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Fun fall reads by Michigan authors

Whether this time of year gives you the urge to get your spook on, dive into a mystery, or just curl up with an easy read, Michigan authors have got you covered. Michigan's Haunted Lighthouses by Dianna Stampfler   If you've ever talked with one of the volunteer lighthouse keepers at a beacon around our state, then

Fun fall reads by Michigan authors2024-10-28T13:26:13-04:00

‘Tis the season for winter squash

If they’re grown in the summer and sold in the fall, why are so many fruits (yes, they are fruits not veggies) considered to be winter squash? Pumpkins, buttercup, butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash are all part of this family, which is harvested and eaten in the mature fruit stage, meaning the seeds have matured fully and

‘Tis the season for winter squash2024-10-23T12:55:22-04:00

Michigan’s best brews of fall

Welcoming a new season isn't just about a change in weather, it also brings welcome changes that are sure to please the palate. For example, it turns out that pumpkin and autumnal spices can taste just as enjoyable in a pilsner glass as they do in a coffee mug. Check out some of Michigan’s best beers of

Michigan’s best brews of fall2024-10-28T11:33:28-04:00

Latest class inducted into Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame

It takes a symphony of extraordinary efforts to make a society sing. That's why the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center seems like an ideal setting to for the latest class of exceptional people to be inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. The hall was established almost forty years ago, in an effort

Latest class inducted into Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame2024-10-21T09:34:09-04:00

Test your apple knowledge

Fall means a lot of wonderful things in Michigan, not the least of which is a great influx of fresh, crisp apples.  Home to over 14.9 million apple trees, the state ranks third in the U.S. (behind only Washington & New York) for apple production. Apples are in fact, Michigan's most valuable fruit crop. You can bake

Test your apple knowledge2024-09-19T08:20:07-04:00

Top 10 tips for picking your own apples

We're just starting to experience crisp cool air, but crisp, fresh apples on the other hand, are already available. Michigan is the nation's third highest apple-growing state, behind only Washington and New York. USApple estimates that our farmers will produce over 28 million apples this year, so chances are there's an orchard near you. September and October

Top 10 tips for picking your own apples2024-09-19T08:15:28-04:00

Everyone should experience fall on the Keweenaw

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel all over the country and enjoy autumn. There’s the brilliant gold of the Aspens in the Rockies. You can watch the morning mist reveal a cornucopia of color in the Smokey Mountains, or drive through an abundance of beauty in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. All are incredible, but no autumn destination

Everyone should experience fall on the Keweenaw2024-09-19T08:21:24-04:00

10 adventures to do with dad

I recently lost my father. He lived to a ripe old age of 86, and yet, in the end, his passing came quickly, and caught my brother and I a bit by surprise. Fortunately, my dad and I had spent more time alone together since my mom left us a year earlier. We had in depth conversations

10 adventures to do with dad2024-06-04T14:02:10-04:00

Tawas Point Lighthouse shining brightly again

Whenever I find myself traveling north along the Lake Huron shoreline, I find it nearly impossible not to stop and admire the Tawas Point Lighthouse, especially if I've got time to climb up for the incredible view. The structure itself has become quite weathered by time. Fortunately, a recently completed restoration project is bringing back the shine

Tawas Point Lighthouse shining brightly again2024-05-02T02:16:41-04:00

Sweet Michigan maple weekends return

While 2024’s harvest season was short, due to warmer temperatures, Michigan maintained its ranking as #5 in the nation for the overall production at 200,000 gallons collected from 650,000 taps according to the United States department of Agriculture (USDA). Over the past 14 years, Michigan has produced nearly 2 million gallons of syrup in what is regarded

Sweet Michigan maple weekends return2025-03-20T21:08:19-04:00

Buy Michigan Now Festival Exhibitor Rules

EVENT: The Buy Michigan Now Festival is scheduled to be held in Downtown South Lyon, Michigan, August 1-3, 2025, regardless of weather. ELIGIBLE EXHIBITORS: Buy Michigan Now (a.k.a. The Catalyst Company, LLC) reserves the right to determine if an organization will be able to participate, or sell a particular product. All applications will be reviewed and

Buy Michigan Now Festival Exhibitor Rules2025-06-23T07:45:27-04:00

Michigan’s best paczki destinations

In some places Fat Tuesday is also known as Mardi Gras, but here in Michigan, it is more widely nicknamed Paczki Day. Once common only in the Detroit area, particularly in Hamtramck, the tradition has caught on around the state, and this year will be celebrated on February 13. Place orders in advance, or risk standing in

Michigan’s best paczki destinations2024-02-01T14:59:54-05:00

Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program seeking applications

Anyone who has ever visited the Porcupine Mountains has likely been a little inspired. Some of us feel a desire to travel more. Others wish to slow life down. One or two may even reflect upon their place in the world. Then there are those with an artistic passion, for whom a visit sparks immense productivity. Are

Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program seeking applications2024-02-03T15:07:25-05:00

2024 fee free days at our national parks

One of our nation’s greatest treasures is our national parks system. These federally protected lands are filled with unrivaled beauty and an abundance of recreational opportunities. While well worth it, accessing these parks can be a tad pricey, ranging from $25 per vehicle for a one-time visit to $80 a person for an annual pass to access

2024 fee free days at our national parks2024-02-03T16:32:39-05:00

Metro Detroit Shops

Amidst the big box stores and national chains, there are a growing number of local shops in the Metro Detroit area that are making a point of featuring products designed and made right here in Michigan. City Bird (Detroit) 460 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201 (313) 831-9146 https://www.citybirddetroit.com Heart of Michigan (Howell) 203 W. Grand River, Howell, MI

Metro Detroit Shops2025-11-21T08:33:47-05:00

Mid-Michigan Shops

While we refer to it as Mid-Michigan, we are really talking about the middle of the Lower Peninsula, not the whole state. From art to apparel, food to jewelry, and so much more, these shops in the central part of the mitten peninsula are featuring an exceptional quantity of Michigan-made products. Amazin' Mitten (Frankenmuth) 646 S Main Street

Mid-Michigan Shops2025-11-21T08:36:46-05:00

Northern Michigan Shops

Affectionately known as the tip o' the mitt, Northern Michigan is a huge draw for tourists and therefore boasts several souvenir shops. These stores not only showcase the state, they make a point of carrying products that are made right here in Michigan. My Secret Stash (Traverse City) 122 Cass Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 (231) 929-0340 https://www.mysecretstash.com

Northern Michigan Shops2024-11-11T20:00:29-05:00

Southwest Michigan Shops

West Michigan has long been a preferred destination for Michigan artists and food producers. In fact, the area around Saugatuck and Douglas is sometimes referred to as the art coast. The following shops make a point of highlighting Michigan-made products and art. C2C Gallery (Grand Haven) 104 Washington Ave. Grand Haven , MI 49417 616-935-7337 https://c2cgallery.com  Downtown

Southwest Michigan Shops2024-11-11T20:03:42-05:00

Upper Peninsula Shops

There are a lot fewer big box stores and national chains in the Upper Peninsula than in most of the rest of the state so it's easier to buy from local, independent entities. Some also really make a point of stocking Michigan-made products like those featured here. Downtown Art Place (Ironwood) 111 E. Aurora St. Ironwood, MI

Upper Peninsula Shops2025-11-21T08:46:45-05:00

The quiet magic of Michigan cider mills

To most locals, it simply isn’t fall in Michigan until we’ve visited a cider mill. Of course that unbeatable combination of cider and donuts is a huge part of the draw, but I think it’s more than that. There is something about the setting as well, that nourishes our souls while the other stuff fills our bellies.

The quiet magic of Michigan cider mills2023-10-05T22:50:30-04:00
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