C.J. Ray

Dining C.J. Ray Dixie Picks: Saloon carries on a colorful tradition in Mackinaw City
By C.J. Ray
If you’re tired of fancy, gourmet fare and have a hankering for some down-home cookin’ like some tasty, finger-licken’ barbeque ribs, then you must stop in at the Dixie Saloon on Central Avenue in Mackinaw City.
The original Dixie Saloon was built in the late 1800s. It served as a brothel and a place where sailors could wet their whistle while docked in Mackinaw City. In 1914, it was designated as a landmark to signify the northernmost point of the Old Dixie Highway, running all the way to Florida from Northern Michigan.

Dining C.J. Ray Past Meets Present at the City Park Grill
By C.J. Ray
The City Park Grill has been a Petoskey tradition that goes deeper
than the memories of anyone living today.
The City Park Grill was constructed in 1875 at the tail end of the
construction boom in downtown Petoskey. Originally called McCarthy
Hall, it opened as a billiard hall which also served alcohol. In 1888,
a 32-foot solid mahogany bar (which still stands today) was installed,
and the name was changed to the Annex.