After 7 years in Chicago, attorney Nick Gorga, moved back to Detroit. He knew he wanted to help revitalize the city. Over a decade later, what started out as an idea captured on a cocktail napkin, is now a thriving economic development program called Hatch Detroit. The organization was founded in 2011 with the intention of giving
This month, we once again travel north to the “Great Turtle” better known as Mackinac Island. One of the most famous landmarks on the island, the Grand Hotel, has its birthday on July 10. Built in 1887, it continues to welcome visitors from around the globe. It is perhaps best known for having the longest porch in
Any time is a fun time to visit Glass Academy in Dearborn, but this July may be one of the best times ever. Guests can try their lungs at glassblowing, support a local community organization, and help break a Guiness World Record, all at the same time. The project is aptly-named Breath of Michigan, and it runs
Since 2015, Taste the Local Difference has been publishing an annual food guide focused on the bounty available in our state. If you're curious about past editions, you can peruse digital versions here. Meanwhile, the Traverse City-based marketing and food consulting agency is prepping to release its 2022 edition. The 100-page magazine celebrates Michigan’s local food culture
Two men working together led to incredible scientific discovery in the early 1800s. One was highly educated, a former teacher, and a trained physician. While the other was an illiterate voyageur who worked a hard, physical job until an accident changed his life. This incident would lead to one of the most amazing studies of the human
Downtown Northville intends to close portions of Main and Center streets to vehicular traffic in order to create a pedestrian-friendly area throughout the summer. That also means that some businesses, particularly restaurants, will occupy space in the streets that was previously used for vendors. Additionally, due to guest requests, the Town Square area, which had vendors in
Michigan has long been a farming community. In the mid-1800s, it was determined that institutes of higher education that focused on teaching practical agriculture, science, military science, and engineering would be productive. This was inspired, in part, by the industrial revolution and changing social classes of the entire country. In 1850, the Michigan Constitution decided to create
The following organizations are currently scheduled to participate in the 2025 Buy Michigan Now Festival. New exhibitors will be added weekly. Abigail Leigh Designs AE Rooted Herbal Skincare All Hands On Design All That Glitters & More Almonds r Nuts Ami-U-Cute Argent Tape and Label Belledines BBQ Sauce and Seasonings Big Hearts and Crafts Bloom Chiropractic Bougie
According to Feeding America, 1,299,020 people in Michigan are facing hunger, and 305,190 of them are children. The need for children becomes even more drastic as the academic year comes to a close, and many meals provided through schools become unavailable. That is the driving force behind a food drive by Busch’s Fresh Food Market that is running from
May has been proclaimed Michigan Wine Month by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. According to the official proclamation, Michigan's wine and wine grape industry contributes $5.4 billion in economic impact. That includes a whopping $253 million in tourism spending. It also supports more than 47,000 jobs. That makes it an industry worth honoring, and let’s face it, there are
If R&B group, TLC had ever visited the Upper Peninsula, I suspect they would not have been able to keep telling us, “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls.” Surrounded by fall color, on a hot summer day, or frozen solid, there is never a bad time to see a waterfall. Yet, spring is undoubtedly a special time to explore
When I was a little girl, the Easter Bunny always seemed to have a partnership with Sanders, as was reflected in my basket. I was a Detroit kid, so naturally that made sense. Luckily, our favorite furry friend of spring seems to have an excellent relationship with several companies throughout the state. In case you’re looking to
Poliomyelitis. No one has been diagnosed with it originating in the United States since 1979, yet people still suffer from the effects. Before the 21st Century, the disease, more commonly known as polio, was dreaded. Most cases occurred in children aged six months to four years old. The fear of this disease caused many people to stay
Each year, the Michigan Notable Book (MNB) list features 20 books. Each is about, or set in, Michigan, or written by a Michigan author. They are published during the previous calendar year. Selections include a variety of genres, both fiction and nonfiction . They appeal to many audiences and explore topics and issues close to the hearts
Each spring, as the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, Michiganders head out into the woods to take part in the state’s oldest agricultural activity…tapping maple trees for sap to be turned into mouth-watering maple syrup, candies and other sweet treats. This year, 24 members of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association (spread out throughout
Hugging the Lake Superior shore for a resplendent 42 miles, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan’s most precious gems. There are waterfalls to explore, trails to trek, and incredible vistas in nearly any direction. The area welcomed a record 1.2 million visitors in 2020. Naturally that raised some questions about care and safety. Consequently, an
Applications for Renaissance Venture Capital’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) UnDemo Day® are now open. Early-stage companies seeking capital in the next 18 months are encouraged to apply. UnDemo Day is a virtual extension of Renaissance’s biannual event that connects regional startups with hundreds of venture capital funds from around the country. It will be held Wednesday, April 27,
When people hear the term skyscrapers, they usually think of the Empire State Building or the Willis Tower. These properties shoot up over a thousand feet, and stand out among the majestic skylines of New York City and Chicago. However, the early buildings that were considered skyscrapers, while impressive and beautiful, were only between ten and twenty
In the years before the Civil War, the Underground Railroad was key to helping slaves find their freedom. This railroad was a network of roads and homes that slaves used to reach northern states and Canada. Michigan was a key state in this route, especially for slaves coming up from Kentucky. Before the 1850s, if escaped slaves
Christmas trees are a popular symbol and decoration for the holiday season. The tradition began in Germany and was brought to America as early as the 1830s by German settlers. They were made popular in 1846 by Queen Victoria of England and her family. Michigan and nearby Chicago had many German settlers living there in the late
Kresge Arts in Detroit will award 20 fellowships and 10 Gilda Awards to artists of all career stages living and working in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Kresge Artist Fellowships are $25,000 no strings attached awards, plus professional development support and the creation of a short film highlighting the artist’s work. Fellowships and Gilda Awards will be
Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that 16 communities were awarded a 2021 Recreation Passport grant. The Recreation Passport grant program started 11 years ago. It aims to boost visitation and funding for Michigan's state parks as well as local, community parks and trails. This year’s grants include a total investment
We may not often think of how important mining has been to the history of Michigan. When we think of major economies in our state, we think of the automobile industry and our lumber companies. However, Michigan has four important mining ranges. First, there's what's known as Copper Country in Keweenaw, Houghton and Ontonagon counties. Then, the
A great animated film delights the kids, with plenty of other elements that parents can enjoy as well. These Halloween events are in that same vein. The scare level is low enough that your kids can sleep at night, but they, and you, will have plenty of fun at Michigan’s best family-friendly Halloween destinations. Hallowe’en at Greenfield
Michigan is home to many notable individuals, men and women, of all ages. One woman in particular was not only important to our state, but also to the entire nation. She was so remarkable that she was inducted into both the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. Sojourner Truth was an
