The northeastern section of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is one of my favorite areas. From Bay City to Mackinaw City, its gorgeous sandy Lake Huron shoreline has been well-preserved by the state; much of it is still accessible to the public.
In contrast to the upscale western side of the state, this “Sunrise Side” has been mostly forgotten by developers; it’s a bit run-down. There are a number of farms and businesses that just couldn’t survive financially and were simply abandoned; they’re just sitting there, with overgrown lawns and peeling paint.
I’m often drawn to less-popular areas. I like kitsch and nostalgia, and this section of the state is a great place to find both. You can still find quaint, family-run motels like the Aspen Motor Court, where a towel bar serves in place of ADA-compliant handicap grab bars . . .
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Real estate is affordable up here. This beautiful beaux arts-style former federal building is for sale. It is situated in downtown Alpena, comes with docking space on the Thunder Bay River, where it empties into Lake Huron; the views are gorgeous. There is a larger and older building of the same style right next door; it is now a laser tag center. The federal web site lists the current bid on the place pictured at $15K. Unbelievable!
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There’s even a small Mennonite community here. This self-serve produce stand also serves as a bakery on weekends.
I’ve been vacationing in this area since I was a kid; Mom brought Sarge & I to Harrisville State Park every summer for 2 weeks of camping on the waterfront. I hope to buy a cottage up here someday.
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