'''Sault Ste Marie''' is a town in the Upper Peninsula of the state of Michigan.
Get in
Sault Ste. Marie is served by Interstate 75 from the south. This is the same highway that links Lower Michigan to the Upper Peninsula via the Mackinac Bridge. Sault Ste. Marie is at the northern terminus of I-75, about 50 miles north of the Mackinac Bridge. Two exits will get you into the Sault. 3-Mile Road is the first (approaching from the south) and takes you through most of the town via Business I-75. This route covers the main thoroughfare in town (Ashmun Street) and eventually gets you to Portage Avenue and the Soo Locks. The second (and last in the USA) exit off of I-75 is Easterday Avenue. This puts you virtually on the campus of Lake Superior State University to the east, or gets you more directly to Portage Ave. and the Locks to the west. The route is not quite as well-marked, however, and goes through some old and somewhat unattractive industrial areas. You bypass the downtown completely, which may not be so good, as you will miss lots of shopping, hotels and other amenities completely. But, if you don't take this exit either, you will end up in the toll and customs / immigration plaza for the International Bridge to Canada. They will let you turn around if you make this mistake, but it is a hassle since traffic getting onto the bridge is often backed-up in this area.
Flying in is another story. Warning! The "Sault Ste. Marie" airport is about 22 miles south of town, along I-75. A shuttle bus is available. The airport is served by Northwest Airlines, which offers daily flights to and from Detroit Metro Airport. There is also another small airport right in town that used to be the main airport years ago. After a long period of closure, it was re-opened for private planes a few years ago.
There is no rail service, and bus service by any major carriers was discontinued some time ago. Some local company may have stepped in recently, but that is uncertain also.
With all this in mind driving is about your only option. If you are headed for the UP anyway, it is definitely worth stopping in the Sault. It is also a great stop-over if you are planning to continue on over to Canada, as the Michigan side tends to be less expensive for hotels, food, etc.
Get around
See
Do
Visit the Soo Locks.
Lake Superior State University is located here, and has a great hockey team. The campus is pretty and well worth a walk through, as it overlooks the deep channel and has a view of the International Bridge over to Canada. Some beautiful views at night, as the campus is elevated and you can see the distant lights of the Canadian side.
Buy
Eat
The Lockview Restaurant. . Portage Ave.. ight across from Soo Locks main gate. Right in amidst all the kitschy tourist shops is this restaurant with its large plate-glass front offering views of the passing street traffic. Their Lake Superior whitefish is fresh and excellent! Never been disappointed here! On those hot and muggy days, it is well air conditioned too.
Clyde's Drive-In. iverside Drive. ollow E. Portage Av out of town until it becomes Riverside Dr. Clyde's is at the Sugar Island ferry dock, across from golf course.. This 50's-style "hamburger stand" has one of the best burgers you will ever get, and great fries too. It has a large parking area where you eat in your car, and can park facing the beautiful St. Mary's River and watch the lake freighters pass by up-close. It is one of the most unique burger joints you will find. Closed in winter.
'''Antlers Restaurant''' is an oldschool classic. Steaks and smoking. Tons of amazing taxidermy items and arcana hanging everywhere. Numerous steam whistles are mounted to the ceiling and are blown when a local dignitary enters (or whenever they feel the need). The whistles are painfully loud.
'''The Palace''' sports Americanized "Mexican" food. Not the best for the waistline, but oh-so-tasty.
'''Maloney's Irish Pub'''.... check out the atmosphere, try the nacho's... the cheese dip is addicting!
West Pier Drive-In. 01 W. Portage. urn left under bridge, or ask a local. 906) 632-0444 . 5-10 per person. Open seasonally, best burger in town, huge portions, a little hard to find.
Drink
'''Back Door Night Club''', 313 Ashmun Street, ''1-906-''635-1547 (''Fax 1-906-635-1477''). W-Su 8PM-2:30AM. Nightclub with music and dancing. Theme nights W-Sa. Designated drivers program and special occasions.
'''The Savoy Night Club''', 117 West Portage Ave, ''1-906-632-2689''. Open mon thru sat, check us out at http://www.saultsavoy.com music, dancing, qb1 and much more.
The Satisfied Frog. 09 W. Portage Avenue. -906-632-7280. Open 7 days-a-week. Karaokee Sunday thru Tuesday, house band on Wednesday thru Thursday and a feature band on Fridays and Saturdays (jukebox available when there is no band playing .25/song) A great place to meet up with friends. Fun friendly staff, 4 televisions through-out. Try the squashed frog, a great shooter for a Satisfied Frog Rookie.
Sleep
Days Inn. 651 I-75 Business Spur. xit 392, down 1 mile on right side. -906-635-5200. ww.daysinn.com/hotel/05712. :00 p.m.. 1:00 a.m.. Indoor pool/hot tub open till midnight. Free wireless access throughout. Fridge,microwave, coffee pot, 27" flat screen t.v., free HBO in each room. Free local and toll free calls. Jacuzzi rooms available. Free Day Break breakfast from 6a.m. to 9:30a.m.
'''Best Western''', 4335 I-75 Business Spur, ''906'' 632-2170, [http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=23059]. Free high speed wireless internet and deluxe breakfast in the morning.
'''Comfort Inn''', 4404 I-75 Business. Spur, ''906'' 635-1118, fax ''906'' 635-1119.
'''Park Inn''', 3525 I-75 Business Spur, ''906'' 632-6000, fax ''906'' 632-6666. 1 mile Northeast of I-75 on I-75 Business Spur, exit 392, just minutes from all major attractions such as The Soo Locks, Tower of History, Kewadin Casino,LSSU, and the always popular, Agawa Canyon Train Tours. Secure Online Reservations.
'''Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center''', 3290 I-75 Business Spur, ''906'' 635-6918, fax ''906'' 635-2941.
'''The Plaza Motor Motel''', 3701 I-75 Business Spur, 800-809-1881, plaza@sault.com, [http://www.plazamotormotel.com]. Charming Rooms and wedding venue.
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