Posts for Articles section of Makers page.
I used to be a bit of a purest when it came to my tastes in beer. The closest I came to a fruit beer was adding an orange slice to my Bells Oberon. Times have changed as the brewers in our state have produced so many interesting, flavorful fruity beers over the years, that I just
Spiked seltzer is now a rapidly growing industry, and Michigan companies are serving up some unique additions to the segment this year. This relatively new addition to the beverage scene really took off in 2019 when sales of hard seltzer surpassed $1 billion for the first time, which was an increase of nearly 200% compared to the
Capitalizing on a growing trend in the beverage industry, Long Road Distillers released a line-up of three canned craft cocktails in August of last year. At the time, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers, Kyle VanStrien, remarked, “We’re excited to bring some of our favorites to market, and we look forward to expanding offerings and distribution
May is Michigan Wine Month and a great time to explore the budding greenery of the countryside. Why not pair your weekend retreat with some fine wine? Michigan’s flourishing grape industry is not only producing more award-winning wines than ever before, it has sprouted a booming addition to our tourism industry. While wineries and tasting rooms can
Wisconsin may be known for as the land of Cheeseheads, but that doesn’t mean it’s cornered the market on making or selling cheese, glorious cheese. In fact, it should come as no surprise that a state with well over 1,200 dairy farms, there is in fact, a Michigan cheese trail. If you are a cheese lover, then
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
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
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
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
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
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
There’s an old adage that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Of course, that’s not really true, but it is true that you can get in the Irish spirit by donning something green. That said, not everyone has that color in regular rotation in their wardrobe. Fear not lads and lasses, there are some Michigan companies
Three prominent entities have banded together to give Michigan a leap forward in manufacturing amidst the 4th Industrial Revolution. Automation Alley, Lean Rocket Lab and Lawrence Technological University’s (LTU) Centrepolis Accelerator have created a new Industry 4.0 Accelerator program, which is the first of its kind in the U.S. The goal is to help small and medium-sized
Shopping for men can sometimes be challenging. It’s not that they are more particular necessarily, so much as the fact that they aren’t as likely as women to express what they like or even drop any hints. That may create the need for a little bit of sleuthing. Think about food and beverages, hobbies and interests, or
The key to making her Valentine’s Day special is demonstrating that you cared enough to put some thought into the gift. One easy way to do that is to avoid big box and online superstores and instead shop a neighborhood boutique or gallery. You’ll find items that are much more unique. Ideally, choose something that is locally-made.
Luckily, we've had a fairly mild winter throughout most of the state so far, but we all know that can change at any moment. Every seasoned Michigander knows that, even if you love the cold and fluffy white stuff, it can eventually take a toll. It brings cold and flu season, not to mention dry air, and
When most people think of Detroit’s Eastern Market, they think of food, and for good reason. The market has been the city’s premier site for the buying and selling of fresh, flavorful, local foods for well over a century and a half. However, to think only of scrumptious morsels when visiting the district is to under appreciate
The season of road trips, picnics, and beach days is upon us. What better time than now to up your snack game? These unique options will tantalize your palate and perhaps even surprise a guest or two. Original Cinnful Crunch When I was a kid I absolutely loved buttered toast, topped with cinnamon and sugar. It was
Throughout the years of running this campaign I’ve met many food producers across the state with remarkably similar origin stories. It all starts with a phenomenal family recipe, followed by the encouragement of loved ones, and then some innovative twists of their own. Granny’s Confections in Howell is no exception to this path to success. In their case it
The origin of my business, Sunrise Side Honey, LLC, goes way back to when I was a kid, growing up spending most of my summers all across the great state of Michigan. Outdoor activities have and always will be a part of my life and because of that, beekeeping just seemed like a natural progression that could achieve
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), has announced the winners of its Sixth Annual Judging of Craft Spirits. The annual Awards marked the official opening day of the 2019 ACSA Distillers Convention and Vendor Trade Show in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Michigan distillers captured nine medals. According to ACSA, the competition received nearly 500 entries from 38 states and
