Cragies and Snackies

I love getting the chance to talk about my home state, and today I am taking the opportunity to spread some love to the Superior part of Michigan.  Da UP!  If you’ve never been to da UP (chances are high that you’ve never been), then you are missing out.  It is one of the most beautiful parts of the world.  Da UP is surrounded by the Great Lakes, filled with forests, chockfull of waterfalls, beaches, and tributaries.  There are islands, and lighthouses, and trails seemingly everywhere.  Da UP is home to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, historic Mackinac Island, and the least visited national park in the US, Isle Royale.  Isle Royale is so secluded that you can only get there by boat or float plane.  It is a series of 450 islands with over 160 miles of wilderness trails.  The extreme weather limits access to the islands making it accessible from mid-April to October.  Despite being the least visited National Park, Isle Royale is one of the most re-visited Parks in the country.

While da UP is known more for the iconic ice climbing offered in the winters, there is accessible rock throughout the peninsula.

My recommendation for summer climbers is 550 Bouldering.  There are over 400 established routes at this picturesque crag on the shores of Lake Superior.  You can’t go wrong with areas like Blueberry Boulders, and Sugar Loaf Bouldering, but if you only have time for one section, I’d go with Wetmore Landing.  This section of the crag has 140 boulders to choose from, ranging from V-easy to V12.  But be prepared for constant distractions as you’ll be surrounded by rocks and trees on one side and the vast Lake Superior on the other.  You may want to save Rum Runners Cove for last so can top-out just in time to watch the sunset.  Rum Runners Cove has over 30 routes with a couple V7 Projects to work, and a 4-Star V5 called The Scoup.  If at any point you start to overheat, just go for a dive into the lake, dry out on the rocks, and start sending all over again!  550 Bouldering is an underrated and beautiful destination that is absolutely worth the trip.

Da UP is known as much for their pasty’s as it is for the waterfalls, beer, and epic euchre matches.  If I’m forced to give a pasty recommendation I’d go with Muldoon’s in Munising.  Nothing against any of the other pasty shops, it’s just that Munising, Michigan is the true emerald of da UP.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with Yooper (UP’er) cuisine, a pasty is essentially a handheld meat pie.  This enclosed pastry, typically filled with beef and rutabaga was a staple for Cornish and Finnish Miners.  Pasties in da UP are now a major tourist attraction, in fact Calumet, Michigan even hosts an annual Pasty festival.  But I am not here to promote the Pasties in da UP, I’m here to promote the people.

Population numbers in da UP are so thin, and areas are so remote, that oftentimes, small, isolated general stores are the only option for grocery and sundries within miles of forested roads.  Among all the small general stores I’ve ever experienced anywhere in the world the most inviting has to be the Midway General Store in Wetmore, MI.  Midway is about 20 minutes south of Munising down Forest Highway 13. 

Now, The Midway may not have all the options offered by some of the stores and restaurants in town, but what they lack in variety, they make for in quality and personality.

Owners Erica and Mike, go out of their way to make sure every customer feels welcome and see to it that their needs are met.  They offer burgers and pizza from the menu, and beer and pop from the cooler.  You can find a nice assortment of local goods such a bakery items and cribbage boards, as well as souvenirs demarcating your trip to the wonderland that is da UP.  If you need snacks, supplies, medicine, bug repellent, water, oil, bandages, bait, plasticware, antifreeze, or mittens, they have you covered.  Above and beyond all else Midway deals in the highest quality of the most precious resource in all of the Midwest.  Ice Cream!

I’ve been ingesting ice cream from Midway since I was a sprout, and while nostalgia keeps me coming back, it’s the quality that never disappoints, and the service that always puts it over the top.  Whether it’s Mike or Erica scooping the goods, you’ll feel like a local the moment you get to the front of the line.  Whether you’re the only person in the store, or there is a line out the door they make sure that each customer knows that they are appreciated and welcome.  I swear you’ve never met a more personable couple!

Now on to the ice cream!  Midway uses local dairy farm and UP staple Jilbert Dairy, so all the ice cream is fresh and sourced locally.  You can instantly note the quality of the rich creaminess, and natural flavors.  I have tried my share of ice cream, and so far, nothing compares to selections offered at Midway.  The flavors change daily since they go through ice cream like a  UP black bear tearing through an unlocked Coleman cooler.  Of course, there are the classic Michigan flavors like Mackinac Island Fudge, Blue Moon, and Superman.  There are the traditional classics like butter pecan, chocolate, and vanilla.  But the highlights for me are classics with a twist.  Amaretto Cherry Mackinac Island fudge with pieces of fudge that are as big as your hand, Bananas Foster with chunks of shortbread cookies, Crunchy Caramel Pretzel, White Chocolate Raspberry, Blueberry Waffle Cone, Mint Mackinac Island Fudge, Peanut Butter Chocolate.  Each day there’s a new flavor that supersedes expectations from before.  And just when it seems like things couldn’t get any better, you try mixing flavors.  Come on!  What could possible beat Peanut Butter Chocolate mixed with Bananas Foster?  Not a fan of PB, then perhaps Coffee and Cherry Amaretto would be your bag.  Superman and Blue Moon?  Yes!  Superman, Blue Moon, PB, Cherry, Raspberry, and Banana?  This is your life; Midway is here to let you live it!

So, if you ever find yourself near Munising at any time, then dropping into The Midway is a must!  Whether you’re rock climbing, ice climbing, snowmobiling, bird watching, site seeing, tracking big foot, camping, fishing, searching for lighthouses, chasing waterfalls, whether you are a local or tourist you have to stop in for a scoop of ice cream at The Midway General Store.  And, if there happens to be room for dessert, we recommend trying the pizza!

Location: In da UP Eh!

Crag: 550 Bouldering

Restaurant: Midway General Store

Distance: 61 miles