Welcome to Up North, Close By...
Your monthly guide to all that the Ludington area has to offer for a weekend, a week or a lifetime.
Life Along the Sunset Port
It may look like just another place for kids to skateboard and in-line skate, but the new Ludington Skate Plaza has fast become an outdoor community center of sorts. The Skate Plaza, which opened earlier this summer, features all the stuff the skateboarding crowd looks for: a mini-pipe, handrails, stair sets, ledges, and even a bowl (for those of you not in the know, visualize a pool without water). But, it’s got benches and plenty of places for parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and just plain ‘ole skateboard lovers to sit and watch the action.
Sixteen-year-old Chase and his 9-year-old brother Pearson come to Ludington for vacation every summer from Detroit. Chase thinks the skate plaza is “amazing and well done,” adding that his community doesn’t have anything like it. It’s free, it’s fun, it keeps kids of all ages off the streets and busy for hours, and it’s by the beach – what more could you ask for?
Thinking of taking to the open road on your motorcycle in September? Get a group together and head to Ludington the weekend of September 13 for its annual bike night on South James Street in downtown. Three bands will serenade the crowds and there will be food and vendors here and there. Plan to stay for the weekend and enjoy some shopping, the state park, and everything else our area has to offer. And, of course, there are lots of local watering holes and restaurants to trade road stories with other bikers and bike lovers. The event lasts from 5-9 on Saturday, September 13.
Inland Adventures
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The good ole days will be back when 61 Ford Model T’s (circa 1909-1927) gather at the Ramada Inn August 21 through 23. The members of the Michigan Jamboree of T are coming to the Ludington area for the first time for touring and “kicking the tires” (that’s checking out each other’s T’s in the evening at the Ramada parking lot). Ludingtonians Cal and Gerri Rushford have joined the Jamboree all over Michigan, but thought it was about time for the gang to see the sights of this part of the world. Look for the touring T’s on back roads in Mason and Oceana Counties on Friday, August 22 and Lake and Mason Counties on Saturday, August 23. Or head down to the Ramada on Thursday and Friday after 7:00 p.m. to see all the T’s and their proud owners. |
Farther inland, explore the beauty of the Pere Marquette River by boat. Designated as a National Wild & Scenic River, the Pere Marquette offers over 66 miles of clean, flowing waterways. The PM, as locals call it, is a fishing paradise and a great river for paddlers, even if you’re a beginner. Baldwin Canoe Rental is the largest outfitter of its kind in West Michigan, so you’ll find a canoe, kayak, or raft available for yourself or your group just about every day (to be sure, call ahead, especially for Saturdays). If you have small children or seniors, consider renting a raft for six.
What’s it like on the river? We met up with Jim and Kathy, Chicagoans visiting with their two teenage sons, Sam and Joe. While the boys liked the places where the water was faster, dad Jim just enjoyed bringing his sons to experience the river he enjoyed 20 years ago. This time of year, anglers from across the nation come to the Pere Marquette River to experience the legendary steelhead and salmon runs. But, there’s plenty of room for everyone and Baldwin Canoe will steer you to just the right spots for paddling.
In addition Baldwin Canoe Rental, River Run Canoe Livery rents boats in Scottville, and Pine River Paddlesports Center covers the Pine River. Click here for more details on what they offer. For more about fishing on the Pere Marquette, click here.
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Tip: Get fresh fruit, produce and other local products at the Farmers’ Market in Scottville every Saturday through October 11 from 9-1.
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Area Deals
Labor Day may mark summer’s end, but you can enjoy some extra incentives for visiting our area during the holiday weekend -- besides the great weather, shopping, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Experience the neoclassical elegance of the Cartier Mansion and get 25% off your room rate when you stay three or more nights during the Labor Day weekend. Check out the deals and availability at the CVB website.
What's Happening in Arts and Culture
Here are highlights of arts and cultural events coming up in our area. Our events calendar has more details on these and other events.
Kids' Corner
You and your kids and grandkids have until August 30 to take advantage of this summer sampler museum right in downtown Ludington. On a recent Friday morning, Trenton, a 2 ½-year-old from Chicagoland made a new friend in Will, who happened to be about the same age. Together, they were playing with marble slide and exploring the kid-sized bird’s nest, while parents and grandparents sat on child-sized chairs and logs. Trenton’s mom, Erica, said, “Sandcastles is a fantastic place for discovery and learning and fun” and something she was impressed to see a small town like Ludington offer to visitors. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10-5. On Wednesdays Sandcastles is open until 7:30 p.m. for family nights with special activities. And there are “Thrilling Thursdays” with Native American dancing, storytelling, and artifacts on August 21 and Bats of the World with different species of live bats on Thursday, August 28. Find out more about Sandcastles.
Over in Scottville, be sure to take the whole family to the Kelly Miller Circus on August 18. The Kelly Miller Circus will be held at McPhail Field in Scottville at 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased at Scottville City Hall, Nichols Drug Store, and West Shore Bank (All Mason County Branches).
For more information on other area attractions kid-friendly and otherwise, click here.
More to Look Forward To...
