Sometimes I will hear people talking about Northern Michigan and how unique the evenings are, but most people don't get to experience the magic that taps into your senses. Two evenings never are the same, but they are always captivating in some way. While walking along the shoreline during twilight, I couldn't help noticing the changing hues of pink and blue that seemed to surround the Mackinac Bridge. I stopped long enough to take one picture and was able to capture some of the magic of Northern Michigan.

Once you cross the Mackinac Bridge you have some decisions to make: 1: Turn right and go to St. Ignace, or 2: Turn Left and get on US 2 that winds along the coast of Lake Michigan and everything that the western U.P. offers for adventure. It's a bit bewildering to decide, but "Fudgies", "Trolls" or "Apple Knocker" (Yooper terms for people that live in the lower peninsula) veer to the right and drive the short distance to St. Ignace. The harbor, lighthouse, parks, and marina are enough to enchant most people, but there are plenty of unique shops and other diversions to keep you occupied whether it's just for a couple of days or several.

Mackinaw City is known for...Fudge. Sometimes you have to say "F"udge it!" and ignore the indulgent waves of invisible sweetness that float along the streets, It's difficult to resist the temptation that kidnaps your train of thoughts...it's an intoxicating robbery of your senses. *sigh* There is quite a bit of history to this village that's also known as a gateway to Mackinac Island and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but there are some unique things of interest that also make Mackinaw City charming with it's diverse places of interest. 

Not many people understand the "75 from 75" saying, but once you do, an entirely new experience awaits. If you drive north to Gaylord Michigan, you have several options: you can stay in Gaylord and visit that area and indulge in the numerous activities it (and the nearby areas offer) you can also stay on I-75 and cruise on up to "The Mackinac Bridge" and Mackinac City, but if you decide to drive East you will have to commit to 75 minutes of driving to arrive at Alpena, and that's where a truly unique northern experience awaits. The Alpena area is filled with natural beauty that most people never see because it's one of those destinations you have to want to go to, to get there (yeah, it's considered "out of the way" hence the "75 from 75" saying) but the drive on M-32 leads to Atlanta (the Elk Capital of Michigan) and Alpena which is where you can connect to US-23, (A Heritage Route Highway.) You'll discover things that you never knew could be found or experienced in (Northeast) Michigan.

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula (MIchigan's better half *ahem*) there is an abundance of interesting places. One place in particular is a ghost town that's located near Garden, Michigan called Fayette. A former mining town that was abandoned in the 1890's, Fayette is tucked in between Snail Shell Harbor and Big Bay de Noc.

Michigan's U.P. is truly unique, but what enhances it are things you not only see but are able experience. One of those experiences is The ​Bates Motel in Gould City. It does offer a themed room complete with all the gory accoutrements. *ahem* as well as a bar and restaurant. If you want another U.P. experience, drive over to Newberry (Which happens to be the Moose capital of Michigan) and check out Oswald's Bear Ranch.

Sometimes when you see the obvious you miss an opportunity to experience something unexpected There are many things to be experienced in Northern Michigan (especially the U.P.) I like to take a left hand turn instead of a right (Me and GPS have periodic battles) because the road is unfamiliar and can lead to a new discovery.

The cold skies of December and a blanket of snow on the ground have diminished the warmth of the Sun. The Sun, normally loud and brash; is now timid as it hides behind the grey curtain of a late December afternoon while trying to embrace its own warmth.