A Visitor’s Guide to Marquette, Michigan

Usually, I create itineraries for any travel plans, but for this particular trip I knew my Yooper friend Sam would have it covered and I could relax and she’d show me all the best spots.

Food

BabyCakes Muffin Company is one of my favorite spots in town. Carbs are my best friend and so naturally these muffins lured me in. I never thought a bran muffin could be so flavorful before and this visit, I tried the gluten free double chocolate muffin–so good! The bakery is under new(er) ownership now and have expanded their offerings including more dessert items. I could eat there every day.

Third Street Bagel seems to always be packed, giving it a good review to an outsider like me driving by hungry. I stopped in for a breakfast sandwich on a garlic bagel with crispy bacon. It was delicious. And lots of cute dogs and men with long hair sitting outside, which was a bonus.

The Delft Bistro feature burger was by far my favorite meal in Marquette. The Delft, formerly a theater, has a full-scale movie screen in the center where they feature classics like Ghostbusters! I’m a burger and fry girl and the fries were perfectly seasoned and the double cheeseburger was amazing. I was feeling a little indulgent that night and also ordered a chocolate chip cookie skillet to share with Sam. Yolo.

Sips

Barrel and Beam is a new brewery, described as crafting farmhouse and barrel-aged brewery. The brewery was formerly a supper club and was in complete disrepair when it was purchased and renovated, transforming into a beautifully modern farmhouse style space filled with plants, wooden beams, tall ceilings and beautiful furniture.

I tried the Blanc Du Nord since I’m a wheat beer fan, actually not the biggest fan of beer and reach for the lighest beer possible when at a brewery, but I truly loved the flavor. I want to visit again and bring in some snacks! They don’t serve food here, but you’re welcome to bring your family, your own food and grab some beers!

For some cheese and a glass of wine to catch up with friends, Zephyr is the perfect spot. This wine bar is adorable and has plenty of space and it still somehow feels charming and intimate. There’s an upstairs and a downstairs along with an outdoor patio where Sam and I enjoyed a glass of wine. They had live music inside with a cellist and violinist if I remember correctly. So lively!

Coffee

Contrast Coffee is a larger coffee shop with a menu beyond coffee like smoothies and even crepes. It’s the spot where my friend Sam will work because she can grab a bite to eat and have a bit of space to work. If I lived up there, I’d live at this coffee shop.

Velodrome Coffee is a quaint, bright coffee shop filled with natural light, plants and pastel stools. The coffee was delicious and it was such a charming place to sit for an hour and catch up with Sam. The barista was so friendly and helpful, and even offered to snap a photo of us together in the shop.

Shopping

I’ve been following Revisions Design Studio on social media ever since Sam introduced to me to the store with a thoughtful house warming gift–a handmade planter and air plant! The space was recently expanded and every square inch was filled with beautiful things from baby clothes to plants to apothecary products and more. I left with a super cute wedding card and natural bug spray that I wouldn’t be opposed to wearing even without bugs around.

Upper Peninsula Supply Co. is a clothing company launched by my friend Bugsy, one of the coolest, most creative people I know and I didn’t get to see him when I popped by his store unfortunately. But I did get to see some amazing products that celebrate Michigan’s UP. The tank I wanted wasn’t available in my size in store, but it’s on my list to buy!

Iconic Photo Spots

At the tip of Presque Isle Park is a cliff called blackrocks where people jump into Lake Superior and it offers such beautiful views. I did not jump into the water, but I did lose my balance a few times walking across it to check it out and snap some pics! They also have some stores and art galleries along with an ice cream shop at the park that we stopped for a quick treat. A lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Lower Harbor Ore Dock is a formerly active iron ore dock and now a historical landmark–and a beautiful spot to snap photos.

There are probably so many more great spots for photos, but these were a couple of my faves in the area!

Babycakes Muffin Company

Contrast Coffee

Barrel and Beam Brewery

Revisions

Upper Peninsula Supply Co.

Velodrome Coffee

Presque Isle