Multimodal Project
“We will be more successful in all our endeavors if we can let go of the habit of running all the time and take little pauses to relax and re-center ourselves. And we’ll also have a lot more joy in living.” This is a quote by Thich Nhat Hahn who was a Vietnamese Monk and peace activist. There are endless ways to relax. Whether it be to pick up a book, go for a walk, listen to some music, or even travel to your favorite place. The most important thing about relaxing is that you do it.
Marquette, Michigan, the gem of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Vibrant fall colors, snowy slopes in the winter, blooming flowers in the spring and endless waterfront in the summer. You can find hidden waterfalls around the corner, breathtaking views from the mountain top, cold craft beer… its all at your fingertips in this town. What more can you ask for when looking for some peace of mind? Although locals would suggest avoiding the black flies mid-August.
It’s 80 degrees and sunny on a day in July. The water is clear enough to see details in the rocks at the bottom of the lake. The tan sand between your toes is just hot enough to warm them up from the crisp freshwater. The never-ending view of Lake Superior can erase any inkling of stress, even if just for a few moments.
If sandy toes aren’t your thing, picture a cool October day on County Road 480 with every shade of orange, yellow and red flooding your view. Leaves covered the pavement, no sign of black top for miles. For David, from Marquette, the windows are down about an inch, country music is on the radio, and he is driving his beloved Ford F-150. Every care in the world is left in the driveway. He isn’t thinking about the amount of work to be done, he is simply, relaxed. Following the drive is his family waiting by a fire. The crackling of the wood, the reflection of the sunset over Lake Superior, and nothing but nature in sight.
Marquette brings out a side to people that they never knew existed. Some people claim to not be connected to nature or that hiking “isn’t their thing.” One climb up Sugarloaf Mountain, one walk to Laughing White Fish Falls or even a Raspberry Breakwater Seltzer from the Ore Dock Brewing Company after a long day’s work will have you relaxed.
Jason and Missy, Marquette natives, can be found on the rooftop of the Ore Dock Brewing Company on Friday nights after a long week of work. Jason will take the darkest pilsner they have on tap and Missy will take the seltzer of the week. Sips, laughter, unbeatable views, and the company of each other is the remedy to whatever weight is on their shoulders.
“Marquette is full of pristine rivers, beaches, and woods that welcome those looking for solitude and nature” said Shelby, a Marquette local. “If you have come to look for a way to lessen your burdens, consider it done. There is something here for everyone” she added. Shelby has a 2-year-old grandson, Asher, who loves a day at beach with grandma.
If nature truly isn’t your thing, Marquette is also home to Northern Michigan University. Sporting events, shows, concerts and museums are readily available for your entertainment. The Children's Museum of Marquette is a favorite amongst the children. Life size replicas of emergency vehicles, airplanes and even the human body make up the large baby blue building overlooking Lake Superior. Overwhelmed parents may find solace in paying the entry fee and letting the kids run free.
Some find peace in a sunrise or even sunset. Imagine doing that from a 343-acre forested peninsula known as Presque Isle. Presque Isle is endless when it comes to finding some rest and relaxation. Bike trails, sunset point, 1.4-billion-year-old basalt rocks, and unmatched views of the lakeshore. Eleven-year-old Mason spotted his first moose on Presque Isle. He had a face full of blue moon ice cream sitting on the tailgate of his dad’s truck at the end of the drive around the island when the giant moose stepped out of the woods.
Marquette may be the largest “city” in the Upper Peninsula, but its small-town vibe and slow-paced atmosphere are comforting. No one wants to relax in the hustle and bustle of long lines in a restaurant or heavy traffic, right? To put the amount of people in perspective, Marquette is larger than the state of Rhode Island but only one third of the population. Megan, also a Marquette native stated, “sometimes I just drive down to the lake and enjoy being alone with the sound of the waves.”
Take a stroll down 3rd Street. Grab a blueberry muffin and a coffee from Baby Cakes, stop in every family-owned shop. Enjoy being genuinely greeted every time you walk through a new door. Grab lunch at Iron Bay overlooking the famous Ore Dock… always make sure to ask for the balcony seats.
I had the privilege of growing up in Marquette. I know people who have stayed and who have moved away, like myself. One thing we all have in common is that Marquette is our happy place, our little slice of heaven. My kids are nine and eleven and on a tough day they ask when the next time we will be back in Marquette. I know they find their happiness in that town as well.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…Including you,” said Anne Lamott. Take a step back and enjoy what life has to offer. Life is a beautiful thing, sometimes hectic, but beautiful. Seize the opportunity to try new things and travel to places you’ve never been. If this essay can encourage you in any way, make your way to Marquette. Stick your toes in Lake Superior, climb Sugarloaf Mountain, watch the sunrise on Presque Isle and watch it set from the Lower Harbor. I promise you will not regret it.
