Hi! My name is Taryn Pratt, and I’m the summer intern at the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB).

I was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, and I am currently attending Trine University in Angola, Indiana, where I’m majoring in Marketing. Outside of the classroom, I’m a member of the Trine track and field team, and am involved in Gamma Phi Epsilon. During the school year, I also work as a Social Media Marketing Intern for Trine University’s Allen School of Engineering & Computing, where I create content and share stories about students and the programs we offer. I’ll be graduating this spring with my bachelor’s degree before returning to Trine to complete my MBA the following year. In the future, I hope to be fortunate enough to travel the world, experience different cultures, and learn about the unique lifestyles and traditions that make each place special.

Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie has given me a deep appreciation for everything the area has to offer. Some of my favorite ways to spend time here are hiking the local trails, paddle boarding on the water, and discovering new places around the community. I’m excited to share some of my favorite local spots and experiences throughout this blog!

I started my internship at the beginning of May, and it has already taught me so much. From day one, I’ve been welcomed by an incredible team that has encouraged me to learn, create, and grow. Every day is different, and that’s one of the things I enjoy most about working at the CVB.

As the marketing intern, I help create content that inspires people to visit Sault Ste. Marie. Throughout the summer, I’ve worked on blog posts, social media campaigns, Pinterest content, visitor resources, and events.  I’ve also had the opportunity to attend community meetings, work with local businesses, and see firsthand what goes into promoting a destination.

One of my favorite parts of this internship is getting to see people enjoying everything our community has to offer. Whether it’s families watching freighters at the Soo Locks, visitors exploring local attractions, or people attending community events, it’s rewarding to know that the work we do helps create memorable experiences for others.

One project I’m especially proud of was Engineers Day. I had the opportunity to brainstorm, design, and create an interactive bingo game for kids attending the event. Seeing children excited to participate and enjoy something I helped create was incredibly rewarding.This internship has strengthened my passion for marketing while giving me valuable real-world experience in tourism, event planning, and community engagement. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned and excited to continue growing as I finish my degree and begin my MBA.

Coffee

My favorite coffee place is Bird’s Eye Outfitters! I love the vibe of the shop, and the coffee and food are amazing. Whenever I go, I usually order the Good Morning Mocha Smoothie. It’s one of my favorite treats before starting the day.

Food

My favorite place to eat in town is definitely Clyde’s, although I could be a little biased since I work there! My favorite thing to order is the Bison Cheeseburger. I also love the shakes, and the homemade chili is perfect for a cool fall day. One of my favorite things about Clyde’s is watching the freighters go by. They get so close, and it’s always fun to see everyone run over to watch them pass.

Event

One of my favorite events is the Full Moon Market. There are so many great vendors from our community, and I love walking around to see everything everyone has created. It’s such a fun way to support local businesses and spend an evening! I’m also a big fan of plants, so this definitely helps grow my plant collection because there are always a few garden vendors with so many great choices and fields and farms have their own gardens with so many choices! 

Adventure

One of my favorite things to do is go paddleboarding around Voyager Island. I also love paddling around the little island next door to see all of the goats! It’s such a peaceful place to be on the water, and it’s one of my favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon, especially with friends.

Attraction

One of my favorite attractions is the Museum Ship Valley Camp. I really enjoy looking through all of the paintings because they’re so beautiful. I also loved learning more about the history of Sault Ste. Marie while exploring the ship.

Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie has given me so many favorite memories, and I hope sharing a few of my favorite places helps you create some of your own. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just passing through, I encourage you to get out and explore everything our community has to offer. You never know, one of my favorite spots just might become yours too. I hope to see you in the Soo soon!