30 Sep 2014

Escanaba, MI: Pasties

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Pasties (pronounced "pass-teez") are the original 'hot pocket":  the traditional pasty consists of beef, potatoes, rutabaga and onion, which is wrapped in a crust and baked. You will see pasties sold with chicken, pork, vegetables, sour cream and gravy - but these would not be authentic pasties (although they are be good!). 

Pasties were brought to the UP (Michigan's Upper Peninsula) by the miners from Cornwall, England in the 1800's. They were the perfect lunch for the miners, since the  pasties easily fit into their lunch pails and, since they wrapped them in linen or newspapers, they stayed warm. Plus, the miners could eat the pasties by holding the pinched end of the crust, then throwing the crust away, which kept the miners from eating the grim - and arsenic -  on their hands. 

The best pasties in Escanaba, MI can be found at Gram's Pasties, where you can buy them frozen. So, you can bring them back to your hotel room, throw them in the microwave, and have an easy, satisfying meal. Or, you can eat them at Grams, as they have a few tables for their patrons.

Be sure to try these while you are in the UP  - you would be hard pressed to find these any place in the US outside the UP, although they are ubiquitous throughout the UP.

Related Content:

11 Nov 2014

Wandering While Working: Escanaba, MI

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Smaller towns are great to visit, as you can be a tourist without spending a lot of time driving from place to place, and you don't have to pay exorbitant parking fees.

5 Oct 2014

Escanaba, Michigan: Sunset Lodge

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi
For great lodging in Escanaba, MI - skip the usual hotels and go to The Sunset Lodge. You wll find a comfortable room, a good location (just up the road from downtown Escanaba), and great owners - all at a decent price.
1 Oct 2014

Escanaba, Michigan: Swedish Pantry

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi
If you have never had Swedish pancakes (and other Swedish foods) - you must go to the Swedish Pantry in Escanaba, MI. And, if you have had Swedish food, you won't be dissapointed with the wonderful Swedish food from the Swedish Pantry. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that all will enjoy - no matter what your heritage is..
1 Oct 2014

Escanaba, MI: Sand Point Lighthouse

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

This article talks about Sand Point Lighthouse, a lighthouse on Lake Michigan in Escanaba, Michigan. It talks about the history of the lighthouse, and gives details on how to get more information. In addition, it provides several pictures of the lighthouse.