Featured Articles

It’s summertime…and that means the return of fresh-grown produce, harvested by local growers and brought to you at dozens of historic farmers markets around the state. Michigan is the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the country, ranking among the top for growing everything from asparagus to cherries to peaches to zucchini. Add to that, locally crafted cheeses, meats, honey, breads and more, and it’s no wonder that our farmers markets are among the hottest — and sweetest — summer destinations!

The earliest known picture postcard was a hand-painted design — posted with a “Penny Black Stamp” in London, to the writer Theodore Hook in 1840. The Penny Black was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp — issued on May 1, 1840. Displaying a portrait of Queen Victoria, it was primarily black in color and was one cent — thus, it became known as the Penny Black.

I’ve been hitting antique fairs and flea markets since I was in college—intrigued by the reuse of quaint pieces of furniture that told a story, as well
as served a purpose. Today, I’ve added the online market of eBay to my shopping repertoire, taking my treasure hunting to the virtual realm.

It’s no secret…I LOVE Michigan! I love the winding back country roads, the Mighty Mackinac Bridge and the thriving urban centers. I love the sitting outside on Elbow-to-elbow with a favorite little-seen cousin or family members too often split by conflicting schedules, nothing much beats a mind-bending Scrabble match, spirited checkers tournament or competitive carrom game played on the screen porch.

Each spring, we make a ritual out of cleaning the clutter out of our homes, dusting off the last remnants of winter, opening up the windows to let fresh air in. Have you ever thought that your body deserved the same type of cleaning—a rejuvenation, a cleansing, an opportunity to shed the old and make way for the new.

Spring is a season of awakenings in Michigan – where April showers bring May flowers and May flowers are infused into dazzling artisan spirits like the new White Blossom from Valentine Vodka.

Michigan has a longstanding history of crafting worldclass beverages. The state’s wineries and craft breweries have been gaining international attention for their diverse products. And now distillers are getting into the game with an array of spirits — from vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, and bourbon to a unique innovation known as Hopquila. Here’s a taste of who’s who, and who’s new.

Chocolate martini or chocolate quesadilla? Sample both at the 4th Annual Chocolate Covered Boyne, Feb. 10-11. Pick up discounts on cocoa-flavored treats, themed jewelry, specialty cookbooks and more at 30-plus sweet spots.

Trains have played a key role in the establishment of many of Michigan’s historic tourist towns. Today, excursions trains offer a different kind of traveler experience – especially during the holiday season.

“Beer and chocolate make wonderful bedfellows,” says Fred Bueltmann, Beervangelist at New Holland Brewing Company. “Both delight us with a symphony of roastiness, creaminess, bitterness and sweetness.”

Being described “cold as ice” is a compliment for Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield, owners of Ice Sculptures Ltd., in Grand Rapids – and stars of the Food Network’s show Ice Brigade. The two proudly wield chainsaws, picks, saws and other household tools to carve up intricate works of art displayed at weddings, corporate outings, charity functions, community festivals and basically any other venue or event where there’s an audience.

In the 1800s when crews began building wooden bridges to cross the rivers and streams around Michigan, they thought it would be easier to add sides and a roof to protect the floorboards as opposed to getting into the flowing water below to replace the basewood. As such, dozens of covered bridges began sprouting up over rivers and streams around the state of Michigan. You are invited to explore these historic structures on your next fall color tour.

Whiskey, vodka and gin…oh my! Distillers around the state are refining their craft and producing an eclectic menu of beverages just perfect for holiday sipping, indulging and gift giving.