Grand Rapids first made a splash on the craft beverage scene when it was voted Beer City USA in national polls and named Best Beer Town and Best Beer Scene by USA TODAY readers. Nowadays there’s a lot more than just craft beer on tap in its culinary scene. Cider, spirits, and the cocktail creations they inspire, have led to even
There may be no more spectacular place on earth to soak in the magic of fall than Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There are seemingly endless opportunities to hike or bike through colorful forests. The root beer flowing over Tahquamenon Falls is particularly lovely when set against a palette of autumnal hues. The views from above Pictured Rocks, or
One of my favorite parts of traveling is the surprising find. It usually comes in the form of a hidden gem on a road trip, when you see something intriguing and bother to take the time to stop. Such is the case with the Historic Bridge Park in Calhoun County near Battle Creek, Michigan. I’ve passed the
The chugging and mournful sound of a train’s bellow can elicit feelings of contentment in your soul. Even today, when a train is used mainly to haul freight or for scenic, vintage rides, it is a hauntingly beautiful sight to behold. It has also created many a ferroequinologist (train enthusiast). The railroads have been integral in Michigan’s
Some things may be different this October, but we’re still a state filled with crisp autumn air, stunning shores, spectacular fall foliage, and of course cider and doughnuts. There are lots of interesting entertainment options to explore this month. Here are a dozen of our favorites. October 1-3,8-10,15-17,22-24 Glass Pumpkin Fest – Dearborn Each weekend in October
Traditionally this is a wonderful time of year to make a visit to your favorite winery, or explore a wine trail, and this year is no exception. Grapes are ripening, the air is getting crisper, leaves are starting to change color…oh, and there’s wine! However, COVID-19 has changed the usual procedures so it’s best to prepare and
It’s a strange thing to experience cabin fever in the summer, and yet, in this most unusual of years, many people have. If you’re among them then perhaps it’s time to hit the road. How about exploring one of our state’s lesser known scenic byways? The River Road National Scenic Byway is a 22-mile stretch between the
Stevens Mason wasn’t born in Michigan. He didn’t die in Michigan either, yet he is very well-known for being a true Michiganian, and his influence on our state is undeniable. Also known as the Boy Governor, Stevens was instrumental in Michigan gaining statehood. The month of September has quite a few important dates in our state, and
Perhaps the only thing that can make Michigan’s agricultural products and inventive locally-produced foods even more tantalizing is when talented chefs combine them and take them to a masterful new level. That’s what makes Taste the Local Difference’s (TLD)new digital cookbook such an exciting addition to Michigan’s foodie culture. The Traverse city-based local food marketing company has
As the harvesting of cherries gives way to apples, and trips to beaches give way to cider mill visits, the craving for the fruits of one of Michigan’s fastest growing industries also seems to naturally increase. While the state has long been known for wine and beer, hard cider has now become a quintessential component of its
