy to fill in whatever knowledge you need.  And when he does, it’s a fascinating journey, taking many interesting detours and side trips before getting to the answer that you need.  He certainly is a Marquette original.

DON CURTO--Like Fred, Don’s another local original.  I think I’ve referred to him before as one of my favorite local raconteurs, a description that fits him perfectly.

NMU STUDENTS--After all, without NMU students, we wouldn’t get to see things like this!



I may joke about NMU students, but they are for the most part a great group of people, especially for those who are a part of THE NMU VOLUNTEER CENTER.  They devote an extraordinary amount of time into making Marquette a great place to live, and really don’t get a lot of credit for it.  Here’s my way of correcting that injustice!

Speaking of which, ANYONE who volunteers for any service project or non-profit agency deserves to be on this list, as well.  And you know what?  Now you are!

Finally, today I’ve saved the best for last--LORAINE. 



Sure, she wasn’t born here, but with the way she’s woven herself into things around Marquette County, you’d never know!  I can’t imagine what my life would’ve been without her, and I can only imagine what kind of adventures we’ll get into together in the future!  Besides, she’s managed not to throttle me even once in all the years we’ve been together, and that’s gotta count for SOMETHING, right?

8-)

AUBREES has become, I believe, my new favorite Marquette restaurant.  I love the spinach and artichoke pizza with a whole wheat crust, and they occasionally make a cherry-walnut salad that may be, and I’m not kidding, one of the best things I‘ve EVER eaten.

Right next to Aubrees, BABYCAKES has the perfect thing for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner.  It’s their sour-cream chocolate chip muffin, and while I’m sure it causes you to add two pounds and shoot your cholesterol level up 20 points just by looking at it, it’s that’s good.  If you haven’t tried it, try it!

Speaking of something you really have to try, Negaunee’s MIDTOWN BAKERY makes these chocolate-oatmeal cookies with just a hint of orange flavor to them.  When we’re exploring parts of the West End, Loraine and I always stop there for lunch, and get a bunch of the cookies to go with us.  After all, you never know when you’ll need a quick fix, right?

COOKIE CUTTER--Speaking of cookies, The Cookie Cutter has a double chocolate delight that’s also just amazing.  It’s a chocolate cookie with almond-flavored chocolate frosting.

And speaking of chocolate, THIRD STREET BAGEL has a chocolate chip bagel that’s just amazing. 

Now, lest you get the idea that all I eat is cookies (and muffins, and pizza), rest assured that’s not true.  Why, aside from getting great desserts, you can also enjoy real food at places like GOPHERS.  In fact, one of the best soups on the planet is their potato and parmesan soup.  How do I know it’s good?  Whenever they make it, it’s usually gone within a few hours.  And if that’s not a sign of a good soup, I don’t know what it!

While a lot of people go to the NEW YORK DELI for their soups, they have a dinner item you have to try sometime.  It’s a Portobello ravioli that’s slathered in a mustard cream sauce.  For some reason, all those flavors blend together just perfectly.

I think my favorite breakfast in Marquette may be the SWEETWATER CAFÉ’s French toast.  I get it made with whole wheat bread, and when you combine it with U.P.-produced maple syrup, the whole thing just kinda transports your mouth to a tasty heaven.

Now, I don’t go to JEAN KAY’S for the reason you think.  I know the rest of you go there for pasties (and they are good), but Jean Kay’s is one of those places I like to visit on those summer walks.  They have these really simple chocolate-covered rice krispie bars that, for some reason, just seem to hit the spot when you’re out in the sun.  Yum.

Finally, you have to stop into THE COFFEE CUP some time, if for no other reason than the big smile you get from Peggy when you walk in the door.

ANDRIACCHI’S--I don’t know if you’ve ever been to this fascinating Ishpeming institution, but you HAVE to go there, if for no other reason than to browse an incredible selection of foods from Europe.  It’s just a cool place.

I go to THE MARQUETTE FOOD CO-OP quite a bit because I only work a few blocks from it, but you know what?  I’d go there even if I worked miles away.  The selection’s great, the people are even greater, and you’re constantly amazed by what you can find there.



The same goes for the really fresh produce at FARMER Q’S.  I just wish there was enough fresh stuff to keep ‘em open year-round!

And, of course, we can’t leave out ECONO FOODS, if only because of their incredible stock of Naked Juices!

I think that we as an area are incredibly lucky to have a place like JILBERT DAIRY here.  I mean, they deserve a place on this list for no other reason than their Amaretto-Cherry Mackinaw Island Fudge ice cream, doncha think?

Well, doncha??

GETZ’S



is a throwback (in the best possible way) to department stores of old, when friendly people sold stuff they actually knew about.  It’s my one-stop shop for Levi’s, if nothing else!

Speaking of “throwbacks”, DONCKERS CANDIES & GIFTS is an amazing place.  Not only to they make some of the best fudge in the world, but they’re in the midst of a renovation to return the store to the way it was during their “soda fountain” days.  And as a student of history, you can’t beat that!

Believe it or not, I’ve never actually purchased anything at THILL’S FISHHOUSE, but here’s why it makes the list--everytime my in-laws visit from downstate, the last place they visit in Marquette is Thill’s, where my father-in-law stocks a cooler full of Lake Superior whitefish.  That, I believe, says it all.



SNOWBOUND BOOKS (and it’s sister, CHAPTER TWO) is a place where you can find yourself lost for hours just browsing every little thing on the shelves.  Don’t believe me?  Try going in there without a watch or without looking at a clock.  You’ll see I’m right.

Every neighborhood in Marquette has its own little party store.  In my neighborhood, it’s THE SPOT.  Need something on the spur of the moment?  It’s there; in fact, I’m amazed that they can stock so many different things into a place that’s so small.  Every time I go in I look for the mirrors and the hidden rooms.  Haven’t found ‘em yet, though.

If you ever find yourself lacking a unique gift for someone who already has everything, just go to A TOUCH OF FINLAND, and you’ll find what you’re looking for.  I can’t tell you the number of times that store’s saved my behind in that regard.

Finally, I really DO need to include the fine people at IRON BAY COMPUTER & DESIGN.  After all, without them, you wouldn’t be reading this!

SANDSTONE--



There are very few places in the country where you can find sandstone architecture still standing.  The fact that we have so many of these buildings still around (and in use) is amazing.

ARTSY PEOPLE--This may be one of those things you don’t even think of, but it’s true.  I think Marquette may have more artists, musicians, writers, and “interesting” individuals per capita than any other community of its size.  It’s probably why, among the many honors the city’s received over the last decade, it’s been named as one of the “Top 100 Art Cities In The U.S.”.  And I’m not just talking about “professional” artists; I think almost everyone here has that vibe to them in one way or another.  How else could you explain this?



Yup, you got it right.  It’s a flower bed.

See what I mean?

NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL DROP--



I’ll often refer to it as a big party with me and a few thousand of my closest drunk friends, but it is a destination every December 31st.  And thankfully, every year when it seems like it may be discontinued, someone steps up to help out.  Here’s to hoping we’ll keep seeing the ball drop for years to come!

THE NOQUEMANON--In the last 10 years, this has become one of the pre-eminent cross country ski races in the country, and for good reason.  Over 1,000 people take part every year over one of the most beautiful courses is the U.S.  Oh, and they get to hear one darn fine finish line announcer, too.

8-)

THE U.P. 200--What the Noque is for cross country skiing, the U.P. 200 is for sled dog racing.  If you’ve never stood on Washington Street in Marquette at least once as the dogs take off, I don’t know that you can consider yourself a true Yooper!

GLACIER GLIDE--



Every year, this is one of the many events that takes place during the U.P. 200 weekend, and it’s probably the most unique.  Art is spread out around Presque Isle, and you get to walk, snowshoe, or ski around the Island to look at it.  Okay, you can stop laughing now...it’s actually a blast, and that’s coming from someone who, as you may recall, really doesn’t like winter!!

ART ON THE ROCKS--However, if you wanna see art at Presque Isle in slightly more temperate conditions, THIS is the art show for you.  And, this year, it’s going to be the 50th anniversary for the show.

CARL PELLONPAA and FINLAND CALLING--Nowhere else in the country can you find someone like Carl and a TV show like this.  If you haven’t watched it recently, Tivo or tape part of one, and check it out.  I have a feeling that we’ll never see another one like it again.

FOOD FESTS--It could be the INTERNATIONAL FOOD FEST or the SEAFOOD FEST in Marquette, or the ITALIAN FEST in Ishpeming, but these are weekends that draw thousands of people and raise thousands of dollars for charity.  You can’t go wrong with those, can you?

PETUNIA PANDEMONEUM--Every May, hundreds of volunteers gather in Marquette, and line the US-41 corridor into the city with thousands of blooming flowers, which then greet visitors throughout the summer.  You know how they say first impressions are the ones that count?  Those flowers make a heck of a first impression!

THE USOEC--



We have one of four Olympic Training Centers in the U.S. located here.  If THAT doesn’t make Marquette unique, I don’t know what does!

THE SUPERIOR DOME--



Speaking of the USOEC (or, at least, where it sits) we also have the world’s largest wooden domed stadium in our backyard.  I don’t know about you, but I’m having trouble believing it’s been 20 years since construction started on it.  We’ve been using the Dome for 20 years now!!

Finally, here are a few non-physical items to add to the “Uniquely Marquette” portion of the list.  The first?  The fact that PEOPLE START WEARING SHORTS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE FINALLY GETS ABOVE FREEZING.  People never believe me when I tell ‘em it’s true, but you know it is.  After a long & cold summer, when do you start seeing people wear shorts?  The first day it gets above freezing. Some people, in fact, don’t stop wearing them until it hits freezing again in September or October.  How many other communities are as hardy as that?

The SMELL FROM THE SARA LEE BAKERY.  You know how, some days, Marquette’s entire west side smells like freshly baked bread?  That’s thanks to the Sara Lee Bakery, and it is a heavenly smell unlike any you’ll get in any other city.  In fact, I’ve heard from people who’ve had to move from the area say that the one they miss about Marquette, more than anything, is the smell from Sara Lee.

So there.

Finally, there’s one more thing to add to this part of the list, and, I hafta admit, there’s a bit of personal preference here.  I hafta add the VIEW YOU GET FROM M-28 as you’re driving into Marquette from Munising.  There’s that moment, right as you clear the trees and get to the two beach turn-offs, when you actually see the entire city of Marquette before you.  When I lived downstate and was driving back, that was always the moment I knew I was HOME, especially at night, when you could see the entire city lit up in the distance.

If that view ever fails to move something in my heart, I plan on checking my pulse.

The Ishpeming and Marquette FOURTH OF JULY PARADES. 



I’ve done these parades for oh, I dunno, 15 years now, and I hafta admit that it’s one of my favorites days of the year.  There’s no rush quite the like one you get when you walk down a street and see hundreds of people holding up signs with your name on them.  It’s really amazing!

FALL FEST, NMU’s annual way of welcoming students back to Marquette for the start of the school year.  Like the 4th, I’ve been doing it forever, and if for some reason I don’t get to (like two years ago) my entire September just doesn’t feel right.

NEGAUNEE MIDDLE SCHOOL--Now, I didn’t attend this school, but I do go there once a year.  For almost a decade now I’ve spoken to 8th grade classes there about why (or why not) you should go into broadcasting for a career.  Every year, the kids are a blast, and every year, I get a stack of thank you notes, proving that they actually listen!

BIG SHAG LAKE (near Gwinn)--when I was a kid, I spent big chunks of my summers there, at my grandparents’ camp.  And while I haven’t been out there for a while now, that lake will always hold a very big place in my heart.

URBAN RENEWAL--



When I was originally thinking of re-doing this list three years ago, I asked blog readers if there was anything I should stick in it.  Well, one of the responses I received was from someone who left Marquette for a home elsewhere in the U.P., and wrote that he missed was the constant sense of change and “growth” in Marquette.  Where he lives, things just get shuttered up or torn down when they close.  In Marquette, buildings and ideas get reused, and what emerges is usually stronger than it was before.  As he put it, there’s “still a sense of hope in Marquette”.  And we’re fortunate that there is.

The I-ECONOMY PARKING DECK--Because I work right across the street from it, and because I sometimes use downtown Marquette as my own personal workout facility, I often find myself standing on the top of the deck, either cooling down or finding myself in a very zen-like state of calm, thanks to the view you get from there.  You know...views like this--


The LILACS AT LAKESIDE PARK--



You know how much I like lilacs, right?  Well, I think the best concentration of them is in this small park, right next to the Lake Superior Community Partnership offices.  Just walk over there in late May or early June, stand in the middle of all the bushes, and inhale deeply.  If that’s not heaven on Earth, I don’t know what is!

WILLIAMS PARK--



Speaking of Marquette parks, I like this one because, for over a decade now, it’s been my “neighborhood” park.  Yet so few people know about, despite the fact it has tennis and basketball courts, a playground, and a terraced stone garden dating back to the Depression.  If you’ve never been there, go, and just take a look.  You can thank me later.

The 400 BLOCK OF HIGH STREET in Marquette.  For seven years of that decade I just mentioned, this was where I lived, and I hafta admit I still miss it a little.  The people who lived around us were some of the friendliest I’ve ever met, people with whom we still keep in touch.  Everyone deserves to have neighbors like that!

LITTLE, TUCKED AWAY STREETS IN MARQUETTE like Mather or Chamberlain, or Fitch, or Blemhuber, streets you can explore at your leisure with a little stroll, streets that have their own histories and their own interesting stories to tell.

Heck, I also need to add the fact that you can WALK AROUND MARQUETTE whenever and wherever you want, see so many things, do so many activities, and meet so many friendly people.  There aren’t a lot of places where you can do that; we’re very lucky in that regard.



Speaking of FRIENDLY, GREAT PEOPLE, that’s another thing we have in abundance in Marquette County.  You’ll always hear visitors to the area say “everyone’s so friendly up here”, and it’s true.  And it’s not just visitors who feel like that; in the last few years, I can’t count the number of people Loraine and I have met, people who’ve shared their stories and their recollections and their time with us.  Without people that like, she wouldn’t know what she does about World War II, and I wouldn’t know all those interesting little historic facts about the area that I keep sprouting off.  So we can both attest to what visitors to the area already know--you guys rock!

Finally, speaking of you guys, I wrap up the list of “107 Things To Love About Marquette County” with this item--

YOU.  After all, without the thousands of listeners and blog readers who show up every day, my life would be a whole lot different than it is now.  So thanks for everything!

*****

There you go...the new 2008 version of “107 Things To Love About Marquette County”.  Like I said at the beginning, this has been a highly subjective list, based on who I am, what I do, and where I go.  And THAT’S why I’d like to hear from you, because I know that YOU have different opinions.  So if you have ANYTHING you’d like to add to the list, or have a comment on something you just read, please drop me a note.  I can’t wait to hear from you!

(jim@wmqt.com)

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