Several nice mom-and-pop motels are managing to hang on along U.S. 2, though they’re getting more and more competition from chains. Let’s hope places like the Star Motel (1142 E. Lakeshore Dr., Manistique, 906/341-5363, www.thestarmotel.com [1], $34–62 d) continue to fend off the big boys. Located a mile east of Manistique [2] on U.S. 2, this tidy, vintage 1950s-era motel has large rooms, meticulous owners, and a nice setting on the lake. It allows well-behaved dogs, too.
The gracious Celibeth House Bed & Breakfast (M-77 Rt. 1, Blaney Park, 906/283-3409, $75–125 d), once a lumber baron’s home, is a fine out-of-the-way relaxation spot, or a good base for day trips to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore [3], Seney National Wildlife Refuge [4], Lake Michigan beaches, and more. You’re welcome to explore the inn’s grounds, which cover 85 acres and include a small lake, beaver ponds, woods, and meadows. A hoard of hummingbirds frequenting the backyard birdfeeders practically guarantees a wildlife encounter.
Links:
[1] http://www.thestarmotel.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/michigan/michigan-s-upper-peninsula/the-eastern-upper-peninsula/manistique-area
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/michigan/michigan-s-upper-peninsula/the-eastern-upper-peninsula/pictured-rocks-national-lakeshore
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/michigan/michigan-s-upper-peninsula/the-eastern-upper-peninsula/manistique-area/seney-national-wildlife-refuge