Marquette Shopping

Johnson’s Sports has served the central Upper Peninsula since 1946. They are passionate about hockey, skiing, tennis, golf, and all team sports. To that end they are specialists in providing the proper footwear and equipment to fill our customer’s needs. Both partners, Rex Elliott and John Thomsen, have served the Marquette community for over 35 years. They are truly a throwback to a time when customer service was a benchmark for quality. Their only concern is for the customer. Stop in and see them to find everything you need to enjoy all 4 seasons in MQT.

What to buy: WInter Goods: Skiing, snowboarding, hockey, snowshoe, and XC skiing equipment.

Summer Goods: Running, Basketball, walking shoes. Tennis, golf, hiking, swimming, inline.

What to pay: 0 to $1000

Getz Department Store is a third generation business, established in Michigamme in 1886, and moving to Marquette in 1900. The store carries women’s, men’s, and teenager’s quality brand name clothing, such as Carhartts, Columbia, David Kahn, and North Face, as well as shoes. As you look at the photo, the light colored section on the left is for men, and the red brick section on the right is for women. On the second story is a Denim Department (see web address below), which is especially popular with teens. In the store you will find clothing from casual to dress, including sports wear such as hiking boots and hiking socks. The women’s department also carries some jewelry. In late summer look for great end of the season sales. When we were there in August of 2006, prices were as much as 70% off on summer wear items. The business is open Monday – Friday from 9:30 to 6:00, Saturday from 9:30 – 5:30, and Sunday from 12:00 – 4:00.

A wonderful bakery with real ovens and a real sense of what separates the wheat from the chaff. "Peter Claybaker" (who owns the place and bakes here) is a local bread guru. It's a dangerous place for those who are seeking to limit their carbs. They also have a delectable cookies and scones and other assorted sweets. Stop in while you are on your way to the local food co-op which is just next door.

Farmer Q is open seasonally - from early May through the end of October. It features fresh grown produce from farmers in Michigan and northern Wisconsin. Some of the fruits and vegetables are organically grown, but a majority of the items here are "conventional" - which does make them more affordable. Farmer Q has access to some very good suppliers, however, the availability of different crops ebbs and flows with the seasons. One of the pleasures of shopping here is that it's always a surprise - you're never sure what you're going to find.

The general consensus in town is that the produce here is better than that which you find at the local big grocers, but that occasionally you'll find better selection and pricing at the Saturday Farmer's market at "the Commons". Why is it called Farmer Q? I guess I should ask.

Phil's 550 is legendary! It's the only "general store" on the Big Bay Road, County Road 550 north of Marquette. So it is THE place to stop and stock up on munchies and liquids if you are planning a hike up Hogback mountain or some beach time at Little Presque Isle. For folks who live out on the Big Bay Road, Phil's is a real life-saver, since it means they don't have to come all the way into town every time they need a half-gallon of milk or some pork rinds.

If you drive a short distance north of downtown along Hwy 41, you will find the new development, not as attractive as down town, but full of various popular businesses. Stretched out along the highway you will find fast food restaurants, motels, Wal-Mart, Dunham’s Sports, Harley Davidson, car dealerships, Blockbuster Video, J.C. Penney’s, Pier 1 Imports, Target, Menards, and many other businesses. Unlike the old, traditional downtown, where you can walk the city blocks, poking your head into various shops, this area is developed more for driving from store to store, and parking in each parking lot.

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Shopping is not high on my list of things to do, so often, I do not write tips for shopping. The Silver Crow, however, is one of those shops that carry quality, and unique items. I would say, however, that this shop is more for a woman, or a man who is purchasing a gift for a woman. In the Silver Crow you will find a large selection of silver and other quality jewelry from countries all over the world, scarves, woman’s clothing, soaps, hand creams, crockery, and a variety of items that you may enjoy purchasing as gifts as well as for yourself. You will also find Local works of art such as woodworking, paintings, and sculptures. Much of the clothing is from India or Vietnam and made from woven, silk, and rayon material. One of the brands they carry is called Sacred Threads. Sacred Threads support Vindavan food for Life, which gives free food and medical assistance to poor people in India.

What to buy: You won’t find any junk in the Silver Crow. If you are a woman, and enjoy dressing in something that is unique, and often colorful, check out the clothing in the Silver Crow. (See Photo #2 of me wearing a dress I purchased at the Silver Crow) This is also a great place to purchase a gift for someone special, or purchase accessories to your wardrobe.

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At one time Marquette had thriving commercial fishing businesses. Thills, is the last of these. With two fishing boats docked next to the business (see photo 2), the freshness of Lake Superior fish is the best in town. They even supply fresh fish for the popular downtown restaurant, the Vierling. At Thills you will find fresh lake fish, smoked fish, fish spread, pickled fish, and good quality frozen seafood. Thills is open year round Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:30, to 3:00 on Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.

What to buy: Thills smokes its own fish, as well as making its own fresh fish spread, and pickled fish. Since neither my husband nor myself care for lake trout, we always purchase the smoked, pickled, or spreads made of whitefish. Many people, however, love the trout, so if you are in the area, give one or both a try.