Up North

Where are you going for the Christmas holidays?  “I’m going Up North.”  

Oh, I see, you are going to your cabin …. a bit of R&R, long walks, fresh air, time to unwind.  “Well yes, and no …”

Up North is where people from Michigan go. I’m from Michigan and have been going Up North all my life.

You see, there is no place that I have been that quite resembles Up North. The walks are stunning, the air the freshest, and the time spent worth its weight in gold…. but there is so much more.  Let me give you a personal tour from one who knows it like the back of my Michigan hand.

This small town in Northern MI. is especially stunning during the holiday season. I have never photographed at true night, but this past week I couldn’t resist.  After the dinners and drinks were said and done, and the town was put to sleep, I grabbed my camera and tripod ….

This is the view from Main Street as you are driving into the town. The Catholic Church is hidden behind the tree, a prominent presence in the town.  All of my siblings were married there.

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 I spent many a night in this establishment, The Pier Bar.  When we first started to resort in this town it was a one room bar that served the best hamburgers ever. My father would order them with everything to go, and us kids would play a shuffle board game while we waited. Popeye was the bartender.

The Depot.  Today it is one of the best restaurants in the North, and perhaps the South. I remember the horse drawn carriage that used to stop there, and the Ottawa Indian tents that sat next to it. But my heart throbs for another reason. A family I know and love used to own it. It was a store that sold ladies fashions. I’d check in with Mrs. P. once, or twice, a day. Rumor has it she is still there … I only wish.

 Store fronts in town. Graham Realty used to be The Dinner Bell, EFH worked there in the days of innocence, and the tune Love Land, by Charles Wright, was blaring from the jute box. Circa 1969

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 The Outfitter, can’t remember when it wasn’t there.

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The Casino.  No, not what you think.  This is where I learned to play tennis, weave baskets, create gimp bracelets, and made life-long friendships. Nothing about this building, this home away from home, has changed.

And the ‘Weque Beach’. I learned to swim here. ” Let’s swim to the raft”.  Mrs. Irish, fondly known as Ole’ Seaweed, taught me how to sail here. I’d cry for a minute, then my sails would fill and away I’d go. This beach has remained the same for over 100 years.

So that was the 10 cent tour of Harbor Springs, Michigan, the most beautiful town in my eyes …  The colors of the Christmas season have enhanced these photos, but the beauty remains forever, anytime, and in any season.

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             A safe and Happy New Year to all, and the best to you 2014 !

                                       May all your dreams come true

                                                                                  with love

Tags: Harbor Springs MI, The Depot, The Pier Bar, Weque Beach

• December 30, 2013
• Michigan
• 36 Comments