The island is a tourist Mecca during the summer months, but not much is open in the winter. In fact, almost nothing is open. 99% of the hotels, shops, etc. shut down at the end of October.
They'll all reopen in the spring.
From November to April pretty much all that's open is three restaurants / bars, two small hotels, one B&B, one grocery store, one drug store (though this year it is pitifully stocked,) the Medical Center, City Offices, Police Station, School, Airport, Tourism Bureau, and Public Library. We jokingly say that if Doud's (the grocery store) doesn't carry it, you really didn't need it after all. Because you ain't getting it until you get off the island. It isn't such a big deal now days, but 30 years ago there were people who almost never left the island. Now they knew how to stock up!
Speaking of getting off the island, three 
12 comments:
Again, love the island facts. Because I love the island so much in the summer, it's great to hear these winter stories as well! BEAUTIFUL pictures!
I didn't even know your island existed until I met you so I am really enjoying and appreciating your beautiful photos of Island Life. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful photos - they really give a feeling for your winter and full-out your words so perfectly.
Snowmobile across the ice ... the very idea scares the bejeezers out of me.
wouldn't have thought about some of these things about living on an island,
keep posting love the tidbits of info your giving us AND all the winter wonderland photos!
what grade do you teach?
what are the kids favorite things to do in the winter?
Kathie
Nice photos again. Thanks!
I bet I can guess who the three adventurous guys out on the ice are. No one lost their snowmobiles this year?
NO snowmobiles have gone through so far this year. When it happens it is usually at the very start or the very end of the season. Hopefully no one will go through this year. I've been here 16 years and in that time we have never lost (as in a death) a person on a snowmobile. A few have gone through, but they have always been able to get out.
I love hearing all the details, Liz. Thanks for going around a taking photos of all the 'closed' stuff to illustrate... it does seem like a special place to live.
It's interesting to read about winter in Michigan. I think it's very much the same than in Finland. Our climate should be rather similar.
Also the completely insane thin ice- freaks are seen and heard here. Some people really are more adventurous than others.
wow! thank you so much for your pics on this one...this is something one just needs to see...
all I can say is WoW!
~simply~
Wow, it seems such a contrast between winter and summer!
I really enjoy all of your Island postings. I have never visited your island. After reading your blog I want to see for myself the beauty of your little corner of the world!
I love your blog!!! I just found it while researching the island for a speech I have to give. I love the island but live in California & have not been in 15 years. My dream is to someday live there, but am not sure if it is feasible, money wise. Can you tell me what kinds of jobs there are in the winter? Thanks so much & I will be enjoying your blog for a long time.
Lorri
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