The Gaylord area is best known for its golf resorts, and they can offer some good package deals, especially for families. Garland Resort (4700 N. Red Oak Rd., Lewiston, 989/786-2211, www.garlandusa.com, $99–499 d) has a lot of stay-and-play deals where golf is included in the price. If you’re just looking for a simple motel room, you’ll find several of the usual chains—Super 8, Days Inn, Comfort Inn, etc.—near I-75.

The same Greek American family has been running the Sugar Bowl (216 W. Main St., 989/732-5524, 7 a.m.–11 p.m. daily, $6–22) since 1919. Specialties include Lake Superior whitefish, scampi, Athenian chicken, and other favorite ethnic dishes, all prepared on an open hearth. Tip: They serve morel mushroom dishes in season, usually May. Don’t miss the vintage photos of historic Gaylord on the walls.

Gobbler’s Famous Turkey Dinners (900 S. Otsego, 989/732-9005, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. daily, $5–14) prepares more than 80,000 pounds of bird annually, all from scratch and served with mashed potatoes, biscuits, gravy, and dressing. The portion sizes are legendary. There are also hand-breaded fresh fish and barbecued ribs if you don’t do turkey.

Between Gaylord and Lewiston is the single traffic light town of Johannesburg, where you’ll find Paul’s Pub (10757 M-32 E, 989/732-5005, 10 a.m.–midnight Mon.–Thurs., 10 a.m.–2 a.m. Fri.–Sat., 8 a.m.–midnight Sun., $6–28), with its wide assortment of beers and the best fried perch in Michigan. They also have quite the Sunday brunch, but get here early. This local favorite can get pretty busy on the weekends.