Overnight in Houghton
A month ago now, I decided to trek into Houghton for a little adventure! I had heard a lot of wonderful things about Winter Carnival, and even though it was scaled down this year due to COVID, there were still lots of ice sculptures to see… so I decided let’s go! It’s just under 2 hours from Marquette, but I decided to make an overnight of it. So I quickly booked a hotel, packed my bag, and headed out of town. It was so sunny and 100% clear in Marquette, so I was very optimistic about weather. But then as soon as I hit north of Baraga, it was like… a different world in terms of weather conditions. Total TOTAL winter blizzard with haze which made for an interesting trip. But I had a strangely fun time in this town navigating the weather, checking out some ice sculptures, grabbing pizza from Ambassador and finnish pancakes from Suomi. Read on for my quick overnight in Houghton… and I’ll definitely be back, but in summertime. 😂
BOOKWORM BOOKS & COFFEE
My first stop into town was to Bookworm Books & Coffee! It was legit whiteout conditions outside, so I was really glad to be able to park and have a small moment of calm before venturing back out into the storm, hahaha. But this is such a cute little shop! They have tons of new and used books, coffee, ice cream, baked goods, lots of gift items and souvenirs as well. They had a whole wall of Michigan lighthouse puzzles and I was so tempted even though I don’t puzzle. 😂 I ended up peeking around at some of the books though, and then ordered myself a vanilla latte, before venturing out to check out some of the ice sculptures!
WINTER CARNIVAL
So Winter Carnival started in 1922 and has grown into one of the biggest annual winter celebrations in the nation. Obviously different this year due to COVID, but it’s known for huge, intricate ice and snow sculptures around campus (Michigan Tech) and the community, and it also normally has dog races, broomball, comedy skits, human ice bowling, and more. I’d love to go back and experience the full thing someday! But there were still plenty of people out braving the conditions to walk and check out the ice sculptures. I ended up driving and parking at a few different spots to check them out. So fun!
GRACE & GATHER
After that, I popped into Grace & Gather, which I’ve heard wonderful things about! It was so cute. I loved it. It’s a clothing and home goods store located downtown Houghton. They have such a beautifully curated selection, in an incredibly inviting space. They have a few different of their own brands in store — Covington & Co, which is their hand-picked clothing line. And Harbor + Pine Home Goods, which is their high-quality home goods that are both functional and beautiful. I picked up a few greeting cards, and this adorable Blair Wrap Sweater, which has been on repeat this winter season. All the cozy vibes! Be sure to stop in there if you’re visiting Houghton… but you can also shop everything online as well!
After walking around downtown for a bit and doing a little shopping, I went to check into my hotel… which wasn’t ready for me yet, so I decided to venture down to Lakeshore Drive to see the Portage Canal Lift Bridge. So I was turning to head down to the water, and it was WHITEOUT conditions, and I honestly didn’t think my car was going to make it down there, but thankfully I did and was able to park. But I had a few minutes in my car of panic, trying to cancel my hotel, thinking I should go back to MQT, the snow was intense and so hard to navigate around in, but I ended up talking to a friend on the phone for a second who helped and I decided to stay and I’m really glad I did, but holy moly. This troll was not used to this Yooper weather. 😂 But I made the best of it and hauled my tripod out there, and got a few very-hazy wintry photos in front of the bridge.
ROY’S PASTIES & BAKERY
This place was such a welcome retreat from the wintry conditions — haha! I was able to park in their lot, snap a few pictures across the street at the lift bridge, and then head inside for a cozy cup of coffee and an apple cinnamon square. Roy’s Pasties & Bakery was recommended to me on IG stories, and I was told to get the cronut, but they were all sold out… so that’s next on my list for when I come back this summer! This place is so quaint though. They are family-owned and operated, and feature made-from-scratch pasties, deli soups, sandwiches, a bakery, and custom cakes. I was able to sit inside by the window, relax for a minute, before heading back out into the snow to check into my hotel!
AMBASSADOR
After some down time at the hotel, I went back into downtown to check out Ambassador — which was the most recommended place to me. Since it was just me dining alone, I was able to snag a seat at the bar, which I loved. So much less awkward eating alone at a bar for some reason. 😂 But I ended up having the best time. I struck up a conversation with the bartender and someone sitting nearby at the bar, which was so fun. I ordered a fishbowl (or two 😬) and a tostada pizza, which was delicious. I loved the decor — an elegant wood bar and antique murals, plus lots of creative options for pizza. Plus, the fishbowl choices are amazing! I already can’t wait to go back.
You gotta try the tostada pizza!
SUOMI HOME BAKERY & RESTAURANT
The next morning, I headed back downtown to check out Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant. It’s in a great location, and it’s just a very homey restaurant… but they feature traditional Finnish-style breakfasts and pastries. (For more than 40 years!) Again… dining alone, I was able to snag a bar seat with no wait, which was amazing! Whenever I go to a restaurant with a specific style of food, I have to try that, BUT I was also told to get the Pannukakku, which is an oven-baked, custard-like Finnish pancake served with warm raspberry sauce. Holy dang moly. That is legit one of my all-time favorite breakfast foods now. I’m obsessed. It was SO GOOD! I also got a side of sausage with it, and could only eat half, I was so stuffed. I loved the raspberry sauce (kind of like donut filling), but honestly? I preferred it just 100% on it’s own. So good! You definitely have to check this place out for breakfast if you’re in Houghton.
After breakfast, I decided to try crossing the lift bridge to go find the winner of the Winter Carnival, which was located in Hancock. Thankfully it was very easy to get there/navigate to… but the weather was still just SO TRICKY to get around in. I was going to try to head down to the beach and see a lighthouse or anything afterwards, but I just had anxiety on traveling alone, and if I was going to get stuck somewhere, with zero service, all the usual winter things I worry about in the UP, hahaha. So I decided to head back to Marquette after this, but I can’t wait to come back to the area and explore more when weather conditions are nicer! Once I hit Baraga and headed back to MQT too, all clear skies/roads and sunshine. Of course. 😂
