Keeping it kid friendly

Young people tell what makes businesses appealing

The Marquette County area has received many accolades in recent years including being named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in 2005. The title was awarded because of the quality of programs, organizations and coalitions that improve the youth environment here. The youth environment is also improved by businesses that show they respect and value their youngest customers.

In this series of profiles, 8-18 Media gives a kids-eye view of a few of the many businesses that make this area a great place to grow up.

The Coffee Cup
By Megan Maas, 13

When I'm shopping in downtown Marquette, one of my favorite places to take a break is the Coffee Cup. It has a casual, comfortable atmosphere, exceptional baked goods, reasonable prices and friendly staff.

The Coffee Cup has all kinds of things that kids love. In one area there are comfy couches and chairs, and lots of books so you can sit and read while you drink warm, delicious hot chocolate with tons of whipped cream. It feels like you're in a friendly neighbor's living room.

Every table at The Coffee Cup is different. There are old metal tables, and newer wooden tables in various colors and sizes. Other eclectic furnishings such as chairs from Finn Fest show the Marquette heritage. The more you look around, the more you see. For instance, if you take a close look at the picture of a cup of espresso that's hanging on the wall, you'll notice that it's actually a puzzle.

Now back to that hot chocolate. It's the best I've ever had. It tastes like a melted chocolate bar whipped to perfection with just a hint of spice. Hmmm, is it nutmeg or cinnamon?

And speaking of delicious, the baked goods are phenomenal. They're not your run of the mill chocolate chip cookies or brownies. They're things I wouldn't ordinarily get at home or in a grocery store like pumpkin bars, raspberry crisp, or Boston cream parfaits. The giant, sugary, frosted cupcakes are my favorite. They're reasonably priced at around a dollar.

The Coffee Cup also sells unique jewelry and other odds and ends handmade by people in our community. If I had more money, it's the kind of thing I'd spend it on.

For the most part, the staff is warm and welcoming. When you walk in, they greet you with a smile. They are friendly and patient when waiting on you and don't seem to be in a rush.

The Coffee Cup is my kind of style—casual, not too expensive and not too mainstream.

Peter White Public Library
By Andrew LaCombe, 16

Even though it's almost always quiet inside Peter White Public Library, it doesn't mean that it's not full of activity. In fact, the library is the center of many community events. Their programming, including book parties, dances and a writing circle, is popular among my peers. It's a place many kids go to find new books or CDs. For me, it's a quiet place to study.

The library is a perfect study place, especially around exam time. They have a lot of resources, plus there are few distractions. There is always room on the second floor reference area to study. There are wide built-in desks in front of windows that overlook downtown Marquette. It is very quiet, comfortable and relaxing. It's even air-conditioned.

The library is open until 9 p.m. every weeknight, so after dinner or when I'm done with my after-school activities I can head there and get in at least a couple hours of studying.

The library is in a convenient location for me. I can easily ride my bike, walk, or catch a ride to the library from most anywhere in Marquette including home, school or work.

The staff members at the library are very friendly and always offer a warm "hello" when they see me around. This makes me feel welcome and respected.

There are plenty of computers in the lab available to surf the Web or type papers. This has been convenient to my family and I when our computers or printers haven't been working or when we all need to do something on a computer. They're available free of charge, like most services at the library, for any member.

The library is a comfortable and convenient place for Marquette County residents, especially kids. It is an asset of our community, and I'm thankful that I have grown up with such a strong library in my town.

The PEIF
By Marty Gray, 11

One of the above average, kid-friendly places I enjoy is the PEIF, less commonly known as the Physical Education Instructional Facility at Northern Michigan University. It's more than a single attraction. It's a one-day adventure.

You can play racquetball, scale the climbing wall, take a dive in the swimming pool, exercise or just relax in front of the TV. The PEIF has standard yet unusual attractions. For example, racquetball. It's even spelled weird. It's like tennis (standard). But you hit a rubber ball against a wall (unusual).

As with any adventure, it helps to have someone who knows their way around. The people who work there are extremely friendly and helpful. They show a special tolerance for kids with all levels of athletic ability. One time I was at a birthday party at the PEIF, and it was my first time on the climbing wall. I was scared, but the lady holding my rope was reassuring. She reminded me that she was there to keep me from falling. She directed me to which stone I should grab, and after I reached the top, I felt better.

One of the other great things about the PEIF is that the prices are reasonable. At $6 a day, it's inexpensive enough that I could go about once a week. And a $60 punch card, good for 15 visits, is something that I could save up for in a matter of weeks. There are also yearly and monthly membership cards that allow you to pay less per visit.

The PEIF is a great place to spend an evening with the family, to have a birthday party or to spend a fun afternoon with friends.

Plus the bathrooms smell nice.

HotPlate
By Carlie Coccia, 12

One of my favorite places to go in Marquette is HotPlate. It is a place where you paint your own pottery. HotPlate is filled with warm colors and it makes you feel like you're warm and safe. I think the best time to go to there is when the weather is bad.

You don't have to be artistic to have fun at HotPlate. They have drawings that you can look at or trace. When your pottery is done, it might make you feel like you are a better artist then you thought.

When you go into HotPlate, you go over to the shelves and pick out a piece of pottery. They help if you need it but they're not right over your shoulder. You can make pottery from plates to piggybanks. When you're ready to start painting, they have over twenty-five colors to chose from. When you have your paint colors picked out, you put them on a pallet. Then you have to look at how many coats of paint you need. When you are done, they have to take your piece back to the kiln and they will call you in about a week to let you know you can pick it up.

I have made piggybanks for my cousin and myself. I've made tiles and plates for my grandparents, dog and cat dishes for my pets and gifts for my parents.

You can hold birthday parties or any kind of a party. If it is your birthday they will make you a plate with Happy Birthday and the names of all your guests.

I've been there about a dozen times, and have found something cool to make each time. I look forward to going back again and again.