Music Museum
(231) 938-9300 7377 U.S. 31 North Williamsburg, Michigan 49690 WEBSITE You know … Traverse City is a great anytime city to travel to no matter the season there’s incredible beauty, history, shopping, eating, and if that’s not enough for you … well, we found one more reason to come here. Just east of downtown Traverse City is a destination that’ll… Continue reading Music Museum
Bavarian Inn - Pretzel Rolling and Twisting
(800) 228-2742 713 S Main St, Frankenmuth, Michigan 48734 WEBSITE Do you ever get all anxious and tied up in knots waiting for summer to come … well, don’t do that … get up, get out and tie some real knots. Oh … and these knots are completely edible … Bavarian bonus! That’s right … if your family’s got a… Continue reading Bavarian Inn – Pretzel Rolling and Twisting
Snowshoeing Tahquamenon State Park
(906) 492-3415 41382 West M-123, Paradise, MI 49768 WEBSITE The next morning we headed about 2 and a half hours east to a place in the UP we’d been to in the summer … but never under these beautiful and snowy conditions. And, this last part of our adventure would put us back on our feet again, but this time… Continue reading Snowshoeing Tahquamenon State Park
550 Snowmobile Club and Trails
(906) 345-0002 3637 Co Rd 550, Big Bay, MI 49808 WEBSITE The next morning it was a balmy 18 degrees below zero so we decided what the heck … let’s head on up to Big Bay. Big Bay is a little town about 45 minutes northwest of Marquette at the end of County Road 550. And it’s there where we… Continue reading 550 Snowmobile Club and Trails
Eben Ice Caves
Note: Winter ONLY Frey Rd, Deerton, MI 49822 WEBSITE For the next leg of our awesome UP Winter adventure, we headed about 45 minutes southeast of Marquette to the tiny town of Eben Junction. It’s here where you’ll find a trailhead that takes you about a mile and a half back to the world famous Eben Ice Caves. People from… Continue reading Eben Ice Caves
Steinhaus
(906) 273-1531 102 W Washington St #115, Marquette, MI 49855 WEBSITE You know when we were up in Marquette a while back we happened into this place for a bite to eat. Well, the food was so good I quickly proclaimed we’d feature them on the show. Well, that was 5 years ago … not so quick … but better… Continue reading Steinhaus
Dakota Inn Rathskeller
(313) 867-9722 17324 John R St, Detroit, MI 48203 WEBSITE Do you like beer & brats? How do you feel about festive hoots ? Well if you think shorts with suspenders are a good look … look out, cuz were about to get serious German on ya. That’s right, even if your name isn’t Heinrich, Hans, Herman, Heinz or Helmut… Continue reading Dakota Inn Rathskeller
Detroit Boxing Gym Youth Program
(313) 924-4374 6445 E Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48207 WEBSITE Now, where do kids in the inner city learn to box … At the Downtown Boxing Gym that’s where. Ah, but where do they go to learn self esteem, confidence, respect and improve their grades (or this version that I did live … “the three ‘Rs’ readin’, ritin’ and rithmatic.”)… Continue reading Detroit Boxing Gym Youth Program
El Moore Lodge
(313) 924-4374 624 W Alexandrine St, Detroit, MI 48201 WEBSITE You know the renaissance of Detroit is happening so fast now and in so many different ways, it’s hard not to bump into something new every time you’re here. Well we bumped into something that’s so cool, we bounced right back to bring it to you. No thanks required …… Continue reading El Moore Lodge
Scotty Simpson's Fish and Chips
(313) 533-0950 22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223 WEBSITE You know … there are a lot of great pairings in history … peanut butter and jelly, Sonny & Cher … Liver & Onions … wait … scratch that last one … but there’s never been one more unlikely or more delicious than this one. And that’s because one grows in… Continue reading Scotty Simpson’s Fish and Chips
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
(844) 622-6367 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207 WEBSITE Where can you go to find out about all the cool stuff Michigan has to do outdoors. Well, follow me indoors and I’ll show ya. I know it sounds weird … but just trust me on this one. That’s right, you’re entering the Michigan Outdoor Adventure Center, a place where everything… Continue reading DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
(989) 652-9931 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 WEBSITE Let’s face it … Christmas is so wonderful, a lot of us wish it lasted forever. Well, guess what … we found a place where it totally does. That’s right … here at Bronners in Frankenmuth they celebrate Christmas and all it’s trimming every day of the year. Boy … Old… Continue reading Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm
(517) 749-4866 2706 E Stevenson Lake Rd, Clare, MI 48617 WEBSITE Well, now that we have holiday song in our hearts. Time to hear that pitter patter of hoofs on the roof. I think you know the furry friends I’m talking about. I wrote a little poem … Wanna hear it? Now we all know that reindeer power Santa’s sleigh… Continue reading Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm
Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree
231-780-4711 425 W. Western Ave. Muskegon, MI 49440 WEBSITE When was the last time you saw something you didn’t believe … well, if you believe in Christmas … believe you me … you won’t believe what you’re about to see … or will you? It’s a 67-foot human singing Christmas tree made up of over 240 students from the Mona… Continue reading Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree
Red Flannel Christmas Tree Farm
(616) 696-7729 507 Cedar Springs Ave NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319 WEBSITE If you’re a city boy like me, you know that they’ve made getting a Christmas tree pretty convenient … but I just found out that these things don’t grow in parking lots at all. Who’d a thunk, they actually grow in the woods … on farms … out… Continue reading Red Flannel Christmas Tree Farm
Urban Ashes
Permanently Closed It’s always sad when we find out that a business we featured on the show has closed. It’s like we lost a friend. Please remember that while UTR episodes are timeless, the people, places and things are not. Some of the many places we feature on this website may have changed, moved or simply ceased to be. We… Continue reading Urban Ashes
Dom Bakeries
(734) 485-3175 1305 Washtenaw Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Now you’re about to meet a family who decided it was time to leave Cambodia, time to make a new life, and eventually … time to make the donuts … mmmm donuts! If you want a bakery with heart and soul … Dom Bakery in Ypsilanti is it. Almost 40 years ago… Continue reading Dom Bakeries
Miss Kim Korean Restaurant
(734) 275-0099 415 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 WEBSITE Now I heard that food in Korea is supposed to be really awesome … so I called for some carryout. Took about a week to get here … not good! So I figured out a better way. It’s called Miss Kim Korean Restaurant and it’s right here in Ann… Continue reading Miss Kim Korean Restaurant
Michigan Firehouse Museum
(734) 547-0663 110 W Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 WEBSITE Ya ever wonder where classic fire engines go when they’re done makin runs? Well fear not … cuz I found a bunch of’m. What is it about fire engines that fascinate all of us to this day … I’ll tell ya what … they’re cool. And something every kid &… Continue reading Michigan Firehouse Museum
Jyl Gaskin Animal Friend
NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC WEBSITE You know, a lot of times when wild animals get injured its because we humans get in the way … well your about to meet a human who goes way out of ‘her’ way to put these animals back where they belong. Jyl Gaskin is an official wildlife rehabilitator, and when animals get orphaned or… Continue reading Jyl Gaskin Animal Friend
Cherry Bowl Drive In
SEASONAL BUSINESS, Call for Hours (231) 325-3413 9812 Honor Hwy, Honor, MI 49640 WEBSITE Remember drive-in movie theaters? Well, if you don’t you’re about to, because they’re a great way to get outside, see a movie and meet your friends and neighbors. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In is a beautifully maintained blast from the cinematic past, and it‘s been entertaining young… Continue reading Cherry Bowl Drive In
Chateau Chantal
(231) 223-4110 15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI 49686 WEBSITE You know, I’ve always wanted to visit a real French chateau & vineyard … but it’s expensive to go … not to mention they’ve got a different word for everything over there. So I packed my palate, headed north up the Old Mission Peninsula and found that’s right, the real… Continue reading Chateau Chantal
Rare Bird Brew Pub
(231) 943-2053 229 Lake Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684 WEBSITE Have you ever wondered what rare birds and great beer have in common … well if you want to find out you’ll just have to follow me in here and enjoy a frosty cold adult brew or two. I didn’t think you’d mind. Welcome to the Rare Bird Brew Pub… Continue reading Rare Bird Brew Pub
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
SEASONAL BUSINESS, Call for Hours (231) 938-9599 1710 US-31, Traverse City, MI 49686 WEBSITE Avast ye pee wee putters. Have yee ever wondered what it’s like to be a pirate that golfs? Wait a minute … I don’t get the connection here. Well, don’t worry matey, you will when you visit Pirates Cove Adventure Golf, because this is where the… Continue reading Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Iva's Chicken Dinner
(989) 654-3552 201 Chestnut St, Sterling, MI 48659 WEBSITE Now, if you’re hungry … don’t go anywhere. I’ve a got a great chicken dinner for ya. And coincidentally … so does Iva’s !!! Actually since 1938 Iva’s Chicken Dinners has been a staple here in Sterling … and the restaurant remains a family affair to this day. Three generations have… Continue reading Iva’s Chicken Dinner
Huron House B&B
(989) 739-9255 3124 N Huron Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750 WEBSITE Do you like to sleep in a bed and do you like breakfast … well, I discovered a really cool place that combines both those things … but for the life of me I cant remember what they call places like that. Hmmm Actually Tom, they’re called Bed & Breakfasts… Continue reading Huron House B&B
AuSable River Queen
(989) 739-7351 1775 E River Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750 WEBSITE When was the last time you went on an authentic paddle wheel boat ride up the awesome Ausable in Oscoda … mmm hmm … thought so! Well, as hard as that might be to say, this is something that’s absolutely a ton of fun to do. It’s called the Ausable… Continue reading AuSable River Queen
Modern Craft Wine
(989) 876-4948 211 E Huron Rd, Au Gres, MI 48703 WEBSITE You know, I always say there’s only two kinds of wine in the world … the kind you like and the kind you don’t like. Well, what if you don’t like wine at all … well, you’re about to meet a guy who solved that problem. Meet Tom at… Continue reading Modern Craft Wine
Pinconning Cheese
(800) 678-1962 221 N Mable St, Pinconning, MI 48650 WEBSITE Are you lactose tolerant like me? When people offer you cheese do you say “Yes Please.” Well then this first savory sunrise segment is for you. If you’re a bona fide cheese lover and you live in Michigan, you eventually have to make the pilgrimage to Pinconning. It’s been designated… Continue reading Pinconning Cheese
Farmington Cricket Club
(734) 427-8552 32985 Hamilton Ct, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334 WEBSITE Have you ever stumbled upon a game of Cricket and thought to yourself …. that’s nice …. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON ???? Well with the help of the Farmington Cricket Club … we’re bout to find out. I hope. That’s right … it’s the historic and revered game… Continue reading Farmington Cricket Club
Seedlings Braille Books
(734) 427-8552 14151 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154 WEBSITE You know, it’s easy to see why reading is so important to young minds … it helps them learn, grow and imagine. But if seeing isn’t easy … it’s easy to see how heartbreaking that could be to a kid. Well, fear not my fellow empathists … because Seedlings Braille Books… Continue reading Seedlings Braille Books
Mabel Gray
(248) 398-4300 23825 John R Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030 WEBSITE Let me ask you something … do you eat to live … or are you a food aficionado who lives to eat at places that expand your culinary conciseness. Well, if you are … hold onto your mantra … cuz you’re about to eat at Mabel Gray. Mabel… Continue reading Mabel Gray
Treerunner Adventure Park
(248) 419-1550 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322 WEBSITE Well now that we ran some wood through the mill … time to run through the treetops and celebrate this awesome natural resource. Wait … did I hear right … tree tops ??? You said it Mr. Daldin … we’re at TreeRunner Adventure Park in West Bloomfield and… Continue reading Treerunner Adventure Park
Armstrong Millworks
(248) 887-1037 3039 W Highland Rd, Highland, MI 48357 WEBSITE I’ll be honest … we’re doing this segment because Jim (you can’t see him right now cuz he’s behind the camera) is a master woodworker (he tells me) and he thought it would be interesting to all you guys out there who would rather work with wood if you could.… Continue reading Armstrong Millworks
Eagle Eye Golf Course
(517) 641-4570 15500 Chandler Rd, Bath Twp, MI 48808 WEBSITE Now the Eagle Eye Golf Club is named after a score I may never achieve in golf … but I still plan to play it … and love every minute of it. Eagle Eye golf club, just outside of Lansing is a great place for you to get your golf… Continue reading Eagle Eye Golf Course
Boyne Resorts
(855) 688-7024 1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI 49713 WEBSITE You know … I’ve been to Boyne Mountain many times to ski in the winter. But, I’ve never been invited to golf here. Hmmm maybe they’ve see me play. Actually, no matter what your level of golf goodness, Boyne has you covered. They’ve got more cool courses than you… Continue reading Boyne Resorts
Tree Tops Golf
(989) 732-6711 3962 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735 WEBSITE You know … Michigan golf is so great, a lot of people feel the need to shout it from the treetops … personally. I’d just rather just go to Treetops and play a round. It’s a lot more fun too. Treetops is just that … one of Michigan’s top places to… Continue reading Tree Tops Golf
Sweetgrass Golf Club at the Island Resort & Casino
(906) 723-2251 W339 US-41, Harris, MI 49845 WEBSITE When it comes to golf, Michigan is the mecca of the Midwest. Now, usually you want to shoot under par, but when it comes Michigan golf courses … they’re all way above par. We have some of the coolest clubs, finest fairways and gorgeous greens you’re ever seen. And the sheer number… Continue reading Sweetgrass Golf Club at the Island Resort & Casino
Snodrift Rally
WEBSITE Well now we’re in Atlanta for one of the most grueling road rallies ever to test your tread. Don’t worry … we’re not leaving Michigan. And that’s because this is SnoDrift … a full-on battle that takes place every winter on the back roads of Atlanta, Michigan. If you wanna compete you get one driver, one navigator, one car… Continue reading Snodrift Rally
Shuss Mountain at Shanty Creek
(866) 486-7790 5780 Shanty Creek Rd, Bellaire, MI 49615 WEBSITE Our next snowy selection took us back south across the bridge to a place where strapping boards to your feet … is considered a wintertime treat. Now to have fun skiing … you basically need only 4 things. Gravity, snow, hills and skis. Well here at Shanty Creek Resorts …… Continue reading Shuss Mountain at Shanty Creek
International-500 Snowmobile Race
(906) 635-1500 984 W 4th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 WEBSITE What’s more exciting than a snowmobile going really far and really fast? A whole bunch of’m doin it …. vroom, vroom, vroooooooom!!! and for the past 50 years that’s exactly what they’ve been doing at the International 500 Snowmobile race in Sault Ste. Marie. A race that tests… Continue reading International-500 Snowmobile Race
Nature's Kennel
(906) 748-0513 14785 Co Rd 415, McMillan, MI 49853 WEBSITE In search of our first winter wonderland adventure, we headed up and over the mighty Mackinac Bridge to Michigan’s incredible Upper Peninsula. This is where we discovered that man’s best friend is one of the best ways to explore this wonderful wilderness. Have you ever wanted to mush your way… Continue reading Nature’s Kennel
Pewabic Pottery
(313) 626-2000 10125 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214 WEBSITE For over a century Pewabic Pottery has been turning earth into art and the everyday objects we love. But, don’t be mistaken. This isn’t just a place you go to buy tile for your kitchen … it’s a community of makers, educators, artists and students all dedicated to the tradition… Continue reading Pewabic Pottery
Detroit Food Academy
(313) 364-9795 8838 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48202 WEBSITE You know there’s a lot of ways you can change a young person’s life … but when you can do it with food … it’s a great recipe for success ! And that’s exactly what the Detroit Food Academy is doing. Teaching high school kids to source fresh food, cook, dream… Continue reading Detroit Food Academy
Ima
(313) 502-5959 2015 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216 WEBSITE In the past ten years the food scene in Detroit has literally exploded. There are so many awesome and eclectic eateries here now that it’s hard for us to figure out which one to find for ya. But, lucky for you, we figured it out. Actually it’s pronounced eeema, and when… Continue reading Ima
Guardian Building
500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226 WEBSITE The Guardian Building is one of Detroit’s crowning jewels of architecture, history and just sheer majesty. It’s helped define the city skyline for almost 90 years now … and today, the Guardian Building still attracts tons of tourists from far and wide. Not only is it a National Historic Landmark … It’s without… Continue reading Guardian Building
UICA
(616) 454-7000 2 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 WEBSITE Well, now it’s time on the show for us to get creative … so UTR is going to the UICA to see some ART. And that’s cuz we’re so SMRT! Right downtown Grand Rapids is the right place for you to go if you love modern art. It’s the… Continue reading UICA
Cheeze Kurls
(616) 784-6095 You know … every time I sit on the sofa to snack … I pretty much go to my happy place. And I’ve always wondered where that was … until now … cuz I found it right here on Grand Rapids. That’s right, if you’re a serious snacker (like the whole UTR crew is) you need to know… Continue reading Cheeze Kurls
The Old Goat
(616) 288-6976 2434 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 WEBSITE You know … on UTR we discovered early in season one that food is the single biggest trigger for human beings (and for us too) … because let’s face it … we all love to eat … and that’s why we like sharing our fantastic food finds with all… Continue reading The Old Goat
Pilot Malt House
(616) 209-8388 Call for Address WEBSITE Meet the mighty men of Pilot Malt House, where quality ingredients make many of Michigan’s finest beers and spirits. Yep, these are the malt makin middle men who connect farmers with brewers by turning bails of barley into award-winning spirits and brews for you. And this is their fearless (but never beerless) leader Erik… Continue reading Pilot Malt House
Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary
(269) 301-1521 1698 M-66, Athens, MI 49011 WEBSITE We jumped int he car and headed back down 66 to the town of Athens, where we encountered some of the planets most ancient animals. Now don’t worry, you aren’t watching the pilot episode of UTR Florida, this is actually at a real alligator sanctuary right here in Michigan… whoda thunk?? Peter… Continue reading Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary
Mooville Creamery
(517) 852-9003 5815 S M-66 Hwy, Nashville, MI 49073 WEBSITE Moo-ville is a delightful dairy farm and creamery in Nashville Michigan where families have been flocking for years. They produce milk, butter, cheese and yogurt. But, the substance that we’ll soon be sampling is a sweet selection of their 70 flavors of award winning ice cream. Now when it comes… Continue reading Mooville Creamery
Denslow's Smokehouse
(231) 580-1249 2074 S 30th Ave, Sears, MI 49679 We hopped back on 66 and headed south for about a hour and a half when the satisfying smell of smoked sausages brought us to a sudden, yet satisfying stop. There it was … such as it is … Denslow’s Smokehouse in Sears, Michigan. Where road weary warriors can wrangle up… Continue reading Denslow’s Smokehouse
Jordan River National Fish Hatchery
(231) 584-2461 6623 Turner Rd, Elmira, MI 49730 WEBSITE Over 3 million trout a year cut their teeth right here at the Jordon River National Fish Hatchery in Elmira. This amazing place is staffed by a dedicated collection of caring conservationists who’ve made sure that these fish survive and thrive since 1965. Now if you’re wondering how the heck you… Continue reading Jordan River National Fish Hatchery
Ironton Ferry
9800 FERRY Rd Ironton, Michigan 49727 WEBSITE If you want to get around the lake up here, you either drive miles and miles around it, or you do what the locals have done since way back in 1878. Hop on the Ironton Ferry. Back in the day this convenient cable ferry got the occasional cattle or horse drown wagon across… Continue reading Ironton Ferry
The Dirty Dog Jazz Café
(313) 882-5299 97 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 WEBSITE You know, at most jazz clubs the talent’s up on the stage … but we found a place in Grosse Pointe farms where the talent doesn’t just come from the musicians…and that’s because here at the Dirty Dog Jazz cafe, the entire staff goes way out of their way… Continue reading The Dirty Dog Jazz Café
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
(313) 884-4222 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236 WEBSITE On the shores of Lake St. Clair stands the historic and majestic residence of Edsel and Eleanor Ford…and what an incredible abode they built. The home is filled with awesome art, artifacts and architecture. And the grounds alone are worth a walk and a half. In order for… Continue reading The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Garrido’s Bistro
(313) 466-3042 19605 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 WEBSITE The heart and soul(s) of this awesome eatery is Vanessa Gonzales and her inspired Chef husband Christopher Garrido … They’re a culinary couple who came all the way to Michigan to completely captivate us with their creative cuisine. And as much as Chris and Vanessa have found a new… Continue reading Garrido’s Bistro
The Robot Garage
(313) 924-3310 15201 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230 WEBSITE And that’s because the Robot Garage in Grosse Pointe Park is just that … an awesome open space where kids come to play, think, learn and explore a possible future in engineering and robotics. Sarah & Jonathan Jacobs are the robot wranglers here at the Garage … and as Sarah… Continue reading The Robot Garage
K-Line Trolley
WEBSITE The K-Line Trolley is a fun and unique new way to play and participate in the pointes, because all you have to do is hop on, plop down and explore…in short, this popular transporter of people makes a visit to the points pretty pleasurable. On this fine day I hopped on with Emily Krajniak. She’s the Administrative Director of… Continue reading K-Line Trolley
SS Badger
(800) 841-4243 701 Maritime Dr, Ludington, MI 49431 WEBSITE Well after a couple of comfortable hours winding our way through wonderful Wisconsin, it was time to return to marvelous Michigan. So, we along with Steve the RV made a b-line for well, a big boat. If you’re looking for a fast, fascinating and fun way to get across Lake Michigan,… Continue reading SS Badger
Berg's Landing
(906) 863-8034 450 1st St, Menominee, MI 49858 WEBSITE We’re famished … and on UTR, if we can squeeze in a little history in with our hunger … we’re all the happier. And that brings us to Menominee’s own Berg’s Landing Restaurant, a place with as much history as they have helpings. It’s a landmark in these parts, and the… Continue reading Berg’s Landing
River Park Campground and RV Park
(906) 863-5101 1400 5th Ave, Menominee, MI 49858 After a quick tour of town, we sequestered Steve at River Park Campground and RV Park. This is a great place to stay because it’s right near town … right on the Menominee River … and even affords spectacular views across the river of that state they call Wisconsin.
Fayette State Park
(906) 644-2603 4785 II Rd, Garden, MI 49835 WEBSITE Whether you’re camping, hiking, swimming, RVing or just looking for a place to plop down a picnic, Fayette Historic State Park is absolutely perfect. It’s located on beautiful Big Bay de Noc on Lake Michigan … it has every amenity the modern RVer needs to well, RV … and it’s also… Continue reading Fayette State Park
Clyde's Drive Inn
(906) 341-6021 201 Chippewa Ave, Manistique, MI 49854 Ya know, dinner is a word that holds great reverence on UTR excursions. We see it as our calling, our mission and probably our one and only true X-Men power. AKA … we likes to eat. So with the sun sinking low we decided just where we needed to go … and… Continue reading Clyde’s Drive Inn
Gustafson's Smoked Fish
(906) 292-5424 W 4467 US-2, Moran, MI 49760 WEBSITE Since 1978 Gustafson’s Smoked Fish has been doing just that, smoking Michigan fish to perfection. And speaking of savory, they also have a selection of jerky that would make any land mammal a bit nervous. Heck, They even have just about everything else you’ll need to survive, thrive and feel alive… Continue reading Gustafson’s Smoked Fish
Sea Shell City
(231) 627-2066 7075 E Levering Rd, Cheboygan, MI 49721 WEBSITE We’ve been driving by it for years … but we finally decided to stop at She Shell City … no, it’s Sea Sell shi … hold on … I better go practice this. Well, you almost heard right … It’s Sea Shell City (try saying that three times fast) and… Continue reading Sea Shell City
General RV
(248) 349-0900 25000 Assembly Park Dr, Wixom, MI 48393 WEBSITE The pros at General RV have set up UTR with a rental RV and made the worry for first time RV’ing a piece of cake! You want to rent or buy, this is the team!
Hotel Hickman's Chuckwagon BBQ
(734) 646-6261 8050 Main St, Dexter, MI 48130 WEBSITE Well, get ready for a heppin helping of hospitality, cuz at Hotel Hickman Chuckwagon BBQ … it’s all about bringing the old west into the new millennium. And that includes some brazen BBQ and a selection of savory sides. Scott Thomas is the proud proprietor at Hotel Hickman … and if… Continue reading Hotel Hickman’s Chuckwagon BBQ
Mindo Chocolate
(734) 660-5636 Visitors by appointment only WEBSITE Well, with awesome thoughts of Dexter dancing in my head … I headed off to explore more. And you know me … it wasn’t long before my sweet tooth detected something deliciously decadent. Well, if you like it like I like it, you’ll like meeting Mindo Chocolates. It’s a business that went from… Continue reading Mindo Chocolate
Border to Border Trail System - Washtenaw County Parks and Rec
WEBSITE Another thing that makes dexter so desirable is the beautiful job they’ve done restoring and developing their riverfront. Not only did Paul Cousins play a huge role in making it all happen, he also helped me get out of my kayak! This amazing Michigan Border 2 Border trail has somehting for everyone….Cycling, Walking, Runing, Kayaking, FIshing. Get out and… Continue reading Border to Border Trail System – Washtenaw County Parks and Rec
Graceland Fruit
(800) 352-7181 1123 Main St, Frankfort, MI 49635 WEBSITE Since 1973 Graceland Fruit has been drying Michigan’s best and sharing it with the entire planet. They pretty much perfected the process … so no matter the month, you can munch on a mouthful of some of your favorite fruit. Al DeVore is the CEO here at Graceland, so he’s just… Continue reading Graceland Fruit
Stormcloud Brewing
(231) 352-0118 303 Main St, Frankfort, MI 49635 WEBSITE Stormcloud Brewing Company is right here on Main Street in Frankfort and for them, it’s all about the beer. Well, actually if you talk Rick Schmidt you’ll find out it’s about a whole lot more. This is a place where the entire community can congregate, connect, kick back and enjoy a… Continue reading Stormcloud Brewing
Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm
(231) 920-7085 4907 River Rd, Frankfort, MI 49635 WEBSITE Now if you’re wondering what the heck these exotic animals are, they’re the illusive alpaca. Well, actually they’re pretty common in this neck of the woods thanks to The Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm. And speaking of necks … these awesome animals appear to have ample. Chris Nelson is the pied piper… Continue reading Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm
Rouge Factory Tour, The
(313) 982-6001 20900 Oakwood, Dearborn, MI 48124 WEBSITE Ever look at a car or truck and wonder … how the heck did that happen? Well wonder no more …and thats because the good folks at the henry ford put together an amazing experience called the Ford Rouge Factory Tour… From artifacts dating all the way back to the model A,… Continue reading Rouge Factory Tour, The
Glass Academy, The
(313) 561-4527 25331 Trowbridge St, Dearborn, MI 48124 WEBSITE If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at glass blowing … but you were afraid you’d just blow it … don’t worry … that’s the whole point ! And if you really want to see how it’s done, here at the Glass Academy in Dearborn they’ll give you a chance… Continue reading Glass Academy, The
Taystee's Burgers
(313) 724-6535 10419 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126 WEBSITE When was the last time you had a great hamburger … and then got gas? Here in Dearborn, this bona-fide, award winning burger joint is tucked away inside of an actual BP gas station on Ford Road. Taystee’s is an adventure lovers burger joint with more robust, creative beef sandwiches that… Continue reading Taystee’s Burgers
City Hall Artspace Lofts
(313) 438-6180 13615 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126 WEBSITE They took their original, historic city hall and turned it into a super cool space where Dearborn … can get creative. At City Hall Artspace Lofts the main mission is to create, affordable housing for artists and their families so they can do their thing. And their thing is to bring… Continue reading City Hall Artspace Lofts
Arab American Chamber of Commerce
(313) 945 – 1700 12740 W. Warren Ave. Suite 300 Dearborn, MI 48126 WEBSITE You want to know about business in Dearborn?? These are the folks to call.
Shatila
(313) 582-1952 14300 W. Warren Ave Dearborn, MI 48126 WEBSITE When it comes to great food, Shatila is a sweet slice of the Middle East. They may be famous for their pastries and baked good … but all their edibles will float your boat all the way from here to the Mediterranean. A family run bake shop specializing in mid-east… Continue reading Shatila
Crystal Mountain Resort
(231) 668-6628 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683 WEBSITE Is your life going downhill? Well, if it’s not it should be, because here at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, going downhill is an uplifting experience! … and when it comes to summer … the best way to do it is on the cool and crazy Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide here… Continue reading Crystal Mountain Resort
Headlands International Dark Sky Park
(231) 348-1713 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 WEBSITE When was the last time you went out, looked up at the night sky and stared at the stars? I know, with all the light pollution we have now days, they’re kinda hard to see. Well, guess what? We’ve got a place right here in Michigan where you can not… Continue reading Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Paper Station Bistro
(231) 242-4680 145 E Main St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 WEBSITE Now if you take an old building and add a new menu and a cool couple to it, what do you get … well in Harbor Springs … you get The Paper Station Bistro. This cool and comfortable finer dinner is a relatively new place in town where the… Continue reading Paper Station Bistro
Horton Bay General Store
(231) 582-7827 5115 Boyne City Rd, Boyne City, MI 49712 WEBSITE You know usually when we tell you about a great historic place where you can shop, eat and sleep … we’re talking about an entire town. Well, this time it’s a general store that’s that … and a whole lot more. If walls could talk, this place would be… Continue reading Horton Bay General Store
Royal Eagle at St. Sabbas Monistary, The
The Royal Eagle offers a full dinner every Thursday from 5 to 10pm, and a Russian Tea Luncheon on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 to 2 pm PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM 313.521.1894 18745 Old Homestead Harper Woods, MI 48225 WEBSITE Now, if you show me awesome people serving up great food for a good cause, I’m rushin right to… Continue reading Royal Eagle at St. Sabbas Monistary, The
Leon & LuLu
248-288-3600 96 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017 WEBSITE If you’re wondering what’s cool in Clawson these days … well, lots … but the first thing we did when we got to town was check in with Leon & Lulu. And therefore you will too. Leon and Lulu is a cool and funky lifestyle store where you’ll find everything… Continue reading Leon & LuLu
Stahl's Auto Museum
ONLY OPEN: Tuesday 1:00pm – 4:00pm, First Saturday of the month 11:00-4:00 586-749-1078 56516 N Bay Dr, New Baltimore, MI 48051 WEBSITE If you have a chronic craving for classic cars and you want to do something about it … there’s no reason to stall … that is until you come to this place! Stahls Classic Auto Museum in Chesterfield… Continue reading Stahl’s Auto Museum
Jamaican Fenton's Jerk Chicken
248-739-2558 28811 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48034 If you’ve ever been to Jamaica you know that they have a very distinctive dish there called Jerk Chicken … and I love it. But, since I’m never much in the mood to leave Michigan, I thought I’d show you where you can get the real deal … right here. Welcome to Jamaican… Continue reading Jamaican Fenton’s Jerk Chicken
Scott Colburn Western Wear
248-476-1262 20411 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48152 WEBSITE Do you have an inner cowboy in ya that’s just dying to ride off into the sunset? Well, if ya do … just head west to Livonia … unless you already live west of there … then just go there … guess I shoulda thought that on through. Yep, believe it or… Continue reading Scott Colburn Western Wear
Sanders Candy
1.800.651.7263 23770 Hall Rd, Charter Twp of Clinton, MI 48036 WEBSITE Well, just to be gastronomically correct, we saved dessert for last. And when is comes to sweet treats, Michigan’s own Sanders is a homegrown sensation … or is it Saunders? Sanders, Saunders … no matter how you grew up saying it, we all knew exactly what it meant, incredible… Continue reading Sanders Candy
Germack Nuts and Coffee Roaster
313-566-0062 2509 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207 WEBSITE You know, sometimes you feel like a nut … and sometimes you don’t. But, once you taste Germack roasted pistachios … you’ll feel like a nut all the time … why do ya think I eat’m?!?! That’s right … number 3 in our Iconic Michigan Snack Pack is the Germack Pistachio Company,… Continue reading Germack Nuts and Coffee Roaster
Safie's
586-598-8282 25565 Terra Industrial Dr, Chesterfield, MI 48051 WEBSITE Next up is a company that puts old world tradition in a jar so when you open it, it tastes new world fresh. How do they do it? I don’t know … that’s what we’re here to find out. For almost 80 years the Safie family has been proudly pickling their… Continue reading Safie’s
Kowalski Sausage
313-873-8200 2270 Holbrook Street Hamtramck, MI 48212 WEBSITE Kowalski and quality … have you ever noticed those two words rhyme? Coincidence? I don’t think so. And, if you want to know what quality smells like … just walk by the Kowalski Factory in Hamtramck and the incredible aroma of sausages and smoked meats will totally give it away. Oh, that… Continue reading Kowalski Sausage
United States Ski Pole Company
(231) 331-3076 1109 E State St, Cheboygan, MI 497213 WEBSITE Ya know, when I’m skiing the most important part of the equipment are these things right here … they help me not fall down … so if you’re in search of a superior pole … you should schuss yourshelf straight to Cheboygan. Wait … did I say that right? Of… Continue reading United States Ski Pole Company
Brick Oven, The
(231) 445-1925 216 Sutherland St Cheboygan, Michigan WEBSITE Now, if you’re a bread lover like me, you know that the stuff we break … is sometimes the best part of the meal … Well, here’s a family in Cheboygan who took their love for bread … built a brick oven, and a business off their barn … and now breadies… Continue reading Brick Oven, The
Michigan Cranberry Farm
(989) 635-7486 WEBSITE ######NOTE:Due to FDA and USDA regulations, farm visits are highly restricted. An annual farm tour is held each fall during harvest. Information about this tour will be available mid September.###### What’s under the radar for a lot of people and also just plain under the water is Michigan’s cranberry harvest. Cause in order to get these little… Continue reading Michigan Cranberry Farm
Kalamazoo Wings
269-345-1125 3600 Vanrick Drive, Kalamazoo MI 49001 WEBSITE Let me set the stage for you…picture Tom in a wild, print suit…like the kind Don Cherry would wear…NOW, picture tom saying the following words – – – – Hello everyone … I’m Tom Cherry … and welcome to Hockey Night in Ca …. Kalamazoo … Big sports type music sting ….… Continue reading Kalamazoo Wings
Crow's Nest
269-978-0490 816 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo MI 49001 WEBSITE Have you ever been to a restaurant where the food is great but the atmosphere and service aren’t … or where the atmosphere is really cool … but the food is so, so … or the people are really nice, but the … well, you know what mean … well, guess… Continue reading Crow’s Nest
Heritage Guitars
269-385-5721 225 Parsons Street, Kalamazoo MI 49001 WEBSITE If you love guitars, history and Michigan … here’s a place you probably already know about … but, if you don’t know about it… fear not … because you’re about to find out right now. I’m talking about Heritage Guitars … and if guitars could talk … this is a story they’d… Continue reading Heritage Guitars
Lost and Found
616-732-3401 455 Century Ave SW, Grand Rapids MI WEBSITE Ever lose something then find it … well, I found a place where you can get lost finding stuff other people lost … and it’s easy to find … wait … I’m lost. Truth is, we all feel a bit lost sometimes … but eventually we find our way … well… Continue reading Lost and Found
Spoke Folks
616-666-3708 122 Logan St. SW, Grand Rapids MI 49502 WEBSITE Now bicycles are normally just used for transportation … but here’s an organization in Grand Rapids that’s using the bike to build a better world for all of us. The Spoke Folks are just that … a non-profit of people who are trying to create a more just and inclusive… Continue reading Spoke Folks
Brewery Vivant
616.719.1604 925 Cherry Street, Grand Rapids MI 49506 WEBSITE Now, I guess way back when … people were just dying to get into this place. Now, they’re dying to get in here and drink the beer. Personally … I like living in the now !!! Your heard right … this incredibly cool place used to be an actual funeral home… Continue reading Brewery Vivant
Anvil Goods / Mercy Supply
Anvil Goods: 815-343-3646 WEBSITE Mercy Supply: 616-780-0350 634 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI WEBSITE You know … it really does my heart good when I see old people doing young things … but when young people do old things … that’s old school cool … In this day and age where so many things have become virtual, digital, impersonal… Continue reading Anvil Goods / Mercy Supply
Wine Walk
989.893.3573 Downtown Bay City WEBSITE You know … a lot of cities have special events and gatherings for the people who live there because it helps create a sense of place and community. And this one’s got the word “wine” in it … I’m sold !!! This is Bay City’s annual Wine Walk, where downtown eateries open their arms …… Continue reading Wine Walk
St Laurent Brothers Candy Shop
(800) 289-7688 1101 N Water St, Bay City, MI 48708 WEBSITE Handmade Chocolates … Fresh Roasted Nuts … Candy, Caramel Corn and Ice Cream !!! Well, now that I’ve got your attention … let’s talk about some Bay City history … and just how sweet it is ! For generations folks have counted on the St. Laurent Brothers Candy Store… Continue reading St Laurent Brothers Candy Shop
Retro Attics
(989) 327-2213 1123 Saginaw St, Bay City, MI 48708 WEBSITE Now, there’s old furniture (like the stuff I have at my house) … and then … there’s this stuff … I noticed the difference right away. That’s because this furniture is ultra retro and captivatingly cool. And there’s way more than just furniture here. At Retro Attics, Dena Pawlicki and… Continue reading Retro Attics
Southern Exposure Herb Farm, The
(269) 962-1255 11269-N Dr North, Battle Creek, MI 49015 WEBSITE When you hear the name Southern Exposure Herb Farm you probably think … oh, goody … Tom’s taking us to a nice little farm where they grow Herbs … well, hold onto your Martha Stewart handbook & decoder ring … cuz this place takes elegance, dining and entertainment to a… Continue reading Southern Exposure Herb Farm, The
Umami Ramen
(269) 224-3264 78 Calhoun St, Battle Creek, MI 49017 WEBSITE You’ve heard the old lyric “life is but a dream” … well, some people take their dreams and turn them into a whole new reality, and they end up doing what they were meant to do. Gee … I wonder what I was meant to do? Peecoon Allen traveled across… Continue reading Umami Ramen
Battle Creek by Bike - Bcycle
(800) 841-9494 Bcycle is now a part of Battle Creek with three locations. Look for the Bcycle symbol at Burnham Brook, Kellogg Community College, and the River Walk Centre. WEBSITE Now, if you want to explore a city … a great and fun way to do it is by bicycle … and here in Battle Creek, they’re made it real… Continue reading Battle Creek by Bike – Bcycle
Marche du Nain Rouge
WEBSITE Well, if you’re wondering what I’m up to now … I’m sitting here in front of the Masonic Temple Theater … and it may not look like it right now, but in a few hours thousands of people will be gathered here to chase a little red evil dwarf outa the City of Detroit. Sound strange … I know… Continue reading Marche du Nain Rouge
Shakespeare in Detroit
WEBSITE Ya know … one of my favorite Shakespeare quotes is “Though this be madness, yet there is method in it.” Wow … he musta seen this show. Actually William Shakespeare lived way back in the 15 & 1600s … but even though he’s been gone for a long time now …. almost everything he wrote is completely relevant today.… Continue reading Shakespeare in Detroit
Ask the Professor
WEBSITE Do you ever think you know more than you know? It’s not usually a problem with me … but if you like the occasional cerebral challenge … and you’d like to be part of radio history … have I got a game show for you!! Ask the Professor is a fun and quirky radio quiz show that’s been broadcast… Continue reading Ask the Professor
Sister Pie
(313) 447-5550 8066 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214 WEBSITE Now, if you really wanna taste of some of the new life that’s here in Detroit … here’s some pie – I think you better try … Lisa Ludwinski is a mad scientist of both sweet and savory … actually … the whole crew here’s pretty happy … and she came… Continue reading Sister Pie
Go Ice Cream!
(734) 219-7484 10 N Washington St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 WEBSITE Now, we all know that ice cream is pretty much the best thing ever invented … ever! Well, here’s a guy who loved it so much … he made his own … got on his bike … and started sharing it with the world. If there’s one thing Rob Hess… Continue reading Go Ice Cream!
Tin Angry Men
Contact Cre via email: tinangrymen@gmail.com WEBSITE Gort Klaayu barada nikto If that means anything to you … you love robots … Gort’s my favorite. Well, here in Ypsi there’s a man who’s creating an entire invasion of these mighty metal men. Cre Fuller is part artist … part junk collector … part inventor … and one of the most likable… Continue reading Tin Angry Men
Original Moxie Hair Products
(734) 340-4022 306 N River St C, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 WEBSITE Ever have a bad hair day?? … I have a lot … hence the hat … well, here’s someone who had so many … she decided to liberate locks around the world. Rachel Blistein used to hate her hair … and like a lot of people … for years… Continue reading Original Moxie Hair Products
Mark's Carts at Downtown Home and Garden
(734) 662-8122 211 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 WEBSITE What do you do when you want to grab a bite to eat and everyone wants something different … Well here’s a different place you can go. VO: Mark Hodesh had an idea. He already ran a successful business called Downtown Home and Garden where you can get all… Continue reading Mark’s Carts at Downtown Home and Garden
Brinery, The
(734) 780-7140 WEBSITE You remember Peter Piper right? … the guy who picked a peck of pickled peppers … well, here’s a guy who’s pickled more peppers than Peter Piper could ever possibly pick. And I’m about to prove it. Actually … at The Brinery, they go way beyond just packaging peppers … David Klingenberger and his mighty crew of… Continue reading Brinery, The
Ann Arbor Rowing Club
(734) 930-6462 1325 Lake Shore Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 WEBSITE Row, row, row, your boat gently down the stream … Well guess what … that’s not what these guys do. BOOM !!! Yep … this is ‘not’ nursery rhyme rowing … it’s the Ann Arbor Rowing Club … a community rowing association that offers everyone and anyone the change… Continue reading Ann Arbor Rowing Club
Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show
(906) 484-2821 WEBSITE Well, if you love wood … water … and a wonderfully nostalgic time, have I got a happening in Hessel Harbor for you … We’re at the Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show, and it happens every summer in August. Classic boat enthusiasts and onlookers come from far and wide to witness these little floating yachts… Continue reading Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show
Le Chenaux Culinary School
(906) 484-4800 186 S Pickford Ave, Hessel, MI 49745 WEBSITE Well you were probably wondering when we’d get around to food … well fear not my UTR food enthusiasts … just follow me. We’re at the Les Cheneaux Culinary School in Hessel. A relatively new place that’s making waves on land with its fresh, unique and tasty approach to the… Continue reading Le Chenaux Culinary School
Island Charters
(906) 235-3825 WEBSITE Well, the next morning we de-islanded on the ferry … and hightailed it back west on 134 to the tiny town of Hessel. It’s there that we met up with Greg & Jeff Lipple of Island Charters. And after boarding their boat, we set out on a four-hour float that would get us up close and personal… Continue reading Island Charters
Drummond Island Resort
(906) 493-1000 33494 S Maxton Rd, Drummond, MI 49726 WEBSITE After about an hours drive, we hit a little place called De Tour Village at the tip of the peninsula … boarded a boat … and took the 20 minute Drummond Island Ferry ride to an island of the same name. This pristine island is large (250 sq mi) …… Continue reading Drummond Island Resort
Beaver Island Boat Company
(231) 547-2311 103 Bridge Park Drive Charlevoix, MI 49720 WEBSITE Seems like our time on Beaver Island was coming to a close … so we boarded the historic Emerald Isle Ferry and headed back to the Michigan mainland for yet another UTR adventure … This 130 foot ferry is literally the lifeline for the island. Heck it holds almost 300… Continue reading Beaver Island Boat Company
Central Michigan University Institute for Great Lakes Research
WEBSITE Well … I don’t mean to scare your inner kid … but, right now it’s time for some science … … and here on Beaver Island, Central Michigan University does a lot of it. At CMUs Institute for Great Lakes Research, students are learning a ton about the natural water world and what makes it work. And today you… Continue reading Central Michigan University Institute for Great Lakes Research
Beaver Island Toy Museum & Store, The
(231) 448-2480 37970 Michigan Ave, Beaver Island, MI 49782 WEBSITE No matter how old you are … you’ve still got a kid inside you … well, if you wanna let that kid “out” for a while … you gotta walk “in” here. When you walk into The Beaver Island Toy Museum you’ll think you’re dreaming … dreaming of when toys… Continue reading Beaver Island Toy Museum & Store, The
Brothers Place, The
(231) 448-2204 26640 Brothers Rd, Beaver Island, MI 49782 WEBSITE The Brothers Place is a rustic, north-woods lodge that for 70 years served as a retreat house for the Christian Brothers Religious Order. Now, it’s a summer stop for people who like things simple and nostalgic. And take it from a genuine character … this place has … well, character… Continue reading Brothers Place, The
Donogal Dannys and The Stoney Acre Grill
(231) 448-2560 26420 Carlisle Rd, Beaver Island, MI 49782 WEBSITE Now on the outside … it looks like a good old fashioned dairy farm … which it used to be … but, ah … once you enter … the tables turn …and they turn with awesome edibles, wonderful whistle wetters … and islanders enjoying a delightful dose if Irish enthusiasm.… Continue reading Donogal Dannys and The Stoney Acre Grill
Fresh Air Aviation
(231) 237-9482 6918 Old Norwood Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720 WEBSITE So, we stopped by Fresh Air Aviation in Charlevoix (really nice people) … boarded a Beechcraft Queen Air (really nice plane) … and our pilot Keith Teague got us in … up … and on our way over Lake Michigan to beautiful Beaver Island. Flying to, around and over the… Continue reading Fresh Air Aviation
Beaver Island
(231) 448-2505 Oh … just in case you’re wondering … Beaver Island is located in northern Lake Michigan … right in the middle of the water. Just what you’d expect from an island. WEBSITE If you watch this show you know that we have a long and illustrious island anthology. We’ve been to South Manitou Island … Mackinac Island …… Continue reading Beaver Island
Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest
(Howell High School Complex) 1200 W. Grand River Ave. Howell MI, 48843 WEBSITE I got a question for you … what’s full of hot air and high on the great state of Michigan? That’s right … The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest right here in Howell. Oh, and uh … if you guessed me … don’t worry … you’re still right. If… Continue reading Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest
2 F.O.G.S. Pub
118 W Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 WEBSITE Have you ever heard the old expression “speak softly and carry a big stick” ??? Well, here’s a place in Howell where you can speak easy and carry a big drink. Works for me. And that’s because this speak easy … is easy to like. Although … the entrance … can… Continue reading 2 F.O.G.S. Pub
WHMI-FM
WEBSITE How’d you like to have your own radio station … well in Howell and Livingston County … they totally do. Is this thing on … hu boy. WHMI FM is in, on and all about this great part of Michigan. It’s a home-grown product that produces great quality radio for people they actually call friends and neighbors. They may… Continue reading WHMI-FM
M1 Concourse
(248) 259-0053 164 South Blvd W, Pontiac, MI 48341 WEBSITE If you’re a car person … get ready to make a pilgrimage to Pontiac … cuz the ultimate place to press your pedal to the medal just got made …. and the track … is hot ! Proudly named after America’s first highway, M1 Concourse is a brand new world-class… Continue reading M1 Concourse
Mayor Deirdre Waterman
Well, they say when you wanna get something done … go directly to the person in charge … so when I wanted to know more about all the cool stuff happening in Pontiac … I called the Mayor’s office … and guess what … they said she’d actually talk to me … Mayor Deirdre Waterman is the dynamic woman in… Continue reading Mayor Deirdre Waterman
Menagerie
(248) 648-1505 31 N Saginaw St, Pontiac, MI 48342 WEBSITE Here at Menagerie they say they’re a diverse collection … and in their case its food. Well, if you’ve seen this show before … you know that’s our favorite thing to collect … gee what a coincidence … I’m hungry !!!! Menagerie is one of the best food finds you’ll… Continue reading Menagerie
GR Bagel
(616) 259-9699 423 Norwood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 WEBSITE You know on UTR … when it comes to awesome edibles, we’ll do almost anything … even if it means getting up at something called 3 a.m. So, the next morning we set out all bright eyed and bushy tailed in search of sustenance. Some men quest for fame… Continue reading GR Bagel
Eat! GR
WEBSITE Now, let’s say you’re in Grand Rapids … and you wanna find a cool, new restaurant to try. Wouldn’t it be great if you had like 15,000 friends to help you find one. Well, because to this guy … you do. Chris Freemen is a man on a mouthwatering mission … and that’s to tell the world about the… Continue reading Eat! GR
Odom Reuse
Grand Rapids Location – 1111 Godfrey SW #1-B, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 784-8733 Traverse City Location – 5555 Brentwood Ave. N., Grawn, MI 49637 (231) 276-6330 WEBSITE You know … we come to Grand Rapids a lot … for all the reasons we just showed you, and for a whole lot more …. and speaking of more. If you’re… Continue reading Odom Reuse
Harry's Place
(517) 484-9661 404 N Verlinden Ave, Lansing, MI 48915 Now, what if I told you you could get a great olive burger surrounded by great people at a great neighborhood place in a great city what would you say … I thought so …. SWELL !!! Now when it comes to a great neighborhood watering hole where you can rub… Continue reading Harry’s Place
Preuss Pets
(517) 339-1762 1127 N Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48906 WEBSITE If you’re looking for a zoological paradise where you can purchase some pretty cool pets … Preuss Pets in Lansing’s Old town is the perfect place to peruse. Not only is it Michigan’s largest family owned pet store … Its probably on of the most awesome places you’ll ever go… Continue reading Preuss Pets
Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit
WEBSITE Have you ever wondered how Police officers learn to drive to both survive and save lives … Well, they do it right here at the Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit … and boy … do they do it. Police officers come here form the world to learn how to swerve … take a curve … and catch the… Continue reading Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit
Walleye Fishin' with Trophy Specialists - Au Gres
(734) 475-9146 15555 Cassidy Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118 WEBSITE After hours of trying to hit a little white ball … it was time to see if we could get something else to hit. Only this time not with a club … but with a fishing line …. That’s right … we’re going back out on the water to see if… Continue reading Walleye Fishin’ with Trophy Specialists – Au Gres
Gails, The - Lakewood Shores Golf Course
(989) 739-2073 7751 Cedar Lake Rd, Oscoda Twp, MI 48750 WEBSITE Next, we decided to partake in a round of what some of people would call “real” golf. That’s right … if you want to play a round of golf the way the Scottish and Old Tom Morris intend … ya gotta come here. But first things first (I snap… Continue reading Gails, The – Lakewood Shores Golf Course
Fireside Inn
(989) 595-6369 18730 Fireside Hwy, Presque Isle, MI 49777 WEBSITE You know, on this show we’re always looking for cool places to stop, stay, eat and play … well, up here in Presque Isle … we found a family owned place that’s been making great vacation memories for over a century. On the eastern shores of beautiful Grand Lake and… Continue reading Fireside Inn
Bat Zone at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, The
(248) 645-3200 39221 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303 WEBSITE You know … of all the animals in the animal kingdom … the one species that really needs a better PR person is the bat … well, after you meet this Batman … you’ll see … they totally got it !!! Meet Rob Miles … “the REAL Batman” who’s changing… Continue reading Bat Zone at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, The
Primi Piatti
(248) 566-3353 550 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009 WEBSITE Well, back when we left La Dolce Vita … I could have sworn my inner Italian left with us … but I guess he hitched a ride up to this place … I’d be upset … but, remember … he’s a real gooda boy! That’s right …. we’re back… Continue reading Primi Piatti
Rust Belt Market
(810) 441-0956 22801 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220 WEBSITE A few miles up Woodward in Fabulous Ferndale is a place known as The Rust Belt Market. It sits proudly on the northwest corned of Creativity and Business … also known as Woodward & Nine Mile … But, what exactly “is” The Rust Belt Market? It’s an eclectic mixed market of… Continue reading Rust Belt Market
La Dolce Vita
(313) 865-0331 17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203 WEBSITE We all have an inner Italian just waiting to get out, enjoy life and celebrate great food … well, mine got out and brought me straight up Woodward to this place. He’s a real good aboy! Just north of six mile on the east side of Woodward and tucked away in… Continue reading La Dolce Vita
Detroit Historical Museum
(313) 833-7935 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202 WEBSITE Now, as you all know … at UTR … we love history … because it reminds us of all the stuff we forgot to remember. So with that thought in mind … and before I forget it … I thought we’d start things off at the Detroit Historical Museum. The DHM… Continue reading Detroit Historical Museum
Fowling Warehouse
(313) 264-1288 3901 Christopher St, Detroit, MI 48211 WEBSITE Do you like football? Do you like Bowling? Do like to make up strange new words … Well, have I got a fun filled new sport for you. It’s called Fowling. That’s right a combination of football and bowling … and here in Detroit at the Fowling Warehouse they have everything… Continue reading Fowling Warehouse
Rose's Fine Food
(313) 309-7947 10551 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214 WEBSITE You know … in this increasingly crazy world we live in … sometimes the best medicine for you mind, body and soul is real food. And we found a place that serves it up right here on East Jefferson. Roses Fine Foods is a cool and casual finer diner that… Continue reading Rose’s Fine Food
DIME - The Detroit Institute of Music Education
(313) 223-1600 1265 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226 WEBSITE You know, wouldn’t it be great to have a dime for every talented young person out there hoping to make music their life … well guess what … Detroit does !!! DIME is the Detroit Institute of Music Education … a brand new college right downtown that’s giving aspiring musicians a… Continue reading DIME – The Detroit Institute of Music Education
Gaylord City Elk Park
800-345-8621 E. Grandview Gaylord,MI 49735 WEBSITE You know … I’d never even heard of this herd … but now that I have … I “have” to show it to you. Shhh … I think they heard me. The Pigeon River State Forest just northeast of Gaylord is home to the only free-range elk herd in the entire Midwest. And, part… Continue reading Gaylord City Elk Park
Bearded Dogg Lounge
(989) 619-0298 302 South Otsego, Gaylord, MI WEBSITE … I’m starved. So, I headed through a hall of awesome art to find The Bearded Dogg Lounge. A beloved furry family friend inspired the name of this funky and comfortable place. And the love of great food and drink inspired the rest. Chris Newburry brought me up to speed on why… Continue reading Bearded Dogg Lounge
Old Spud Warehouse, The
(989) 731-0330 314 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735 WEBSITE What do you do when you see a sign that says The Bearded Dogg Lounge and the Old Spud Warehouse? Well … Ya do exactly what we did … ya turn around, pull in and see what the heck is up. What are these two places? What do their names… Continue reading Old Spud Warehouse, The
Call of the Wild
(989) 732-4336 850 S Wisconsin Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735 WEBSITE Remember when you were a kid. Your whole family would pile into the car and head off on one of those classic Michigan summer vacations … and on the way up north your parents would pull off I-75 … at exit 282 and take you to Call of the Wild… Continue reading Call of the Wild
Dragon on the Lake
(248) 693-4986 115 S. Anderson Street (PO Box 674) Lake Orion MI 48361 WEBSITE You know there may not really be a Loch Ness Monster … and Big Foot … that’s a bit of a stretch … but … believe it or not … out here in Lake Orion there really is a Dragon on the Lake! Actually there’s tons… Continue reading Dragon on the Lake
Palazzo di Bocce
(248) 371-9987 4291 Lapeer Road Lake Orion, MI 48359 WEBSITE If you’re Italian … you know an Italian … or you’ve always wanted to be Italian … here’s a place you’ll really dig. Palazzo de Bocce is like a crash course in being an Italian aristocrat. From fine dining … and fantastic surroundings … to the fun and ancient sport… Continue reading Palazzo di Bocce
Terror on Tilson
Tilson Street in Romeo WEBSITE When it come to the spookiest of all holidays … there’s Halloween … and then there’s well …. Halloween … if you know what I mean. And, if you’d like to experience the later of the two … trick or treat yourself to (big affect) “Terror on Tillson Street”. This is Halloween in hyper drive… Continue reading Terror on Tilson
Historic Barn Tour - Romeo Historic Society
(586) 752-4111 290 N Main St, Romeo, MI 48065 WEBSITE When it comes to good old fashion barns, America’s has a love affair with these classic structures for more that two hundred years now. There’s just something legendary and romantic about these utilitarian yet majestic structures. We all love them … and we love to look at’em. Then there are… Continue reading Historic Barn Tour – Romeo Historic Society
Yorokobi Sushi
(586) 752-7010 117 S Main St, Romeo, MI 48065 WEBSITE It’s a sushi restaurant that’s right downtown … and right in the middle of this classic country-side community. How’d it happen ??? … and who’s responsible ??? Meet Dimitri Bonnville … A young guy who had a love for this fine foreign food … traveled almost to the orient (well,… Continue reading Yorokobi Sushi
Spector Beatles Collection, The
517) 648-2043 6700 Aberdeen Dr. Dimondale, MI 48821 WEBSITE Hidden away in a private home just outside of Dimondale Michigan is a genuine, bona fide Beatles Bonanza. This is the home of Viki Spector-Walker … and probably the most incredible, complete and comprehensive private Beatles memorabilia collection ever amassed. Viki started this collection … and she continues to buy more… Continue reading Spector Beatles Collection, The
Michigan Princess River Cruise
(517) 627-2154 Grand River Park, Lansing, MI 48917 WEBSITE The Michigan Princess and it’s an old fashioned, triple deck, stern wheel riverboat that cruises up and down the Grand River. They do special events, fall color cruses and even lunch cruises … and that one had our name written all over it. Once I gained permission to come aboard …… Continue reading Michigan Princess River Cruise
Uncle John's Cider Mill
(989) 224-3686 8614 N US-127 Saint Johns, Michigan WEBSITE Now they say an apple a day … makes the UTR guys get out and play … so we headed south to St. John for exactly that. Behold Uncle John’s Cider Mill … a colossal place that’s so full of fruit and fun … you just might wanna move in. If… Continue reading Uncle John’s Cider Mill
Dawson & Stevens Classic Diner
(989) 348-2111 231 Michigan Ave Grayling, Michigan WEBSITE To make things easy (cuz that’s how we like’em) we’ll start high and head low. First up we hit the awesome town of Grayling for a marvelous museum where they also happen to serves malts … bonus !!! Welcome to Dawson & Steven’s Classic Diner and Bottle Cap Museum, where you’ll find… Continue reading Dawson & Stevens Classic Diner
Ziibiwing Center, The
(989) 775-4750 6650 E Broadway Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 WEBSITE The Ziibiwing Center is an absolute treasure for those who believe in celebrating and perpetuating the great culture of these first nation people. William Johnson is the Curator here at the center … and he made the entire experience seem so very real. Once you tour this awesome facility,… Continue reading Ziibiwing Center, The
English Inn, The
(517) 663-2500 677 S Michigan Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 WEBSITE The English Inn is where you go when you want to celebrate, impress, fall in love, relax or just treat yourself to some four-star food in a warm and friendly atmosphere … This historic restaurant and inn definitely needs to be on your Michigan bucket list. For close to… Continue reading English Inn, The
Hot Dog Man
(517) 580-3404 WEBSITE Mark McGee is loved by this entire community for two reasons … 1. He and his wife Krysta and their son Christian are absolutely wonderful people … and 2. They own Mark’s Hot Diggity Dog Hotdog Stand where they serve up tasty gourmet hotdogs for all (including us) to enjoy.
Urban Air
WEBSITE For four days in October, hundreds of dedicated Airstream camper aficionado’s traverse their tin trailers from across the country to be here for an event called Urban Air. Now, you’re probably wondering who’s responsible for this wonderfully whacky event … well … wait right there … cuz Kirk MacKeller is one of the fellers …. Well if I heard… Continue reading Urban Air
Mounds ORV Park, The
(810) 736-7100 6145 E Mt Morris Rd, Mt Morris, MI 48458 WEBSITE If you’re ready for some serious off-roading … get your O.R.V. and D.R.I.V.E. to The Mounds Off Road Vehicle Park in Genesee County. This is one of the greatest off road playgrounds you’ll find anywhere. There’s over 200 acres of hills, dunes, mud pits, trails and rock climbs… Continue reading Mounds ORV Park, The
Freakin' Unbelievable Burgers
(810) 422-5428 5100 Corunna Rd, Flint, MI 48532 WEBSITE Freakin Unbelievable Burgers is the brazen burger brainchild of Brent Skaggs. So, if you’re in the mood for a really good burger … you don’t need a genie “or” a wizard … Just go to Flint for a Freakin Unbelievable Burger … and tell’m Tom sent ya.
Flint Farmers Market
(810) 232-1399 300 E 1st St, Flint, MI 48502 WEBSITE Introducing Flints fantastically cool new Farmers Market. It’s a multi-use, multi purpose, state of the art food facility that’s designed to do one very important thing … “re”connect us with “real” food. I took some table time with Karianne Martus & Sean Gartland. They’re two of the market makers here… Continue reading Flint Farmers Market
Detroit Vegan Soul (DVS)
(313) 649-2759 8029 Agnes St. Detroit, MI WEBSITE Okay meat lovers … stop shrugging your shoulders … because right in the heart of Detroit’s historic West Village is a place that just might make you a believer. Detroit Vegan Soul is exactly what it says it is … a meat free restaurant that’s taken a savory and soulful approach to… Continue reading Detroit Vegan Soul (DVS)
John's Carpet House
2133 Frederick St., Detroit, MI WEBSITE It’s called John’s Carpet House. A lively social gathering and jam season that happens every Sunday afternoon to pay tribute to a man who loved his neighbors … and loved to play the blues. And even though there’s no carpet … the house is gone … and John is no longer with us, Albert… Continue reading John’s Carpet House
Louisiana Creole Gumbo
(313) 446-9639 2051 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 WEBSITE Way back in 1970 Joseph Stafford founded Louisiana Creole Gumbo and brought real, genuine creole cooking to the Motor City. Today … Joe Spencer and his family, are keeping Joseph Stafford’s recipes, legacy and love for this great city live alive and well. It’s not hard to understand why this place… Continue reading Louisiana Creole Gumbo
Sit on It Detroit!
Kyle Bartell and Charlie Molnar are two enterprising young guys who noticed a lack of seating at bus stops around the city, so they started what’s called “Sit on it Detroit” … took responsibility … took some reclaimed wood … and are making a real difference all around town. Lets be honest … most people this age are try hard… Continue reading Sit on It Detroit!
Ramsdell Inn, The / TJ's Pub
(231) 398-7901 399 River St, Manistee, MI 49660 WEBSITE Historic preservation means a lot to all of us here at UTR … especially when it brings us a great place to stay, eat and enjoy an adult beverage … I love history !!! The Ramsdell Inn is literally the gem of downtown Manistee … This incredible structure was built in… Continue reading Ramsdell Inn, The / TJ’s Pub
Iron Works Cafe, The
(231) 655-9845 254 River Street Manistee, MI 49660 WEBSITE There’s one thing on UTR we never, ever miss … and that’s a good meal !!!! So we decided to break bread at a place that not only serves healthy local food … it’s also part of a grass roots movement that’s helping this entire community eat better. The Iron Works… Continue reading Iron Works Cafe, The
Orchard Beach Aviation
(231) 723-8095 2323 Airport Rd, Manistee, MI 49660 WEBSITE I know some folks who can get you so high on Manistee … you’ll see the whole place in about an hour. Like Dude! Orchard Beach Aviation is just north of town … and just about the perfect way to see how beautiful this part of Michigan truly is. They offer… Continue reading Orchard Beach Aviation
Gull Landing
(231) 869-4215 438 S Hancock St, Pentwater, MI 49449 WEBSITE At Gull Landing you can get plates of good food … plenty of awesome atmosphere and even great music to munch to. 5 second little live music montage of folks eating and having fun. The place has a laid-back summer resort feel and is the perfect place to meet and… Continue reading Gull Landing
Pentwater Artisan Learning Center
(231) 869-5323 780 Park St, Pentwater, MI 49449 WEBSITE The next day we mustered up two goals … to learn something … and then to eat something … (we always get hungry when we think) … so we headed over to the Artisan Learning Center on East Park Street for a lesson in … well just about everything. This place… Continue reading Pentwater Artisan Learning Center
Hexagon House, The
(231) 869-4102 760 6th St, Pentwater, MI 49449 WEBSITE You’ve heard the old expression “six ways to Sunday” … well I have no idea what that means … but I did find us a really cool six sided Bed & Breakfast … and we’re staying there on a Wednesday. Just as short ways from downtown (on of all things 6th… Continue reading Hexagon House, The
Michigan Elvisfest - Ypsilanti, Michigan
(734) 483-1035 56 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 WEBSITE Michigan’s official Elvis Festival that happens at Riverside Park for two days every July in Ypsilanti’s Historic Depot Town. Thousands of Elvis lovers and people who love to be Elvis converge to shake rattle and roll out the red carpet for all things Elvis. There’s music, food, fun stuff for… Continue reading Michigan Elvisfest – Ypsilanti, Michigan
Empire Asparagus Festival - Empire, Michigan
Empire, Michigan 49630 WEBSITE If you love asparagus … you’ll love the northwest part of Michigan’s mitten. The sandy soil and climate in these parts makes it the perfect place to grow this delectable vegetable. But, if you love it so much you wanna kick up your heels and celebrate it … the Annul Empire Asparagus Festival is exactly where… Continue reading Empire Asparagus Festival – Empire, Michigan
Mighty Uke Day - Old Town Lansing, Michigan
(517) 896-4025 Old Town Lansing, Michigan, 48906 WEBSITE You heard right … every year in May tons of Ukesters from around the country converge on Lansing’s Old Town to pluck, play and celebrate this diminutive (yet dynamic) little instrument. This funky festival features live shows, workshops, open mic stages, children’s activities and even helps raise money for local school music… Continue reading Mighty Uke Day – Old Town Lansing, Michigan
Tulip Time - Holland, Michigan
(616) 396-4221 74 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423 WEBSITE Every spring, thousands of people travel from near and far to Holland Michigan for one of the most colorful Festivals of them all -Tulip Time. People from the Netherlands settled this town, so this week long festival features more than just these pretty perennials. You’ll also experience more Dutch tradition,… Continue reading Tulip Time – Holland, Michigan
Fish Whisperer, The - Tommy Lynch
231-898-4832 PO BOX 1102, Baldwin, Michigan 49304 WEBSITE When it comes to any and all things fly-fishing … this guy is the wizard of the water. He knows every fly, every fishin hole … and he even knows some of the old fish in the river by name.
Barothy Lodge
(231) 898-2340 7478 E Barothy Rd, Walhalla, MI 49458 WEBSITE If you’re looking for a luxury lodge for your next fishing trip, outdoor excursion or even family vacation… the Barothy Lodge in Walhalla will knock your waders off. It’s a collection of classic lodges that are rustic enough to make you feel real … but comfortable enough to make you… Continue reading Barothy Lodge
Bo Burke - Consulting Arborist
231-835-1111 Cedar, Michigan 49623 WEBSITE He’s an Arborist, and expert, an enthusiast … Heck … he’s even a certified tree surgeon. And if you’ve always wondered what it’s like way up there … Bo runs a tree-climbing club just outside of Traverse City in Cedar (pun intended). And if you want, he’ll show you the ropes and get you up… Continue reading Bo Burke – Consulting Arborist
Hunts Canoe and Miniature Golf
(989) 739-4408 711 Lake St, Au Sable Charter Twp, MI 48750 WEBSITE This family run business has been sending happy paddlers down the might Au Sable River for decades, and you wont find people friendlier or more passionate about this river and this part of Michigan.
Pinckney Recreation Area
(734) 426-4913 8555 Silver Hill Road, Pinckney, MI 48169 WEBSITE The Pinckney Recreation Area is a hiker’s paradise in southeast Lower Michigan that offers mile after mile of wonderful wilderness and cozy campsites. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, that’s not all that far away, this is a state park you need to peruse.
Grand Traverse Pie Company
231-922-7437 525 West Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 WEBSITE Grand Traverse Pie Co. makes some of the best pies this side of Orion’s Belt … which you just might have to loosen after a couple pieces … and they put this part of Michigan on the pie chart around the world. Mike Busley is a Michigander who took the… Continue reading Grand Traverse Pie Company
River - Tree Sturman, The
(231) 883-1413 161 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684 WEBSITE An open air bar with food trucks and good vibes.
Little Fleet, The
(231) 943-1116 448 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684 WEBSITE An open air bar with food trucks and good vibes.
Holly Hotel
(248) 634-5208 110 Battle Alley, Holly, MI 48442 WEBSITE The Holly Hotel continues to be a destination for people who are looking for a genuine and authentic dining experience. Everything about this place is old school cool … and George and Chrissy Kutlenios personify the passion that keeps this Michigan landmark alive and well.
Detroit Model Railroad Club
(248) 634-5811 104 N Saginaw St, Holly, MI 48442 WEBSITE Right downtown Holly is the Detroit Model Railroad Club, and you won’t believe this place until you see it with your own eyes. Dozens of club members and volunteers operate, build and maintain tons of trains, tracks and tiny towns for all to enjoy. If you’re searching for a fantastic… Continue reading Detroit Model Railroad Club
Kraftwork
(313) 469-0976 8047 Agnes St, Detroit, MI 48214 WEBSITE Craft Work is a relatively new eatery in Detroit’s West Village … and from what Oneita told me … It’s a neighborhood favorite for neighbors far and wide. Co owner and Head Chef Matt Dalton loves everything about what he’s doing … and where he’s doing it. If you’re looking for… Continue reading Kraftwork
Belle Isle
WEBSITE As we got back up to speed … Oneita proclaimed that she was now taking me to one of her favorite places in the entire city … Belle Isle. On the Island, I was lucky enough to hook up with Park Manager Karis Floyd at the botanical Gardens inside the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory… he’s heading up the DNRs… Continue reading Belle Isle
Heidleberg Project
(313) 974-6894 3600 Heidelberg St, Detroit, MI 48207 WEBSITE The Heidelberg Project. This two block ever-changing art environment all started back in 1986 when renown local artist Tyree Guyton decided to help express this tattered community’s hopes and dreams by turning found objects and abandoned homes into an explosion of artistic colors and concepts. Now the Heidelberg Project features community… Continue reading Heidleberg Project
Le Petit Zinc
(313) 963-2805 1055 Trumbull Street, Detroit, MI 48216 WEBSITE Well, after feeding our brains for a while … it was time on Oneida’s Detroit tour for us to fee our stomachs. So she took me to a place that was both halfway around the world … and right over in Corktown. If you’re looking for a quaint little place to… Continue reading Le Petit Zinc
American Harvest - Schoolcraft College - Chef Polcyn
734-462-4400 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48152 WEBSITE Brian Polcyn is what you might call a super chef … He’s published, highly decorated, has opened a half dozen successful gourmet restaurants, perfected the ancient art of charcuterie and still finds time to teach and inspire young chefs at Schoolcraft College’s state of the art facility right here in Livonia. When… Continue reading American Harvest – Schoolcraft College – Chef Polcyn
Creature Conservancy, The
(734) 929-9324 4940 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 WEBSITE The creature conservancy is not a zoo … it’s not a nature center, and it’s not an animal park. It’s a wildlife education center that focuses on creating personal connections between people and some of the rarest and coolest animals you’ll ever see.
Book Nook, The
(734) 241-2665 42 South Monroe Street, Monroe, MI 48161 The Book Nook is a book store in downtown Monroe. They are celebrating 46 years in business this year.
Scribe Publishing Company
29488 Woodward Avenue, STE 426, Royal Oak, MI 48073 WEBSITE Scribe Publishing Company is an award-winning publisher whose books have been featured in The Detroit News, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Foreword Reviews, the Midwest Book Review, Kirkus Reviews, the San Francisco Book Review and more.
Thunder Over Michigan Air Show
734-483-4030 Event Locations Vary WEBSITE The Thunder over Michigan Air Show will feature the United States Navy Blue Angels on August 29th & 30th, 2015. Thunder over Michigan is one of America’s leading air shows and is considered the best “warbird” show in America. Held every summer at Willow Run Airport near Detroit, the show features world-class entertainment, unique static displays,… Continue reading Thunder Over Michigan Air Show
Nick Fink's Bar
(616) 784-9886 3965 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321 WEBSITE Just north of Grand Rapids, in a cool community called Comstock Park, we found a classic place to kick back and end the episode. That’s right … Nick Fink’s is one of the oldest neighborhood bars in Michigan … and if these walls could talk … I can… Continue reading Nick Fink’s Bar
Herman's Boy
(616) 866-2900 220 Northland Dr NE, Rockford, MI 49341 www.hermansboy.com When you first walk into Herman’s Boy, it can be overwhelming. It’s 5 unique businesses all rolled into one, with one family making it all happen. I’m telling ya this place had a little bit of everything we needed … and everything looked good. Jeff Havemeier is son number one… Continue reading Herman’s Boy
Blue Cow
(231) 796-0100 119 N Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307 www.bluecowcafe.com Next up we pulled into Big Rapids … Home of Ferris State University. This is a cool, eclectic college town with great places to stop, shop ‘and’ eat … and that’s exactly what we did. Well, it is if you’re at The Blue Cow Café, a place where fresh,… Continue reading Blue Cow
After 26 Depot
(231) 468-3526 127 W Cass St, Cadillac, MI 49601 www.after26project.org Welcome to the After 26 Depot… a train station that may not take trains anymore … but what it does do is train special needs adults, by giving them a meaningful and rewarding place in the community. Yea … it’s a restaurant alright … but, it’s a restaurant that’s doing… Continue reading After 26 Depot
Robinson's Scenic Gardens
(231) 258-2459 7350 US-131, Mancelona, MI 49659 So, we started our trip on 131just north of Kalkaska, and before we even got up to speed, we found something cool in three … two … what the heck is this place? This crazy concrete statuary is full of everything and anything you’ve ever seen (or might wanna see) made outa cement.… Continue reading Robinson’s Scenic Gardens
Sinuous Guitars
www.sinuousguitars.com Greg Opatik at Sinuous Guitars … a designer by day and musician by night who’s combined his talents to make one of the most unique guitars you’ll ever strum. Greg, along with Jeff Armstrong are working hard to make this Michigan made guitar a star in the music world. It really is exciting on UTR when we catch a… Continue reading Sinuous Guitars
Pal's Diner
(616) 942-7257 6503 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 www.palsdiner.com Pal’s … a cool, classic diner that was build way back in 1954. That’s when they made the finer diners. It’s a one of a kind, and Barry Brown and his wife Sam were kind enough to buy it and bring it all the way to Michigan for us… Continue reading Pal’s Diner
Gerald Ford Museum
(616) 254-0400 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov You know that you probably isited the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in downtown Grand Rapids as a kid on a field trip…unless you’re old like we are and he wasn’t president when we were kids, so it didn’t exist….but I digress…the museum is a fascinating place… Continue reading Gerald Ford Museum
Rockport State Park Recreation Area
989-734-2543 US 23 North, Alpena, MI 49707 WEBSITE Located on the shores of Lake Huron, north of Alpena, the property includes a deep-water protected harbor, an old limestone quarry of approximately 300 acres, a unique series of sinkholes, a dedicated Natural Area (Besser Natural Area), and a broad range of land types, vegetative cover, cultural resources and recreation opportunities.
Fresh Palate, The
989-358-1400 109 North Second Avenue, Alpena, MI 49707 www.thefreshpalategourmet.com Eric and Stacie Peterson live, breath, sleep and cook great and health food for this community. They’ve created a food destination called The Fresh Palate, and foodies from farther than far are finding it. The atmosphere is positive and energetic … the diners delightfully diverse … and the menu is so… Continue reading Fresh Palate, The
Art in the Loft
989-356-4877 109 North Second Avenue Suite 300, Alpena, MI 49707 www.artintheloft.org If you’re a lover of the arts … whatever kind you’re into, Art in the Loft will teach it to you, display if for you, sell it to you and even let you just look at it for a while. To say this space is cool is a huge… Continue reading Art in the Loft
Fitzgerald, The / Eagle River Inn
(888) 487-1700 5033 Front St, Eagle River, MI 49950 www.eagleriverinn.com The next morning, we loaded up, fueled up, and headed up the Keweenaw Peninsula to find a place we discovered completely by accident a couple years ago … and were determined to find again. Behold The Fitz … one of the comfiest, funkiest, faraway places you’ll ever wish you’d found… Continue reading Fitzgerald, The / Eagle River Inn
Magnuson Hotel Franklin Square
(888) 487-1700 820 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931 www.magnusonhotels.com/Magnuson-Hotel-Franklin-Square-Inn We bed down for the night at the Magnuson Hotel Franklin Square right downtown Houghton … a great location with some absolutely breathtaking views of the Keweenaw Waterway and the surrounding countryside.
Douglas House Saloon
(906) 482-2003 517 Shelden Ave #1, Houghton, MI 49931 After looking into the UP’s copper cultivating past … we looked into our future for the evening and saw that after all this traveling, tasting and touring, we were destine for some fun in downtown Houghton. You know … after a long day in the mines there’s nothing better than a… Continue reading Douglas House Saloon
Quincy Mine Tour
(906) 482-3101 49750 US-41, Hancock, MI 49930 quincymine.com I was hankerin for some history,so we headed north over the Portage Lake Lift Bridge … through the historic town of Hancock … and up to the Quincy Mine for a trip down and into this area’s fascinating copper mining past. Back in the day, this part of the Upper Peninsula was… Continue reading Quincy Mine Tour
Kewenaw Brewing Company
(906) 482-5596 408 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931 www.keweenawbrewing.com Michigan Technical University is a great school that brings young people from around the world here to study science, technology, engineering and even forestry … and some of them like it here so much … they decide to build their future here. Case in point is Dick Grey of The Keweenaw… Continue reading Kewenaw Brewing Company
Porcupine State Park
906-885-5275 33303 Headquarters Rd., Ontonagon MI, 49953-9087 WEBSITE Now, we just passed over the Mackinac Bridge … which never gets old … and now we’re gonna turn left and head to a Michigan mountain rage that’s named after one of my favorite little land mammals … cuz not only are they cute … their pretty sharp too. The Porcupine Mountains… Continue reading Porcupine State Park
Muldoon's Pasty's
(906) 387-5880 1246 M-28 West, Munising, MI 49862 www.muldoonspasties.com If you’re a Yooper, a pastie is a taste tempting, savory meal you can hold in the palm of your hand … and if you’re not a Yooper … well, they’re pretty much the same thing. It’s just that you don’t get to eat’em as often. So, to get our flat… Continue reading Muldoon’s Pasty’s
Oswald's Bear Ranch
(906) 293-3147 13814 County Rd 407 (H-37), Newberry, MI 49868 www.oswaldsbearranch.com Season Attraction Closed 10/1 – 6/1 Call for hours When there’s no one left to care for a bear … where do they go? I’ll tell ya where … Oswald’s Bear Ranch … that’s where. Just north of Newbery in the Eastern UP is Oswald’s Bear Ranch … and… Continue reading Oswald’s Bear Ranch
Tahquamenon
(906) 492-3415 41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768 www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ Tahquamenon Falls … I know about it … you know about it … we all know about it … Ah … but, have you been to see it yet? Yea … me either. Just west of the little town of Paradise in the eastern UP is one of the most… Continue reading Tahquamenon
Antlers Restaurant, The
(906) 253-1728 804 East Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 saultantlers.com It never ceases to amaze me how many amazing places amaze me on this amazing program … and this place … well, you’ll be amazed. Antlers is a cool and rustic restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie where just about every land mammal imaginable watches you enjoy your meal.… Continue reading Antlers Restaurant, The
Mackinac Bridge
The Tip Top of The Mitten. Right where I75 hits the water. www.mackinacbridge.org Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to the very top of the suspension towers on the Mackinac Bridge. Well, I haven’t … but the guys are gonna make me go up there and find out. I’m kinda ascared !!! That’s right …… Continue reading Mackinac Bridge
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
313.982.6001 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124-5029 www.thehenryford.org/events/holidayNights.aspx Christmas Past is what they specialize in here. Every holiday season, The Henry Ford decks out Greenfield Village to be a totalholiday experience from the late 19th and early 20th century. You really get a feel for what early American life must have been like with cooking demonstrations, classic street vendors and… Continue reading Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
North Pole Express
(989) 725-9464 405 South Washington Street, Owosso, MI 48867 www.michigansteamtrain.com/north-pole-express The Pere Marquette is one of only a handful of steam-powered locomotives that are still in operation, and it’s right here in Owosso. It’s the 1225 North Pole Express, and every year around the holidays, it hauls thousands of cheerful kids and their families on an magical journey to the… Continue reading North Pole Express
Ida Christmas Parade of Lights
Ida, MI www.christmasinida.com This is Christmas in Ida, a small farming community in southeast Michigan that attracts holiday festival goes from all over the US. How do they do it??? Well, one way is with their incredible Parade of Lights celebration. For an hour and a half the entire community puts on a nighttime parade made up of over 150… Continue reading Ida Christmas Parade of Lights
Gingerman Raceway
(269) 253-4445 61414 County Road 388, South Haven, MI 49090 www.gingermanraceway.com If driving a super expensive exotic sports car at a high rate speed is on your bucket list … get your bucket … throw it in the trunk … and drive (at a responsible rate of speed) to South Haven. Because for a few days every summer, Adventure Supercars… Continue reading Gingerman Raceway
Taste
(269) 637-0010 402 Phoenix Road, South Haven, MI 49090 www.tastesouthhaven.com We heard about this great restaurant in town where everything tastes good, but I just can’t remember the name …. Taste is a relatively new restaurant here in South Haven that proves positively that the way to the heart really is through the stomach. Joel and Heidi Gesiakowski are two… Continue reading Taste
John Ball Zoo
(616) 336-4300 1300 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 www.johnballzoosociety.org If you’re looking for a place where you can learn about the natural world you … there’s no better place than the zoo. And, this is a great one !!!! Just west of downtown Grand Rapids you’ll find one of the coolest zoos this side of the jungle. The… Continue reading John Ball Zoo
La Taqueria San Jose
616-284-2297 1338 S. Division Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49507 If you like food from below the border that’s the real deal, sometimes you gotta go under the radar to find out where the locals eat. And you know us …. We totally found it. Juan Barajas owns and operates La Taqueria San Jose, and if you’re looking for a raw,… Continue reading La Taqueria San Jose
Malamiah Juice Bar
(616) 730-1532 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI www.malamiahjuicebar.com Now, if you want to drink every day and still feel good about yourself … you gotta find the right bar … and in Grand Rapids … we found a great one. In the heart of Grand Rapids’ new Downtown Market you’ll find Malamiah Juice Bar. This cool and colorful… Continue reading Malamiah Juice Bar
Boat Nerds
810-479-4719 51 Water Street Port Huron, MI 48060 www.boatnerd.com You know, if you’re tired of being just a generic nerd like me … and you want to specialize, here’s something that’ll float your nerd boat …. Literally. These are Boat Nerds, and they’ve got their own website called boatnerd.com. Heck … they’ve even got their own command post at the… Continue reading Boat Nerds
Sardine Room
(734) 416-0261 340 S Main St, Plymouth Township, MI 48170 www.thesardineroom.com Imagine coming to a town and loving it so much, you open three restarants … a trilogy of tast tempting treats for your tummy. Well, that’s exactly what the Yaquinto family did, and the people of Plymouth welcomed them with open hearts, minds and especially stomachs. They opened three… Continue reading Sardine Room
Foot Golf at Fox Hills Golf Course
(734) 453-7272 8768 North Territorial Road, Plymouth, MI 48170 www.foxhills.com You know … a lot of people play golf … some well … and some like me. So I decided to try a sport on the golf course I can really get a kick out of. It’s called FootGolf … and if you can kick a soccer ball … you’re… Continue reading Foot Golf at Fox Hills Golf Course
Peace Peddlers
734.589.7627 www.peacepedalers.net There’s a new way to get around downtown Plymouth, and it’s green, friendly and a whole lotta fun. Andy and Diane Webster call themselves The Peace Peddlers … and if you’re looking for a way to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown, this person powered ride is cozy, comfortable and a completely convenient way to… Continue reading Peace Peddlers
Supino Pizza
(313) 567-7879 2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207 www.supinopizzeria.com Supino’s Pizzeria has become a literal legend in these parts. Partly because owner Dave Mancini is a real italian … partly because he serves up really good pizza … but, mostly because he really cares about this city.
Signal-Return
(313) 567-8970 1345 Division St, Detroit, MI 48207 www.signalreturnpress.org The art of print in one of the most important inventions mankind’s even made. It helps us relate, create and communicate. Signal Return is a hip ‘new’ place that’s keeping the age-old art of screen-printing and letterpress alive. It’s a for hire, exhibition & education place in Detroit’s Eastern Market that’s… Continue reading Signal-Return
Slow Roll Detroit
www.slowroll.bike Ya know … normally Detroit is the Motor City … but on Monday nights in the summer … if you lose two wheels, you’ll can gain a whole lotta new friends. It’s called the slow roll, and thanks to Mike MacKool and Jason Hall at Detroit Bike City, over a thousand cyclists of all kinds meet, mount and slowly… Continue reading Slow Roll Detroit
Mudgie's Deli
(313) 961-2000 1300 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48226 www.mudgiesdeli.com Hey gourmet food lovers … if you’re ever in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood and you get the munchies … ya gotta go to Mudgie’s. It’s marvelous ! Greg Mudge … the man behind this authentic artisan deli. It’s a funky, cool, casual place where all kinds of people come for real… Continue reading Mudgie’s Deli
Detroit Footbol League / Northern Guard Supporters
www.detcityfc.com If you’re in Detroit and you hear thousands of people yelling, cheering and having a great time … there’s a good reason for it … Meet the Detroit City Football Club, a relatively new minor league soccer team who’s passionate fan base is growing faster that you can say “header” The team’s nickname is La Rouge … and before… Continue reading Detroit Footbol League / Northern Guard Supporters
Tall Ships Celebration
Downtown Bay City, MI tallshipcelebration.com If you’ve always wanted to sail the seven seas … but, you kinda like living in Michigan … have I got a festival for you! The Tall Ships Celebration is an absolutely incredible rare summer event that happens right on the river in Downtown Bay City. Now, it doesn’t happen every year so you need… Continue reading Tall Ships Celebration
Thunder Bay Shipwreck Tour
(888) 469-4696 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena, MI 49707 www.alpenashipwrecktours.com On UTR even though we like to live dangerously (not) … this 2 hour tour is fun, safe, fascinating and uber educational. It’s the Legends of Thunder Bay Shipwreck Tour where you get to explore some of the Great Lakes most famous sunken treasures, without getting wet! This glass bottom… Continue reading Thunder Bay Shipwreck Tour
Chicory Café
(989) 734-0091 179 N 3rd St, Rogers City, MI www.chicorycafe.org Okay, so you’re up in the Rogers City area and you want to eat at a restaurant that’s family farm-owned, organic, free range, grass fed and hormone free. Oh …. And has really great food? No problem … I got just the place for you. This is the Chicory Café… Continue reading Chicory Café
Mai Tiki Resort
(989) 739-9971 3322 N Us Highway 23, Oscoda, MI maitikiresort.com When I want to relax and kick back in a tropical setting … I head north to the Mai Tiki Resort. That’s’ right … I said north … because hey, this is Michigan … and anything is possible. Just south of Oscoda on US 23 and right on the shores… Continue reading Mai Tiki Resort
Mulefoot Gastro Pub
(810) 721-1019 244 E. Third Street Imlay City MI 48444 www.themulefoot.com Now if you say Mulefoot Gastropub to a regular person, they’ll ask you if it’s contagious. But, if you say it to a foodie … they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about. And that’s because The Mulefoot Gastropub is a sophisticated, funky, cool and casual new eatery in Imlay… Continue reading Mulefoot Gastro Pub
Chartreuse Art Co-op
(269) 983-0931 304 State St, Saint Joseph, MI chartreuseartgallery.com Sometimes the best way to learn the personality and flavor of a community is through a local artist … and I found one who has a plethora of personality. Easy for me to say. You’ll find both Dave Smykal and what he calls his crazy wall of craziness at the Chartreuse… Continue reading Chartreuse Art Co-op
Silver Beach Pizza
(269) 983-4743 410 Vine St, Saint Joseph, MI www.silverbeachpizza.com You know … a lot of different things inspire people to start their own business … Now, here’s a business that was inspired by a frosty cold adult malted beverage. I’ll Drink to that ! Silver Beach Pizza is the place to go in St Joe for great people, atmosphere, pizza… Continue reading Silver Beach Pizza
DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
616-355-1030 1 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI 49424 www.windmillisland.org The DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens is probably the most famous landmark in Holland. It was originally built in 1761 and was brought to Holland, Mich. from the Netherlands in 1964. It’s the only authentic, working, Dutch windmill in the entire United States. And even though it’s amazing, and was an… Continue reading DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
de Boer's Bakery
(616) 396-2253 360 Douglas Ave. Holland, MI 49424 www.deboerbakery.com/ I’m sure you’ve heard of the Wright Brothers, the Blues Brothers and even the Marks Brothers … but, if you want great baked goods in Holland MI … you gotta go see The Dutch Brothers. In 1956, fourth generation baker Jakob de Boer came to Holland Michigan from the Netherlands …… Continue reading de Boer’s Bakery
Holland House Candles
800-238-8467 12350 James St., Holland, MI 49424 www.hollandhousecandles.com Ya know … if you asked me a week ago if decorative candles were my thing … I probably would have said no … but after seeing these candles … I cant wait to light one up. Now usually a candle is well, just a candle … but if you want a… Continue reading Holland House Candles
Advanced Green Archetecture
616.298.4658 1197 Hoyt St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 www.agrgreen.com Probably the most unusable part of any building is the roof … I mean … it’s just a roof right … yea, it is … until you call these guys. If you’ve got a relatively flat roof on your home or your business, and you want to turn it into… Continue reading Advanced Green Archetecture
Grand Rapids Brewing Company
(616) 458-7000 1 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI www.grbrewingcompany.com/ You know, we all need to do our part to help save the planet and do things in a more organic and responsible way. So I plan to do my part starting right now … I’m gonna drink some organic beer … responsibly of course! The Grand Rapids Brewing Co.… Continue reading Grand Rapids Brewing Company
Meyer May House
(616) 246-4821 450 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.meyermayhouse.steelcase.com/house If you think you’ve got to travel across the country to see one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s incredible works, think again … because the Meyer May House is right here in Grand Rapids. Frank Lloyd Wright is one of America’s most well known architects. His life long philosophy was… Continue reading Meyer May House
Bastone
(248) 544-6250 419 S Main St Royal Oak, MI www.bastonebrewery.com If you’re looking for a great restaurant, brewery, wine bar and nightspot … I found all four on one corner in Royal Oak. That’s right … All you have to do … is walk into Bastone Brewery. Now this is my kind of place … gourmet food, hand crafted micro… Continue reading Bastone
Ray's Ice Cream
(888) 549-5256 4233 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI www.raysicecream.com You scream, I scream, we all scream for Ray’s Ice Cream. That’s right … next time you’re in Royal Oak and you hear me screaming … don’t be alarmed … I’m just enjoying some Ray’s Ice cream. Now, when it comes to ice cream parlors, Ray’s is authentic old school. Since… Continue reading Ray’s Ice Cream
Gayle's Chocolate
(248) 398-0001 417 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48167 www.gayleschocolates.com Are you a chocolate lover? Are you an art lover? Are you a shoe lover? Well here at Gayles Chocolates in Royal Oak, they’ll blow your coco cranium. Since 1979 Gayle Harte has been turning high quality chocolate into incredible, edible art. She even makes high fashion women shoes… Continue reading Gayle’s Chocolate
Laundry, The
(810) 629-8852 125 Shiawassee, Fenton, MI 48430 www.lunchandbeyond.com You know … being on the road as much as we are … you accumulate a lot of dirty cloths … so, I thought we’d stop by The Laundry here in Fenton and I’d get a load of darks done. What the … Actually … The Laundry in Fenton does clean up… Continue reading Laundry, The
Miracle League of Michigan, The
(248) 506-4604 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield MI 48076 www.michiganmiracle.org You know … some people don’t believe in miracles … but if you know anything about this organization … they make miracles happen all the time. VO5: The Miracle League of Michigan is an Easter Seals program here in Southfield that gives kids with mental and physical challenges the chance to… Continue reading Miracle League of Michigan, The
Peteet's Cheesecakes
(248) 545-2253 13835 W 9 Mile Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237 www.peteetscheesecakes.com When things get tough … some people take lemons and make lemonade … well, here’s guy who took a tough real-estate market and turned it into over 90 flavors of cheesecake. Bonus ! Meet Patrick Peteet … a man on a mission to save his family … revitalize… Continue reading Peteet’s Cheesecakes
Cadieux Café
(313) 882-8560 4300 Cadieux Rd, Detroit, MI 48224 www.cadieuxcafe.com Here at the Cadieux Café, they’re known for three things … steamed mussels … real Belgian beer … and the ancient sport of feather bowling. And, you know me … I intend to conquer all of’em.
Pony Ride
1401 Vermont St, Detroit, MI 48216 www.ponyride.org You know … I get to meet a lot of really interesting people doing this show … most more interesting than me … way more interesting … but the guy you’re about to meet … I’d classify him as Uber interesting ! His name is Phil Cooley, and after traveling the world as… Continue reading Pony Ride
Old Town General Store, The
(517) 487-6847 408 E. Grand River, Lansing, MI 48906 www.oldtown-generalstore.com You know, back in the day, every town in America had a general store, but not so much any more. Well, here in Old Town, there’s a brand new old general store. Wait … I’m confused. Lansing’s Old Town is a place where young people are opening businesses and redefining… Continue reading Old Town General Store, The
Peanut Shoppe, The
(517) 374-0008 117 Washington Square South, Lansing, MI 48933 Say you’re a squirrel, you live in Lansing, you berried your nuts nd now you can’t find them. What do you do? Oh …. Perfect !!! Actually, this is where most Lansing land mammals come for salty, savory, nutty snacks. The Peanut Shop has been part of this community for almost… Continue reading Peanut Shoppe, The
Michigan Wines' Gold Medal Wine Reception
517-284-5733 55 S. Harrison Rd East Lansing, MI www.michiganwines.com/ You know … the only thing that bothers me about people who wine a lot … is when they don’t call me when they’re doing it !!!! Well, I got the call this time … and it was to attend the Michigan Wine Competition and Gold Medal Reception at the Kellogg… Continue reading Michigan Wines’ Gold Medal Wine Reception
Michigan State Spartan Stadium
325 W Shaw Ln, East Lansing, MI 48864 www.msuspartans.com/facilities/spartan-stadium.html I’m in East Lansing at Michigan State University’s Spartan Stadium … but, where am I really … tell’em guys … (crowd yells) (THIS IS SPARTA) … now, throw me that pig skin big fella … Ouch … owe … ugh … uh-boy … are you sure you’re throwing it right? …… Continue reading Michigan State Spartan Stadium
Ringstar Physical Arts Studio
(585) 307-0402 3907 Varsity Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 www.a2ringstar.com/ Have you ever been to a movie and watched a really great fight scene or sword fight … or been to Cirque Du Soleil and thought to your self … acting is one thing … but, where’d they learn to do that ??? Well, I’ll tell you where they learned… Continue reading Ringstar Physical Arts Studio
U of M’s Museum of Natural History
734.764.0478 1109 Geddes Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079 www.lsa.umich.edu/ummnh/ You know … unfortunately, a lot of people avoid museums because they think they’re boring … cause they’re all about learning. Well, if you’ve got the right attitude … learning can be a lot of fun … and if you pick the right museum … it can be even more funner.… Continue reading U of M’s Museum of Natural History
Frita Batidos
(734) 761-2882 117 W. Washington, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.fritabatidos.com If you’re into flavors that explode in your mouth, this Island inspired eatery is your new favorite place. It’s cool … creative … casual … and has Cuba all over it. Eve Aronoff took the heart and soul of Cuban food … gave it a modern twist … and brought… Continue reading Frita Batidos
Big House, The - University of Michigan Stadium
530 State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 www.umich.edu Well, I couldn’t go to Ann Arbor without stopping by the Big-house, And I also couldn’t resist seeing if I still had it on the gridiron … I had it alright … just do me a favor, and don’t ask me what it is …cause I have absolutely no idea.
Grand Rapids Downtown Market
(616) 805-5308 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.downtownmarketgr.com Have you unfortunately acquired a taste for freezer burn … yea, me too … that’s why we both really need to change our lifestyle … and I’ve got a revolutionary ‘old’ idea for you that’ll help you eat fresh ‘and’ expand your horizons. Its called shopping local and buying… Continue reading Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Victor Ax + Tool Company
www.victoraxe.com You know … there’s a lot of old sayings out there I really love … don’t count your chicken before it’s cooked … fight fire with water … a bird in the hand is worth it’s weight in gold … but, the phrase “what’s old is new again” … well, I didn’t really understand what that meant … ‘til… Continue reading Victor Ax + Tool Company
Dwelling Place, The
(616) 454-0928 101 Sheldon Blvd SE #2, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.dwellingplacegr.org If you had a company that created great affordable spaces for all kinds of people to live and work right downtown, what would ‘you’ call it? I got an idea … how bout Dwelling Place … Denny Sturtevant is the CEO at Dwelling Place … and he’s the… Continue reading Dwelling Place, The
School House Grille
(810) 748-9551 2669 Columbine Rd Harsens Island, MI 48028 www.harsensislandschoolhousegrille.com So, we decided it was time to get educated on where to eat on the island … Now usually the thought of going back to school sends chills up my spine … but, this time … it kinda made me hungry. That’s because this little school house is actually a… Continue reading School House Grille
Harsens Island Historical Museum
3058 S. Channel Drive, Harsens Island, MI 48028 www.stewartfarm.org/hiscfhs/ If you really want to learn about a place … a great place to start … is back at the beginning. So, I stopped by the Harsens Island Historical Museum where Bernard Licata gave me a quick look back at the island. The Harsens Island Historical Museum really is a great… Continue reading Harsens Island Historical Museum
Champions Auto Ferry
(810) 748-3757 1700 N Channel Dr, Algonac, MI 48028-9559 www.michigan.org/property/harsens-island-champion-s-auto-ferry/ Now, if you want to drive to Harsens Island … there’s only one way you can do that….and that’s to drive onto Champions Auto Ferry. These workhorse ferry-boats run around the clock … and the ride is just a short five minutes across the north channel.
Jampot, The
6500, M-26, Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 societystjohn.com SESONAL BUSINESS!! CALL FOR HOURS. When it comes to Michigan jams and jellies .. I think I found Heaven on earth. That’s right … we’re at the Jampot .. a little bakery and jam shop on M26 just north of Eagle River. And, what makes this place so unique … well, these sweet… Continue reading Jampot, The
Mariner North Resort
(906) 289-4637 255 Gratiot St, Copper Harbor, MI 49918 www.manorth.com When we finally hit bottom … we made our way back to The Mariner North Resort to thanks Peg Cow’pee for putting us up for the night. She made sure we had everything we needed to recoup from a hard day on the mountain.
Keweenaw Adventure Company
(906) 289-4303 155 Gratiot Street Copper Harbor, MI 49918 www.keweenawadventure.com SEASONAL SPORT – CALL FOR HOURS AND CONDITIONS Sam Raymond owns the Keweenaw Adventure Company … and he discovered this adventure paradice a long time ago.
Copper Harbor Trails Club
PO Box 37 Copper Harbor, MI 49918 www.copperharbortrails.org Copper Harbor … and it’s as far north as you can go in Michigan … and not get wet. It’s a quiet little town nestled in one of the most beautiful places in Michigan. Copper Harbor sits at the northern edge of the Kewanaw Peninsula … and looks straight north into mighty… Continue reading Copper Harbor Trails Club
Black Rocks at Presque Isle Park
(906) 228-0460 Presque Isle Park Peter White Dr, Marquette, MI 49855 www.mqtcty.org/parks_presque_isle.html SEASONAL ACTIVITY. Remember when your mom used to say to ya … “If your friends all went and jumped off a cliff … would you jump too?” Well, I finally figures out the right response … HECK YA !! And that’s exactly what people of all ages do… Continue reading Black Rocks at Presque Isle Park
Lake Superior Photo - Shawn Malone
(906) 228-3686 211 S. Front St, Marquette, MI 49855 www.lakesuperiorphoto.com/ I’m sure you’ve heard the old expression … “nothing good happens after midnight” … well, you’re about to meet a person who doesn’t believe that at all. And that’s because here in Marquette … Shawn Malone does some of her best and most incredible photography in the wee hours for… Continue reading Lake Superior Photo – Shawn Malone
Kitch-iti-kipi Spring
(906) 341-2355 RT 2 Box 2500 Manistique, MI 49854 www.michigan.org/property/palms-brook-state-park/ Now, Florida has a natural spring called Weeki-Watchi … and it’s pretty cool … but Michigan’s got a cooler one called Kitch-iti-kipi. The Kitch-iti-kipi Spring is located just a few miles west of Manistique in the Palms Book State Park. And when it comes to Michigan’s natural wonders … I… Continue reading Kitch-iti-kipi Spring
Doop and the Inside Outlaws
Email: insideoutlaws@yahoo.com doopandtheinsideoutlaws.com/ Doop is one of those guys that you just cant help but like, he reinvented himself, is doing what he loves, and he’s making a living at it…and here in detroit its becoming easier and easier to find inspired and motivated people like him who are changing the landscape every day.
Dangerously Delicious Pies @ Third Street Bar
(313) 727-PIES 4626 3rd Street, Detroit, MI 48201 dangerouspiesdetroit.com/ Doop is the rock and roll pie guy … and when he’s not playing music he’s knockin’ out dangerously delicious gourmet pies for all to enjoy … just like his music. Doop set up shop inside The Third Street Bar just south of the Wayne State campus, and if you want… Continue reading Dangerously Delicious Pies @ Third Street Bar
Light Show Bob
If you’re a Detroit musician … you probably already know the legend of Lighshow Bob. And who’s Lightshow Bob … well, simply put, he’s the hardest working DIY lightman in the lightshow business. If anyone puts heart and soul into what they do … it’s this guy!
Dally in the Ally
4632 Second Ave., Detroit, MI 48201 www.dallyinthealley.com Dally in the Alley is an earthy, urban community festival that’s been going on in Detroit for over 35 years now. This home grown event is raw, real, and takes place the Saturday after Labor Day in the neighborhoods just south of the Wayne State University campus. You wouldn’t find any corporate sponsors… Continue reading Dally in the Ally
Shinola
(313) 285-2390 441 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201 www.shinola.com They took a classic name … set up in the classic Argonaut building … and are helping build a better Detroit, one Michigan manufactured product at a time. If you’re looking for quality … you don’t have to look far, because Shinola is right here in the Motor City.
Diner en Blanc
Phone: It’s a Secret Address: It’s a Secret Website: Still a Secret Facebook: Nope, it’s a secret You have to know someone who got invited to get invited to this event. Start asking your friends if they got invited…maybe you’ll get lucky. We had to do a teevee show to snag an invite.
La Becasse
(231) 334-3944 9001 S. Dunn’s Farm Rd., Maple City, MI 49664 www.restaurantlabecasse.com What do France, the West Indies and Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula all have in common? Guillaume Hazaël-Massieux is the owner and chef at La Becasse, an intimate restaurant in Maple City that serves what he likes to call authentic French country cuisine. Guillaume grew up in France eating the… Continue reading La Becasse
Boskydel Vineyards
(231) 256-7272 7501 E. Otto Rd., Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 www.boskydel.com The Leelanau Peninsula is known for its many wineries and vineyards, and more are opening all the time. But if you want to find Boskydel Vineyards, you’ve got to wander off the beaten path a bit. It’s not what you’d call fancy or shmancy, and you won’t find big… Continue reading Boskydel Vineyards
Martha’s Leelanau Table
(231) 271-2344 413 N. St. Joseph St., Suttons Bay, MI 49682 www.marthasleelanautable.com At Martha’s Leelanau Table they actually have a lot of tables, which is good because the way we eat on this show, we may need a couple. Martha Ryan took a classic little house right downtown and turned it into a place where everyone can enjoy her home… Continue reading Martha’s Leelanau Table
Secret Beach – North Bar Lake
1030 N. Bar Lake Rd., Empire, MI 49630 www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/northbarlake.htm Now, here’s a treat for ya—just north of Empire, on a lonely winding country road is a secret beach that only me and the locals know about. I’d tell you where it is, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy! When you get there, you walk down a long sandy path that… Continue reading Secret Beach – North Bar Lake
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate
(231) 326-3030 12020 S. Leelanau Hwy., Empire, MI 49630 www.cherryhutstore.com It’s kinda hard to say, but if you’re into chocolate, it’s real easy to love! It’s the funky green building that grabs your eyes, but when you go inside, it’s the aromas that’ll melt your mind. That’s because DC Hayden and Jody Dotson are making incredible, handcrafted, all natural chocolates.… Continue reading Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate
Cherry Hut, The
(231) 882-4431 211 N. Michigan Ave., Beulah, MI 49617 www.cherryhutstore.com When it comes to Michigan cherries, the Cherry Hut’s been doing it right since it started as a little road-side hut in 1922. It’s a landmark, a tradition and a big slice of Michigan history. And speaking of slices, the cherry pie there is what they’re famous for. It’s simple,… Continue reading Cherry Hut, The
Wilderness State Park
(231) 526-1272 or (231) 526-0276 1129 N. Lake Shore Dr., Good Hart, MI 49740 What’s worth giving up electricity, running water and a bathroom for? Wilderness State Park, that’s what! You heard right—the UTR crew spent the night in a rustic cabin—and we didn’t even mind, because we got to experience one of Michigan’s most beautiful places to connect with… Continue reading Wilderness State Park
Northern Crepes
(231) 526-1272 or (231) 526-0276 1129 N. Lake Shore Dr., Good Hart, MI 49740 www.primitiveimages.com/northern-crepes Now, a while back, I mentioned something about finding something tasty to eat… and that’s where Ceci’s brother Matt Bauer and his Northern Crepe Cart comes in. Matt took a French classic, filled it with fresh Michigan ingredients and brought it all the way to… Continue reading Northern Crepes
Primitive Images
(231) 526-0276 1129 N. Lakeshore, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 www.primitiveimages.com First we stopped by Ceci Bauer’s Primitive Images. It’s a little log cabin that offers unique antique and rustic furniture as well as creative goods such as hand-crafted wooden bears, hand-loomed rugs and beautifully made jewelry. We had a great conversation with Ceci and managed to browse our way into… Continue reading Primitive Images
Dam Site Inn, The
(231) 539-8851 6705 Woodland Rd., Brutus, MI 49716 www.damsiteinn.com About twenty miles south on U.S.-31 in the town of Brutus is a place called The Dam Site Inn, and not only do they claim to serve the best chicken on the world (and have a haunted table), they just might have one of the coolest retro bars in the world,… Continue reading Dam Site Inn, The
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
(231) 436-4100 9001 U.S. 23, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 www.mackinacparks.com/historic-mill-creek-discovery-park If you like Michigan history, nature and adventure, you’ll love the Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. It’s just five minutes east of the Mackinac Bridge on scenic U.S. 23, and it’s a great family place where you can learn about Michigan’s past, its wildlife and a whole lot more. Jeff… Continue reading Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Rosa’s Squeeze Inn
(989) 734-2991 16454 U.S. 23, Millersburg, MI 49759 In search of that hot meal, we found a restaurant that’s so nice, it’s two, two, two restaurants in one! Just eight miles farther north on U.S. 23 in the town of Millersburg, we found a restaurant that’s The Chuck Wagon by day and Rosa’s Squeeze Inn by night. The Chuck Wagon… Continue reading Rosa’s Squeeze Inn
Manitou Shores Resort
(989) 734-7233 7995 U.S. 23 N., Rogers City, MI 49779 www.manitoushores.com Just seven miles north of Rogers City we found a place that was so relaxing, it lowered our collective blood pressure the moment we pulled in. If you’re looking for laid back log cabin luxury, Manitou Shores Resort is the place to kick back and unwind. It’s quiet and… Continue reading Manitou Shores Resort
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
(734) 692-7608 www.fws.gov/refuge/detroit_river If you’re the kind of person who likes the wild life, Detroit’s Downriver area is actually the perfect place to be. That’s because it’s home to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge… nearly six thousand acres of islands and coastal wetlands that stretch forty-eight miles along the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie shoreline. This former industrial… Continue reading Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Speedcult
(734) 753-5630 www.speedcult.com Now, time for a totally different kind of wild life. Time for a little Speedcult in New Boston. And what exactly is Speedcult? Speedcult is Len Puch and his wonderfully insane crew of creative metal fabricators. These guys can take any piece of metal and turn it into a great way to soup up your ride, your… Continue reading Speedcult
TV’s Deli-Diner
(734) 671-9005 2441 Fort St., Trenton, MI 48183 www.tvsdelidiner.com In 1995 Tracey and Victor Stroia joined their food forces and opened TV’s Deli-Diner. It’s a cool and casual eatery in Trenton that takes diner food to a whole new level. They’ll surprise you with their unique flavor combinations and inventive creations. They also understand the concept of “generous portions.” When… Continue reading TV’s Deli-Diner
Maybury Farm
(248) 374-0200 50165 Eight Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48167 www.mayburyfarm.org When was the last time you were down on the farm… or up on the farm, for that matter? Well, it really doesn’t matter, because what does matter is that you get yourself down to Maybury Farm in Northville. It’s a great place for fun, families and hobnobbing with all… Continue reading Maybury Farm
Preservation Dental
(248) 348-1313 371 E. Main St., Northville, MI 48167 www.preservationdental.com Usually when you head to the dentist, it’s not a particularly happy occasion. But this time, I was absolutely thrilled to be going. That’s because Dr. Bill Demray is so much more than a dentist in Northville. He’s a big personality with an even bigger heart who genuinely cares about… Continue reading Preservation Dental
Genitti’s Hole in the Wall
(248) 349-0522 108 E. Main St., Northville, MI 48167 www.genittis.com Now, speaking of great places to eat, let’s get back to that whole two minutes from Italy thing. If you’ve got a special event coming up and you want to celebrate it with great food, passion, entertainment and a lotta red sauce (you know… like the Italians do) make plans… Continue reading Genitti’s Hole in the Wall
Hamtown Farms
9100 Lumpkin St., Hamtramck, MI 48212 www.hamtownfarms.com Hamtown Farms is an actual urban farm that sits right next to Kowalski Sausage in the heart of Hamtramck. They grow fresh food there, but they also do a lot more for the people who love to live there. Michael Davis is the urban visionary who started the farm, and he, Julie Swartz… Continue reading Hamtown Farms
1917 American Bistro
(313) 863-1917 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, MI 48076 www.1917americanbistro.com Next time you’re in Detroit and you’re in the mood for an American bistro with European flair and a soul-food foundation, have we got a place for you. The 1917 American Bistro is a Detroit eatery that’s sophisticated, casual, funky and a lotta fun to go to. And it’s all wrapped… Continue reading 1917 American Bistro
Redford Theater
(313) 537-2560 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit, MI 48219 www.redfordtheatre.com So many people told us that we just had to visit the iconic Redford Theater in Detroit that we did just that. And are we glad we did. Describing the theater is easy… I just use the phrase, “Holy Cow, what an incredible place.” It’s a true Detroit treasure that’s been… Continue reading Redford Theater
Greening of Detroit, The
(313) 237-8733 1418 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48216 www.greeningofdetroit.com If you want to live somewhere that has a great sense of place, you really need green spaces to make you feel alive. And that’s why The Greening of Detroit is so important to the rebirth of this great city. The Greening of Detroit is more than just a philosophy; it’s… Continue reading Greening of Detroit, The
Komodo Kitchen
Location varies www.komodokitchen.com The Komodo Kitchen is what they call a pop-up restaurant and it features the incredible tastes of Indonesia. Now, the great thing about this concept is you never know where they’ll be next. And if you’re lucky enough to get in, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. This cool culinary collaboration is the brainchild of April… Continue reading Komodo Kitchen
Frankenmuth Dog Bowl
(800) 600-0105 www.dogfunfest.com Usually in Frankenmuth, beer and chicken are man’s best friends… but not the weekend we were there. That’s because that weekend Frankenmuth went to the dogs. It was the seventh annual Dog Bowl, and it’s the nation’s largest Olympics-style event for dogs. Every Memorial Day weekend thousands of humans from across the globe bring their best furry… Continue reading Frankenmuth Dog Bowl
Sweet Sandy B’s Bake Shop
Permanently Closed It’s always sad when we find out that a business we featured on the show has closed. It’s like we lost a friend. Please remember that while UTR episodes are timeless, the people, places and things are not. Some of the many places we feature on this website may have changed, moved or simply ceased to be. We… Continue reading Sweet Sandy B’s Bake Shop
Turkey Roost
(989) 684-5200 2273 S. Huron Rd., Kawkawlin, MI 48631 www.turkeyroostrestaurant.com Imagine if you could eat Thanksgiving dinner any and every day you wanted to. No questions asked—except maybe what side you wanted with it. Well, stop imagining because at The Turkey Roost Restaurant, you can… and we did! This little pink building in Kawkawlin, Michigan is a landmark for people… Continue reading Turkey Roost
Johnny Panther Quest Eco-tours
(810) 653-3859 8065 E. Coldwater Rd., Davison, MI 48423 www.jpqat.com If you’ve always wanted to go exploring through the Everglades… guess what? You don’t have to go all the way to Florida to do it, because we’ve got everglades right in the heart of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Johnny Panther Quest Eco-tours takes you on natural adventures throughout Michigan’s wild-water back… Continue reading Johnny Panther Quest Eco-tours
Water Street Glassworks
(269) 925-5555 140 Water St., Benton Harbor, MI 49022 www.waterstreetglassworks.org So, how do you teach teenagers teamwork, focus, patience and trust? Well in Benton Harbor, they’re doing it with fire and ice. Water Street Glassworks is a very unique educational and exhibit space that offers an award-winning after school program called “Fired Up.” This program gives teens the skills they… Continue reading Water Street Glassworks
Gilmore Car Museum, The
(269) 671-5089 6865 Hickory Rd., Hickory Corners, MI 49060 www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org If I told you that one of the most incredible car museums you’ll ever go to isn’t in the Motor City, what would you say? If you said it was in Hickory Corners, you’d be absolutely right. And I’d say… how the heck did you know that? Hickory Corners is… Continue reading Gilmore Car Museum, The
Herman Miller
888-443-4357 Zeeland, MI 49464 www.hermanmiller.com How did a furniture company in West Michigan become one of the most innovative designers and manufacturers in the entire world? Just ask Herman Miller. If you thought Herman Miller just made chairs… well, yeah they do… but they’ve also helped pioneer the way we work and live for over a hundred years now. When… Continue reading Herman Miller
Bell’s Brewery
(269) 382-2338 8690 Krum Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49053 www.bellsbeer.com They were Michigan’s first microbrewery and one of the oldest craft beers east of the Rockies… ring a bell? I thought so. If you guessed Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, you probably already know that Michigan is one of the microbrew hotbeds in the entire USA. There are now more breweries here… Continue reading Bell’s Brewery
Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex, Muskegon State Park
(877) 879-5843 462 Scenic Dr., Muskegon, MI 49445 www.msports.org Some people consider themselves winners, which is cool… but me? I call myself a luger. That’s right, I’m a luger and proud of it. Why? Because luging is one of the most funnest things you can do in the winter. And believe it or not, you can do it right here… Continue reading Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex, Muskegon State Park
Great Lakes Pub Cruiser, The
(616) 319-1199 www.greatlakespubcruiser.com What do you get when you combine people, pubs and peddling? You get a portable party that’s plenty of fun! The Great Lakes Pub Cruiser is like nothing we had ever seen before, and if you’re looking for a powerful good time, this one’s powered by people and pub juice. You read right, The Great Lake Pub… Continue reading Great Lakes Pub Cruiser, The
Dwelling Place
(616) 454-0928 101 Sheldon Blvd., Ste. 2, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.dwellingplacegr.org If you had a company that created great affordable spaces for all kinds of people to live and work right downtown, what would you call it? I’ve got an idea. How about Dwelling Place? For over thirty years, Dwelling Place has been making a difference in the communities… Continue reading Dwelling Place
Anna’s House
(616) 361-8500 3874 Plainfield, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 www.annashousegr.com If you want breakfast, you could come over to my house (not recommended), but if you want a really good breakfast, you should probably go to Anna’s House. You won’t find an actual Anna at Anna’s House restaurant, but what you will find are some of the most inventive and downright… Continue reading Anna’s House
People’s Cider Company, The
(616) 322-7805 P.O. Box 6005, Grand Rapids, MI 49516 www.thepeoplescider.com Let me ask you something. What’s the most fun thing you can make with apples? If you said apple pie, you might want to read the next few paragraphs. Jason Lummen is the CEO, staff and chief bottle washer at The People’s Cider Company, a brand new business in Grand… Continue reading People’s Cider Company, The
Kids’ Food Basket
(616) 235-4532 2055 Oak Industrial Dr., Grand Rapids, MI 49505 www.kidsfoodbasket.org What kind of people would work hard for hours every day to help feed hungry kids? I’ll tell ya what kind of people. My kind of people! No matter where you live in the world, it seems there are always hungry kids not too far away. But thanks to… Continue reading Kids’ Food Basket
City Flats Hotel
(616) 608-1720 83 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.cityflatshotel.com/grandrapids This time in Grand Rapids, we dropped anchor at a place called City Flats. It’s an ultra modern, extremely progressive and very green boutique hotel that’s right in the heart of the city. Believe me, you’ll look cool just walking into this place. If you’re looking for an… Continue reading City Flats Hotel
Milford House Bar & Grill
(248) 684-2226 113 E. Commerce, Milford, MI 48381 www.themilfordhouse.com Every community needs a gathering place, and if that gathering place happens to be a restaurant that serves homemade food—bonus! Three generations of the Sinacola family have worked hard to turn The Milford House into the “go-to” place for comfort food, comfortable surroundings and a place where the locals connect. Perry… Continue reading Milford House Bar & Grill
Your Nesting Place
(248) 685-7314 332 N. Main St., Milford, MI 48381 www.yournestingplace.com If you’re looking for a place that’s got cool stuff for your place, don’t worry, we found just the place. If you’re into funky, cool, eclectic, reclaimed and creative interiors, place this place on your list. It’s called Your Nesting Place and owner Chris Meredith is helping put personality back… Continue reading Your Nesting Place
Colasanti’s Market
(248) 887-0012 468 S. Milford Rd., Highland, MI 48357 www.colasantis.com One walk through Colasanti’s Market and you’ll wish you lived right down the street. It’s old-world wonderful and goes way beyond just being a market. Ken Snook visited years ago as a butcher and loved the place so much, he bought it. His love for tradition and attention to detail… Continue reading Colasanti’s Market
Old Dog Tavern, The
(269) 381-5677 402 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 www.olddogtavern.com Now, first things first. If you want to meet up with a great bartender, you gotta start with a great bar, so we headed on over to The Old Dog Tavern. The Old Dog is one of those places that no matter how much you drink, you’ll never forget it.… Continue reading Old Dog Tavern, The
Food Dance
(269) 382-1888 401 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 www.fooddance.net Well, I’d heard of the moon dance, the victory dance and even the enchanting Under the Sea dance… but “Food Dance”… now that’s one I was willing to learn! Don’t worry guys, this segment’s not about dancing, because Food Dance is actually a restaurant. That’s right, we went there to… Continue reading Food Dance
Rickman House, The
(269) 903-2885 345 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 www.medallionmgmt.com/propertyindex.aspx What do you call it when you beautify a city, preserve history and give people with special needs a wonderful new place to live? In Kalamazoo they call it The Rickman House. Let’s face it, some folks in our world just need a little extra help, and at The Rickman… Continue reading Rickman House, The
Detroit Zoo, The
Next we went to The Detroit Zoo to see an exhibit I had heard about and always wanted to see. I’m telling you right now, this exhibit is so incredible that whether you’re six or 106, you’ll BEARLY be able to contain yourself. It’s called the Arctic Ring of Life, and it’s North America’s largest polar bear exhibit. What’s also… Continue reading Detroit Zoo, The
Tollgate Farm
(248) 347-0269 28115 Meadowbrook Rd., Novi, MI 48377 www.ExperienceTollgate.com Finally, a chance for me to feature something that’s even sappier than I am! You read right, I said sap, and if you’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to make real maple syrup, Tollgate Farm and Educational Center in Novi is the place to go. They know everything there… Continue reading Tollgate Farm
Wurst Bar, The
(734) 485-6720 705 W. Cross, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 www.wurstbarypsi.com Since you’re so used to us telling you about some of the “best” places in Michigan, I thought we’d tell you about The Wurst Bar in Ypsilanti—for real! It’s the Wurst Bar alright, and it’s a funky, cool watering hole and artisan sausage eatery that’s attracting foodies from all over Michigan.… Continue reading Wurst Bar, The
Ernie’s Market
(248) 541-9703 8500 Capital St., Oak Park, MI 48237 Next, we went to Oak Park to meet a guy I guarantee you will love, or my name ain’t Baby. When you walk into Ernie’s Market, you can’t help but feel the love, because for decades Ernie’s been at the heart of this neighborhood, and for good reason: he fills your… Continue reading Ernie’s Market
Lafayette Place Lofts
(248) 758-9925 151 Lafayette St., Pontiac, MI 48342 www.lafayetteplacelofts.com If you can take something old and use it to help make an entire city new again, you’re doing something right in my book. And that’s exactly what they did when they opened Lafayette Place Lofts in Downtown Pontiac. They took an old building and turned it into cool, multi-use urban… Continue reading Lafayette Place Lofts
Rosy’s Diner
(906) 786-1983 1313 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829 The next morning we started the long journey home, but not before stopping at Rosy’s Diner. It’s Escanaba’s go-to place for a quick breakfast or lunch, and Rosy is a genuine character who makes you feel right at home. If you like a pound of opinion and a side of good humor… Continue reading Rosy’s Diner
Stonehouse, The
(906) 786-5003 2223 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829 www.StonehouseEscanaba.com They say if you want a great meal in Escanaba, you have to hear these words first: “You came to the right place.” And where you’ll hear them the most is at The Stonehouse. It’s no secret why this place is called The Stonehouse; it’s a house that’s made of stone.… Continue reading Stonehouse, The
House of Ludington, The
(906) 786-6300 223 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829 www.houseofludington.com The House of Ludington is a landmark that’s been a part of Escanaba’s landscape for well over a century. This historic inn has hosted royalty, celebrities and dignitaries dating way back to the middle 1800s. Suzelle Eisenberger and her husband Ed now own the inn and are lovingly (and single handedly)… Continue reading House of Ludington, The
Swedish Pantry, The
(906) 786-9606 819 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829 www.swedishpantry.com I’ve always dreamed of a place where I could get a decorative violin, a stuffed monkey, a vintage cuckoo clock, a ceramic duck, oh, and the best Swedish food in town. Well, at The Swedish Pantry, I finally found it. This wonderfully wacky place is one of the most eclectic restaurants… Continue reading Swedish Pantry, The
Sayklly’s Candies
(906) 786-1524 1304 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829 www.UPcandy.com While we were in Escanaba, we also had the chance to visit a place that’s been making candy longer than Willy Wonka. Mike Kobasic and his family have been making great candy at Sayklly’s since before there was TV, household refrigerators and even me. In 1906, Joseph Sayklly, a young Lebanese… Continue reading Sayklly’s Candies
Lofts on Ludington, The
(906) 420-3152 1615 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829 www.loftsonludington.com The Lofts on Ludington is an old building that’s been made new again to create multi-use space that’s helping attract a new business and energy downtown. The building features unique apartments and great new businesses. Matt Sviland and his wife Beth had a dream to convert this classic structure, and thanks… Continue reading Lofts on Ludington, The
Maple Grill, The
(989) 233-2895 13105 Gratiot Rd., Hemlock, MI 48626 www.themaplegrille.net You know, most restaurants bring food “into” their kitchen to cook for you. Well, here’s a guy who took his kitchen outside to where the food is. It’s called The Maple Grille, and it’s a modern twist on the way things were done way back when. No freezers, no microwaves and… Continue reading Maple Grill, The
Frank’s Eastside Tavern
(586) 463-4223 129 Avery, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 www.frankseastsidetavern.com If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep your friends close and your beer even closer, we’ve got just the place for you! Frank’s Eastside Tavern is unusual because it’s a real, legal and fully functioning tavern that’s in Frank’s house. You read right; it’s in his house. Actually,… Continue reading Frank’s Eastside Tavern
Weirdsville Records
(586) 431-0035 61 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 www.weirdsvillerecords.com Let me ask you something. Are you weird? Yep, me too. That’s why Weirdsville Records is the perfect place for people like us to hang out. Even if you’re not weird, you will be when you leave this place. It’s a wonderfully strange collection of vinyl records, books, art, toys,… Continue reading Weirdsville Records
Folgarelli’s Market
(231) 941-7651 424 W. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684 www.folgarellis.net Every time we come to Traverse City, we always stop by Folgarelli’s Market for a great sandwich, so we figured it was about time we actually featured them on the show. Even though the sandwiches there are so good you’ll miss them when they’re gone, Folgarelli’s is much more… Continue reading Folgarelli’s Market
Cooks’ House, The
(231) 946-8700 115 Wellington St., Traverse City, MI 49686 www.thecookshouse.net Have you ever had a meal that was so good, you felt like you literally went to a cook’s house for dinner? Well, guess what? We did! That’s because it’s a restaurant called The Cooks’ House, and not only is it actually in a house, this funky restaurant is serving… Continue reading Cooks’ House, The
Einstein Cycles
(231) 421-8148 1990 U.S. 31 N., Traverse City, MI 49686 www.einsteincycles.com We were dying to give these bikes a try, so we met up with Jason Lowetz at Einstein Cycles. Jason rents them, sells them and knows all the best places in and around Traverse City to ride them. Jason suggested a great system of trails not far from his… Continue reading Einstein Cycles
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
(800) 236-1577 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd., Acme, MI 49610 www.GrandTraverseResort.com When we got to town, we dropped anchor at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Why? Because you know what they say, when you’re in a nice place, it’s nice to stay at a place that’s nice. And, this place is nice! The resort has more than nine hundred… Continue reading Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Craig Fahle Show, The
(313) 577-1019 www.craigfahleshow.com If you really want to know about what’s happening in and around Detroit, one of the best places to tune into is The Craig Fahle Show on Wayne State University’s Public radio station, WDET. With a bit of an invitation, we invaded his studio to find out a little bit more about the man behind the microphone.… Continue reading Craig Fahle Show, The
Green Dot Stables
(313) 962-5588 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48216 www.greendotstables.com I was told that if you want a really good gourmet slider hamburger at a great price, you need to go to Green Dot Stables in Detroit. Now if something seems very wrong with that statement, believe me, once you go there, it will all seem very right. That’s because there… Continue reading Green Dot Stables
Groovebox Studios
(313) 444-8980 1604 Clay Ave., Detroit, MI 48221 www.grooveboxstudios.com If you’re an aspiring musician or band and you’re looking for a box to put your groove in, have we got a place for you. Groovebox Studios is in the heart of Detroit’s rustic Russell Industrial Center, and it’s a place that helps artists from all over get their careers off… Continue reading Groovebox Studios
Detroit Design Center, The
(313) 330-2259 6100 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48210 www.detroitdesigncenter.com If you’re a fan of art that has both form and function, I’ve got a couple of heavy metal dudes you just have to meet. Eric Nordin and his brother Isreal are brothers bound by birth, business and their never-ending mission to create some of the coolest and most unique heavy… Continue reading Detroit Design Center, The
Tashmoo Biergarten
1416 Van Dyke, Detroit, MI 48226 www.tashmoodetroit.com Have you ever been walking down the street and a beer garden just spontaneously popped up? Well, it happened to us, and we loved it. There’s a lot of things you could call this spontaneous celebration, but in Detroit’s West Village they call it Tashmoo. It’s a pop-up beer garden that happens a… Continue reading Tashmoo Biergarten
Historic Prison Tours of Jackson
(517) 817-8960 100 Armory Ct., Jackson, MI 49202 www.historicprisontours.com Most normal people try to stay out of prison, but then again, I never claimed to be normal. The best way to go to prison, so to speak, and learn about Michigan’s fascinating prison history is to take the Jackson Historic Prison Tour. The tour is absolutely fascinating and will take… Continue reading Historic Prison Tours of Jackson
West Texas Barbeque Company
(517) 784-0510 2190 Brooklyn Rd., Jackson, MI 49203 www.westexbbq.com If you’re familiar with West Texas style barbeque, you know that it means no frills, down home, real deal barbeque, and that’s exactly what West Texas Barbeque Company is. Dan Huntoon and his son Justin make magic at this place, and quite simply, these meat men are the men to meet.… Continue reading West Texas Barbeque Company
Jackson Union Rail Station
(800) 872-7245 501 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201 www.greatamericanstations.com Driving there is easy enough, but there’s a great reason to take the train. Jackson Union Station will take you back to a time when your choice was either the train or some sort of four-legged land mammal. It’s a classic structure that will take your mind way back in… Continue reading Jackson Union Rail Station
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
(906) 847-3325 7278 Main St., Mackinac Island, MI 49757 www.mict.com If you’ve watched our show, you know that I like to horse around, and there’s no better place for horseplay or work than Mackinac Island. The horses there literally make the island run, and other than bicycles, they’re the only form of transportation on the island during the tourist season.… Continue reading Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Doud’s Market
(906) 847-3444 7200 Main St., Mackinac Island, MI 49757 www.doudsmarket.com We were staying on the island for a couple days, so the next stop was for provisions, and for that we went to America’s oldest family-owned grocery store, Doud’s Market. It’s right on Main Street, and they’ve got everything your appetite needs for an island stay. The market has been… Continue reading Doud’s Market
Cottage Inn, The
(906) 847-4000 7267 Market St., Mackinac Island, MI 49757 www.cottageinnofmackinac.com Now, if you’re looking to come up and experience a real Mackinac Island Winter, remember, not all hotels and bed and breakfasts are open, so do your research. We stayed at The Cottage Inn. It’s right in town, and Innkeeper Rich Lind will make sure you stay warm, fed… and… Continue reading Cottage Inn, The
Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar
www.mackinacisland.org/event/mackinac-island-christmas-bazaar We were lucky enough to be on the island during the Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar. It’s the islanders’ big Christmas celebration that happens every year in early December. The entire island shows up at the old town hall to sell handmade crafts, eat good food and auction off unique island items, and it’s all to raise money for the… Continue reading Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar
Legs Inn
(231) 526-2281 6425 N. Lake Shore Dr., Cross Village, MI 49723 www.legsinn.com If you’re just like me and you’ve heard of Legs Inn your whole life and never been there, well, you’re just like me. But now that I’ve been there, we’re just a little bit different. The historic Legs Inn is literally like something you’d see in a fairy… Continue reading Legs Inn
Tunnel of Trees
M-119, Harbor Springs, MI 49737 The Tunnel of Trees is a beautiful twenty-mile stretch of road on M-119 that takes you from Harbor Springs north to historic Cross Village. And even though the road’s covered by a thick canopy of trees, you occasionally get these breathtaking views from high atop cliffs that overlook Lake Michigan. It’s a uniquely Michigan experience… Continue reading Tunnel of Trees
Tom’s Mom’s Cookies
(231) 526-6606 267 S. Spring St., Harbor Springs, MI 49740 www.tomsmomscookies.com You know, my mom used to make cookies for me all the time, and they were pretty good, but I don’t remember her having a store in Harbor Springs…Tom’s Mom’s Cookies are award-winning homemade cookies that are baked right in a cute little house in Harbor Springs and shipped… Continue reading Tom’s Mom’s Cookies
Turkey’s Café & Pizzeria
(231) 526-6041 250 E. Main St., Harbor Springs, MI 49740 www.turkeyscafeandpizzeria.com If you like pizza topped with history, community and special sauce, you’re gonna love Turkey’s. Even though Turkey’s Café is known for their excellent pizza, they also serve a ton of other great edibles. It’s where the locals go to connect and share good food. Turkey’s is also known… Continue reading Turkey’s Café & Pizzeria
Common Grill, The
(734) 475-0470 112 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118 www.commongrill.com If you’re looking for an uncommon dining experience, The Common Grill in downtown Chelsea is the place to get it. It’s an award-winning eatery where all the dishes are so well thought out, all you have to do is think about which one you want to eat. Award-winning Chef Greg… Continue reading Common Grill, The
Ugly Dog Distillery
(734) 433-0433 14495 N. Territorial, Chelsea, MI 48118 www.uglydogvodka.com If you’re the kind of person who occasionally needs a little hair of the dog, have I got a vodka for you! Ruger, a German shorthaired pointer, is the inspiration and namesake for Ugly Dog Vodka, an award-winning spirit that’s made right in Chelsea. Now, even though Ruger helps out quite… Continue reading Ugly Dog Distillery
Jiffy Mix / Chelsea Milling Company
(734) 475-1361 201 W. North St., Chelsea, MI 48118 www.jiffymix.com What do you get when you mix flour, eggs, sugar and salt? Another great Michigan company, that’s what. The Chelsea Milling Company is a true American icon, and I honestly had no idea that the Jiffy Mix our entire country grew up on was made right in the heart of… Continue reading Jiffy Mix / Chelsea Milling Company
Greene’s Hamburgers
(248) 474-7980 24155 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington, MI 48336 www.batesburgers.com Well, we finally reached the last stop in our slider fun fest. At Greene’s Hamburgers they’re serving up what they like to call “The All-American Slider,” and since I’m an all-American kind of TV show host, I thought I’d give ’em a try. These little burgers are the slider pride… Continue reading Greene’s Hamburgers
Bates Hamburgers
(734) 427-3464 33406 Five Mile, Livonia, MI 48154 www.batesburgers.com If you live, work or play in Southeast Michigan, you’ve probably driven by Bates Hamburgers about eleventy billion times. And guess what? That’s almost the exact number of sliders they’ve served. Bates is a Livonia tradition and a family tradition for owner Laurie Johnston. Her grandfather started it in 1955, and… Continue reading Bates Hamburgers
Airtime Trampoline Park
(248) 918-0909 662 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48083 www.airtimetrampoline.com Life is full of ups and down, especially at Airtime Trampoline Park in Troy. Airtime is the perfect name for this place, because in the air is where you’re gonna spend most of your time. It’s an all-ages trampoline park that just might be the most fun you’ll have,… Continue reading Airtime Trampoline Park
Motz’s Hamburgers
(313) 843-9186 7208 W. Fort St., Detroit, MI 48209 www.motzs.com If you’ve got a hunger for some slider history, this is the place for you. Motz’s is one of the oldest continuously operated family-owned burger joints in the entire U.S. It’s where sliders started for a lot of us in Detroit. Motz’s Burgers are so revered, they even inspired a… Continue reading Motz’s Hamburgers
Voodoo Choppers
(248) 299-8200 2720 Auburn Rd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326 www.voodoochoppers.com You’re gonna find this hard to believe, but I believe in Voodoo. Voodoo Choppers that is! Voodoo Choppers in Auburn Hills is where people from around the world come when they want a one-of-a-kind, custom-built chopper, and Eric Gorges is the man they see to make it happen. He combines… Continue reading Voodoo Choppers
Hunter House Burgers
(248) 646-7121 35075 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, MI 48009 www.hunterhousehamburgers.com If you’re cruising down Woodward Avenue in Birmingham and you suddenly smell the seductive scent of sliders, it’s not your imagination. You’re passing the legendary Hunter House. For sixty years, this iconic burger bungalow has served up classic sliders for all to enjoy. Susan Cobb’s family has kept Hunter House humming… Continue reading Hunter House Burgers
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
(248) 626-5020 31005 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334 www.marvin3m.com Next we hit a place in Farmington Hills you simply have to experience to believe. It’s called Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum, and if you think the name is crazy, wait until you see what’s inside. When it comes to describing Marvin’s, I don’t even know where to begin. It’s… Continue reading Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Telway Hamburgers
(248) 545-7962 27000 John R Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071 The first of the five classic slider diners we visited was the iconic Telway. This little white tile monument has been a landmark in Madison Heights for over half a century. Owner Allen Owen’s dad opened the Telway in 1944, so Allen literally grew up in this place. I asked… Continue reading Telway Hamburgers
Smokin’ Mad Love
(616) 795-2642 5 N. 7th St., Grand Haven, MI 49417 www.smokinmadlove.com Let me ask you something. Are you bored with your present life? Well, if you are, you won’t be bored for long once you try a long board. Smokin’ Mad Love is owned by Blair Butterworth and her husband Jon Butler, and their energy and ideas are putting Grand… Continue reading Smokin’ Mad Love
Fortino’s Italian Market
(616) 842-0880 114 Washington St., Grand Haven, MI 49417 www.fortinos-gourmet.com If you’re not Italian, even if you’ve never been to Italy, you’ll love Fortino’s in downtown Grand Haven. This classic little food store offers authentic old world shopping just like they do back in the old country. For four generations Margaret Michlitsch and her family have been serving up a… Continue reading Fortino’s Italian Market
Fab Magic Company, The
(269) 432-4017 212 E. State St., Colon, MI 49040 www.fabmagic.com The town was full of festival goers and magicians doing street magic. Our first stop was at The Fab Magic Company, where owner Rick Fisher gave us a few lessons in the art of illusion. Rick is a great guy, and when it comes to magic, he knows every trick… Continue reading Fab Magic Company, The
American Museum of Magic, The
(269) 781-7570 107 E. Michigan Ave., P.O. Box 5, Marshall, MI 49068 www.americanmuseumofmagic.org Now if you’ve watched our show, you know that we do a lot of TV magic. So I thought it would be cool if we actually went and saw some. If you’re into magic, history or you just want an incredibly cool place to hang out for… Continue reading American Museum of Magic, The
Schuler’s
(269) 781-0600 115 S. Eagle St., Marshall, MI 49068 www.schulersrestaurant.com In the restaurant business, they say you’re only as good as your last meal. Well at Schuler’s, they’ve been saying it right here in Michigan for over one hundred years. And from what people told us, they haven’t been wrong yet. When it comes to fine restaurants, Schuler’s is an… Continue reading Schuler’s
Marshall Carriage Company, The
(269) 781-8818 203 W. Michigan Ave., Marshall, MI 49068 www.Marshallcarriageco.com The Marshall Carriage Company is a great way to see town, and Karen Hagerty from the Chamber of Commerce was the perfect person to have as our guide. Karen said it best when she described Marshall as “Norman Rockwell in a nutshell.” The beautiful downtown is filled with incredibly cool… Continue reading Marshall Carriage Company, The
Shari at the Willard Hillton
(989) 662-6621 1506 W. Beaver Rd., Auburn, MI 48611 www.Shariatthewillardhillton.com Now, if you like restaurants that are scary good, have we got a place for you. It may be a ways out of town, but once you make the drive, believe me, you’ll make it again. It’s a genuine gourmet restaurant in the middle of nowhere called Shari at the… Continue reading Shari at the Willard Hillton
Alden B. Dow Home & Studio
(866) 315-7678 315 Post St., Midland, MI 48640 www.abdow.org If you’re a fan of modern American architecture, the Alden B. Dow Home & Studio is a must, must see. It’s twenty thousand square feet of fascinating form and function. Alden B. Dow was one of the most renowned and influential architects of the twentieth century, and this incredible structure was… Continue reading Alden B. Dow Home & Studio
Charles W. Howard Santa School
(989) 631-0587 2408 Pinehurst Ct., Midland, MI 48640 www.SantaClausSchool.com Even though our show is about Michigan, in Midland, I got to go to the North Pole and meet Santa. Actually, to be more accurate, I met about two hundred of them. The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School is the world’s oldest institution completely dedicated to the art of being… Continue reading Charles W. Howard Santa School
Parott’s Landing Dune Rides
(231) 873-8400 8110 W. Hazel, Mears, MI 494236 www.parrotslanding.com Well, before we left we had to take one last look the dunes. Jimmy Anderson from Parrot’s Landing took us out for a wild ride, and we had the time of our lives. If you’re into off-roading in the sand, this is totally the place to do it. Sure, you’ll get… Continue reading Parott’s Landing Dune Rides
Country Dairy
(231) 861-4636 ext. 118 3476 80th Ave., New Era, MI 49446 www.countrydairy.com Remember when your parents used to tell you to stop having a cow? Well, if you get into the dairy businesses, you can have all the cows you want. Country Dairy is a first class dairy farm just outside Silver Lake, and it’s all things cow. They make… Continue reading Country Dairy
Hansen Foods
(231) 873-2826 3750 W. Polk Rd., Hart, MI 49420 www.hansenfoodshart.com We heard a strange tale about an awesome specialty grocery store called Hansen Foods in a cool little town called Hart. The owner of this store was said to be a sausage making mad-man, and people told us that if you ask him nicely, he’ll even cook up the sausage… Continue reading Hansen Foods
Mac Wood’s Sand Dunes
(231) 873-2817 629 N. 18th Ave., Mears, MI 49436 www.macwoodsdunerides.com The first thing we wanted to do was get a lay of the “sand,” as it were, so we headed over to Mac Wood’s Dune Rides. This is a great way to see some of the coolest dunes this side of the moon. The Wood family’s been doing these rides… Continue reading Mac Wood’s Sand Dunes
Detroit Soup
www.detroitsoup.com In a lot of places, $5 will get you a bowl of soup and a salad. Not a bad deal. But at Detroit Soup, it gets you involved in your neighborhood and your city. Detroit Soup is a monthly gathering that raises money to fund community-oriented projects. It’s kind of like a fun and funky dinner party where you… Continue reading Detroit Soup
Alley Project, The
(313) 598-2050 9233 Avis, Detroit, MI 48209 www.youngnation.us Food isn’t the only thing that brings people together. There’s also culture, community and art. Eric Howard is the founding father of Southwest Detroit’s Alley Project, a living, breathing outdoor art environment that’s smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood. He grew up in this neighborhood, saw a need and started… Continue reading Alley Project, The
El Barzon
(313) 894-2070 3710 Junction, Detroit, MI 48210 www.elbarzonrestaurante.com With foods from all different cultures in Southwest Detroit, we couldn’t decide where to go for lunch. The crew wanted Italian, but I wanted Mexican. So we settled on both at El Barzon. You heard right; one restaurant serving delectable dishes from two continents. It’s all the handy work of Norberto Garita,… Continue reading El Barzon
Café Con Leche
(313) 554-1744 4200 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit, MI 48209 www.cafeconlechedetroit.com If you’re looking for a welcoming place where you can rub elbows with the people of Southwest Detroit that’s also a real melting pot of coffee, I think we found your new hangout. Café con Leche is the place where hip Southwest Detroiters come to relax, dream, think and share… Continue reading Café Con Leche
Mystery Spot
(906) 643-8322 150 Martin Lake Rd., St. Ignace, MI 49781 www.mysteryspotstignace.com Our last stop in St. Ignace was the famous and mysterious Mystery Spot. It’s one of Michigan’s biggest and strangest tourist attractions. I went in twice that day and haven’t been the same since. It’s great family fun that your kids will talk about all the way home. What… Continue reading Mystery Spot
Castle Rock
(906) 643-8268 N2690 Castle Rock Rd., St. Ignace, MI 49781 www.castlerockmi.com There aren’t too many places in this world where you can get a million dollar view for a buck, but just north of downtown St. Ignace, we found one. It’s called Castle Rock, and it’s a local landmark that you can actually climb to the top. It’s good exercise,… Continue reading Castle Rock
Manley’s Famous Smoked Fish
(906) 643-8930 810 N. State St., Saint Ignace, MI 49781 What do you get when you cross a Green Bay Packers museum with smoked fish? No, it’s not a trick question, it’s called Manley’s Famous Smoked Fish, and it’s where everyone goes in these parts for the best smoked fish around. Even Detroit Lions fans! Manley’s is an authentic little… Continue reading Manley’s Famous Smoked Fish
Java Joe’s
(906) 643-5282 959 N. State St., Saint Ignace, MI 49781 www.javajoescafe.com If there’s anything about St. Ignace you want to know, the place to go is Java Joe’s. Java Joe’s is a tuned-in, turned-on, psychedelic little café with great coffee and excellent food, and it’s run by two of the most interesting and energized people you’ll ever meet. Joe and… Continue reading Java Joe’s
Sleeping Bear Dunes
(231) 326-5134 9922 W. Front St., Empire, MI 49630 www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm Now as I mentioned earlier, this area is home to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and after we slept like bears at the homestead, we headed to one of the best under the radar hikes in the area, Pyramid Point. Even though it’s a short, fun and easy hike,… Continue reading Sleeping Bear Dunes
Art’s Tavern
(231) 334-3754 6487 Western Ave., Glen Arbor, MI 49636 www.artsglenarbor.com There is a ton of art in Glen Arbor, but I think this Art was there first. Art’s Tavern has been an institution in these parts for a lot more years than I’ve even been on the planet. If you’re looking for a casual place to eat, drink and rub… Continue reading Art’s Tavern
Cherry Republic
(800) 206-6949 6026 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor, MI 49363 www.cherryrepublic.com We knew this part of Michigan was the cherry capital of the world, so we decided to visit Cherry Republic, a cottage industry in Glen Arbor that reinvents the cherry every single day. They do everything you can think of with cherries, and even some things you haven’t thought… Continue reading Cherry Republic
Reserve Wine and Food Restaurant
(616) 855-9463 201 Monroe NW, Ste. 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.reservegr.com There are two simple reasons we wanted to stop by Reserve in downtown Grand Rapids. One was the stunning décor. This award-winning restaurant has a modern, sophisticated and metropolitan feel that instantly tells you this is a place to see and be seen. Put Reserve in New York,… Continue reading Reserve Wine and Food Restaurant
Moxie Beauty and Hair Parlor
(616) 281-8699 1144 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 www.wix.com/moxiebeauty/home Have you ever watched those old movies and wondered how the heck those ladies got their hair to do that? Well, I don’t know how they did it back then, but I know how they’re doing it now. Moxie Beauty and Hair Parlor is a flash from the past… Continue reading Moxie Beauty and Hair Parlor
Geoff Hudson
www.gr-retro.blogspot.com Geoff Hudson is what you might call a resident hipster in Grand Rapids. He’s a Musician, a DJ, a tech guru and an amateur historian who’s keeping a lot of Grand Rapids’ history alive. Especially the 80s. We had a great time reminiscing with Geoff because he is the ultimate off-beat 80s expert. If it happened in the 80s,… Continue reading Geoff Hudson
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
(616) 957-1580 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 www.meijergardens.org I have a garden at my house, but after I saw this place, I’m not really sure what to call mine anymore. Once you go to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, you’ll wonder the same thing I did. Why the heck have I… Continue reading Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Doherty Hotel
(989) 386-3441 604 McEwan, Clare, MI 48617 www.dohertyhotel.com Speaking of visiting, when you do, check out the historic Doherty Hotel. It’s been the cornerstone of Clare since 1924 and it’s right smack dab in the middle of town. A J Doherty’s grandfather built this great hotel in hopes they would come, and thanks to Michigan Highways 27 and 10, they… Continue reading Doherty Hotel
515 Gallery
(989) 386-4175 515 N. McEwan St., Clare, MI 48617 www.515gallery.org Since we were full of good eats, I thought we’d top it off with some good arts. So we stopped by 515 Gallery and found out that Kim Kleinhardt is teaching kids there to be more than just artists; she’s teaching them how to own a gallery and run a… Continue reading 515 Gallery
Whitehouse Restaurant, The
(989) 386-9551 613 N. McEwan St., Clare, MI 48617 Mary Ann’s pies alone were worth the drive to Clare, but to be honest, after all that sweet, we needed some meat. So we slid over for some classic sliders at the one and only Whitehouse Restaurant. We sure do a lot of eating on our show. Bonus! On UTR we… Continue reading Whitehouse Restaurant, The
Herrick House, The & Mulberry Café
(989) 386-6120 120 E. 5th St., Clare, MI 48617 www.herrick-house.com After all those doughnuts, believe it or not, I had a powerful hankerin’ for a piece of pie, so our next stop was a place everyone recommended called The Herrick House & Mulberry Café. And from what the locals told me, Mary Ann Shurlow’s pies reign supreme. Even though we… Continue reading Herrick House, The & Mulberry Café
Cops & Doughnuts
(989) 386-2241 521 N. McEwan St., Clare, MI 48617 www.copsdoughnuts.com You’ve heard the expression Cops & Doughnuts. Well, in Clare, it’s not just a lifestyle; it’s an actual doughnut shop and bakery right in downtown Clare that’s owned and operated by nine of Clare’s finest. You read right, the iconic town bakery, built in 1896, was about to go out… Continue reading Cops & Doughnuts
Fralia’s
(989) 799-0111 422 Hancock St., Saginaw, MI 48602 www.fralias.com The locals told us that if you want a seat with your meal at Fralia’s, you gotta get there early because it fills up quick. They also told us that if you like great food, this is the food to fill up on. High school sweethearts Jennifer and Adam Bolt own,… Continue reading Fralia’s
Japanese Cultural Center
(989) 759-1648 527 Ezra Rust Dr., Saginaw, MI 48601 www.japaneseculturalcenter.org As much as I love Michigan, I’ve always wanted to visit Japan. But honestly, who can afford that? So we did the next best thing: we went to the Japanese Cultural Center in Saginaw. It’s a beautiful place that’s all things Japan. The grounds there are beautiful, peaceful and a… Continue reading Japanese Cultural Center
Spatz Bread
(989) 755-5551 1120 State St., Saginaw, MI 48602 With Spatz Bread, you either get it or you just don’t know about it yet. With me, I just didn’t know about it. But if you mention Spatz Bread to some people, they talk about it like it was the best bread EVER MADE BY MAN! Joe Spatz is the owner, chief… Continue reading Spatz Bread
Marine City Fish Company
(810) 765-5477 240 S. Water St., Marine City, MI 48039 www.thelittlebarrestaurant.com All that running around Marine City gave us a powerful hunger, and Sherpa Scott knew right where to take us. Marine City Fish Company is a smokehouse and eatery that attracts people from far and wide because of their friendly atmosphere and great food. Three guesses what they serve… Continue reading Marine City Fish Company
Sea Snoopers Dive Club
www.seasnoopers.com Did you know that not only is Marine City inhabited by land mammals, sea snoopers inhabit the waters there, and they don’t even bite? That’s because Sea Snoopers is a dive club in Southeast Michigan that loves to explore the waters around Marine City. From what they told me, apparently there are tons of cool artifacts on the riverbed… Continue reading Sea Snoopers Dive Club
Sweet Tooth Candy Shop, The
(810) 765-4070 335 S. Water St., Marine City, MI 48039 www.thesweettoothmc.com Next Scott took us to a sweet place he knew we’d love, and he was right! The Sweet Tooth Candy Shop is owned by Todd May. He’s a seventh generation townie who loved sweets and wanted to bring an old fashioned neighborhood candy store back to Marine City. This… Continue reading Sweet Tooth Candy Shop, The
Heather House, The
(810) 765-3175 409 N. Main St. (M-29), Marine City, MI 48039 www.theheatherhouse.com Next we went to an incredible bed and breakfast called The Heather House, and it’s a must see to believe. I’ve stayed at a lot of bed and breakfasts in my life, but this one takes both the cake and the ice cream. Heather Bokram and her husband… Continue reading Heather House, The
Little Bar, The
(810) 765-8084 321 Chartier, Marine City, MI 48039 www.thelittlebarrestaurant.com Our first stop for the day was an iconic little townie tavern called The Little Bar. It looks like a little house, and it’s a place the locals love. This is a simple place where everyone comes, everyone knows your name and everything is good. The Little Bar also has tremendous… Continue reading Little Bar, The
Lansing Lugnuts, The
(517) 485-4500 505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 www.lansinglugnuts.com If we haven’t given you enough reasons to come to Lansing, here’s one more. And it’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys. I should know; the UTR crew is one. I’m talking about The Lansing Lugnuts, a minor league baseball team that plays at Cooley Law School Stadium, right… Continue reading Lansing Lugnuts, The
Fork in the Road
(517) 580-3556 2010 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48915 www.forkintheroaddiner.com All that touring the capitol made us hungry, so we found a place at the fork in the road that’s called, well, Fork in the Road. This place is much more than just a restaurant; it’s where farm meets fork and the community meets to share a common philosophy about… Continue reading Fork in the Road
Michigan State Capitol
(517) 373-2348 It’s the giant “Capitol Looking” building on the corner of Capitol Ave and Ottawa in downtown Lansing www.council.legislature.mi.gov/lcfa/capitol-tours.html Now, tell me honestly. When was the last time you were at our state capitol? Yeah, me too. Well, shame on both of us. This incredible structure is so full of history, culture and great stories that one hundred visits… Continue reading Michigan State Capitol
Blowout
www.blowout.metrotimes.com If you’re looking for the largest local music festival in all of North America, there’s only one place to go, and that’s Hamtramck, Michigan. The festival is officially known as “Blowout” and is put on by one of the country’s hippest alternative newspapers, the Detroit Metro Times. Blowout is also one of the longest-running music festivals of its kind… Continue reading Blowout
Red Flannel Festival, The
www.redflannelfestival.org Every October in Cedar Springs, Michigan they have The Red Flannel Festival where the entire town shows up sporting their very best red flannel. It can be a hat, shirt, pants, socks, jacket or whatever, as long as it’s red. It really is an amazing sight to see. A sea of red everything flowing up and down Main Street.… Continue reading Red Flannel Festival, The
Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival
www.cheeseburgerincasevillefest.com In 1999, the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival started with a handful of people who loved Jimmy Buffett’s tropical tendency to kick back and relax with a great cheeseburger. Now for ten days every August, Caseville becomes “Key North,” and this beautiful little town of eight hundred hosts almost a quarter million people from around the world who love Buffett,… Continue reading Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival
Bike Time
www.muskegonbiketime.com If you like wind in your hair and bugs in your teeth, this festival is every two-wheeler’s ultimate weekend. It’s called Bike Time. It’s in Muskegon, and even though it’s only a few years old, it’s now the fastest-growing motorcycle festival in the country. Every July, thirty-five thousand bikes from thirty-eight states (and over ninety thousand people total) converge… Continue reading Bike Time
Bologna Festival
www.yalechamber.com/page-bologna.html All my life people have been telling me I’m full of bologna. Finally, I found a place where I totally fit in. It was at the fantastically fun Bologna Festival in Yale, Michigan. For three days every July, this small town of two thousand turns into twenty thousand bologna-loving party-goers. If you’re wondering why they have a bologna festival… Continue reading Bologna Festival
Sanctuary Folk Art
(616) 454-0401 140 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.sanctuaryfolkart.com In the 1990s a four-block area right near downtown was nothing but boarded up buildings and blight. It was a part of Grand Rapids the economy left behind. But in 1999, artist and urban pioneer Reb Roberts started a personal crusade to change all that. On an empty street… Continue reading Sanctuary Folk Art
Meijer Innovation Center and Test Kitchen
(616) 458-6050 70 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.grid70.com They say producing and preparing good food is an art form. Well, at the Meijer Innovation Center and Test Kitchen, it’s also a science. Chef Ray Sierengowski is an actual food scientist who spends his days there making sure our food is healthier, safer and tastier too. Meijer’s Innovation… Continue reading Meijer Innovation Center and Test Kitchen
Founders Brewing Company
(616) 776-2182 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.FoundersBrewing.com Every time we come to Grand Rapids, the crew and I always end up spending at least one evening enjoying frosty cold adult malted beverages at Founders Brewing Company. It’s a brewery and restaurant that’s literally become a destination for beer lovers who love food, and food lovers who… Continue reading Founders Brewing Company
B. Nektar Meadery
(313) 744-6323 1505 Jarvis, Ste. B, Ferndale, MI 48220 www.bnektar.com Speaking of things that are sticky, at our last stop in Ferndale, we discovered you can do a lot more with honey than just spread it on toast. Brad and Kerri Dahlhofer own the B. Nektar Meadery, and they’re making mead where no mead has been made before. If you… Continue reading B. Nektar Meadery
Fly Trap, The
(248) 399-5150 22950 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, MI 48220 www.theflytrapferndale.com If you want to catch flies, you use a fly trap. But if you want to catch a creative meal in Ferndale, you use The Fly Trap. Gavin McMillian and Kara and Sean McClanaghan own and operate this eclectic little diner, and from the crazy décor to the creative cuisine, these… Continue reading Fly Trap, The
Detroit Curling Club, The
(248) 544-0635 1615 E. Lewiston, Ferndale, MI 48220 www.detroitcurlingclub.com The Detroit Curling Club is in Ferndale, Michigan, and that’s where we found tons of Americans playing this traditional Canadian sport. The club has been in existence for over 125 years, and believe it or not, the first record of people curling in the United States was on Orchard Lake in… Continue reading Detroit Curling Club, The
Ishpeming Ski Club
P.O. Box 127, Ishpeming, MI 49849 www.ishskiclub.com Now, onto what brought us to Ishpeming in the first place. It’s the longest continually running ski club in the entire U.S. They call the Ishpeming Ski Club the birthplace of organized skiing in America, and there they have a monster ski jump affectionately called Suicide Hill. Since 1887, skiers and ski jumpers… Continue reading Ishpeming Ski Club
Midtown Bakery & Café, The
(906) 475-0064 317 Iron St., Negaunee, MI 49866 Right next to Ishpeming in the town of Negaunee is one place that serves over 150 different flavors of cheese cake. I call that heaven. The Midtown Bakery & Café is a funky, cool gourmet bakery and sandwich shop that’ll tempt you with just about everything they serve there. Marybeth Kurtz is… Continue reading Midtown Bakery & Café, The
Congress Pizza
(906) 486-4233 106 N. Main St., Ishpeming, MI 49849 Another way to stay warm during the long, cold U.P. winters is to put on a few extra pounds, and you know me, I discovered a great way to do that, too. I stopped by Congress Pizza for a quick conversation with Paul Bonetti about a food that apparently everybody in… Continue reading Congress Pizza
Wilderness Sports
(906) 485-4565 107 E. Division St., Ishpeming, MI 49849 www.wildernessportsinc.com Elizabeth sent us straight to a place right in downtown Ishpeming called Wilderness Sports. Being a down-state flatlander, I needed some help, and they hooked me up with everything I needed to become a genuine Yooper. Sandee Sundquist took me through the store personally and set me up with choppers… Continue reading Wilderness Sports
Lansing City Market
(517) 483-7460 325 City Market Dr., Lansing, MI 48912 www.lansingcitymarket.com On our program you hear me talk a lot about how communities and neighborhoods have a great sense of place. Sometimes it’s tough to explain exactly what that is. So in order to feel it for myself, I went to the Lansing City Market where all kinds of people come… Continue reading Lansing City Market
Accident Fund Building
(517) 367-8448 200 N. Grand Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 Our first stop was an iconic structure that’s been part of Lansing’s landscape for a long, long time. It sat empty for years, but now it’s one of Lansing’s economic cornerstones. Today it stands proudly as Headquarters to Accident Fund Holdings, who, along with parent company Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan,… Continue reading Accident Fund Building
State Theater, The
(989) 892-2660 913 Washington Ave., Bay City, MI 48708 www.statetheatrebaycity.com Our last stop turned out to be probably the biggest surprise of the day. The State Theater in downtown Bay City is a crazy, wild explosion of art deco colors, all wrapped up in an incredible ancient Mayan temple theme. When you enter the front doors, it’s like you were… Continue reading State Theater, The
Old City Hall Restaurant, The
(989) 892-4140 814 Saginaw St., Bay City, MI 48708 www.oldcityhallrestaurant.com Here’s a quick UTR “Hunger Note.” You know us, we like to eat. So, we checked out The Old City Hall Restaurant right downtown. Now, there are two great things about this place… 1. The food is awesome… and 2. Back in the late 1890s, this place was the actual… Continue reading Old City Hall Restaurant, The
Bay Antique Center, The
(989) 894-0400 1010 N. Water St., Bay City, MI 48706 www.bayantiquectr.com If you’re an antique lover, Bay City is the absolute epicenter of antiquing in the Midwest, and The Bay Antique Center has about eleventy billion square feet of all things old. Michelle Judd and her family own, arrange, operate and orchestrate this huge conglomeration of cool stuff, and it… Continue reading Bay Antique Center, The
Bay City Motor Company, The
(989) 891-0900 1124 N. Water St., Bay City, MI 48708 www.TheBayCityMotorCompany.com One place we heard about in town was The Bay City Motor Company. When it comes to classic and collectable cars, these guys are the real deal. David Cotton’s family has been part of the Michigan automotive scene for well over a century. Walking into Bay City Motors is… Continue reading Bay City Motor Company, The
Thumbfest
www.thumbfest.org This is an actual true story. When we put Lexington on our production calendar and called to start scheduling things, we didn’t know Thumbfest was happening or even what it was. But thank goodness we stumbled on it, because it was extremely cool. Thumbfest is a folk music festival that’s been happening in Lexington every summer for over a… Continue reading Thumbfest
Blue Water Winery and Vineyards
(810) 622-0328 7131 Holverson Rd., Carsonville, MI 48419 www.bluewaterwinery.com I’m talking about Blue Water Winery and Vineyards. It’s a classic, award-winning vineyard that’s doing it right, right here in Michigan. Connie Currie and her husband Steve Velloff came to Lexington over a decade ago and discovered both a community and a microclimate that loved what they wanted to do. What… Continue reading Blue Water Winery and Vineyards
Camille’s on the River
(989) 773-0259 506 W. Broadway St., Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 www.camillesontheriver.com Our last fabulous food find of the day was a restaurant called Camille’s on the River that’s attached to another great restaurant and microbrewery called Mountain Town Station. It sounds complicated, but it’s really not. Camille’s on the River is a new gourmet restaurant in Mt. Pleasant that’s not… Continue reading Camille’s on the River
Flour Uprising, The
(989) 779-8000 112 N. Main, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 www.theflouruprising.com The Flour Uprising is a funky little bakery with a big heart and tons of stuff to make you feel good inside. The difference is they use locally grown, all organic ingredients. So bye, bye guilt… and hello happiness. Annette Pratt blends happy with healthy every single day. I asked… Continue reading Flour Uprising, The
Brass Café, The
(989) 772-0864 128 S. Main, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 www.thebrasscafe.com The first one we tried was The Brass Café. Emma Currie and Susan Paton are the proud proprietors of this fine establishment, and you’ll never find two people more passionate about what they serve or where they live. Emma came all the way from Scotland to study at CMU. Soon… Continue reading Brass Café, The
Yesterdog
(616) 336-0746 1505 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids, MI 49506 www.yesterdog.com For years people have been trying to invent a better hotdog. Well, at Yesterdog, they don’t have to, because they already did. And, they did it over thirty-five years ago. Yesterdog is a crazy, fun, eclectic place that has a cult following so big, you’d almost call them a small… Continue reading Yesterdog
Slingshot Bikes
(888) 530-5556 342 Market St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.slingshotbikes.com If you want to lessen your carbon footprint on the planet (I know I’ve got one) there are three things you need to do. First, lose two of your tires. Then go see the guys at Slingshot Bikes in Grand Rapids. Slingshot is a bicycle company that’s committed to… Continue reading Slingshot Bikes
Art Prize
41 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.artprize.org You know what I always say: if you don’t know what to call something, just call it what it is. And that’s exactly what Art Prize is: a huge art competition every fall in Grand Rapids where you get prizes if you win. Actually, Art Prize is a lot more than… Continue reading Art Prize
Red Dock Café, The
(269) 857-2185 219 Union St., Douglas, MI 49406 Our last discovery in Saugatuck might be a bit hard to find, but when you do find it, you’ll swear someone put you into a Star Trek teleporter machine and sent you straight to the tropics. It’s called The Red Dock Café, and it’s actually way out on the end of a… Continue reading Red Dock Café, The
Hungry Village Tours
(269) 857-1700 400 Culver St., Saugatuck, MI 49453 www.hungryvillagetours.com Next, we were in for a real treat. We went on a relatively new tour you can take that shows you all the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes this area such a great food destination. It’s called Hungry Village Tours, and if you’re a foodie, David Geen will totally make you wish… Continue reading Hungry Village Tours
Sea Suites
(269) 426-0381 P.O. Box 1020, Saugatuck MI 49453 www.seasuites.com With all the things to see and do, you’re definitely going to want to spend a couple days there, and if you’re looking for a place to stay, we found a pretty unique one. Sea Suites is an actual floating “boat and breakfast” docked right there in the harbor, and it’s… Continue reading Sea Suites
Detroit Manufacturing
(313) 529-2988 P.O. Box 07070, Detroit, MI 48207 www.detroitmfg.com The FD Lofts are definitely a cool place to call home and a great place to set up shop. Robert Stanzler is one guy who’s done just that. His company, Detroit Manufacturing, is just one of the cool businesses housed there, and his designs have turned Detroit pride into a fashion… Continue reading Detroit Manufacturing
FD Lofts
(313) 832-3000 3434 Russell St. #108, Detroit, MI 48207 www.urbanlifedevelopment.com One of the very cool and unique live/work places there is called the FD Lofts. Bob Heide of Urban Life Development is a progressive thinker who took this fascinating piece of history and turned it into a model of transformation and renewal in Detroit. This 1917 building was once the… Continue reading FD Lofts
Eastern Market
(313) 833-9300 2934 Russell, Detroit, MI 48207 www.detroiteasternmarket.com The great thing about this urban melting pot is that it gives you fresh things to melt in your pot when you get home. Eastern Market is also becoming a Mecca for Michigan-made products. It’s far from just being a market. It’s also becoming a destination for people looking for a unique… Continue reading Eastern Market
Manitou Island Transit
(231) 256-9061 P.O. Box 1157, Leland, MI 49654 www.manitoutransit.com Now, here’s the under the radar part about Leland. Every year tons of people come to Fish Town. But most people don’t know that if you get on a big boat at the end of the dock, you’re only an hour and a half away from one of the best Michigan… Continue reading Manitou Island Transit
Carlson’s Fish
(231) 256-9801 205 W. River, P.O. Box 406, Leland, MI 49654 www.carlsonsfish.com Something a lot of people don’t know is that Fish Town is also still a real working fishing village. All kinds of Great Lakes fish are caught, cleaned and sold right there on the docks, and if you’re looking for fresh fish, Carlson’s of Fish Town is the… Continue reading Carlson’s Fish
Fish Town
(231) 256-8878 203 E. Cedar St., P.O. Box 721, Leland, MI 49654 www.FishtownMI.org In Leland, right down by the docks is an awesome place called Fish Town. It’s an authentic old fishing village with cool shops and great places to eat. This has always been one of my family’s favorite places to spend an afternoon. You can get everything from… Continue reading Fish Town
Riverside Inn and Restaurant
(231) 256-9971 302 E. River St., Leland, MI 49654 www.theriverside-inn.com It’s a 110-year-old inn and gourmet restaurant that’s located right on the Leland River, just a block west of town. People say it’s one of the most romantic places you can visit in Michigan. After seeing it, I agree. Owner and innkeeper Kate Vilter made us feel right at home.… Continue reading Riverside Inn and Restaurant
Baabaazuzu
(231) 256-7176 1006 S. Sawmill Rd., Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 www.baabaazuzu.com Baabaazuzu is another great innovative Michigan success story. They make one-of-a-kind fashion creations out of castaway wool sweaters that are destined for a landfill. It may sound simple at first, but a lot of Michigan creativity and ingenuity goes into the process. Sue and Kevin Burns created Baabaazuzu and… Continue reading Baabaazuzu
Tap Room, The
(734) 482-5320 201 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, MI 48197 www.taproomypsi.com Ypsi has great food downtown and great places to live in town. But how ’bout a unique place to tip back a few frosty cold adult malted beverages with some friendly conversation? No problem. If you’re looking for a cool place to rub elbows with some real characters, The Tap… Continue reading Tap Room, The
Haab’s Restaurant
(734) 483-8200 18 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, MI 48197 www.haabsrestaurant.com Our first stop was a place called Haab’s Restaurant. Haab’s is a well-loved landmark in Ypsilanti, and in October every year on their anniversary, people come from far and wide to stand in line. Why, you ask? As a way of saying thanks to the entire community, Haab’s does something… Continue reading Haab’s Restaurant
Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm and Cider Mill
(989) 734-2567 2622 Karsten Rd., Rogers City, MI 49779 www.mmmunchykrunchyapplefarm.com Have you ever heard of an apple farm and cider mill that grows thirty different kinds of dwarf trees or that has a donut-making robot? Neither had I, until we discovered Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm and Cider Mill. It’s a wonderfully wacky place that’s run by two of the… Continue reading Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm and Cider Mill
Plath’s Meats
(989) 734-2232 116 S. 3rd St., Rogers City, MI 49779 www.plathsmeats.com Rogers City really is a beautiful city and a great place to meet people. Speaking of meat people, if you’re driving through town and you spot a giant statue of a smiling hotdog on the road, there’s a good chance you’ve found Plath’s Meats. Since 1913 they’ve been proving… Continue reading Plath’s Meats
Domaci Art Gallery
(989) 734-3035 169 N. 3rd St., Rogers City, MI 49779 www.domaciartgallery.com They say art imitates life. So if you’re looking for a creative reflection of the community, do what we always do on UTR: talk to an artist. Mary and Tim Pritchard are the proud proprietors of Domaci Art Gallery. It’s a hip, new place in Rogers City that features… Continue reading Domaci Art Gallery
Tour America Bike Shop
(989) 734-3946 268 N. 2nd St., Rogers City, MI 49779 After a quick tour of town (aka, we got lost) we saw a place that looked so crazy cool, we just had to stop. It’s called Tour America Bike Shop and when you walk into this place, you will be amazed and pleasantly overwhelmed. If Pee Wee Herman didn’t buy… Continue reading Tour America Bike Shop
Mitten Bar, The
(231) 843-7616 109 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431 www.mittenbar.com Next, we ran into a brand new watering hole in Ludington that features all drinks Michigan. That’s right, if it’s made in the Great Lake State and makes you feel funny, it’s probably there. It’s called The Mitten Bar, and on the sign outside you’ll see the words, “A Michigan… Continue reading Mitten Bar, The
A.M. Galleries
(231) 845-6648 115 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431 www.amgalleries.com One thing I’ve discovered doing this show is that Michigan is all about art, and local artist Andy Thomas is all about Ludington. He owns A.M. Galleries in town, and he gives local artists everything they need to succeed. I always said that if you want to know more about… Continue reading A.M. Galleries
Blu Moon Bistro-Café, The
(231) 843-2001 125 S. James St., Ludington, MI 49431 www.theblumoon.net We rolled into town about lunch time, and boy were we hungry. But when aren’t we hungry on UTR? It wasn’t long before we found our foodie fun-house for the day. You’ve heard the old expression, “Once in a blue moon.” Well, from what we heard on the streets of… Continue reading Blu Moon Bistro-Café, The
S.S. Badger
(800) 841-4243 701 Maritime Dr., Ludington, MI 49431 www.ssbadger.com Ludington is such a cool place that people from Wisconsin even come to visit. They come in on a huge ferry called The S.S. Badger… and watching this giant ship turn around and dock in the harbor is quite a sight to see.
Detroit Film Theater at the DIA
(313) 833-3237 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202 www.dia.org/dft/index.asp The name Detroit Film Theater is one of those names that in one way says exactly what it is… “It’s a theater that shows films in Detroit.” But at the same time, the name doesn’t even begin to tell you what the DFT is really all about and what it means… Continue reading Detroit Film Theater at the DIA
Honeybee Market
(313) 237-0295 2443 Bagley, Detroit, MI 48216 www.honeybeemkt.com Honeybee Market is by far the cleanest, most organized and well stocked specialty grocery store I have ever been in. It’s lovingly owned and operated by Tammy and Ken Koehler, and they have about as much pride in this place as they do great foods. The first thing I noticed when I… Continue reading Honeybee Market
D:hive
(313) 962-4590 1253 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 www.dhivedetroit.org If you’re looking for great things to do or even great places to live and work in Detroit, you need to hook up with Jeanette Pierce and the outstanding team at D:hive. They used to be called “Inside Detroit” and served as a downtown welcome center for the city. Now they… Continue reading D:hive
Mushroom Houses
Charlevoix Historical Society (231) 547-0373 103 State St., Charlevoix, MI 49720 www.chxhistory.com If you’ve ever wondered where hobbits and the Vernors Gnome go when they leave the shire and go on vacation, I’m pretty sure I found their summer homes in Charlevoix. Some people call them the Mushroom Houses, and some people say actual munchkins live there. All I know… Continue reading Mushroom Houses
Roquette Burger Bistro
(231) 237-9016 103 Park Ave., Charlevoix, MI 49720 We heard that the chef over at Roquette Burger Bistro was a real nice guy and that he was making incredible, fresh, local foods. So we set out to find him. It was easy. He’s right downtown. Paul Ramey has created a sophisticated little place that takes the term burger joint to… Continue reading Roquette Burger Bistro
Mr. Petunia
Meet Dale Boss (aka Mr. Petunia). He’s lived there for all of his eighty-plus years, and he’s a man with a single mission: to make Charlevoix Beautiful. Thirty years ago, he launched an effort to plant five miles of petunias through the heart of the city. The program took root, and every summer for the past three decades, Mr. Petunia… Continue reading Mr. Petunia
Flint Institute of Arts
(810) 234-1695 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48503 www.FlintArts.org Just east of downtown we discovered the Flint Cultural Center. In ten different institutions on one thirty-three-acre campus, Flint has everything you need to enrich your life and expand your horizons. From the Sloan Museum, which chronicles Flint’s automotive history, to the beautiful Whiting Auditorium where they have incredible shows,… Continue reading Flint Institute of Arts
Durant Hotel, The
(810) 900-4000 607 E. 2nd Ave., Flint, MI 48502 www.thedurant.com From 1920 until 1973, The Durant Hotel was one of Michigan’s premier hotels. Named after GM Founder and Flint Native William C. Durant, the hotel became a symbol of Flint’s prominence and success. People from around the world came to Flint to do business, vacation and just be seen there.… Continue reading Durant Hotel, The
Hoffman’s Deco Deli & Café
(810) 238-0074 503 Garland St., Flint, MI 48503 www.hoffmansdecodeli.com You know, some things just naturally go together, like peanut butter and jelly and liver and onions. Oh, and those little fish shaped crackers with that yellow cheese that comes out of a can. Mmmmmm… But when we were in Flint, we found a place that blew our minds. How about… Continue reading Hoffman’s Deco Deli & Café
Dockers Fish House
(231) 755-0400 3505 Marina View Point, Muskegon, MI 49441 www.dockersfishhouse.com The day was a blast, and the entire crew got to reel in a fish, including my son Anthony. We caught three huge king salmon and two magnificent steelhead. The coolest surprise of the day was that Captain Drew has a special arrangement with a great restaurant right on the… Continue reading Dockers Fish House
Margie J. Sport Fishing Charter
(231) 799-2229 Great Lakes Marina, 1920 Lake Shore Dr., Slip B-2, Muskegon, MI 49441 www.fishmuskegon.com When we showed up at the dock in the dark, all I kept thinking was, “Is this something you have to be a real fisherman to enjoy? I don’t know the first, second or even the third thing about fishing.” Well, as soon as I… Continue reading Margie J. Sport Fishing Charter
USS Silversides
(231) 755-1230 1346 Bluff St., Muskegon, MI 49441 www.silversidesmuseum.org Next, we visited something I had no idea was even in Michigan, let alone Muskegon. It’s the USS Silversides, an authentic World War II submarine that’s permanently docked at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum. It’s a great piece of history you can explore on your own, take a guided… Continue reading USS Silversides
Mia & Grace
(231) 725-9500 1133 3rd St., Muskegon, MI 49441 www.miaandgrace.com Mia & Grace is a restaurant that’s really turning culinary heads in western Michigan. It’s owned and operated by Jeremy and Jamie Paquin (along with help from their little daughter Mia) and when it comes to food, I promise you won’t find anyone more passionate than these two. It’s a relatively… Continue reading Mia & Grace
Old Mission Inn, The
(231) 223-7770 18599 Mission Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686 www.oldmissioninn.com The Old Mission Inn was built in 1869, and their motto is, “Come as strangers, leave as friends.” Angie Jensen and her husband Bruce own and operate the inn, and they’ve gone to great lengths to preserve the inn’s incredible history. The grounds are breathtaking and the inside of the… Continue reading Old Mission Inn, The
Tall Ship Manitou
(231) 941-2000 13390 SW Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684 www.tallshipsailing.com All my life I’ve wondered what it would be like to sail on one of those giant sailing schooners from the 1800s. Little did I know that in Traverse City, they have the Tall Ship Manitou. It’s a 114-foot, double-masted ship that offers sailing adventures from two hours… Continue reading Tall Ship Manitou
Detroit Fire Guild, The
(313) 444-BURN www.detroitfireguild.com The Detroit Fire Guild is a group of fire and circus performers who’ve combined their talents to create one of the hottest and most fascinating shows around. They do both public and private performances, and the things they do with fire will absolutely amaze you. When I spent some time with the performers, I got the distinct… Continue reading Detroit Fire Guild, The
Traffic Jam & Snug
(313) 831-9470 511 W. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48202 www.trafficjamdetroit.com Traffic Jam & Snug is a landmark restaurant and pub in Detroit, and if you’re in the know, you know it’s a lot more than that. It’s also a bakery where they make incredible breads, a microbrewery that was Michigan’s very first brew pub, and last but not least, a dairy… Continue reading Traffic Jam & Snug
Motor City Wine
(313) 483-7283 1949 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48216 www.motorcitywine.com Most people don’t think of Detroit as a wine destination. But because of the renaissance happening there, Detroit is becoming the place to be for a lot of great reasons. So, why not wine? Remember, there are only two kinds of wine in the world. The kind you like and the… Continue reading Motor City Wine
Happy Mouth Vegan Treats
(269) 364-1350 507 Harrison, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 www.happymouthvegantreats.com Just one of the small businesses Can-Do Kitchen was helping when we were there was Happy Mouth Vegan Treats. It’s the brainchild of Tamara Harris and DiAdrian Washington, and they hope to someday bring their meat-free treats to the streets for all of us to, well, eats. They were working on developing… Continue reading Happy Mouth Vegan Treats
Can-Do Kitchen
(269) 492-1270 511 Harrison St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 www.fairfoodmatters.org/candokitchenInfo.php You’ve heard the old expression, “Too many cooks in the kitchen…” Well, in Kalamazoo, we found a kitchen that wants all the cooks it can get! It’s called the Can-Do Kitchen and it’s a food business incubator. What they’re doing is awesome. They help folks with great food ideas get off… Continue reading Can-Do Kitchen
Willard Street Roasting House
(269) 488-2802 610 W. Willard St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 www.waterstreetcoffeeroaster.com To expand my coffee consciousness, I made a visit to Water Street’s historic Willard Street Roasting House where they actually store, roast and distribute their incredible coffee. My caffeinated sensei for the day was Ben Angelo. He’s an actual roast master. It’s like being a kung fu master. Only, I… Continue reading Willard Street Roasting House
Water Street Coffee Joint
(269) 373-2840 315 E. Water St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 www.waterstreetcoffeejoint.com I’ve always considered myself to be a bit of a coffee connoisseur, but when I realized I don’t really know a darn thing about the stuff, I stopped by Water Street Coffee Joint. They’re what you’d call a micro-roaster, and they’ve perfected both the science and the art of what… Continue reading Water Street Coffee Joint
Kalamazoo House Bed & Breakfast
(866) 310-0880 447 W. South St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 www.thekalamazoohouse.com If you like staying right in town, but you don’t like giving up all the comforts of home, do what the UTR crew does: just drop your bags off at the Kalamazoo House Bed & Breakfast. It’s a fully restored Victorian home, built in 1878, that has incredible hospitality, and… Continue reading Kalamazoo House Bed & Breakfast
Third Coast Surf Shop
(269) 932-4575 22 S. Smith St., New Buffalo, MI 49117 www.thirdcoastsurfshop.com Third Coast Surf Shop is a cool and funky sports store in New Buffalo where, believe it or not, they surf on Lake Michigan. That’s right, I said surf, and if there’s any other water sport that involves a paddle or a board, they’ll teach you how to do… Continue reading Third Coast Surf Shop
Oinks Ice Cream
(269) 469-3535 227 W. Buffalo, New Buffalo, MI 49117 www.oinksicecream.blogspot.com Oinks is an ice cream parlor in New Buffalo you simply have to see to believe. It’s all things pig. The place is filled with thousands of funny, weird, classic and crazy pig things that all have one thing in common: they’re there to make you happy. Twenty-five years ago,… Continue reading Oinks Ice Cream
Lakeside Inn, The
(269) 469-0600 15251 Lakeshore Rd., Lakeside, MI 49116 www.lakesideinns.com The Lakeside Inn was an incredible find. It’s a beautiful, rustic inn that’s been there since the 1880s, and it’s an absolute landmark in this area. The interior is classic hunting lodge, with great spaces to catch up on your reading or just take a nap. You can even rock your… Continue reading Lakeside Inn, The
Mesa Luna
(269) 426-4878 12868 Red Arrow Hwy., Sawyer, MI 49125 www.mesalunarestaurant.com/ Speaking of restaurants, the next part of our trip took us south to the town of Sawyer and an awesome little restaurant called Mesa Luna (formerly The Soe Café). The mantra at Mesa Luna is, “Local people, using local produce, to make honest food.” When we ate there Executive Chef… Continue reading Mesa Luna
Warren Dunes State Park
(269) 426-4013 12032 Red Arrow Hwy., Sawyer, MI 49125 www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=504 Our first stop in Harbor country was Warren Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan. If you’re looking for a beautiful Florida beach, don’t go to Florida (wrong peninsula), go to Warren Dunes. The beach is huge, the sand is incredible and it has something a Florida beach won’t have: the… Continue reading Warren Dunes State Park
Michigan Theater
(734) 668-8463 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.michtheater.org There are a lot of things that give a city a sense of culture and community, and for Ann Arbor, the Michigan Theater is one of those unique places. It’s where the performing arts, music and movies meet the masses. It’s kinda like a culture sandwich. The Michigan Theater… Continue reading Michigan Theater
Monahan’s Seafood Market
(734) 662-5118 407 N. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.monahansseafood.com Lunchtime at Kerrytown offers a number of really good options, but the one that hooked me and the crew was Monahan’s Seafood Market. For more than thirty years now, Mike and Lisa Monahan have been selling and preparing fresh seafood for all of Ann Arbor to enjoy… and now,… Continue reading Monahan’s Seafood Market
Spice Merchants, The
(734) 332-5500 Kerrytown Mall, 407 N. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.spicemerchants.biz The market has so many unusual places to explore, but the intoxicating aromas we encountered made our next discovery easy to find, but even harder to leave. Lisa Freeman owns The Spice Merchants shop at Kerrytown, and she puts more spice into her life than most people… Continue reading Spice Merchants, The
Kerrytown Market
(734) 662-5008 407 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.kerrytown.com When we were in Ann Arbor last time, Ari Weinzweig over at Zingerman’s told us about a place we really needed to check out. Kerrytown Market is a collection of historic buildings that have been renovated, connected and turned into a great place to shop, eat or just spend… Continue reading Kerrytown Market
Green Brain Comics
(313) 582-9444 13936 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126 www.greenbrain.biz Last but not least, Ismael took us to a very cool place that made me feel like a kid again. Green Brain Comics is a crazy, fun place that offers new and classic comics from around the world, and owners Dan and Katie Merritt are the superheroes that make it all… Continue reading Green Brain Comics
Arab American National Museum
(313) 582-2266 13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126 www.arabamericanmuseum.org Next, Ismael took us to a place that’s near and dear to his heart, the Arab American National Museum. Inside we met up with Devon Akmon. He’s the deputy director at the museum, and believe me, he knows all things Arab America. This museum is the first and only one of… Continue reading Arab American National Museum
M&M Café
(313) 581-5775 13714 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126 YELP Elaine and Maurice Lteif own a cool and eclectic eatery called M&M Café, and their awesome blend of Mediterranean and American food is just part of the reason this place is so popular. The other reason is just about everyone who comes in the door gets a hug from Elaine. For… Continue reading M&M Café
This Island Earth with Ismael Ahmed
WDET 101.9FM Detroit, Saturdays 5p.m.-7p.m. wdet.org/shows/this-island-earth/ Ismael is a social activist, a humanitarian, an intellectual and just happened to be starved like us, so he agreed to take us to one of his favorite places to eat.
Dearborn Music
(313) 561-1000 22501 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48124 www.dearbornmusic.com If you go to Dearborn (which we did) and you love music (which we do) Dearborn Music has been an institution there for more than fifty years. Rick LeAnnais and his family bring mounds of music to the Michigan masses. Even the music you don’t know you like yet is there.… Continue reading Dearborn Music
Joe’s Hamburgers
(734) 285-0420 3041 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI 48192 www.joeshamburgers.net Now here’s a culinary concoction that’s so uniquely American, they don’t even try to make it in other parts of the world. On the surface of the grill, it seems pretty simple, but if you really do it right, it’s an art form, and in Wyandotte, I think I found a… Continue reading Joe’s Hamburgers
River’s Edge Gallery, The
(734) 246-9880 3024 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI 48192 www.artattheedge.com If you’re looking for a cool and eclectic gallery where you can see and even purchase art from some of Michigan’s most talented and progressive artists, you’re looking for The River’s Edge Gallery. There’s an incredibly active and passionate art community in Wyandotte, and River’s Edge is proof positive how much… Continue reading River’s Edge Gallery, The
Biggby Coffee
See website for locations www.biggby.com Scientific research has proven that the urge for a good cup of coffee is so powerful in the human brain, that if you don’t get it, you could quite possibly go insane. Actually, I made that up, but if you love good coffee like I do, it’s not far from the truth. Bob Fish (aka… Continue reading Biggby Coffee
Cravings Gourmet Popcorn
(517) 485-3404 1220 Turner St., Lansing, MI 48906 www.cravingspopcorn.com Chad’s business is called Cravings Gourmet Popcorn, and it’s gathering more devoted patrons every day. Their mantra is, “Pure Popcorn Addiction,” and I have to tell you, after trying Chad’s incredible flavor mixes, my whole family and I were hooked. Chad actually takes advice and suggestions from his loyal customers and… Continue reading Cravings Gourmet Popcorn
Sweetie-licious Bakery Café
(517) 669-9300 108 N. Bridge St., DeWitt, MI 48820 www.sweetie-licious.com Our adventure started in the little town of DeWitt, just north of Lansing at a place I thought I’d never find. Ever! It’s called Sweetie-licious Bakery Café, and just stepping inside takes you back to a time when simple pleasures were a lot simpler. When you meet Linda Hundt you… Continue reading Sweetie-licious Bakery Café
U.P. 200
(906) 228-3072 P.O. Box 15, Marquette, MI 49855 www.UP200.org This time we came to Marquette to see something I’d never seen before, a two-hundred mile dogsled race called the U.P. 200. It’s an Iditarod qualifier that brings mushers and their teams in from all over the Midwest. The race actually starts off right in downtown Marquette. The morning of the… Continue reading U.P. 200
Stormy Kromer
(888) 455-2253 1238 Wall St., Ironwood, MI 49938 www.stormykromer.com We left the museum and headed about as far west as you can go in the Upper Peninsula. We drove 264 miles to the town of Ironwood, right on the Wisconsin border. It’s so far, they’re even on central time there. We were in search of the iconic cap of the… Continue reading Stormy Kromer
Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum
(906) 477-6298 W11660 U.S. 2, Naubinway, MI 49762 ]www.snowmobilemuseum.com On this trip, we turned left as soon as we crossed the Mackinac Bridge and drove one hour west on U.S. Route 2 to the little town of Naubinway. That’s where we found one of the coolest places ever. It’s the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum and it’s run by… Continue reading Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum
Lyman’s on the Lake Bait & Tackle
(989) 422-3231 6560 W. Houghton Lake Dr., Houghton Lake, MI 48629 www.houghtonlakefishing.com If you’re actually going to Tip-up Town to fish, Lyman’s on the Lake Bait & Tackle has everything you need for a successful day on the ice. I spent some quality time learning the ins and outs of ice fishing with Lyman. He’s the real deal. And even… Continue reading Lyman’s on the Lake Bait & Tackle
Tip-up Town
(800) 248-5253 1625 W. Houghton Lake Dr., Houghton Lake, MI 48629 www.houghtonlakechamber.net Even though I’ve known about this event for a long time now, I really thought it was just about ice fishing. Boy, was I wrong. What was totally under my radar is that the vast majority of people who come to this festival don’t fish at all. They… Continue reading Tip-up Town
Zehnder’s Inn
(800) 863-7999 730 S. Main St., Frankenmuth, MI 48734 www.zehnders.com The crew and I just had to top off our day in Frankenmuth with one of Zehnder’s Inn’s authentic chicken dinners. We ate, we laughed, we ate, we talked, we ate, we drank and well… we ate. By the time we were done, we were a lot more German than… Continue reading Zehnder’s Inn
Snowfest
www.zehnders.com/zehnderssnowfest Now I’ve been to Frankenmuth before, but what was totally under my radar is that they have a huge festival there every January that literally turns snow into a show. It’s called Zehnder’s Snowfest, and it’s been going on for more than twenty years now. Boy, where have I been? Everybody knows that if you want an authentic German-style… Continue reading Snowfest
Willi’s Sausage Company
(989) 652-9041 316 S. Main, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 www.willissausages.com Everybody knows that if you’re German, sausage is two of your favorite food groups, so to make sure the transformation was complete, I stopped by Willi’s Sausage Company. They make over one hundred different sausages right there on site. Now that’s German! Frankenmuth really is a one-of-a-kind destination. And whether you… Continue reading Willi’s Sausage Company
Public Pool
(313) 405-POOL 3309 Caniff, Hamtramck, MI 48212 www.apublicpool.com One of our Facebook friends told me about Public Pool in Hamtramck. So I thought, what better way to end our day than with a refreshing swim? Well, it didn’t take me long to figure out I wouldn’t need that new swim cap I bought. Turns out Public Pool is a massively… Continue reading Public Pool
Maria’s House Made Salsa
(313) 733-8406 www.mariashousemadesalsa.com The next place we went to was Maria’s Comida, a Mexican-Asian fusion restaurant in the heart of Hamtramck. It was owned and operated by the Pronko Family, the nicest people you will meet this side of the sun. They offered an unlikely culinary combination that was absolutely out-a-sight. The crew and I went back many, many times.… Continue reading Maria’s House Made Salsa
Detroit Threads
(313) 872-1777 10238 Joseph Campau St., Hamtramck, MI 48212 www.detroitthreadsstore.com Hamtramck is a pretty hip place, and a lot of cool people hang out there. You know, people with “a look.” Well, if you’ve seen our TV show, you know that I don’t really have a look. As a matter of fact, I look like a guy who’s looking for… Continue reading Detroit Threads
Hamtramck Disneyland
Alley between Sobieski and Klinger Streets, Hamtramck, MI 48212 Speaking of cool places, here’s a strange and wonderful place that should be one of the first places you stop when you’re in Hamtramck. It’s called Hamtramck Disneyland, and the man behind this bizarre backyard masterpiece is Dmytro Szylak. He came to Hamtramck from the Ukraine right after WWII, and after… Continue reading Hamtramck Disneyland
City Park Grill
(231) 347-7004 413 E. Lake St., Petoskey, MI 49770 www.spoon.com On our way back to the Perry Hotel, the crew and I stopped for a bite to eat at one of Petoskey’s most historic restaurants, City Park Grill. When you walk in, you’re instantly transported back to the late 1800s. The bar is spectacular, the food is awesome and some… Continue reading City Park Grill
American Spoon
(231) 347-7004 413 E. Lake St., Petoskey, MI 49770 www.spoon.com Justin Rashid and his business partner Larry Forgione started American Spoon back in 1981, and it’s been a sweet ride ever since. Larry and Justin shared a dream to produce the finest fruit preserves in the world from Michigan fruit. Larry developed the original recipes, Justin selected varieties of Michigan… Continue reading American Spoon
Crooked Tree Art Center
(231) 347-4337 461 E. Mitchell, Petoskey, MI 49770 www.crookedtree.org After breakfast the next morning, we walked to a place everyone in town was telling me I had to see. It’s called Crooked Tree Art Center, and not only is the building unusually beautiful, what I saw inside was absolutely amazing. The art center, which is in a renovated formerly Methodist… Continue reading Crooked Tree Art Center
Chandler’s Restaurant
(231) 347-2981 215 Howard St., Petoskey, MI 49770 www.lakeandhoward.com/SGS_INC/Chandlers.html I met up with Tommy Kaszubowski, the talented young executive chef at Chandler’s Restaurant, and after showing us Symons, he took us someplace special. Below Symons is an incredible wine cellar that also doubles as a dining room for Chandler’s. So you can actually enjoy some of Tommy’s signature dishes surrounded… Continue reading Chandler’s Restaurant
Symons General Store
(231) 347-2438 401 E. Lake St., Petoskey, MI 49770 www.lakeandhoward.com After settling in, we headed to a place right in the heart of town. Actually it’s two places. Up front it’s Symons General Store, and in back it’s an incredible gourmet restaurant and wine cellar called Chandler’s. Symons is the real deal. It’s an authentic little general store that’ll totally… Continue reading Symons General Store
Perry Hotel, The
(231) 347-4000 100 Lewis St., Petoskey, MI 49770 www.staffords.com/perry-hotel-4 During our stay, we were lucky enough to bed down at one of Petoskey’s most notable landmarks, The Perry Hotel. The service and hospitality we got at this historic hotel were incredible and the food fantastic. If you want great accommodations mixed in with beautiful views and a ghost story or… Continue reading Perry Hotel, The
Dabl’s African Bead Museum
(313) 898-3007 6559 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48208 www.mbad.org Our last stop in Detroit was a cultural experience that expanded our horizons all the way to another continent. It’s called Dabl’s African Bead Museum, and just walking around the building is an awesome experience. The entire outside of the museum is an artistic expression of the man inside, and… Continue reading Dabl’s African Bead Museum
Sphinx Organization, The
313-877-9100 400 Renaissance Center, Ste. 2550, Detroit, MI 48243 www.sphinxmusic.org Next we got to meet a man who’s literally changing the lives of children in Detroit and around the world. Aaron Dworkin is the founder and daily inspiration behind The Sphinx Organization. They’re leading the charge to increase the participation of underserved Black and Latino youth in classical music. Sphinx… Continue reading Sphinx Organization, The
Good Girls Go to Paris
(313) 664-0490 15 E. Kirby St., Detroit, MI 48202 www.goodgirlsgotopariscrepes.com Our first stop in Detroit was in Midtown at a place called Good Girls Go to Paris, and if you like to eat, you’re in for a real treat at this place. About four years ago, on a dream and a dollar, Torya Schoeniger opened the doors, and now Good… Continue reading Good Girls Go to Paris
Van Dam Custom Boats
(231) 582-2323 970 E. Division St., Boyne City, MI 49712 www.vandamboats.com Next we went to a place that will float your boat, literally. It’s called Van Dam Custom Boats. Run by Steve Van Dam, they make incredible hand-crafted custom boats. After seeing their work, I’d say they actually build floating works of art that are shipped to clients around the… Continue reading Van Dam Custom Boats
Lake Street Market
(231) 582-4450 306 S. Lake St., Boyne City, MI 49712 www.lakestreetmarket.com Liz owns Lake Street Market, a cool and eclectic place in the SOBO district that’s a combination gourmet market, deli, wine store, bakery, cheese shop and photography studio. Thanks to Liz’s vision, over one hundred Michigan artists now display their works there for all the world to appreciate. If… Continue reading Lake Street Market
SOBO Arts District
www.boynecitymainstreet.com/visitor-pad/a-and-e/ sobo-arts-district Until recently, there was a part of Boyne City that was all but forgotten, before a bunch of local artists and entrepreneurs got together and created what they call SOBO, and it totally changed the landscape. What used to be closed-up storefronts and abandoned buildings is now a thriving and very funky art district, and it’s putting a national… Continue reading SOBO Arts District
Big Bright Light Show, The
www.downtownrochestermi.com/events/big-bright-light-show Now for the main reason we went to check out Rochester. It’s called The Big Bright Light Show, and it happens every year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Back in 2006 the DDA’s Executive Director Kristi Trevarrow had an idea, and that bright idea has helped put Rochester, Michigan on the map across the country. Now get this: they… Continue reading Big Bright Light Show, The
South Street Skateshop
(248) 651-0555 410 S. Main St., Rochester, MI 48307 www.southstreetskateshop.com If you’ve got kids around the house uttering phrases like, “I’m goofy footed” or “Watch this switch front feeble grind,” you might want to know about this place, because it’s totally rad, dude. I’m not sure what any of that means, but I know it’s all good! South Street Skateshop… Continue reading South Street Skateshop
Rochester Mills Beer Company
(248) 650-5080 400 Water St., Rochester, MI 48307 www.rochestermillsbeerco.com In every town, there are those business people who just have a knack for making good things happen. One of those people in Rochester is Mike Pleaz. He’s the owner of Rochester Mills Beer Company, and he’s an innovator who’s always looking to the future. When Mike opened his doors in… Continue reading Rochester Mills Beer Company
Bolles Harbor Café, The
Permanently Closed It’s always sad when we find out that a business we featured on the show has closed. It’s like we lost a friend. Please remember that while UTR episodes are timeless, the people, places and things are not. Some of the many places we feature on this website may have changed, moved or simply ceased to be. We… Continue reading Bolles Harbor Café, The
River Raisin Jazz Festival, The
www.riverraisinjazzfestival.com Now, let’s talk jazz. The River Raisin Jazz Festival happens every summer right in downtown Monroe on the banks of the Historic River Raisin. It’s one of the largest and best free jazz festivals in the entire country. The festival takes place at St. Mary’s Park, and every year over fifty thousand people come to see some of the… Continue reading River Raisin Jazz Festival, The
Hotel Sterling, The
(734) 242-6212 109 W. Front St., Monroe, MI 48161 www.thehotelsterling.com Next, we stumbled onto probably our biggest surprise in Monroe. If you’ve ever been to the hip boutique hotels of New York or L.A., you’ll feel right at home at The Hotel Sterling. Ken Wickenheiser put everything he learned from his travels around the world into this hotel, and it’s… Continue reading Hotel Sterling, The
Klenow’s Market
(989) 362-2341 201 Newman St. E., Tawas, MI 48730 www.klenowsmarket.com Before we left East Tawas, a lot of folks told us we just had to stop by Klenow’s Market right downtown. I guess they smoke more than just the fish and beef there. Apparently they also smoke the competition. They’re a great little all-purpose market that has won some major… Continue reading Klenow’s Market
Tawas Bay Beach Resort
(989) 362-8600 300 E. Bay St., East Tawas, MI 48730 www.tawasbaybeachresort.com I’ve got a great trivia question for you. How many full-service resorts are there in Michigan on Lake Huron? The answer is one. Tawas Bay Beach Resort has a seven-hundred-foot beach on Tawas Bay, a restaurant, lounge with entertainment, a conference center and even a hip little beach bar… Continue reading Tawas Bay Beach Resort
Kiteman Jack’s
(989) 362-4615 112 Newman St., East Tawas, MI 48730 If you’re ever in East Tawas and someone tells you to go fly a kite, there’s a place and a guy by the same name that’s right on the beach. Kiteman Jack’s is right by the dock at the marina, and it and he have been an institution of fun for… Continue reading Kiteman Jack’s
Charity Island Tours
(989) 254-7710 P.O. Box 171, Au Gres, MI 48703 www.charityisland.com It was my first time exploring the area, so I asked the locals what there was to do, and the response was overwhelming. One place a lot of people recommended was Charity Island. It’s about an hour offshore and it sits smack dab in the middle of Saginaw Bay. There’s… Continue reading Charity Island Tours
Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, The
(734) 995-5439 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.aahom.org You know how when you take your kids out, you constantly have to tell them not to touch stuff? Well, there’s a place in Ann Arbor where not only will they learn a lot, you can tell them to touch everything. The Ann Arbor Hands On Museum is something… Continue reading Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, The
Zingerman’s Deli
(888) 636-8162 422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor 48104 www.zingermans.com I had heard of Zingerman’s Deli, and I had even heard of the guy who started it all, Ari Weinzweig, but until I met Ari I had no idea what a true food guru he was. Not only is Ari a pioneer in what he calls “real” food, his love of… Continue reading Zingerman’s Deli
Coach & Four Barbershop
(734) 668-8669 806 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.coachand4.com Let’s face it: every Michigan city has its share of great businesses, cool experiences and fascinating characters. Well, where we went next, we found all three. The Coach & Four Barbershop is the place to go in Ann Arbor if you love sports, want to hear some great stories,… Continue reading Coach & Four Barbershop
Afternoon Delight
(734) 665-7513 251 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.afternoondelightcafe.com Since 1978, this place has been one of the biggest institutions in Ann Arbor, and it’s not even part of the university. It’s actually a restaurant called Afternoon Delight, and people have been passionate about it for generations. When we were there we even talked to a woman who… Continue reading Afternoon Delight
Dogpatch Restaurant, The
(906) 387-9948 325 E. Superior St., Munising, MI 49862 www.dogpatchrestaurant.com After a hearty fish sausage sampler, the crew was still hungry, so we had a quick bite at a place the locals enthusiastically recommended. The Dogpatch Restaurant is as much fun to be in as the food is to eat. Going to the Dogpatch is like getting swallowed up by… Continue reading Dogpatch Restaurant, The
Van Landschoot & Sons Fish House
(906) 387-3851 116 E. Varnum St., Munising, MI 49862 The U.P. is also known for serving some of the best food you’ll find anywhere, so we went looking and found a place that makes something called whitefish sausage. If you want fresh fish, Van Landschoot & Sons Fish House is the place to go in Munising. Their boats go out… Continue reading Van Landschoot & Sons Fish House
Seaberg Pontoon Rentals
(906) 387-2685 1330 Commercial St., Munising, MI 49862 seabergpontoonrentals.tripod.com/seabergpontoonrental There are great boat tours you can take of the Pictured Rocks, but if you want to get up close and personal and see the rocks your way, rent your own pontoon boat at Seaberg Pontoon Rentals just outside of town. Sherron Seaberg and her husband Jim have everything you need… Continue reading Seaberg Pontoon Rentals
Pictured Rocks
(906) 387-3700 Grand Marais, MI 49839 www.nps.gov/piro Munising is also home to one of the most beautiful and incredible natural wonders of the world, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Over forty miles of two-hundred-foot sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and pristine beaches that meet crystal-clear, blue-green water. The colors you’ll see and the rock formations are like nowhere else in the world.… Continue reading Pictured Rocks
Hack Ma Tack Inn
(231) 625-2919 8131 Beebe Rd., Cheboygan, MI 49721 www.hackmatackinn.com Our last stop in Cheboygan was kind of hard to say and a little hard to find, but once we found it, we knew we were in the right place. It’s a real hidden treasure called Hack-Ma-Tack. Built almost 120 years ago, Hack-Ma-Tack was originally a hunting and fishing lodge, but… Continue reading Hack Ma Tack Inn
Gildner Gallery, The
(231) 627-2761 216 S. Main St., Cheboygan, MI 49721 www.gildnerartgallery.com Next we went to a very cool place called The Gildner Gallery. Downstairs it’s a top-notch flower shop called The Coop that has everything you need for fine floral occasions. But upstairs is a whole different story. Upstairs owner Ann Gildner has brought art to downtown Cheboygan. The gallery space… Continue reading Gildner Gallery, The
Cheboygan Opera House
(231) 627-5841 403 N. Huron St., Cheboygan, MI 49721 www.theoperahouse.org Whenever I go north in Michigan, people always ask if I’ve been to the Cheboygan Opera House, so I thought I’d see what everyone was talking about. I have to tell you: I’ve never seen another place like it. When you first see the building, you’re surprised at how modern… Continue reading Cheboygan Opera House
Tower of History, The
(906) 632-3658 326 E. Portage, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 www.saulthistoricsites.com/tower-of-history-4 Another cool thing to check out in town is The Tower of History. It’s a 210-foot observation tower that gives you an absolutely spectacular view of the Soo Locks and the entire city. It was cool to look down and see all the places we’d been that day with… Continue reading Tower of History, The
S.S. Valley Camp
(906) 632-3658 Corner of Johnston & Water, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 www.thevalleycamp.com If you’ve always wanted to go aboard a Great Lakes freighter, check out the S.S. Valley Camp. It’s a five-hundred-foot freighter that sailed the Great Lakes for over fifty years. Now it’s a floating maritime museum, and it’s an outstanding experience. Up on deck you really get… Continue reading S.S. Valley Camp
Soo Locks
(906) 632-6301 P.O. Box 739, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 www.soolocks.com While you’re in Sault Ste. Marie, be sure to go see the Soo Locks in action. It’s fascinating to get up close and watch these gigantic ships from all around the world go through. They pull in and are either raised or lowered twenty-one feet. If they go up,… Continue reading Soo Locks
Riverstone Gallery
(906) 635-6033 321 W. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI, 49783 www.riverstonegallery.net If you’re fond of the old expression, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” you’ll totally love the next place we found. It’s called Riverstone Gallery, and not only do they feature incredible, one-of-a-kind local art, photography and jewelry, they also have some very unique vintage recycled treasures.… Continue reading Riverstone Gallery
Karl’s Cuisine
(906) 253-1900 447 W. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 www.karlscuisine.com We stopped and had lunch at a great place called Karl’s Cuisine. It’s a gourmet restaurant that the locals absolutely swear by. Karl and Paula Nelson have put their heart and soul into this place, and you can really taste it. They serve comfort food that’s good for… Continue reading Karl’s Cuisine
Dave Thuemmel
(989) 738-8772 2090 Grindstone Rd., Port Austin, MI 48467 www.woodbowls.homestead.com thumbstudiotour.com/DaveT1.html When I was in seventh grade I made a cutting board in woodshop, and it lasted almost a year. I was very proud of that cutting board, until I met Dave Thuemmel. Dave is an incredibly talented artist and wood turner who takes scrap, fallen or just plain useless… Continue reading Dave Thuemmel
Joe’s Pizzeria American and Italian Restaurant
(989) 738-8711 8725 Lake St., Port Austin, MI 48467 After a long day of extreme kayaking, there’s nothing like an Italian pizza, hand tossed by an authentic Italian. So we went straight to Joe’s Pizzeria American and Italian Restaurant. It’s casual, comfortable and a lot of fun. Owner Sal Cucchiara is the real deal. He came to Port Austin thirty… Continue reading Joe’s Pizzeria American and Italian Restaurant
Port Austin Kayak and Bike Shop
(989) 550-6651 119 E. Spring St., Port Austin, MI 48467 www.portaustinkayak.com Port Austin is quickly becoming one of the best places to kayak in the Midwest, so I met up with the man who could show me why. Chris Boyle owns the Port Austin Kayak and Bike Shop, and he rents everything from beginner kayaks to some pretty cool state-of-the… Continue reading Port Austin Kayak and Bike Shop
Little Yellow Cottages
(248) 760-7696 114 Union St., Port Austin, MI 48467 www.portaustincottages.com If the cottage life is more your style, you’ll want to stay at the Little Yellow Cottages. This place is a Port Austin favorite. They’re five little cottages all in a row, located right downtown just a block from the beach and public park. You can rent just one or… Continue reading Little Yellow Cottages
Lake Street Manor, The
(989) 738-7720 8569 Lake St., Port Austin, MI 48467 www.lakestreetmanor.com If bed and breakfasts are the way you like to stay, try the Lake Street Manor. The rooms are very nice and the backyard has a great place to sit, relax and reflect. The location rocks, as does the owner.
Village at Grand Traverse Commons
(231) 941-1900 1200 W. 11th St., Traverse City, MI 49684 www.thevillagetc.com Where we went next blew my mind. It’s another great story that totally reminds me why I live in Michigan. It’s called the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, and it’s now a beautiful village community that offers everything you need for a great way of life. It’s become an… Continue reading Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Cherry Festival
(231) 947-4230 250 E. Front St., Ste. 301, Traverse City, MI 49684 www.visit.cherryfestival.org Next we jumped in the car and headed across town to an event I just had to go to. It had been ‘on’ my radar for years, but for some reason, I’d just never made it there. The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City attracts over half… Continue reading Cherry Festival
Grand Traverse Distillery
(231) 947-8635 781 Industrial Circle, Traverse City, MI 49686 www.grandtraversedistillery.com Did you know that one of the top six rated vodkas in the world is made in Traverse City? I’ll drink to that (responsibly of course). In a totally unassuming location just south of town is a little place called Grand Traverse Distillery, and they’re making heads turn around the… Continue reading Grand Traverse Distillery
Dinosaur Gardens
(989) 471-5477 11160 U.S. 23, Ossineke, MI 49766 www.dinosaurgardensllc.com It’s called Dinosaur Gardens, it’s just south of Alpena and it’s an absolute trip… back in time. The park is a walking tour that lets you see what dinosaurs must have looked like as they roamed the earth millions of years ago. It’s set in a forest, so as you walk… Continue reading Dinosaur Gardens
Court Yard Ristorante
(989) 356-9511 2024 U.S. 23, Alpena, MI 49707 www.courtyardristorante.com Chris and Lora Bauer-Carlson own the Court Yard, and their love for good friends and great gourmet food makes this place a must stop. The experience we had was warm and friendly, the food we ate was off the hook and the owner Chris was so cool, so casual and such… Continue reading Court Yard Ristorante
Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary
(989) 356-8805 500 W. Fletcher, Alpena, MI 49707 www.thunderbay.noaa.gov Another thing I didn’t know about Alpena was that they do tons of shipwreck research there. At the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a place called the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, and they have everything there to educate you on Michigan’s incredible maritime history. Alpena has become an international… Continue reading Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary
John A. Lau Saloon
(989) 354-6898 414 N. 2nd Ave., Alpena, MI 49707 www.johnalausaloon.com The John A. Lau Saloon is right in downtown Alpena, and for years they’ve been serving up great meals, cold beverages and I guess some pretty good ghost stories. The original saloon was built back in 1893 and during prohibition became a “candy store” (hmm…). Today it’s a very cool,… Continue reading John A. Lau Saloon
Lakenenland
(906) 249-1132 108 Timber Lane, Marquette, MI, 49855 www.lakenenland.com As we drove out of Marquette that day, we stumbled onto something the likes of which we’d never seen before. It’s called Lakenenland, and it’s just east of Marquette on M-28. This is a whimsical and wonderfully bizarre place that’s great for the entire family. From the small to the very… Continue reading Lakenenland
Bike Furniture Design
(906) 361-2483 P.O. Box 11, Marquette, MI 49855 www.bikefurniture.com In the afternoon we met up with Andy Gregg from Bike Furniture Design, a U.P. bike enthusiast who makes very artistic and very functional furniture out of used bicycle parts. At first I didn’t know what to expect, but when I saw his stuff I was impressed and amazed. This isn’t… Continue reading Bike Furniture Design
Hotplate
(906) 228-9577 153 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI, 49855 www.hotplatepottery.com Our next stop was called Hotplate, a cool, colorful and eclectic paint-your-own-pottery studio that’s bringing the whole community together. You go there to connect and share, and while you’re there, express yourself on cups, plates, wall hangings—you name it. It’s an absolute blast, and the staff there will totally bring… Continue reading Hotplate
Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery
(906) 226-8200 145 Jackson Cut Alley, Marquette, MI 49855 www.marquettecajun.com Let’s say you’re in Marquette and you get a sudden craving for some authentic Louisiana, Creole and Cajun cookin’. It’s 1,400 miles down to New Orleans, so that’s not an option. What do you do? Simple! You get yourself over to Lagniappe and get your voodoo on. Lagniappe is an… Continue reading Lagniappe Cajun Creole Eatery
Binder Park Zoo
(269) 979-1351 7400 Division Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49014 www.binderparkzoo.org Now, say you’re in Battle Creek and you get a sudden urge to do something wild. I mean really wild. Just ten minutes south of town is Binder Park Zoo, one of the Midwest’s premiere wildlife parks. It was voted one of the best zoos in America, and it’s right… Continue reading Binder Park Zoo
Cliff Bell’s
(313) 961-2543 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 www.cliffbells.com Cliff Bell’s is one of Motown’s original classic jazz clubs. Today it’s a fully and authentically restored art-deco nightclub in the heart of Detroit’s historic entertainment district. Cliff Bell’s is all about live jazz, great food and classic cocktails. When you’re there, you can almost feel what it must have been… Continue reading Cliff Bell’s
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble, The
(810) 982-0891 Port Huron Seaway Terminal, Port Huron, MI www.phmuseum.org/drupal/about/bramble If you want to have an experience in Port Huron that’s totally nautical, try spending some time (or even the night) on a real U.S. Coast Guard cutter. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble is part of an incredible Port Huron museum program. This is an absolutely fascinating 180-foot seagoing… Continue reading U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble, The
Studio 1219
(810) 984-2787 1219 Military St., Port Huron, MI 48060 www.studio1219.com There’s also a thriving art community in Port Huron. Next time you’re there for a stay, you gotta check out Studio 1219. I’ve never seen anything like this place. They took a furniture store built in 1882 and turned it into a really cool art cooperative. Over one hundred local… Continue reading Studio 1219
Hermann’s European Café
(231) 775-9563 214 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI 49601 www.chefhermann.com What we found was Hermann’s European Café. Now get this: it’s a gourmet restaurant, a casual deli where the locals meet, an expert butcher shop, a fantastic wine shop, and upstairs from all of this is a four-star, European-style hotel. If you’re wondering how this concentrated slice of European culture… Continue reading Hermann’s European Café
Toy Town
(231) 775-TOYS (8697) 122 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI 49601 www.toytowncadillac.com When we shot this segment, Ryan and Nicole Schultz owned Toy Town, a progressive and really cool toy store right downtown. Their mission is to provide families, young and old, the opportunity of adventure, imagination and discovery inside, outside and everywhere in between. This is a really cool place… Continue reading Toy Town
B.O.B., The
(616) 356-2627 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.thebob.com We came to Grand Rapids to experience a building called The B.O.B. It’s a classic 70,000-square-foot four-story red-brick building that was built in 1903 as Judson’s Grocery Warehouse. It stood vacant for decades and was destined for the wrecking ball until a local group called The Gilmore Collection transformed… Continue reading B.O.B., The
Air Zoo
(866) 524-7966 6151 Portage Rd., Portage, MI 49002 www.airzoo.org The main reason we went to K’zoo was to explore a place just south of town. It’s called the Air Zoo, and it’s a one-of-a-kind destination. It’s an absolutely mind-blowing aviation museum that was voted the best place to take someone who’s visiting Michigan. Don’t let the word “museum” scare you… Continue reading Air Zoo
Inn on Ferry Street, The
(313) 871-6000 84 E. Ferry St., Detroit, MI 48202 www.innonferrystreet.com If you’re ever in Midtown Detroit, there’s an under the radar hidden treasure you’ve just got to experience. The Inn on Ferry Street is a collection of beautifully restored historic homes that have been turned into an outstanding, first-class bed and breakfast. You won’t believe the experience you’ll have when… Continue reading Inn on Ferry Street, The
Zumba Mexican Grille
(248) 542-1400 304 N. Main St., Royal Oak, MI 48067 www.zumbagrille.com My second place for a fast, cheap and good meal in Royal Oak is a fresh-Mex place the locals absolutely swear by. Zumba Mexican Grille has a great feel with traditional Mexican art done up in cool, modern, funky materials. It’s upbeat, it’s casual and all the great tastes… Continue reading Zumba Mexican Grille
Second Street Sub Shop
108 W. Second St., Royal Oak, MI, 48067 (248) 543-7474 Located on 2nd Street just west of Main, Second Street Sub Shop is a funky little place that claims to have the world’s best subs. As far as we know, Second Street also holds the title of Royal Oak’s smallest restaurant, with seating for only eight. Owner Scott Perry hand-picks… Continue reading Second Street Sub Shop