Greetings! My name is Mariah and I’m a 40 something female that fell in love with Sault Ste. Marie back in 2003. I moved here to attend Lake Superior State University and I found home!

I’ve been writing these blogs for the last three years and now I want to introduce myself! Why? Because I want to take you for a ride to see what I like to do as a local on a summer day.

First, I drive to the downtown Superior Cafe for an americano with cream in a to-go cup. When the weather is nice, I’ll take my coffee and walk two blocks to the main entrance of the Soo Locks Park and meander through the park to the observation deck.

Soo Locks Observation Deck

After a leisurely walk back to the car, it’s time for lunch at Clyde’s Drive-In! I always make sure to back the car into a spot. That way, I can watch the Sugar Island Ferry cruise back and forth across the St. Marys River. I might even get lucky and see a freighter.

After I consume my bacon cheeseburger with grilled onions, I make the short drive from Clyde’s to Rotary Park. Here, I back into another parking space so I can watch the boats. It’s a lovely park right on the St. Marys River, but I seldom get out of the car. I break out my book and read while I wait for more boats.

I have to go home at some point, but after dinner, I’ll take a stroll with my husband down to 1668 Winery and Lockside Brewery to sit on the outdoor deck and enjoy a beverage.

1668 Winery and Lockside Brewery

It’s seldom I get two days to myself but when I do I go all out and treat myself to lunch, again! It’s always a toss-up for lunch, but I normally end up at Karl’s Cuisine. Don’t ask about my favorite because I always try something new (however Italian Stromboli is amazing). Are you wondering what happened to the morning since I jumped straight to lunch? I stayed in my pajamas and drank coffee at home. If you haven’t noticed yet I travel on my stomach: good coffee and good food. If you’re looking for breakfast though I would recommend Frank’s Place in the downtown.

Karl's Cuisine

One of my favorite things to do is drive and it’s normally to Mission Hill, but more coffee first! Cup of the Day is a cute spot to find the locals hanging out, but they’re closed on Sunday so plan accordingly. Coffee in hand, I head west out Six Mile off of Mackinac Trail. Twenty minutes later I’m kicked back enjoying the view and hopefully see another freighter.

Mission Point Overlook

It’s leftovers for dinner, but when my husband and I do go out it’s normally whitefish at The Antlers.  He’s ok with the leftovers tonight because I promised him Zak’s ice cream for dessert. Located across from the Soo Locks you know it’s not just a sweet treat I’m after! Hopefully, we get to see a freighter too.

This is how I spend my free time (driving, drinking coffee, and freighters) in Sault Ste. Marie. Thank you for coming along for the ride today. If you happen to do any of my favorite things when you visit please help me out and tag your photos #ILovetheSoo when you put them on social media.