[mackinac81]

Originally posted by psulions
I have a question for Michiganders... why does it seem like so many people despise the upper peninsula? It's such a beautiful area of this country, yet so many people seem to avoid it like the plague.

I'm from Kalamazoo, and I don't despise the U.P. It's actually very pretty--but I couldn't live there--not because of the winter, but because it's so isolated. I need to be around a larger town (50,000 +) with all the required amenities. The U.P. doesn't offer that. I probably wouldn't want to live any further north than Grand Rapids.

[scolls]

The UP is like Florida. Nice to visit but terrible to live there.

[TXLIZARD]

Originally Posted by michmoldman

Thats because most people say they hate it because there are no jobs. Or they hate it because there is no exciting nightlife. If you love nature, history and just the plain old laid back quiet life, then you love the U.P. I know at least 10-15 people who would move there in a second if they could...including me.

ME TOO! In a QUICK Heartbeat!!!

[danielj72]

Originally Posted by psulions2007

I have a question for Michiganders... why does it seem like so many people despise the upper peninsula? It's such a beautiful area of this country, yet so many people seem to avoid it like the plague.

I lived there for 9 years so I am biased, but Ill say ive heard very few people anywhere in the state say the dont like the UP. Even most city slickers from the southeast corner of the state enjoy visiting the UP. Not everyone would like living with the isolation that exists in parts of the UP, but very rare to find someone who really dislikes the UP. I would move back there in a heartbeat if I could sell my house. The biggest mistake we ever made was leaving upper Michigan to move to the central lower. Too flat here, too agriculutural and not enough hills and forest area. In my opinion the UP is the very best part of the state.

[joemits]

Look up some of the threads on Marquette. It offers quite a bit for a smaller city of about 21,000 (area 65,000) Isolated yes, but I think that contributes to its identity. Almost everyone I ever met who came to Marquette for the first time was pretty impressed. I find it hard to think that most Michiganders would despise the UP. I don't think there is another State that is separated in two like Michigan is and that will have a tendency to play with people's perceptions. We up here seem to have a culture closer to Canada and Wisconsin then to the metro areas of lower Michigan. We see more big money people from Chicago then Detroit.

[St.LouieGal]

After living in Michigan since 1971 and having never visited the UP other than a quick trip across the bridge in 1973, my best friend decided it was high time I saw it properly. We drove straight through to Sault Ste. Marie where we stayed for 2 nights. Not the most exciting city I've ever visited but, the locks were neat and I learned a lot. Would gladly go back but, stay somewhere other than the Ramada Ojibway. But, that's a whole other story. Had the most amazing blueberry pancakes at the Landmark Restaurant and some of the best Italian food I've ever had. Wish I could recall the name of the restaurant.

Left there and drove to White Fish Point. Pure heaven. Absolutely one of the most beautiful places on God's green earth. Thoroughly enjoyed the Shipwreck Museum and the beach of the breathtaking Lake Superior.

Left there and drove to Munising. Stayed at the Sunset Inn right on the Bay. Perfect place to stay. Had more amazing blueberry pancakes. There is just something about those UP blueberries! Took the Painted Rocks tour and stood at the rail of the boat in pure awe and wonder. Not even a squall of heavy but, brief rains could pull me away.

Left for home the next morning. Lots of driving in 4 days but, amazing country. The people were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We plan to go back next year.

Oh, and I came home with a red plaid Stormy Kromer that now hangs on my hubby's gun cabinet.

[jeeg]

Originally Posted by michmoldman

I agree with you. if I could make $100,000 living in say California...or $30,000 living in the U.P...no contest at all...U.P. easy

Hmmmm...... I was thinking more along the lines of $30k living in da U.P. or $100k living in Grand Rapids, MI and I would still easily pick da U.P.

LOL! We had to move back down there for 11 months then come running back up here just to prove it to ourselves!

[Luzette]

It always sounds to me like Marquette is to the UP what Traverse City is to Northern Lower Michigan.

[psulions2007]

I know the winters aren't "great" (to some people... My Siberian Husky and I would love it ).... but the entire peninsula is just a place of grand beauty.

One thing that has always confounded me is the extreme lack of anything on the south shore of the peninsula (Yeah, I know, Escanaba... but Escanaba is no Marquette/Houghton). It seems most people prefer the north shore/Lake Superior to the south shore/Lake Michigan.

[michmoldman]

Originally Posted by psulions2007

I know the winters aren't "great" (to some people... My Siberian Husky and I would love it ).... but the entire peninsula is just a place of grand beauty.

One thing that has always confounded me is the extreme lack of anything on the south shore of the peninsula (Yeah, I know, Escanaba... but Escanaba is no Marquette/Houghton). It seems most people prefer the north shore/Lake Superior to the south shore/Lake Michigan.

Its weird...but the "feel" just isnt there like it is on the other lakes shores, especially Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Cant explain it really, but I even prefer Lake Hurons shores to that area.