The Good Life: Great Times Northeastern Michigan

Iosco County, located on the Eastern coast of Michigan, slightly above what has come to be known as the "thumb", is a summer get-away location that offers something for everyone; Sandy golden beaches, shady natural forests, clear blue lakes, gently flowing rivers, whatever your pleasure, you're sure to find it here.

A great day in this part of Northern Michigan begins with a trip to the Oscoda Beach Park, just as the sun is beginning to rise. Visitors strolling the boardwalk at this time of day are sure to find an open bench, affording them an unforgettable view of the sunrise over the sparkling blue waters. Relaxing with a steaming cup of hot coffee, listening to the peaceful sounds of birds singing in the trees, and water gently lapping against the shoreline, this is the just the right place and time to let all your cares slip away, caught up in the glorious experience of the moment, as brilliant bursts of color stream across the early morning sky.

After watching the sunrise, a great day continues with breakfast at one of the many wonderful restaurants that dot this area of Michigan. Mama's Kitchen, located on US 23 just north of the Ausable River Bridge, offers a wonderful selection of breakfast items, from pancakes to hash browns and sausage, all at affordable prices. Traveling in the opposite direction, you'll find friendly wait staff waiting to serve you at the North Star Diner. Located on US on the south side of town, in the K-Mart plaza, this small diner is a breakfast lovers paradise, offering a large selection of menu items daily. Those in search of a Breakfast Buffet will find the locally owned and operated G's Restaurant offering a wonderful buffet, on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. G's Restaurant is located on US 23 in the center of town. And right next door to G's visitors will discover The Bavarian Bakery and Restaurant, which offers a delicious assortment of homemade baked goods, from muffins to coffee cakes, donuts and breads, as well as a large breakfast menu selection.

After breakfast it's time to do a bit of shopping in the downtown business district. This newly "spruced up" area of town now sports lovely sidewalk gardens, as well as an array of gift shops and specialty stores, where shoppers can find everything from rare and precious treasures, to ordinary, everyday necessities.
No shopping trip in Oscoda is complete without a trip to Cliff's Books and Engraving. A gift shop extrodinaire, visitors will find aisle upon aisle of books, as well as gifts and personal items, sure to please any shopper. Next stop, Great Northern Books and Hobby Shop, more than just an ordinary book store. Here you will find souvenirs and gifts in all shapes and sizes, from stuffed animals to original artwork, as well as a wonderful selection of art supplies, at reasonable prices. Other shops to visit while downtown include Cathy's Hallmark, Imagine That Scrap booking, Lovey's Gifts (offering homemade fudge) and Gilbert's Drugs, which offers a large selection of souvenirs and locally made items. Thrift shoppers and antique lovers of all ages will enjoy the downtown Flea Market, located right on US 23, in downtown Oscoda.

After all this shopping a perfect day features a great lunch, in one of the downtown restaurants. Chee Ping Chinese Restaurant, located next to Pancrandt's Gifts, offers an especially delicious sampling of Chinese cuisine, including simply irresistible crab rangoons, egg rolls, and don't miss the excellent Sweet and Sour Shrimp, complete with soup and a steaming pot of fresh hot tea, to complete your perfect lunch. Visitors seeking a different type of fare may choose to wander closer to the waterfront. On Dwight Street, nestled cozily among an array of summer blooms, the Coffee Mill serves up a freshly prepared lunch menu, that includes soups, salads and a featured sandwich or lunch dish, along with all your favorite hot or cold beverages. This unique restaurant provides a quiet, cozy afternoon get away. Guests are certain to love the atmosphere, as well as the unique menu choices offered daily.

Once lunch is done a truly great day in this part of Northern Michigan includes a drive down the lovely River Road Scenic Byway. A nationally known scenic drive tour, travelers come from all around to travel along this part of the beautiful Ausable River. As you pass through the heart of Huron National Forest, be sure to stop at a few of the convenient scenic overlooks, to savor view, photograph the scenery, or just take in the cool fresh afternoon breeze as it passes through the ancient evergreens.

Continuing on the By Way, just a few miles out of town, visitors will find the River Queen, waiting to take them on a peaceful excursion. A short trip on this antique Paddle Wheel boat is a lazy, luxurious way to spend a part of your perfect day in Northern Michigan. Relax and enjoy the panoramic view, while soaking up the sun, indulging in the fresh, clean air, as the gentle mist offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat and humidity.

Back on the By Way, as you travel further West toward the end of the drive tour, you will find Iargo Springs Park. Once a sacred gathering place for Native American's, these springs are a tourist destination for many visitors from around the country. As you descend into the cool, lush greenery near the bottom of the 300 step staircase, you are sure to feel a welcome relief from summer temperatures, and afternoon heat. Follow the boardwalk through the dense wooded area, to discover several ancient springs flowing gently down the rocky ledges, and experience a taste of nature at it's purest and best. Visitors to Iargo Springs are warned, however, that the climb to and from the basin can be difficult, and is not meant for those with heart or other major health problems. Unfortunately this area has not been made handi-capped accessible. Visitors unable to make the climb, however, can enjoy the lovely picnic area and scenic overlook located at the top of the stairs.

No trip down the River Road Scenic By Way is complete without a stop at Lumberman's Monument, National Park, just a bit west of Iargo Springs. Aside from the gorgeous views of the river, visitors will find nature and hiking trails, hands-on exhibits a covered picnic area, and an array of wonderful gifts and souvenirs at the Monument Gift Shop. Erected as a tribute to the loggers who once worked and lived in this area, a looming iron statue of the lumberjacks of Iosco county stands in the center of the park. Children and adults alike will appreciate the chance to experiment with the logging tools on display, as well as to visit the museum located on the river below. In the summer months guests will find guided nature hikes, as well as special events and activities for visitors of all ages.

On the trip back East, toward Oscoda, be on the look out for the many species of wildlife that inhabit this area. Once an endangered species, conservation efforts have succeeded in restoring the natural population of the American Bald Eagle to it's natural habitat, here in Iosco County. Travelers along the Scenic By Way are almost certain to get a glimpse of one of these majestic creatures in flight, or nesting in a nearby tree. Iargo Springs and Lumberman's Monument now boast of several eagles nests, which are used year after year, by the same matings pairs. Also be on the look-out for the Snowy Owl, Great Egret, Rough Legged Hawk, and Osprey. Fox, coyote, raccoon, porcupine, white tailed deer, and the occasional bear, cougar and elk are also seen in this area of the Forest.

Arriving back in town guests have a number of choices as to what to do next. Whether you choose to charter a boat for an evening cruise, rent a canoe for a short, but oh so sweet, trip down the River, go tubing, swimming or even try your hand at sailing, you'll find it all in the marina area of Oscoda/Ausable. For those with less sense of adventure, Hubies Wonder Golf, on US 23 offers a nice alternative, at an affordable rate. Historians and antiques enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll the Oscoda Historical Museum, while theater goers might catch a flick at the Oscoda Theater, in downtown Oscoda. Additionally, Vista Lanes, located on US 23 near Veteran's Memorial Highway, offers Wacky Wednesday's (bowl for $1.25) laser bowling, karaoke and many other summer time events. You'll also find pool tables and a complete arcade, located within the bowling alley itself.

After all this fun and adventure your appetite will probably be back in full full force. Weekend guests will enjoy the atmosphere and menu selection featured at the Ausable Inn, in down town Ausable/Oscoda. This bar, restaurant combination sports an amazing tribute to the Hurley Canoe Marathon, the largest canoe Marathon in the United States, which ends right here in Oscoda, Michigan, every spring. See winning canoes displayed attractively on the walls and ceilings, and enjoy the photos from previous races, complete with all the nostalgia and history of each years race. Enjoy this restaurants superb menu selection, featuring one of a kind, exclusive cuisine, prepared by top notch chefs, and service with a smile. Entertainment is always featured on the weekends, with live bands, contests and special events to make you evening memorable.

Wiltze's Pub and Brewery is an another Oscoda favorite. Located on Veteran's Memorial Highway, just across from Northland Area Federal Credit Union, this restaurant features a wonderful selection of items, from seafood, to steaks to signature dishes, like the "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" burger, sure to satisfy even the most hearty of appetites. Owner/proprietor Dean Wiltze prides himself on his homemade beers and ales, as well as his fantastic food. Visitors coming to Oscoda during the summer may find fun festivals happening here, as well. Vegas night, and German Fest are two of this restaurants famous "shin-digs."

End your perfect day in Northern Michigan with a quiet evening on the beach, as the sun sets, the multitude of stars that appear in the Northern sky are a sight you won't soon forget. Lucky visitors may get a spectacular glimpse of the Northern Lights, or perchance, take this opportunity to wish upon a star. Shooting stars are a common sight all along Lake Huron, into the wee hours of the night. Each day brings new adventures, and wonders to enthrall residents and visitors alike. Gazing up at the multitude of stars, as the waves gently lap against the shoreline, a perfect day in Northern Michigan has ended, but a new one waits just around the corner.