I arrived mid-service on a Sunday evening, and while the restaurant was busy, the atmosphere was calm and pleasant, even on my behind-the-scenes kitchen tour. The kitchen was buzzing with activity in a relatively small space, yet collaboration and teamwork were...
Michigan State Parks offer a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Many of the parks have trails that wind through forests, around lakes, and along rivers, offering visitors a chance to experience Michigan’s...
Cherry Republic Traverse City Cherry Republic in Traverse City, Michigan Photo Credit: Traverse City Tourism Cherry Republic is an iconic establishment that has become a mecca for cherry enthusiasts seeking a taste of Michigan’s famous Montmorency tart cherry. After...
Experience One of Michigan’s Best Scratch Kitchens at Zaytoon Zaytoon, Arabic for olive, is a Mediterranean restaurant focused on the Middle East and some Greek dishes with an American twist. “Fast Food - Cooked Slow” -- it’s a healthy alternative to fast food. They...
The Atmosphere The 120-year-old Mitten Brewing Company building has exposed brick throughout. The baseball theme starts in the lobby with four blue stadium-style seats from the original Detroit Tiger Stadium. An old English D symbolizing the Detroit Tigers adorns one...
Use the Beer City Ale Trail Map to plan how you will explore Grand Rapid's 50-plus craft breweries. Many of these also offer dining experiences, so you may want to visit those around mealtime. Piper’s Pro Planning: You won’t need to drive to enjoy the Beer...
Skiing in Marquette Michigan Photo Courtesy of Travel Marquette Heikki Lunta For an authentic “Yooper” celebration of Finnish heritage, the Heikki Lunta Festival is an annual mythology event created for the fictional Heikki Lunta. This creature would dance to make it...
Food and Drink Saddleback BBQ Saddleback BBQ (#17) is a hand-crafted, Southern BBQ shop specializing in four types of meat—back ribs, brisket, pulled pork shoulder, and chicken quarters. With this BBQ you could add a fourth C, culinary to the list of things to do in...
Typically when I think of Ludington, Michigan, images of sandy beaches, sunsets, and lighthouses come to mind. It’s my quintessential summer happy place. My favorite season is fall, so I thought I’d get out and explore my happy place during my favorite season and see...
Stained-Glass Window at Clarkston Union Bar and Kitchen Today, the pews that once sat congregants now seat families and friends around their dining tables. The original stained-glass windows add interest. While they maintained many of the former church’s...
1. Centrally Located in Lansing, Michigan Lansing is centrally located and within 90 minutes of 90% of the state’s population, so Lansing is not only a great place to explore on its own, but it’s also a fantastic base for day trips throughout the southern half of the...
From Hobby to Business For the Burgdorfs, it all started 30-some years ago as home winemakers, in the Haslett, Michigan countryside east of Lansing, with a bumper crop of wild black raspberries. Dave laughed, “You can only make so many jellies, cobblers, and pies. We...
