Hey WDIV, so just where is Idlewild?

[Colonel Flagg]

If I were in Baldwin, looking for a good place to eat, I'd make the 15 minute drive to the thriving metropolis of Walhalla. If it's still there, the Emerson Lake Inn was always good. But Walhalla is in Mason County.

Baldwin, or Idlewild, may be a good candidate for a non-comm FM, or LPFM, playing classic soul, or traditional jazz. It would have to be a labor of love.

[tapeisrolling]

Back in the 70's that area was better known for the hookers that came in RV's for deer hunting season. Lake county also was said to have more bears than residents.

[MWmetalhead]

Indeed, a good number of bears up there! Have seen them on trail cam. Have also had to dodge their piles of poop in the woods.

[Deleted User 15783]

Baldwin used to have a McDonalds, but it closed many years ago. There is a large grocery store about 10 miles south of town, closer to Big Star Lake. There is a nice Ace Hardware right in town.

Those desiring fast food need to drive about 18 miles to Reed City.

Well, I may of lost some money if I was betting on a McDonald's in Baldwin. We have family that lives a few miles south of Irons. We go up there about every 3 years or so and all kayak together. So I've been thru Idlewild many times and didn't realize it.

Like I said, I would of bet money there's a McDonald's on M-10 east of where it turns north. On the south side of the street. But I fired up Google Maps and I don't see it. Oh well.

[MWmetalhead]

There is a very nice gas station and large c-store on the NEC of US-10 and M-37. That might be what you remember seeing.

Irons is a cool place; drove thru there a year ago. Sadly, it appears a few of the small businesses on the main drag did not survive the pandemic.

[moldyoldie]

If you fancy a sense of history, Idlewild is a pretty cool place. For a commercial work assignment back in the '80s, I had the fortune of getting a complete tour of the place from an informed local resident. I met a lot of good and interesting folks, mostly much older, who'll tell their stories and show me old pictures of "what used to be". Several of the Motown artists performed there including the Four Tops as well as many old jazz greats from previous decades.

What never came to pass was the ambitious commercial development they'd talk about -- strip malls, entertainment facilities, etc. I also left with the impression that former Democratic Senator Don Riegle was a local hero.

And isn't Irons host to the annual Flea Roast Ox Market?

[TC Talks]

I used to socialize with a former mayor of Idlewild. It's more a historic place than a town these days.

The resort history is amazing. The talent they had is incredible.

There is quite a meat market in Irons. Baldwin is essentially a prison town these days.

[Realist]

There is a very nice gas station and large c-store on the NEC of US-10 and M-37. That might be what you remember seeing.

Irons is a cool place; drove thru there a year ago. Sadly, it appears a few of the small businesses on the main drag did not survive the pandemic.

That’s where the Subway was