On our road trip around the Great Lakes from Philly, we made a stop at this incredible spot -- and…read moredon't ask me to pronounce the name! Located inside Palms Book State Park, this natural spring was one of the most unique and beautiful places we visited. The water is crystal clear all the way to the bottom, and you can easily see fish swimming below. You hop onto a self-operated raft that you pull across the water to the middle of the spring, where there's an opening in the center to look straight down. It gives you a perfect view of the vibrant underwater world -- it's honestly mesmerizing. It's a quick stop, but totally worth it. And the best part? It's dog-friendly! Definitely add this to your list if you're exploring the Upper Peninsula.

This is such a unique place. I'm so glad we stopped. We were on a road trip from Mackinaw City to…read moreMilwaukee and wanted to break up the trip a bit so we saw this diversion and decided to check it out. Clear blue water, bubbling sand, never ending springs, a tow boat, and lots of trout are the wonders to see. Everyone gets on the boat and someone (well a few people over the course of the trip) step up to the wheel to tow the boat across the water. The water is mesmerizing. I couldn't take my eyes off the water. Many people can fit on the boat so the wait is not too long. A day pass is $11. Definitely make this stop if you are in the area.

Skip the kitschy gift shop next door and bring home some local art instead! Lake Effect is 100%…read morevolunteer-run and showcases a variety of art from local residents. There's a wide range of items and prices, including plenty under $20 (I fell hard for the "Mommy I picked you some flowers" ceramic vases, which look perfect for displaying flowers of different heights and sizes). There are also paintings, blown glass objects, jewelry, wooden items, and beautiful cards, just to name some of the offerings. I walked in on a whim, and walked out with gifts for my mom, grandma and best friend! The volunteer was very friendly, and I didn't feel any pressure whatsoever to buy things; it would have been perfectly comfortable to stroll around the gallery and admire the art, and then carry on my way. If you're passing through the area, don't miss this spot!

From the owner: Discover unique, handcrafted one of a kind treasures at the Lake Effect Art Gallery Shop! Nestled…read moreinside the Lake Effect Community Arts Center, our gallery shop connects you directly with regional artisans and fine craftworkers. Thank you for checking us out and hope you will join us on our journey to support our local creative community.

This is a great shop! It's my favorite discovery in Escanaba so far. The people here are super…read morefriendly and very proud of their UP heritage. There are tons of really cute, unique items for gifts, or keep the keepsakes for yourself. The prices are reasonable. The selection is great. Go here!

This is a good place to fill a little time before taking a glass-bottom boat tour. Learn some…read morelocal history and browse some locally-relevant gifts (e.g., a book with stories from the career of a local game warden). We were surprised to learn that stereographs were the ONLY entertainment in the 1800s!

With the growing popularity of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this space is a welcome…read moreaddition to downtown Munising. Whether you're familiar with the area or not, I recommend stopping in to learn more about Lake Superior and this magnificent splendor. It's a self-guided experience with lots of neat information. There is also a short movie that plays in a separate room for more info, as well as a gift shop with great photograph prints, t-shirts and other souvenirs.

Everything was closed...no visible signs of it being open in weeks/months. Very disappointing as I…read morewas looking forward to visit. Town does have service of post marking your Christmas cards for a special touch.

While the Large Santa billboard still remains along with the North Pole and large Snowman, this…read morebusiness is sadly no more. The owner retired and sold the building a few years ago and the new owners changed the use of the building to residential rentals. You can still stop and take photos with the outside figures though.

The Gift Station is a great little place to find that perfect something. Lots of variety...catered…read morefor the tourist or local, with many Yooper gift ideas. Met one of the owners. Absolutely wonderful and friendly. Great conversation with her. The downside is that when Munising redid their streets, The Gift Shop lost their drive. Pull in north of the shop...or just park right to the south and walk around to the entrance. Support your local businesses.

My new favorite place to stop in Grand Marais! Not only does she have the only selection of craft…read morebeer and cider for miles (and miles), but the rest of the shop is amazing, too! She has local wines, Michigan made snack foods, produce/food co-op, fun antiques, jewelry and handmade items, a vintage candy section, and the coolest chickens I have ever seen! If you're driving down H-58 between Grand Marais and Deer Park be sure and stop; if you're not on that stretch of road, drive on over there!!!

From the owner: The best cup of coffee in Grand Marais! Fine wine, craft beer, specialty foods, Michigan Made gifts…read moreand crafts in an old fashioned mercantile setting. A "don't miss location" in Grand Marais....come shop and relax on our little farm!

What a pleasant surprise it was to find her little art studio and gift shop. Very good artist and…read moreit's so much joy to support local artists. Prices are very fair and run low to high - so there is plenty to afford and enjoy. I think the artist name is Barb. We will difinetely visit her again the next time we are in Paradise, MI in the U.P.

A simply magical place. Between the gorgeous gardens and the beautiful art it was hard for us to…read morepull away. Barbara, the artist and gardener, is delightful. Well worth a visit here.

After hiking the falls my boyfriend and I wanted to grab a local brew and chill. I was expecting a…read morebit more than what we uncovered. We took a seat at the end of the bar and had to move because the bartenders didn't notice we were there. Once we moved we were served but only had a choice of two beers. I think I had thought it would be a little more than that but that's okay. The beer was good, we decided not to get any food and left to sit outside after we paid. Again, I thought I was going into a true brewery near the falls but this really isn't it.

A beautiful day contributed to an enjoyable experience at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. First, we…read moreate at the lodge where we had a great meal. The food was good and the portions plentiful. Pasties were popular and surf and turf were common on the menu. They have a brewery inside, also. It was decorated with various nature related decorations such as animal heads and skins. Outside of the lodge was a gift shop and a place to get drinks and ice cream which we enjoyed. Lastly, we took an approximately 1/3 of a mile hike to the Tahquamenon Falls to finish a great day.