Introduction

We found ourselves in Sawyer, Michigan while our house in Chicago was being remodeled and we decided to get to know the state.

Sawyer/Benton Harbor/Saint Joseph have a large proportion of gay/lesbian second homes. It is an amazing thing that until we actually moved there for the renovations, we did not know how many Chicagoans own property in Southwest Michigan - Northwest Indiana.

For those of you who just drive for the day, we would recommend a stop at the Red Arrow Road House, 15710 Red Arrow Highway, Union Pier, MI 49129. Tel: 269.469.3939. Gay friendly family restaurant which will surely please most of us for about $30/person. Has some of the best martinis in Michigan. There is also a very cool theater at Three Oaks, MI, The Acorn Theater. The gay owned and operated theater, at 107 Generations Drive, has evolved through a 2 1/2-year process during which Kim Clark and partner David Fink managed to get the Acorn from roots to bloom. The carefully planned restoration has turned a century-old former sewing factory from the brink of demolition to a bright new life.For an updated schedule of events call (269) 756-3879.

Once we settled, we decided to take a road trip. We made our hotel reservations based on their ability to accept our two dogs. Without that limitation, we still found that the choices were rather limited.

Our driving trip ended up being a pleasant surprise, however. The Great Lakes have over 5000 miles of shore and Michigan holds over a third of that. Northern Michigan has some of the most beautiful undeveloped lakefront property and in great quantity. If you do not enjoy nature and you find yourself in need of nightlife, this may not be a trip for you. There is minimal gay nightlife north or east of the Douglas Dunes until you get to Detroit.

If you are shopping for a car, truck, or SUV, the back roads of Michigan will offer great selection and quantity to choose from. Just about every other mile, there is a vehicle parked with a for-sale sign. A lot of the real estate had for sale signs too. Take your checkbook or cash with you if you are interested.

Current weather in Michigan.

Holidays

2006 Federal Legal Holidays

• January 1, 2006: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
• January 16, 2006: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• February 20, 2006: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
• May 29, 2006: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• July 4, 2006: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
• September 4, 2006: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
• October 9, 2006: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
• November 11, 2006: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
• November 23, 2006: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• December 25, 2006: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]

Timing

If you are going to do this trip, we suggest you time it with the change of colors. Late September or early October will give the best colors in the Upper Peninsula, a bit later for the Lower Peninsula.

Itinerary for our driving tour of Michigan

Day 1

If you're starting in Chicago, head south on Lake Shore Drive to I-55 south to the east 90/94 Indiana Exit. Take the Edens (I-90/94) to the Skyway (I-90). Pay the tolls and after the exit to I-65 take the next exit for I-94 east. (It is worth paying the tolls to avoid traffic and it is a shorter distance. Obviously, you can just take I-94 all the way to avoid the tolls, but the traffic is much heavier.) We, of course, started from Sawyer in SW Michigan.

We went north (or east to be exact) on I - 94 to I - 69 until Lansing where we got off to drive the Capitol circle and had lunch near the Capitol. We can suggest Clara's 10 minutes east of Downtown TEL: 517-372-7120. (Or you can have lunch at Schlotzky's in Kalamazoo!) Continue on I - 69 to I - 75 north. We suggest dinner at Grandpa Tony's, (great Italian home cooking with good service) 1108 Columbus Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708. Tel: 517-893-4795.

We found the largest cemetery we've ever seen in Bay City, and not much else. So unless you are on the lookout for a cemetery plot, we suggest you continue to Michigan road 13 and stay the night at Tawas. Holiday Inn, 300 E Bat St. East Tawas, MI 48730. Phone: 517-362-8601. If you are too tired, you could also stay at the Holiday Inn in Bay City, 501 Saginaw St. Bay City, MI 48708. Phone: 517-892-3501. They both take pets and will run you about $80/night. We stayed at the one in Bay City, but we liked the East Tawas area better.

Day 2

The idea was to get on the East coast of the state. Michigan road 13 has the most amazing amount of undeveloped lakefront property and fabulous views of Lake Huron. It also has lots of rental cabins and motels that you may get at either weekly or monthly rates. We were delighted by Oscoda and Harrisville and ended up having lunch in Alpena at John A Lau Salon and Steakhouse in Alpena's Old Town, TEL: 517-354-6898. We could also suggest The Pack House in Oscoda (TEL: 517-739-0454) for seafood lovers.

Continuing on Michigan road 23 until we intersected I - 75 right at the Mackinaw exit. We stayed at the Motel 8 on 601 N. Huron Avenue, Mackinaw, MI. TEL: 231-436-5252. With views of the Mackinaw Bridge and the old lighthouse, it was a pleasant experience for the dogs and us. We ended up having a great little dinner at the Wilderness Café, 314 Central Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI 49701. Tel: 231-436-5788. We took a nice stroll around town and took way too many pictures!

Day 3

We chose not to take the ferry to Mackinaw Island due to time constraints and continued our drive up I - 75. There is a toll of $1.50 to cross the Mackinaw Bridge and it is an amazing five mile engineering marvel. Once on the UP, we took Michigan Road number 2, which hugs the south shore of the Peninsula. We took Road 2 to Road 41 north. Keep an eye for the Whitefish falls just north of Diffin and south of Kiva on highway 41. They were almost deserted this time of the year and it was a great run/swim for the dogs. Barely a falls at all; more of a wide creek with some rapids - just a nice place to get off the road and see some nature. If it had been warmer, we probably would have been in there with the dogs ourselves.

Route 41 will take you to Marquette where we checked in the Holiday Inn at 1951 US 41, West Marquette, MI 49855. TEL: 906-225-1351. We had lunch at Upfront and Company, 102 East Main Street, Marquette (good bar & grill food with a view of Lake Superior). The afternoon we spent touring Marquette and its surroundings. Home to Northern Michigan University, Marquette combines Harbor and University life. We found a shop on main Street with the Gay flag on its storefront, but when we inquired within, they had no idea about the gay life in town (almost nonexistent). They did, however, have "VCR-head cleaner" (and were clueless about its use) and lots of rainbow stickers and paraphernalia.

Day 4

We left Marquette on route 41 and took it East to route 28 (skimming the shore of Lake Superior a good part of the way). We rode this to Munising and then Munising Falls. We then proceeded to go east on route 28 to Route 123 to Newberry. There we had lunch at Zellar's Village Inn, R. R. 4, Box 968 - A, Newberry, MI 49868. TEL: 906-293-5114. We had a great lunch for under $10/person and we found out that they take dogs for $40/night.

(There is a vacation rental home near here along highway 13 in the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. You may wish to go to their website for further information. For larger groups this would be an ideal place to stay due to the proximity to Lake Superior/Lake Michigan and the opportunity to experience the outdoors within Hiawatha Forest. There are two homes listed on this site, however, the larger home on Steven's Lake is ideal for 3-4 gay couples/singles. American Airlines, Skyway and Northwest fly direct from Chicago to Marquette and the house is only 1 hour from the airport. Northwest, Midwest Express, and United fly into Escanaba (located south on Lake Michigan) which is 45 minutes from the house. While there is very little night life for gay/lesbians in the small towns nearby, it is a quiet respite that you might find enchanting.)

After lunch we continued North on route 123 until the Tahquamenon Falls. For $4.00 you get access to both the upper and lower parks and falls.

Continuing on Route 123 to 28 east and up to I - 75 where we went to Sault St. Marie. We stayed there at the Seaway Motel for $48/night. (1800 Ashmun Street, Sault Saint Marie, MI. TEL: 800-782-0466 or 906-832-8201) We drove to the Soo Locks where lake Superior drains into Lake Huron via the Saint Marie River. We had dinner at Goetz's Lock View Restaurant, 329 West Portage Avenue, Sault Saint Marie, MI. I would recommend eating elsewhere.

Day 5

We left Sault Saint Marie on I - 75, crossed the Mackinaw Bridge and took highway 31 south. This runs along the Lower Peninsula's west coast. The longest stretch of our drive, we drove it to Douglas dune's resort (south of Saugatuck) where we had a late lunch and then headed home.

Sidetrip to Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a typical college town - little reason for it to exist other than to support the University of Michigan which is a great institution - and boasts a large density of young boys (if you're into that sort of thing). And as such, attracts some gay life in the state other than Detroit. There are actually 3 gay bars in town and one that is mixed.

Michigan Scene

Word of caution about car rental companies

Most of them carry absolutely no insurance for their cars while you rent them, thus making your personal car insurance the primary insurer. If you use your credit card to cover your insurance deductible, all credit cards except for Diners Club will be secondary insurers. Yes, we were surprised to learn that even American Express Platinum has gone the secondary route. That means that the accident, whether or not it was your fault will get into your car insurance report. We find Hertz car company the worse offender because they charge for loss of use and add administrative costs to the handling of the accident. (not covered by any insurance we know of). On the cards side, we find Aadvantage Master card Platinum the worst offender. Takes forever to pay and will harass you with millions of forms just to see if you give on them and pay your deductible.

Our recommendation:

• Get a Diners Club card (now with a Master Card logo) which will cover the rental as the primary insurer and use it to rent your car.
• Pay the extra dollars to get insurance from the car rental company
• Avoid Hertz rentals if possible.

Before you jump into your car, please visit Gay Michigan for an updated list of Gay Life in the State of Michigan

Holidays

2007 Federal Legal Holidays

• January 1, 2007: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
• January 15, 2007: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• February 19, 2007: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
• May 28, 2007: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• July 4, 2007: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
• September 3, 2007: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
• October 8, 2007: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
• November 12, 2007: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
• November 22, 2007: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• December 25, 2007: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]

Saugatuck

The quaint Michigan resort town of Saugatuck has become, for many gays and lesbians, the Fire Island of the Midwest. This beautiful lakeside town is nestled between Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River and is home to The Dunes Resort, which provides the anchor for the many gay and lesbian tourists that visit the town each year. Though Saugatuck remains a popular year round destination, it is during the summer months that the town really comes alive. And, it is Saugatuck's central location that makes it a perfect recreation spot for people in the Midwest (especially Chicago). Saugatuck offers miles of white sandy beaches, boating, hiking, shopping, unique restaurants and antiques galore. Plus, thanks to the bustling artist community, which began in 1910 when the Art Institute of Chicago founded the Summer School of Painting at Ox Bow, Saugatuck boasts 25 world-class art galleries.

Recourse Saugatuck/Douglas Gay Guide PO Box 1132, Saugatuck, MI 49453. Tel: (269) 857-1401. Email

• Campit Campground Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan. Tel:269-543-4335 - 877-CAMPIT-1
  Email. Saugatuck's Gay & Lesbian Outdoor Resort - Campit Campground is an adults only, gay & lesbian campground resort. Situated on nearly 25 wooded and open acres, the campground is only a few miles from the beaches, shopping and other fun activities in the Saugatuck/Douglas area. All guests must be members.
• The Dunes Resort 333 Blue Star Hwy., Douglas. Tel: 269-857-1401. With over 70 rooms and cottages and a disco/bar complex, The Dunes Resort opened for business twenty years ago. The current owners purchased the business in early 1999 and have begun the process of redefining, redecorating and recreating the Dunes as not only a fun vacation resort but also as a purveyor of upbeat and progressive circuit dance music. A multi-year plan is in place to expand and enhance the Dunes experience. The Dunes Resort is open seven days a week, twelve months a year. The summer season is kicked off each year at the end of April with the Annual Black & White Anniversary Party and continues through Labor Day Weekend. Major events and activities are planned year round, creating an enjoyable destination for any season. Serviced by the Blue Frog a seasonal cafe offering poolside treats to sunbathers.
• The Kirby House 294 W. Center Street, Douglas, Michigan 49406. Tel: 269-857-2904 or 800-521-6473. Email Victorian manor with heated pool, hot tub and full breakfast. The Kirby House is one of the last of the elegant homes of it's era to survive. Many others were unfortunately lost in fires or were sadly demolished as useless relics of the past. The home is graced with quarter-sawn oak woodwork and panels, prismed windows, tall ceilings with gently curved moldings, a six sided tower, wrap-around front porch and beautiful gardens.
• The Pines Motor Lodge 56 Blue Star Highway. PO Box 887, Douglas, Michigan 46406 . Tel: 269-857-5211. Email A boutique motel and shop with retro charm. The Pines Motorlodge is a 1940/50's style boutique Motel located in the heart of Saugatuck/Douglas. This 14 room locally owned and operated lodging facility is located within easy walking distance of West Michigan's best beaches, shopping, art galleries, antiques, restaurants and nightlife.

  Restaurants

• Blue Moon Bar & Grille 310 Blue Star Highway (Corner of Wiley Rd), Douglas, MI 49406. Tel: 269-857-8686. Email Unique, comfortable atmosphere featuring American contemporary cuisine with international flair. Reservations recommended.
• Crane's Pie Pantry Restaurant & Bakery 6054 124th Avenue, Fennville, MI 49408. Tel: 269-561-2297. Homemade food. Specialties are homemade fruit pies. Farm antique atmosphere.
• Everyday People Café 11 Center Street, Douglas, MI 49406. Tel: 269-857-4240. The new groove for creative food & cocktails. Margaret and Matt Balmer (mother and son duo) have created a menu of International flare into this mom and pop establishment full of charm.
• Phil's Bar & Grille 215 Butler Street, Saugatuck, MI 49543. Tel: 269-857-1555. Beer, wine & cocktails. Roasted chicken, bistro appetizers, sandwiches & entrees.
• Uncommon Grounds 127 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453. Tel: 269-857-3333. On-premise roasting. Simply the finest organic espresso, fresh juices, teas, and baked goods.

Three Oaks

The Village of Three Oaks is located in the southwest corner of Michigan, just miles from the shores of Lake Michigan and the Indiana border. (Exit 4 on I 94, turn east, away from Benton Harbor). The village was first settled by Henry Chamberlain in 1850. Mr. Chamberlain gave the small community its name in reference to three oak trees growing in a cluster within the village.

Three Oak's hometown pride is evident during it's Flag Day Celebration in June. The celebration and Flag Day Parade is the largest in the country. Movie producers also took note of Three Oaks, as the movie Prancer was filmed during 1989 in this quaint village of 2,000.

A favorite spot to stop in is at the historic Drier's Meat Market. This old fashioned butcher shop opened prior to the outbreak of the Civil War and is recognized as a historic place. The Drier family still makes and smokes their own sausage, ham and bologna in the back room.

But no matter what your taste, there is something for you in Three Oaks!

We admit it, we have become FIP's. We bought a house in Three Oaks. We are delighted by the gentile and relaxing atmosphere. If you come visit we have some things to recommend you:

Entertainment

• The Acorn Theater Everything from the off-Broadway theatrics of Donna Blue Lachman. We're sure you won't want to miss even one night of this entertainment-packed season. They are located at The Historic Featherbone Factory (Their address is 107), just behind the post office. Please call for information and reservations 269-756-3879. Owned by Kim Clark and David Fink, they have their hands full. Kim Clark is running for Congress! Yes, it is true, acorn owner Kim Clark announced on April 5, his intention to win a seat in congress. Representing Michigan's 6th district Kim plans to take the United States House of Representatives.
• Dewey Cannon Park Trading Company 3, Dewey Cannon Avenue, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 269-756-3361 or 269-208-4255. Bicycle Rentals, tourist information, and gift store.
• Gallery Walk - Every Third Saturday of the month. Visit local galleries and shops, listen and watch sidewalk performers.
• Music in the Park Radio Harbor Country P. O. Box 101, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 269-756-WRHC (9742). Performances take place in Dewey Cannon Park, just off Maple sTreet and east of downtown. Shows start at 7pm every Saturday from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. Free admission. Bring a chair or a blanket. For updated schedule visit website.
• Three Oaks Public Library 3 North Elm Street, Three Oaks, Michigan  49128. Tel:   (269) 756-5621. The Three Oaks Township Public Library stands proud and strong today as a symbol of the value this community has placed on education for almost 150 years. In 1859, the community voted to raise $ 25.00 for Library purposes.  It is an unusual fact that Three Oaks had a Library before it had a newspaper, town hall, fire department, or church building. In 1916, with the Library occupying one room, the Chamberlain Memorial Museum opened its doors and displayed over 72,000 artifacts from the early pioneers of this area and items from all over the world.  This was a successful partnership and a positive educaitonal experience.  In 1953, the Chamberlain Museum was given to Michigan State University. At the present time, a portion of the museum collection is being returned by Michigan State University to be housed on the third floor of the Three Oaks Township Public Library once it is renovated. The Edward K. Warren Fondation of Three Oaks was established November 27, 1917.  Its purpose, "The preservance on forests; the establishment and maintenance of a park or parks; the collecton and preservations of historical documents, data, and publications."  Both the Library and Museum have been supported by the foundation from the beginning in 1917 through today.
• Vickers Theatre 6 N Elm St, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: (269) 756-3522. "Civilized Cinema" - Art Films, including Brokeback Mountain and An Inconvenient Truth.

Dining

• Bailey's Cafe 8 S Elm St, Three Oaks, MI 49128. (269) 756-2400. Gay owned and operated. Great for breakfast and lunch. They are now serving dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Highly recommended! (Now open after a total rehab). Make sure you bow to the queen... you'll know which one she is!
• Belle Via Market & Cafe 11 S Elm St, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: (269) 756-3978
• Blue Plate Cafe 15288 Red Arrow Highway, Union Pier, MI 49129. Tel: 2694692370. Wonderful place for breakfast and lunch!
• Drier's Meat Market14 South Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 888-521-3999. Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. til 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. til 5 p.m. Store closed from January 1st until 2 weeks before Easter
• The Featherbone Restaurant & Lounge 6741 US Highway 12, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: (616) 756-6821. Wonderful diner. Great food at reasonable prices.
• Fitzgerald's 5875 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer (near Three Oaks). 269-426-FITZ. Friends have opened this wonderful restaurant in what used to be a real dive. An amazing overhaul of the building and wonderful food.
• Froehlich Inc 26 N Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: (269) 756-6002. Famous for their preserves and in our opinion have the best coffee in town.
• The Grille On Elm 13 S Elm St, Three Oaks, MI 49128. (269) 756-7519. For a quick lunch. You'll spend less than $10 person. Locals use it a a hangout to drink beer.
• Oakers Fudge and Ice Cream 20 N. Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 269-756-3015
• Viola Cafe 102 N. Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 269-9420

Galleries and Shopping

• Area Artist Association at The Star Gallery Tom scarf, owner - 1206 E US HIghway 12, Michigan city, IN 46360. Tel: 219-878-1977. Email Some fifteen minutes south of Three Oaks is the home of the best outdoor art gallery we've seen in many years. Tom Scarf, artist and owner has combined regional artists and they showcase their work. Definitively worth a trip in you are in the area.
• Blue Gallery 16 S Elm St, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: (269) 756-9338. Our Favorite.
• Drawing Gallery 22 N. Elm, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 269-756-9940
• The Featherbone Factory 111 North Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 269-756-7320. Located in the Historic Featherbone Factory
  The Midwest's Largest Manufacturers of Concrete Garden Stepping Stones
• French Twist 9 S Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: (269) 756-3970
• Ipso Facto 1 W. Ash St W, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: (269) 756-3404. Very cool furniture.
• Lubeznik Center for the Arts. 101 Avenue of the Arts (101 W. 2nd Street), Michigan City, IN 46360. Tel: 219/874-4900. Email The Lubeznik Center for the Arts is a newly renovated cultural venue, providing a variety of art experiences to diverse local communities, while creating opportunities for local and regional artists. The Center focuses on serving residents of LaPorte, Porter and Lake Counties, with an extended reach to the South Bend, IN area, Southwest Michigan, and Chicago-land. The breathtaking Hyndman Gallery is the main exhibition room, featuring a continuous rounded wall, accentuating artwork as well as providing a spectacular acoustic space. Additional galleries are located on the second floor. The Wm. Brincka Gallery features a round skylight and dramatic angled walls and Natural wood surfaces. The NIPSCO Art Education Studios provides two rooms for exhibitions, classes, presentations and meetings. Environmentally friendly materials and equipment have been used during the renovation to demonstrate our commitment to energy conservation and the use of renewable resources. The facility, available for your special events, provides a spectacular backdrop for any kind of gathering. The Lubeznik Center has successfully partnered with many community organizations to provide educational programming. The intent is to encourage creativity by bringing art programming to the general public and to our underserved communities. See website for calendar of events.
• Gallery H 15 S Elm St, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: (269) 756-7777
• The Spectacle Shop Diane Ashcraft, Owner, 13 - A N. Elm, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 269-756-SPEC (7732).
• Springdale 19 S Elm St, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: (269) 756-9896. No visit to Three Oaks is complete without stopping here to admire the period furniture.
• Studio B 134 N. Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 269-756-9954

Newspaper

• Herald Palladium Mailing address: P.O. Box 128, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085. Physical address: 3450 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
  Phone: 269-429-2400, 269-429-4484
• The South County Gazette 110 N. Elm Street, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 616-756-2421
• Three Oaks Michigan Visitors Guide Produced by Artistic Energy Group, P. O. Box 6, Three Oaks, MI 49128. Tel: 269-756-9070

References

• Gay Michigan
• Between The Lines
• Michigan Pride