Friday, June 29, 2018

History, Food and Kayaks in Sault Ste Marie

After a good night’s sleep in our spacious suite at the Superior Place in Sault Ste. Marie, Brittany, Jamie, and I got ready for our morning breakfast meeting.
We were getting together with Linda Hoath, Executive Director of the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

She had graciously put together this trip for us last minute after one in a nearby area did not work out.

We met Linda at the Lock View Restaurant downtown. It was right across the street from the Soo Locks and you could see both the American and Canadian sides from the building.

Everything on the menu looked great, but our host recommended the pancakes and I went for the chocolate chip ones.

They were as good as she said.

The other ladies had eggs and we were all quite full as we learned more about the area and the plans about other activities on our list.

After we finished eating, we walked around town and looked through some more shops.

Linda pointed out the Michigan Made store and we went inside to pick up some souvenirs. (I bought some Michigan maple syrup and made a note to stop at Cherry Republic later in the week.)

From there, we all went across the street to see the Soo Locks again from the Visitors Center.


The Soo Locks Visitors Center, which is a National Historic Landmark, is overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

It was expanded in 1995 and provides an excellent lesson into the history of this important waterway.



We had gone through the Locks on a boat tour the previous day, but you can see the boats go through from an observation deck (which locks more like a stadium) behind the Visitors Center.

Both the deck and the center are free of entry fees, but be sure to bring your ID because you must show it to get in.

We left the center and drove down the road to the Tower of History. This 210-foot sculpture was finished in 1968.

There is an elevator to the top, where the view is spectacular.


We were lucky to have a clear day and were able to look from various angles – inside and outside on the balcony – at Sault Ste Marie in the U.S. and its namesake in Canada.

Before we got back into our car, we also saw a beautiful rainbow in the middle of the tower.

The River of History Museum was our next stop. This museum pays tribute to the Native Americans, who were the first to live in this land.

Here you can also look at the history of the land and the water, including the glacier from 8,000 years ago that eventually formed the St. Mary’s River.

We had learned a lot about the area’s history, it was then time to have a little fun on it.

Linda took us to Birds Eye Outfitters, a conglomerate of fun under one building that includes a bar, coffee shop, restaurant, and a place to buy and rent bikes and other outdoor equipment.

Our purpose was to get kayak equipment and a guide, but first we indulged at the Superior CafĂ© there. 

The menu was quite varied, and we filled our table with a ham sandwich, pulled pork and shells with cheese and Cheetos, and a quesadilla. There was also smoothies and lattes.

Lake Superior was the major body of water we had visited and talked about while in Sault Ste Marie


Our next one was the St. Mary’s River, where our guides set us up to kayak.

We were an interesting group: Brittany, who had done it a few times before; Jamie, trying it for the first time; and me, who had kayaked quite a few times, but was no longer able to physically do much of it.
The guides were patient with all of us. I didn’t want to hold anyone back, so I decided to just do a short jaunt across the lake to Voyageur Island Park.

The park is a small island which is not a government property. It is funded by donations and taken care of by volunteers.

I found a quiet spot and enjoyed the scenery, peace, and quiet, with the exception of a few colorful birds. I also followed Jamie and Brittany with the camera as they passed around the island.


We headed back to the Superior Place after the kayaking to shower and get changed for dinner at Karl’s Cuisine.

This restaurant has its own beer and wine selection and we all really liked the White Cranberry Pinot Grigio.

I was able to enjoy the Whitefish Dip since I was assured it came directly from the lake, which has no seafood.


In addition to the food, we were able to see a beautiful sunset from the deck of the restaurant.

We finished up and enjoyed the sunset a bit longer as we walked to the car. It would be our last view of the Soo Locks of Lake Superior.

After a few hours more in the area, we’d be heading down from the Upper Peninsula to the Petoskey area the next day.

Photos and videos on this page were taken by Marcia Frost and Brittany Lambright 


Thursday, June 21, 2018

Visiting the Sault

It took us all day to drive up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but Brittany, Jamie, and I were excited about the trip ahead of us over the Mackinac Bridge.

The trip to Sault Ste Marie was a first for all of us. This city on the Lake (Superior) is filled with history and fun and we were ready to experience it.

The Sault Ste Marie tourism board arranged for a large suite for us at Superior Place.

It is in a good location and quite comfortable, with a pool and gym for use at the Best Western across the parking lot.

We got an early start in the morning and headed downtown to find someplace for breakfast. Oh, Crepe immediately caught our eyes and we decided to go in.

They have a menu with a little something for everyone. I went for the sweet (Nutella and banana), while the girls did more savory crepes, with bacon, sausage, and eggs.

This year celebrates the 350th anniversary of Sault Ste Marie, the oldest city in the state of Michigan.

Sault Ste Marie has another attribute you won’t find in another Michigan (or Midwest) city: its name is duplicated across Lake Superior in Sault Ste Marie, Canada.

The first thing on our agenda was to see the Soo Locks, where billions of dollars’ worth of iron pass through on freighters.

The best way for us to see this was on a boat, so we headed to the dock to board the Soo Locks Boat Tour.

From the boat, we could see the whole operation and even got to experience the locks taking the boat down, over, and back up again.

The only time I had previously been through locks was on a Viking River Cruise on the Danube. Brittany and Jamie had never done it before.

The other part of the ride that we found to be unique was that we went out along the U.S. side and came back through Canadian Waters.

The International Bridge, just passed the locks, separates the two countries.

Although you can be “in” Canada with Soo Lock Boat Tours along the lake, you need a passport to get from one country to the next through the bridge.  

After the boat ride, we went down the road to Museum Ship Valley Camp.

This unique site is especially popular with kids as the museum is inside an actual boat used in the Soo Locks.

The Valley Camp consisted of three freighters that were launched from Ohio three weeks apart, during World War I, landing in Sault Ste Marie.

There is plenty to explore at Valley Camp, while you read about the various freighters that came through here, the Eastland Disaster of 1915, and even the fish (perch and whitefish) that are typically found in this Great Lake.

We were really hungry by the time we finished touring the boat and decided to go straight to dinner before heading back to the hotel.

The Palace Saloon was the perfect choice for authentic Mexican food.

We started out with a few of their fruity margaritas, as well as the house made queso they are famous for. 

I also wanted to try their fresh guacamole.

For our dinner, we had shrimp skewers, a burrito, and a chimichanga. Everything was delicious.



We were all exhausted when we got back to the Superior Place and settled in for the night.

We had another full day of fun ahead of us in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Highlights of Ravinia with ZZ Top and John Fogerty

When I first received an email about Ravinia, I have to confess that I had no idea what it was. I had heard of it, but didn’t think of it beyond being a venue in Chicagoland. I was certainly wrong about that.

Ravinia is actually the longest running outdoor music festival in North America. 

Unlike what you would normally expect from a “festival,” this one lasts for four months and has been taking place for over 50 years. It is also non-profit.

Each year, from June-September, Ravinia Festival schedules 140 musical performances, from classical to rock. 

Among those for 2018 are Diana Ross, Tony Bennett, and Seal.

My friend and photographer, Brittany, and I went through the schedule to decide which event would work best for us. 

We decided on the concert with ZZ Top and John Fogerty, neither of which we had ever seen.

We drove to see the event. I was not feeling my best and was immediately impressed with their complimentary and easy to find handicapped parking, for which I have a permit.

I continued to get even more impressed with the venue. Not only was the parking easy, but there was actually a Highland Park train station right there for those who didn’t want to drive.

Once inside, Ravinia is filled with food and drink – or you can bring your own. That’s something you rarely see at a music festival, but is encouraged here.

The lawn picnic at Ravinia is well-known to those who have been coming here for years with family and friends. 

Some bring snacks and sandwiches with wine and soft drinks, while others have elaborate spreads with bar.  

From the lawn (which is quite reasonable), you can’t really see the musical acts, but you can certainly hear them as you relax and celebrate.

If you are looking for a more traditional concert setting, there is also the (covered) reserved seats for a little more money (prices vary by concert, see the schedule here). The Pavilion has 3,400 seats. An indoor venue is also available for a few select winter concerts.

You also do not have to bring your own food, drink, or chairs to Ravinia. They rent chairs, the food court has a selection of offerings, and The Lawn Bar (just opened this year), offers cocktails, wine, and beer.

The concert we chose to attend was phenomenal. ZZ Top was playing at Ravinia for an unbelievable fifth decade. 

You certainly didn’t feel like you were watching 70-year old’s out there. They were fresh and fun, and the audience sang along to every number.

John Fogerty, though not as anxious to show his age, was also a top-notch performer who has also been around a long time.

He made his support of veterans and those currently serving well-known throughout the show, and it was clear the feeling was mutual.

Highland Park is located about 25 miles from downtown Chicago. Since we are another two hours from there, we decided to stay locally at the Holiday Inn Express in nearby Prospect Heights, IL.

Before we left in the morning, I couldn’t resist the opportunity in Chicagoland to stop at a New York style deli, something I can’t find in Champaign.

I decided on Once Upon A Bagel in Northbrook, and went home with some bagels, a knish, and a corned beef sandwich.

I’m looking forward to seeing at least another concert at Ravinia next year. Even if you don’t live near Chicago, it’s worth making a trip to town to see this one of a kind festival.

Visit the Ravinia website to see the schedule and purchase tickets. Don’t forget to check their special offers.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

A memorable Meal at Juniors

My dad commuted from Eastern Long Island to Brooklyn for 15 years. He used to bring me a cheesecake from Junior’s original location every year for my birthday.

I was about 12 when he started and it continued until he retired. He would then still make the trip to get me my favorite cake.

After my dad passed away and I moved to the Champaign, my mom started sending one for my birthday, as well as any time I needed cheering-up (like when I had surgery).

It’s now come full circle with over 40 years of Junior’s sharing my life.

I was in Florida for the newly opened of Junior’s in Boca Raton.  Mom and I will shared Junior’s in a third state, with another milestone -- she’s leaving Florida and moving to Illinois, so we can once again live in the same place.

Junior’s in Boca Raton looked just like the ones I was used to, with cheesecakes lining the shelves of the bakery area, red and white stripes everywhere, and walls full of nostalgia.

Photos of famous Brooklyn natives, including Barbra Streisand, Jimmy Kimmel, Neil Diamond, and members of the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team, were also all over the walls.

The only thing that made this location unusual was the year-round tables out on the patio.

I have to confess that we overdid it when confronted with the Junior’s menu we hadn’t seen in a long time, as well as few extras at this location.

We started with one of their Spiked Shakes, a concoction of a chocolate milkshake and Tito’s Vodka.

With those, the waiter brought us Junior’s complimentary starters, sliced beets and pickles, to eat while we were trying to decide what to get.

The Junior’s menu is a bit overwhelming as it’s filled with comfort food you’ll especially appreciate if you are a New Yorker.

We were guests of the restaurant and they were happy to bring us a selection of their best: a corned beef sandwich with steak fries, potato pancakes with apple sauce, and a turkey Rueben with Cole slaw.

Mom also had a shrimp cocktail. Everything was as good as we remembered from New York.

The hardest part, of course, was deciding which cheesecake to get. 


As a kid, the strawberry (with a delectable almond crust) was my favorite. I had since developed a strawberry allergy so that one was replaced by the Devils Food Cheesecake.

Devils Food Cheesecake puts all of my favorites together: chocolate cake and cheesecake, layered with fudge frosting and topped with chocolate shavings!

Our waiter encouraged us to try a second and we went with the plain cheesecake, topped with cherries.

Needless to say, we were stuffed when we walked out of Junior’s, but felt like we had just left a big meal “at home.”

Unfortunately, the Junior’s in Boca Raton closed soon after I was there. I guess it’s just not understood outside of New York.

If you can’t get to one of the New York locations (which I strongly recommend if you are ever in the area), I am happy to say that they still have cheesecake for sale online -- or you can try to make it yourself.