HERE'S SOMETHING NONE of us expected. Andrew Farron, the young, ambitious, personable engineer who took over as general manager at Marquette Mountain a year and a half ago, is out. "We gave him a fair shot," says Marquette Mountain owner Eric Jorgensen. "He's a smart, driven young man. He's a great engineer, but he ... Continue Reading
Searching for Solutions on the Ski Hill and in the Theater, and Pleading for Help for Families in Crisis
No bikes, no weddings CHALLENGING TIMES FOR Marquette Mountain. First, biking on the Mountain, which was to take a major step forward this summer, hasn't happened. COVID restrictions have basically ruled out using shuttles to bring bikers up the mountain. And the rules aren't likely to loosen up. Second, weddings on ... Continue Reading
The Latest on Pictured Rocks Cruises, Marquette Mountain, the YMCA, and Ben Franklin
The cruises to start amid uncertainty "I THINK IF we get 50% (of last year's volume), we'd consider that a victory." That's John Madigan, the general manager of Pictured Rocks Cruises, talking about prospects for business this summer. The cruises start up next Monday, about a month later than usual because of the ... Continue Reading
The Landmark Inn Is Not Closing, Marquette Mountain Is, and Room at the Inn Needs Help
Occupancy is minimal CONTRARY TO RUMORS, the Landmark Inn is not shutting down. "It's not been easy but we're doing our best to keep the lights on," says Ben Graves, the CEO of Graves Hospitality which owns the Landmark. "We have no plans to close. Frankly, we looked at shutting it down but it just didn't make sense. ... Continue Reading
The Marq’s (Partial) Revival, the Sale of the Birchmont, and Praise for the Mountain
Not the full menu IT'S NOT WHAT many of The Marq's loyal customers would prefer but it's better than nothing. The highly respected farm-to-table restaurant that closed down last year is expected to reopen soon on a very limited basis, according to George Stien, one of the owners. "I do intend to reopen The Marq as ... Continue Reading