This week, we visit Marquette Michigan, a gem no matter the season. This fun town nestled on the shores of Lake Superior is home to Northern Michigan University and really knows how to embrace winter with a flurry of activities and festivals. We kick off the show with Susan Estler from Travel Marquette who gives us an overview of winter in MQT, and then quickly gets down to business with what we love the most, where to eat. You need to warm up at some point, right? And Marquette has an incredible restaurant scene to check out, from funky dive bars with great burgers (yes, we are looking at you Pat's Bar) to hip spots like The Delft Bistro, where you'll feel like you might be in a slightly larger city. Of course, we'll gush on and on about one of our favorites, and a must stop when in town, delicious Lagniappe, which is yes, located in a basement downtown. First and foremost, you don't want to miss the very popular (and fun!) Winterfest and Rail Jam which is happening January 31 to February 1, 2026. Billed as a "marathon of mountain culture", this weekend will feature ski races, live music, and a freesyle rail jam. A highlight is the Torchlight Parade happening Saturday night, please be sure to register at the front desk so you can get your glow on. Also, don't miss FRESH oysters apres ski at the famous T-Bar, you probably won't be finding those anywhere else in the Yoop this weekend. Sunday, enjoy more skiing and racing. Orignally opened in 1957 as Cliff's Ridge, Marquette Mountain Resort is beloved by both locals and visiting tourists alike. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding via three chair lifts and a rope tow. In the warmer months, bring your mountain bike and explore the trails, or just strap on your hiking boots. Anyway you experience MMR, you are sure to have a great time. https://www.marquettemountain.com/ Next, Jason Rolling, Race Director for the Noqueamon Ski Marathon, joins us to explain cross country ski racing to us, since there are several kinds of races you can paricipate in. We found this extra helpful, because now we'll sound like we know what is going on during the Winter Olympics. Thank you Jason! Honestly, this race sounds like it's quite the experience. Jason also shares how important community support is for this race, from the volunteers, to local landowners granting permission for racers to cruise through their private land for the race. Just another reason to love our Yoopers. And, lookin ahead, the 2027 Noquemanon Ski Marathon will be held January 22nd-23rd, so you best start your training now. Finally, we meet Todd Poquette, Director of Adventure forthe Polar Roll, which is the largest fat tire bike race in Michigan, and part of the Great Lakes Fat Tire Series. There are three different races you can participate in on February 21, and we'll just leave you with the race's tag line...."it gets worse, before it gets better". Sounds like this one is for those with experience on the fat tire, we will be at the mass start, which sounds like it might be a little bit wild and right up our alley. We love Marquette, and hope that you do too. If so, be sure to check out the Respect Marquette pledge, and let's keep it amazing for all of us.
