Not many people know of this small town, or if they do, they probably just recognize the name from quickly passing through it on their way up-north. However, if you grew up here, you know that there are certain aspects of this little-known town that everyone who lives here can relate to.
1. AlpenFest traffic is the worst traffic. But, AlpenFest is also the highlight of the summer.
Or at least it was when you were a child. When you were younger, AlpenFest was something that you looked forward to year-round. However, as you got older and began to drive, you understood why your parents tried to completely avoid it. You may still look forward to the fun summer festival, but you don't look forward to taking alternate routes to get across town.
2. Everybody knows everything about everyone.
Or at least they think they do. What usually happens is people think they have the story right when they really only have half of it right. Or maybe none of it at all. Either way, with a town so small, news can travel faster than you think. Sometimes this is good, but other times not so much.
3. The Alpine Chocolat Haus is life.
If you want chocolate covered potato chips, go here. If you want hella good ice cream, go here. If you want anything sweet, go here. There is not any moment of any given day that this place doesn't sound good.
4. Your winters are spent either at Treetops or The Otsego Club.
You will always see someone you know when you go out to one of them too. Snowboarding and skiing are a way of life during the winter, and you find yourself at one of these two places more than you find yourself at home.
5. You know the 45th parallel is halfway between the Equator and the North Pole.
Chances are this is probably the first "cool" thing you learned about this tiny town. Even though this is normal to you since you live here, you may see some people stopping to take pictures of that sign on I-75.
6. You know what an "Ice Tree" really is.
This is also a sign of how winter went. The bigger the ice tree, the colder the temperatures and the more snow there was. It's almost seen as some type of winter trophy.
7. You know that the "Sugar Bowl" is not only a football game.
Although many others hear this and think of a popular bowl game, you hear this and think of a popular restaurant with good food. Almost the same.
8. School isn't cancelled unless there is a foot of snow and negative temperatures.
And, of course, it is usually called off very last minute. Who cares if everyone surrounding Gaylord has no school? We'll wait to see just how much snow everyone can drive through.
9. First day of hunting season also means "no school."
Whether a hunter or not, this is a true blessing. When I moved to southern Michigan, I was slightly stunned to learn that they didn't have this day off.
10. You live where people vacation.
You may look around and see Gaylord as a small, tiny town with nothing to do, but you'll miss it when you leave -- take it from someone who experienced this. People travel up there to camp and vacation all of the time, yet you live there. Don't take it for granted.
