There is something special about Sault Ste. Marie that feels like it belongs in your favorite comfort show. With cozy coffee shops, colorful fall scenery, and plenty of places to explore downtown, the Soo has that fall charm.
For fans of Gilmore Girls, there may even be a little bit of Stars Hollow to discover here. Grab a warm cup of coffee, take a stroll downtown, and enjoy the reds, oranges, and yellows that make autumn in Sault Ste. Marie a season worth experiencing.
Cozy Up With a Cup of Coffee
Nothing goes better with a crisp fall day than a warm cup of coffee. Luckily, Sault Ste. Marie has plenty of spots where you can cut the chill and enjoy a freshly brewed cup while exploring the Soo.
Downtown is home to local coffee shops and cafes that make for the perfect stop before your next adventure. Penny’s Kitchen is a local favorite with fresh coffee, in-house baked goods, and an inviting atmosphere where you can relax and catch up with friends. Across from the Soo Locks, Oh Crepe & Coffee pairs handcrafted lattes with sweet and savory crepes for a cozy downtown experience.
Then there is Birdseye and Superior cafe, both cornerstones of downtown Sault Ste. Marie. With specialty drinks, desserts, and plenty of options for lunch, it is a great place to relax and enjoy some time in the heart of the Soo.
Whether you are starting your morning with a cup of coffee or looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, these local stops are a great addition to a fall day in Sault Ste. Marie.
Fall Colors Take Over the Soo
Summer may seem to come and go in the blink of an eye, but cooler weather brings one of the most beautiful times of the year to the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Fall transforms the area with breathtaking reds, oranges, and yellows. You do not have to travel far to take in the changing leaves either. Once you reach Sault Ste. Marie, make sure the Soo Locks Park is on your list. The park is filled with a variety of trees that produce a stunning array of colors, making it a great place to enjoy an autumn stroll while keeping an eye out for passing freighters.
If you are up for a short drive outside of the city, Mission Hill Overlook is another prime spot for viewing fall foliage. Located about 20 minutes west of Sault Ste. Marie, the overlook offers another way to take in the beauty of autumn in the Upper Peninsula.
Fall colors are only here for a brief part of the year, and that makes experiencing them even more special. Take the scenic route, bring your camera, and make the most of this colorful season while it lasts.
See for yourself
Sault Ste. Marie may not actually be Stars Hollow, but that does not mean Gilmore Girls fans cannot find some of that same cozy fall feeling in the Soo. Take in the beautiful fall colors around the Eastern Upper Peninsula. There is plenty to see and experience along the way. So put on your favorite sweater, grab a cup of coffee, and start planning your fall adventure. You may just discover that Sault Ste. Marie has a little comfort-show magic of its own.
