Long before chain restaurants inundated our lifestyles, chefs from around the globe relied on their local farmers to supply fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads and other edibles to develop their menus. Thankfully, this philosophy of sourcing locally has become more common for restaurants seeking to offer an authentic culinary experience.
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The weekend of October 6 will be among the most colorful, recreational and flavorful on Beaver Island.
Beginning at 10 am at the historic Print Shop, the Island Boodle 5k Run takes participants through scenic St. James, along the waterfront and back through wooded trails during one of the most beautiful times of year. Benefitting Island Sports Boosters, the event draws serious runners as well as families, many with babies in strollers and four-legged friends.
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Autumn has always been my favorite season! The vibrant colors – reds, oranges, yellows – mixed with the cooler days and the aromas of the harvest. As a kid, I loved fall – because it mean it was time to return to school (yes, I realize how crazy that sounds).
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My first visit to Chelsea was in 2005, when I somehow found myself volunteering for a charity golf event hosted by award-winning actor Jeff Daniels, as a benefit for his Purple Rose Theatre. I mean, really, given the opportunity – wouldn’t you?
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We are fortunate here in Michigan to be surrounded by the Great Lakes – with mile after glorious mile of sugar-sand beaches and quaint coastal towns, waiting to be explored. You know, they say that in Michigan, you’re never more than six miles from a body of water or 85 miles from a Great Lakes. Take a look at some of Michigan’s most noted – and sometimes hidden gems – when it comes to beaches and lakes!
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In my opinion, July is the most “American” month of the year! Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet, right? The heat of summer is upon us and I love it…turn it up (those that complain are typically those that are also surprised when it snows in winter…we live in MICHIGAN, remember)!
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Hollywood Celebrities Carter Oosterhouse and Amy Smart Tie the Knot in Classic Rustic Fashion on Northern Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula.
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Like a scene out of a 1950s-era movie, Michigan drive-ins still serve up frosty mugs of foamy root beer along with juicy burgers and fries in red plastic baskets. Here, hungry patrons push aside their dietary restrictions and dig into fare as nostalgic as it is flavorful.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Some might think it’s crazy to take up residency at a former mental institution, but the rooms which once housed patients suffering a multitude of ailments are now being converted into some of the most unique, chic and coveted condos in Traverse City.
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