Boutique, Houghton-Style
When prospectors struck it rich during the mining boom (roughly 1840-1900) in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, they deposited their profits into institutions such as the First National Bank of Houghton.
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Queen of the Lakes
In 2021, nearly 4.4 million vehicles (and even more individual passengers) crossed the five-mile Mackinac Bridge, but only a select number of people had enjoyed the pleasure of motoring under this modern marvel during one of the popular Mackinac Island-based Sip n’ Sail Cruises.
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35 Years of Looping Lake Michigan
Four out of five Great Lakes (all those touching Michigan) have an official “Circle Tour” route that were each established to encourage travel to the unique small towns and larger urban centers found along the way.
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Michigan’s new Detach primitive campground delivers “in Vogue” off-grid experiences
Spending time in the rustic wilderness (without running water, electricity or wifi) may not seem like a stylish experience, but it turns out disconnecting from the chaos of the world and reconnecting with nature was just the kind of travel trend that editors at Vogue Living* were looking to showcase in their inaugural issue. The magazine featured an unprecedented 27-page article about Detach primitive campground and the story behind the primitive and off-grid destination situated on a 50-acre parcel in Rockford, Michigan.
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Boulder Boutique
A century ago, Charlevoix architect Earl Young first began moving rocks and boulders of all shapes, sizes and colors, turning them into a series of unique homes, inns and lodges which remain a foundation of this Lake Michigan shoreline community.
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Have You Heard the BUZZ About Michigan’s Official State Insect?
Michigan’s first state symbol was the state flower, designated as the Apple Blossom in 1897. Since that time, 10 other symbols have been added to the list – from bird to reptile, gem to stone, wildflower to tree. A twelfth symbol is now under consideration in the legislature – Michigan’s official state insect! If members of the House and Senate can agree, the designation would leave Iowa as the only state in the Union without a state bug.
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Synthesized Spirits
Local foragers and farmers provide the vital ingredients used in this Elk Rapids distillery’s signature cocktails.
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Farmhouse Conversion
Sylvan Table earns high marks for its creative menu and homey atmosphere.
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Maple Syrup Weekends Celebrate Michigan’s Oldest & Sweetest Spring Agricultural Activity
Each spring, as the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, Michiganders head out into the woods to take part in the state’s oldest agricultural activity…tapping maple trees for sap to be turned into mouth-watering maple syrup, candies and other sweet treats.
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Murder & Suicide of Lighthouse Keepers the Focus of New Book by Author Dianna Higgs Stampfler
Blending her long-time interest in maritime history and true crime, Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes is the latest title by Michigan author Dianna Higgs Stampfler and published by the History Press as part of its Murder & Mayhem series.
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2022 Pure Michigan Milestone Celebrations!
Michigan was founded on January 26, 1837 as the 26th state of the United States of America…making this year our
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Digital Treasure Hunting
As a freelance writer and author, I spend a great deal of my time doing historical online research. To be honest, it is this part of the process that I think I enjoy the most. It’s like a treasure hunt for information – to prove or refute details that tell one story, or another.
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Lake Country Sipping
Sampling new varieties of wine is a refreshing way to enjoy a delightful Up North afternoon, especially when you’re surrounded by acres of vineyards and the backdrop of a scenic 113-acre nature preserve. Boyne Valley Vineyards, a small boutique tasting room nestled along U.S. 131 between Walloon Lake and Petoskey, offers a friendly new space to do just that.
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