It's finally getting close...we head up to Michigan next week for the real icee's fishing fix.

1. Staying overnight on the way in Dayton, Ohio. There is a Skyline Chile near the hotel. If we go to Skyline, what should we order? I know chili, but is there something specific that is a must have?

2. Next night we will stay in either Grayling or Gaylord. DH advises he must fish the "Holy Waters" of the AuSable. Anyone have one hotel preference over the other in either town and/or a good fly shop recommendation and/or a public access for wading the river.

3. On Friday night we will be at Boyne Falls. Last time we had Friday night fish fry at BRI in Boyne City. Is that the best fish fry or are there others in neighboring towns?

4. Any other recommended places to eat and/or sights to see in the Boyne, Petoskey...area.

5. When we leave Northern Michigan and head on up the UP...we hope to go to Tahquamenon Falls (do we want to go on up to Whitefish Point?)...have been to Soo Locks so won't go that direction.........then, on over around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore....then up thru the Keweenaw Peninsula.....and back home down thru Wisconsin and over to The Dells.

Now that you know my itinerary please let me know any absolute "must sees" or "must eats" along the journey.

Last time we had a pastie which we both liked a great deal, but I missed out on smoked fish dip. In Wisconsin, we will stop in Racine and lay on some kringles. Wine, cheese, apples, cherries??????

So........give it to me!!

BTW, have all the leaves already changed or will we get in on some nice scenic views???

iceeu2,

In my neck of MI, things are just starting to turn.

As far as Grayling vs Gaylord, they are both small towns with few choices for accomodations. Grayling has a Holiday Inn and Days Inn while Gaylord has Best Western, Days Inn, Hampton Inn and Quality Inn.

Stop by Hartwick Pines SP near Grayling to learn more about lumbering in MI. Stop by Ray's Canoeing for fishing info.

My family's favorite stop for pasties is in Mackinaw City right by the bridge,Mackinaw City Pasties. The original with gravy is the way to go.

A big thumbs up for Whitefish Point. There is the Shipwreck Musuem, the restored lighthouse and birdwatchers group. You may be there during migration time for any of a number of things.

Near Pictured Rocks is Seney Wildlife Refuge. It has a wonderful wildlife drive. Have never missed seeing eagles. The sandhill cranes are also magnificent to see.

In the Keewenaw a don't miss is Brockway Mountain Drive. On clear days you can see to Isle Royale. In Houghton, there is new Country Inn and Suites and a great place for whitefish is the Library.

One of the best places for whitefish dip/pate is Charlevoix. In-laws get it everytime they buy fish. Can't remember the name of the fish market but it is on the south shore of the lake.

From Boyne City, go up the shore of Lake Charlevoix to Horton Bay. This is where Hemingway spent his summers as a boy. http://www.hortonsbaygeneralstore.com/

Get some deep fried white fish at Scallywags in Petoskey or Mackinaw City.

Leaving Petosky take M-119 around Little Traverse Bay to Harbor Springs, then along the top of the cliff overlooking Lake Michigan, through the tunnel of trees to Cross Village. Leggs Inn in Cross Village is worth a quick look, though I haven't been too impressed by the food there.

Yes, visit White Fish Point. Also Point Iroquois Lighthouse, just west of Bay Mills on the way up.

Keith

PS: Goodluck on the Skyline Chili. Compared to the chili other parts of the country it is pretty bland.

Keith, you think Skyline Chili is a skip right on over?

iceeu2,

It depends on your taste. People in that area like it and are proud of it. Its competitors are similar.

I like chili with a lot of flavor. I've gone out of my way to get Coney Islands in Detroit, or Porubsky’s chili in Topeka. BUt I've tried Skyline a couple of times (and some of the other Cincinnati chili parlors) and I don't plan to have them again.

Keith

SuzieTrue and Keith, thank you...You both have always been so helpful.

Now, anyone else wanna tell me where to go????

I wont tell you where to go but I will make another suggestion. Sleeping Bear Dunes is worth the time.

http://www.nps.gov/slbe/

Thanks RedRock...we have been to Sleeping Bear Dunes and loved it. Going on into the UP this time.

Anyone know anything about Gates Lodge in Grayling?

We were up in the "thumb" last year and we remember a fantastic buffet up there -- the Blue Bird Restaurant? Not sure. But it was unbelievably good and reasonable!

Someone else chime in to help?

Enjoy!

Vermonter