You don’t have to adore cars or racing to truly enjoy the latest exhibit to make its home at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, but if you do, then you’ll really love it. Appropriately nestled between the Heroes of the Sky and Driving America exhibits, you’ll find the new attraction, Driven to Win: Racing in
Michigan women sure have come a long way when it comes to our careers. From a pioneering woman named Magdelaine Laframboise, who was our state's first female fur mogul to current General Motors CEO Mary Barra, the first women to ever lead a major automotive company. While both of those women may have had to carve out
Finally, an American "holiday" is coming along during the pandemic that is literally built around watching TV and eating. Super Bowl Sunday should not only prove to be entertaining with the battle of the rising superstar quarterback VS the greatest of all time, but it also affords us an excellent opportunity to support local businesses while chowing
At first blush it seems unlikely that painter, Mary Abdoo, would choose winter scenes as the primary inspiration for her work. She was born in the tropical nation of the Dominican Republic, which is on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. In 1960 Mary met and fell in love with Peter who traveled to Dominican Republic
Since the pandemic hit, a number of cities and towns across the state identified specific areas to provide additional outdoor dining space for their restaurants. Some utilized the sidewalk in front of each eatery, while others did full street closures either for the entire period, or at designated times and days each week. Now, with COVID-numbers rising
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
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
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
Once you meet Dorothy Zehnder, it’s hard to forget her. She may be a tad diminutive in stature, but she’s definitely not short on kindness, charm or energy. In fact, the 98-year young matriarch of the Zehnder family still works full time six days a week! She is the co-founder and co-owner of the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn,
Whether it’s a charcoal hibachi at the beach or firing up a gas-powered beast in the backyard, summer is definitely grill season in Michigan. With many of us lounging more at home this year, there’s never been a better time to up your grill game. Here are some flavorful suggestions. Fish Grilled fish is a really healthy
It’s a tradition that started in 2009. While we encourage local spending all year long, for one special week each year (July 27-Aug 2, 2020), we ask people to make a more concerted effort to buy and try Michigan-made products; explore independent eateries and boutiques; learn more about local companies; and to share their long-time favorites and
There are few things more refreshing and decadent on a hot summer day than a sweet, creamy, scrumptious scoop of ice cream. Summer road trips often include stops at great joints like Marion’s Dairy Bar in East Tawas, House of Flavors in Ludington, Roaring 20’s in Flushing, The Frozen Flamingo in Munising, and of course the aptly-entitled
A year ago, over even six months back, no one could’ve predicted the fashion trend sweeping the nation would be face masks. Yes, they are a necessary precaution during the pandemic, but in typical American form, they are now taking on stylish looks as well. Fabric masks can be washed and reused, yet for style’s sake, there
In a state where you are never more than six miles from a body of water, nor more than eighty five miles from a Great Lake, it’s no wonder that we love our boats so much. In fact, Michigan is home to over 900,000 registered watercraft. Water sports aren’t just about fun here, they are also a
Summer typically means longer days, sunshine, and lots of good old-fashioned rest and relaxation. There are always a few challenges too. Here are six products that can simplify your summer concerns. Drunkin’ Mosquito Time spent outside definitely increases in the summer, but so does the mosquito population. Turn to the fine folks at Drunkin’ Mosquito to help
As the mercury rises so does our level of thirst, and sometimes an ice water just won't do the trick. Prepare for those moments when flavor takes precedence and an adult beverage is just the ticket by picking up one of these refreshing variety packs. Each provides some spectacular flavor profiles, and an opportunity to figure out
June means it’s time to turn our attention toward the contribution of the dads and father figures in our lives. These days, when many of us have had to be apart, this holiday has some extra significance. It is also a more important year than ever to thank your dad with gifts that keep dollars close to
After months of unprecedented fear and misery around our nation, today I had the refreshing opportunity to witness unbridled joy. Scarlet’s Playground in Commerce Township opened up to welcome a gaggle of giggling kids. The barrier-free, all-inclusive playground has been a primary mission for Scarlet’s Smile, a local 501(c)3 organization. The heart of the nonprofit, and the
The global COVID-19 health crisis will affect virtually every business. The depth of that effect and whether it is primarily negative or positive, depends on each businesses ability to adapt to the ever-changing predicament. Here are some tips experts advise to mitigate damage and set a course to survive and thrive. Review and revise business plans For
Like most things these days, this will be an especially interesting Mother’s Day. Some families that are usually apart on that day have been quarantined together, while others who are typically able to spend the day together, will be separated for safety. Regardless of circumstance, there are several wonderful ways you can honor mom, while staying safe,
We first introduced Jackson Riegler to our community when he was just a high school student developing a brand new, inspiring idea to help preserve the Great Lakes. He won our Up & Coming Entrepreneur Contest at the tender age of seventeen, back in 2017. Today, he’s a student at the University of Michigan with a full-blown
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic will take a toll on our economy, but we can work together to minimize the negative impact. Place carryout orders from local restaurants One of the easiest ways to help, and let’s face it, give yourself a break too, is to pick up a curbside carry-out from your favorite
