The Soo Rocks

Living in the Soo rocks but sometimes so does getting out of the Soo. There’s one catch phrase that is sure to bring a smile to any true Soo Trooper Yooper and that is “Road Trip”.


We sent a snoop out to find a great getaway from the Soo and we’re happy to report this gem of an ultimate Soo getaway. Go camping on the Hardy dam reservoir. (photo of Brower Park)

The Hardy dam is the third largest earthen-filled dam in the world, the largest east of the Mississippi River, whose backwaters form Michigan's largest inland lake with over 50 miles of shoreline. Located in Newaygo and Mecosta counties, the area around Consumers Energy’s three hydros along the Muskegon River is packed with recreational opportunities.

Nestled in a protected cove right next to scenic Hardy Dam on 4000 acre is Hardy Pond. Enjoy 17 miles of open waterway with miles of undeveloped shoreline. Enjoy a day at consumers beach where Hot Boat weekend fills the pond to capacity each year in Sept.

The nearly 4,000 acre Hardy Hydro pond features five major parks that offer some 2,000 campsites, as well as the marina and boat launching facilities that are available in numerous locations on the pond.

Hardy’s five large community parks make it a recreation destination for thousands each summer. They include the Newaygo State Park , the Newaygo County Sandy Beach Park, Big Prairie Township Ox Bow and Big Bend Parks, and the Mecosta County Brower Park.

Bonus: This recreational heaven is only a 4-hour road trip from the Soo. Enjoy!

Click for Hot Boat Weekend Photos

  I love the Soo because the Soo Rocks

The Soo Rocks with good deals if you know where to find them. The Snoop here at The Soo Rocks has come through with a couple of great deals for a cheap fun night.

Tonight the Snoop picked up the Oscar winning movie "Crazy Heart" with Jeff Bridges at Redbox in front of Walgreens, then cruised across the street to pick up a 2-for-1 DQ blizzard bargain. Movie and a tasty frosty treat what a yummy combo.

Have you been taking advantage of Redbox since it came to town? These are the big red boxes aka kiosks that rent movies for a buck. That's right One Dollar! Normally, I would be reporting that $1.00 for movie rentals is one awesome deal, but tonight I have something even better to report.

There are promotional codes available for Soo residents so that they can get a FREE movie rental. CLICK HERE for a great updated list of current rebox codes. I suggest writing down a couple and putting it in your purse or wallet so you'll have them on hand when you are near a redbox. You can find Redbox in the Soo in front of Walgreens and in the Walmart entryway by the can return end. If you haven't been taking advantage of $1.00 movies, now is the time to start.

And if  you love DQ,  then be sure to sign up for the Blizzard Fan Club so that you can get your buy 1 get one free coupon. Get a bunch of friends to sign up and treat each other to a great frosty treat. Each month DQ features a special blizzard and they keep getting better - gotta try Buster Bar Blizzard® Treat - it's the Blizzard® of the Month!


Your favorite DQ novelty in a Blizzard®. Loads of peanuts and choco chunks blended with fudge and creamy vanilla soft serve.  The Soo is Rocking with Yummy Blizzards

Boy, this is going to be a great summer in the Soo. Look for more bargains here at The Soo Rocks

The Soo Rocks would like to extend warm wishes and big cyber hugs to all mothers of the Soo. Just in case you want to do something beyond the usual flowers, perfume or dinner out for that special mom in your family, The Soo Rocks suggest some of the following activities:

Weed out mom’s garden for her. Pay back you mother for all the nurturing she has given you over the years. Inspire to show your mom your love through the priceless gift of life and beauty – a flower or vegetable garden. Spend a few hours to help her weed and prepare her garden.

Clean up her house for her. A simple show of love that is often forgotten or overlooked but has been tried and tested over the years – mom’s love clean houses. A simple gesture that is even more appreciated as mom ages.

Cook for her. Yes moms do appreciate being treated to a dinner out. But moms also appreciate spending time with their family and also like home cooked meals and being waited on at home or at their kids houses. You can always find a nice steak over at Nevilles Superette that would taste great on the grill along with all the fixings while mom spends family time visiting.

Take mom to a movie or a show. You can check the Varsity Cinema movie schedule here or you can purchase tickets for upcoming STARS World Dance Tour for the two of you to enjoy.

Wash and detail her car for her. DIY jobs such as this are always appreciated. But if time is of essence or there are other circumstances that prevent you doing it yourself – you can always call Reno’s Car Care to get an appointment to take in her car to have it cleaned and detailed.

Spend Quality Time with mom. Basically anything you do with mom will show her that you appreciate her and all she’s done for you. Whether it’s shopping, dining or just visiting remember today is her day and don’t forget to the best gift of all Tell mom you love her!


This beautiful old statue of Mary has been brought  to the Soo where she overlooks and protects the boats and crews entering the locks from the St Mary's River. She now sits behind the old federal building soon to be home to the City of Sault Ste Marie. Although hidden to many, she is one of our rare beautiful treasures you can find here in the Soo. The Soo Rocks....

The Soo Rocks because we have the city compost at our disposal. Every Sat. and every Wed. those of us who live within the city  limits have access to the city compost. For those who have not yet visited nor taken advantage of this, it is located across from the World Car Dealership on Easterday. On Saturdays it's only open till 1 but on  Wednesday nights it's open till 7pm.

Many people come with pickups and trailers to take advantage of the free compost and free mulch available. But others such as myself come with 5 gallon buckets which are easier to pick up and work with. Either way, it makes for a great way to "green" your yard and it's easy on the pocketbook.

Believe it or not, I was skeptical about using this in my yard, but I was able to fill in all the holes created by skunks or racoons or whatever. And bucket by bucket my yard was filled in and it looks great. I was expecting it to become a dandelion haven - but it's not, instead, my yard has beautiful grass and no one would ever know that I used city compost rather than expensive dirt hauled in by a professional.

You can get information by contacting the city of Sault Ste Marie. They are also currently offering a limited number of vouchers for spring garbage hauls to Waste Management. I'd suggest getting down to city hall and picking up a voucher before they are gone.

           I love the Soo because the Soo Rocks!

The Soo Rocks bids farewell to one of our town's small businessmen who kept a good number of cars and trucks on the road over the years here in the Soo. This past week, the Soo lost a good car machanic, one who has been visible to us here in the Soo for years. Many will remember Dave from his Midas Car Car Days before Devine Car Care became a local fixure on Ashmun.


On Saturday, David and his driver Rob Pontus set off for Texas as Dave prepares to begin a new chapter in his life. Rob who left with David, will not be staying out in Texas, but will be flying back to the Soo after delivering David to Texas.

Ashmun sure will look a little funny without the busy car care business which we've become accustomed to looking at as we drive down the street. It was hard not to "rubber neck" when driving by to see whose car was being worked on or who was standing outside talking with Dave on any given day.

Dave also made a good number of friends at the local Dondee Bowling Alley where he was known to frequent. He will be missed among his fellow friends in addition to his loyal customers.

Dave and his love of cars and car racing will be missed in our local community and the void of another empty business on Ashmun will serve to remind us that our city is always in a constant flux as we adapt and change.

We wish you well Dave, in your new venture and were glad to have you as part of our community for the length of time we did.