The blustery and gray months of winter keep many from living in the North. True Yoopers know there is plenty of fun to be had indoors and out, and with enough clothing layers anything is possible. Here at Beth Millner Jewelry, we gathered ideas around our office, and reached out to our Facebook fans to create a list of favorite wintertime activities. We hope you enjoy our suggestions and would love to hear yours!
We live in such an amazing area that has inspired so many of our pieces. Check out our Locally Inspired Collection to see what little lovelies have come from the beauty of this area.
1. Snowshoeing
Votes between snowshoeing and cross country skiing were basically tied for top of the list. However, the tie was broken with Cindy Wills' submission via facebook, Thanks Cindy! She likes to hit the North Country Trail and managed to snap this gorgeous shot. Snowshoeing can be enjoyed across generations and certainly deserves its spot atop our favorite wintertime activities.
Second snowshoeing photo comes from our talented Office Assistant/ Self proclaimed "nerd" and talented photographer Ash Williams.
2. Cross Country Ski
As we mentioned, cross country skiing came in at a close second. Favorite trails for skis or snowshoes include the Blueberry Ridge Trail & the trails behind Marquette Mountain (hitting the slopes at the mountain with downhill skiis or snowboards is fun too).
This photo features a handful of our staff and their sweethearts hitting the trails by the Harlow Lake Cabins.
3. Get coffee at Velodrome
It's true we love our neighbors. Velodrome is the perfect spot to cozy up with a tasty latte or drip coffee. Our office assistant Lauren swears their dirty chai mends broken hearts. The open and inviting atmosphere makes it a lovely place to dive into some writing and reading or chat with a friend. Your belly will thank them also for their selection of alternative milks and gluten-free baked goods. Yum!
Besides being yummy and cozy Velodrome is an awesome business that personally sources their coffee from Nicaragua, Honduras, and Papua New Guinea! They offer bike delivery and we love the environmental consideration.
3. Ice Climbing
Suggestion and photo by Angela Miller via Facebook, Thanks Angela! This winter activity is for the athletic and adventurous and is oh so rewarding. We get plenty o' ice here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, why not dig in and start climbing?
3. Relaxing In a Yurt
Suggestion and photo by Cindy Wallace Wills via Facebook, Thanks again Cindy! This yurt looks way too cozy (zoom in on the inhabitants to see the bliss on their tranquil faces). Click here to make a reservation!
5. Catching live music and drinking great beer at the Ore Dock Brewing Company.
The Ore Dock does a great job of filling their weekends with awesome talent from near and far. The atmosphere inside is welcoming too with a fireplace, board games, rustic decor, and friendly staff. Their variety of beer offers something for everyone and is loved by locals.
6. Exploring Ice Caves
Photo by our talented Office Assistant Ash Williams. For those of us who aren't daring enough to climb the ice, ice cave wandering is a lovely and still exhilarating option. We love the Eben Ice Caves located around the edge of Hiawatha National Forest.
7. Scoping ice formations at Wetmore Landing
Photo by our office assistant Lauren. The ice along the coast of Lake Superior is wild and beautiful. It encases trees, rocks, and everything it touches in a glossy frozen lining adding mystery and wonder to seemingly ordinary things. Wetmore Landing is a favorite ice finding location as the accessible coastline stretches for miles with mixed terrains.
Wetmore Landing is such a magical place that it inspired Beth to create a pendant in its honor.
8. Watching the kickoff for the UP 200
Thanks to Marquette Magazine for the gorgeous photo. This event is an exciting community gathering for the whole family. It's always a blast to experience the energy of the hardworking dogs and their brave drivers.
9. Getting cozy at The Vierling
Nina, our full-time Studio Assistant swears the Whitefish Chowder gets her through the brisk winter months. Thanks to Marquette Magazine for the photo to show off this delectable dish and some tried and true brews. The Vierling has been brewing beer since before prohibition, they know their stuff!
10. Hiking through tourist park
It's hard to resist hiking the coast of Lake Superior, but the serenity of Tourist Park is equally wonderful. Trails here range from "EZ PZ" to difficult. There are plenty of scenic spots to pitch a hammock for some winter hangs. Also sunsets here are incredibly magical.
Let us know your favorite things to do in winter, locally or not! You can comment here or join our Facebook and Instagram community. Happy Winter and stay warm!
My wife picked out the ring while on vacation in Marquette area. Had it “put aside” while she thought about how bad she wanted it. Gonna surprise her on Sweetest Day—
Every thing is great so far-I’ll let you know the outcome...
All of your jewelry is beautiful. Nice to have a piece of home
Everything about it is wonderful
Beautiful picture
Love the design and the size. Perfect.
This charm is very nicely made and a very beautiful design.
This ring for me gives me a peace of MQT summers, of the lush greens and full trees. Beth is able to share so many of her local experiences into her jewelry which I can appreciate. Leaves me peaceful...
I was raised in the U.P. and have a deep love of Lake Superior and agates, and many of my family members on my mother's side worked in the copper mines. (Plus Beth and I are both alums of NMU.) When I saw this pendant, I realized that not only did it look beautiful, but it represented so much of who I am.
When it arrived, I was stunned at how beautiful it is.
I have a number of other Beth Millner pieces, all of which I love, but this one is particularly special. I have a chain from the shop, but can't help but think that a braided copper chain would be a perfect match.
Every time I look down at this ring on my hand, I feel transported into a favorite place, the rustic U.P. woods: surrounded by green leaves & branches galore. The double band combined with a twig-like appearance really catches my eye, with a natural greenstone front & center. Well done BMJ team!
