It’s crazy to think about it, but one of the most critical events in the history and settlement of Michigan didn’t even happen within the state. On July 4 of 1817, construction started on a crucial waterway. The Erie Canal, affectionately known now as The Nation’s First Superhighway, opened up the west, accelerating the region's settlement and
They say the best thing isn't owning a boat, it's having a friend who does. Whether you are that friend, or just someone who longs to spend summer hours out on the water, it’s time to hop aboard a Michigan boat. Luckily, there are some incredible options. Tall Ships There are few sights more majestic on a
The Buy Michigan Now Festival is returning to Downtown Northville Aug 4-6, 2023. In keeping with tradition, the event offers Michigan-based authors an opportunity to sign and sell books. Traditionally, over the course of the weekend, 25-30,000 people attend this upbeat celebration of Buy Michigan Week. BMNFest Writers selected to participate will be provided with a sheltered
If you live in Michigan, you have most likely heard the Meijer name. The company pioneered the modern supercenter concept in 1962, but the beginnings are much humbler than that. It all started in June of 1934 when founder Hendrick Meijer opened a small grocery store in Greenville and the company grew from there. Hendrick Meijer's Early
While the roar of engines could be heard faintly on Woodward when cars made the circle on Belle Isle, it’s been three decades since the sound echoed between the skyscrapers of the city. This year, Grand Prix racing returns to the downtown streets June 2-4. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy Detroit’s Grand Prix weekend.
Earlier this month, Melrose Township (Walloon Lake) was named a Monarch City USA – just the fifth such community in Michigan and the fourth in northern Michigan. It joined Highland, Boyne City, Kalkaska and Elk Rapids. These communities pledge to provide environments and native areas for pollinator plants to grow wild, thus feeding and protecting monarchs and
Consumers in all 50 states and 18 international markets know the convenience of Little Caesar’s Hot-n-Ready pizzas. I personally can make a meal out of their Crazy Bread. It was quite interesting to me to find out that this famed chain all started with a blind date. Mike Ilitch was born in 1929, in Detroit, to Macedonian
Despite being home to Eastern Michigan University, Willow Run Airport, and a readily recognizable water tower, Ypsilanti often lives in the shadow of neighboring Ann Arbor. Yet, there is much to see and do, especially when you make a stop in Depot Town. Named for the train station that was once the primary focus of the area,
On the surface, the MSU Product Center’s annual Making It In Michigan conference and trade show may seem like an event that is just for people with agricultural-based businesses to attend. Yet, the trade show is actually one of the state’s best kept secrets for foodies and entrepreneurs of any ilk. Where else can you get a
What do you get when you combine entrepreneurial ingenuity, capital investment, and a public eager to support new endeavors? The answer is Hatch Detroit. The competition recently announced its Top 10 semi-finalists, and now it’s your turn to weigh in and help determine which new brick and mortar business you most want to see added to the
If you live in Michigan, or anywhere else in the Midwest for that matter, you’ve likely tasted a Vernors Ginger Ale. It is considered Michigan’s #1 cold medicine and is great when heated and mixed with lemon juice for sore throats and coughs. It is also known to cure the occasional queasy stomach. The inventor of this
Snow is melting. Waterfalls are thawing. Maple sap is flowing. These are all among the many joys of springtime in Michigan. As the weather warms many beer drinkers find their tastes moving away from the brown ales, stouts, and porters of winter and toward the wheat and fruit that transitions us into summer. These 5 delectable spring
It’s unlikely that you’ll spot any actual leprechauns, or even stumble across a four-leaved clover, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in our state. In fact, it was once a single day commemorating the arrival of St Patrick and Christianity to Ireland on March 17. However, now it has
Michigan maple syrup producers are hoping for another sweet season of tapping trees and boiling sap after producing 190,000 gallons in 2022 (up from 150,000 gallons in 2021), according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In 2019, Michigan produced 195,000 gallons – the highest amount on record. To celebrate Michigan’s oldest agricultural activity, 18 members
Once upon a time, Frankenmuth was a relatively ordinary little hamlet in Saginaw County that had been founded by German settlers. That is, until local businessman William “Tiny” Zehnder had an idea. He wanted to add atmosphere to what was then Fischer’s Hotel, by adding Bavarian Architecture. The idea took hold in the late 1950s, and before
I would be willing to bet that almost everyone has heard of Kellogg's, and also that many know it all began in Battle Creek, Michigan. As for the story of how this business came to be, not so much so. It is a story of bullying, jealousy, and sibling rivalry between the Kellogg brothers, John and Will.
March is National Reading Month so it’s an excellent time to highlight works from local authors that have earned the distinction of a 2023 Michigan Notable Book. Every year the Library of Michigan selects up to twenty of the most notable books. Each is either about, or set in, Michigan, or written by a Michigan author. Selections
February may be the month for romance, but these dining spots will warm your heart any time of year. Michigan has no shortage of delectable dining options, but if you’re looking for a romantic dinner with someone special, we’ve identified an array of the most romantic restaurants in Michigan. Each provides not just delicious food, but ambience
Let’s face it, even to those who love it, winter takes a toll. Cold air whipping across your face, mounds of snow to remove, and ice threatening to trip us up, are just a few of the drawbacks to this time of year. They are also among the many reasons why we sometimes need to take a
From the Great Lakes State, Wolverine State, and The Mitten to Motor City and Motown, the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit have a plethora of nicknames. However, there is one that I had never heard of before. During World War II, Detroit was called the Arsenal of Democracy. Once you really think about the
Longer, darker days seem to be a good time to enjoy slow-sipping darker beers like porters and stouts. Winter is less about an ice cold, refreshing beer, and more about coziness and comfort. Fear not, even a novice beer drinker can likely find a porter or stout they will enjoy. We’ve identified some of Michigan’s best porters
There’s a new year upon us, which presents an opportunity for some exciting travel goals. Fortunately, Michigan is a state that is ripe with opportunity. Whether you live in the state and want to go exploring, or are traveling from afar, these unique destinations are so spectacular, they should be on any traveler’s bucket list. Here are
Living here we all know that Michigan winters can be brutal. Even in recent history, we had the polar vortex of 2019. As I sit here writing, we are expecting a generational storm this Christmas. As a history teacher, I know that former president Ulysses S. Grant lived in Michigan for three years and had to deal
If you grew up in a place where snow falls regularly during the winter months, you can probably remember standing at the top of a snow-covered hill of some sort and sliding down the incline. It may have been a big mountain, a small hill, or even a mound of snow made from the snowplow. You may
A host of Michigan women have made their mark in the world, and I have written articles on several of them. This month I have found yet another remarkable woman from Michigan. Matilda Dodge Wilson was one of the world’s wealthiest women of the time, but she was also one who embodied hard work and led by
