Two Detroit startups are among the nationwide recipients of $50,000 cash grants for minority-owned businesses from internet search giant Google LLC. The grants are part of the $5 million Google for Startups Black Founders Fund. They went to Alerje LLC, a medical technology and digital health company, and Raxplay LLC, a virtual reality music venue.
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
The chugging and mournful sound of a train’s bellow can elicit feelings of contentment in your soul. Even today, when a train is used mainly to haul freight or for scenic, vintage rides, it is a hauntingly beautiful sight to behold. It has also created many a ferroequinologist (train enthusiast). The railroads have been integral in Michigan’s
SMU DataArts, a national center for arts research at Southern Methodist University, released its sixth annual Arts Vibrancy Index, which ranks more than 900 communities across the country, examining the level of supply, demand and government support for the arts in each city. Traverse City took the #10 spot on the list for communities of its size in
The Great Beer State is home to another new brewery. Loaded Dice in Troy typically has between four and eight taps flowing on any given day, and a food truck nearby to satisfy your hunger. It's located at 1725 Rochester Rd.
Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood will welcomed another dining option to its growing ranks with the opening of Oak and Reel. Despite current capacity limits, the eatery has chosen to offer a prix fixe menu where customers pay a set price and don’t need to necessarily rush through their dinner. It's located at 2921 East Grand Blvd in
Freakin’ Pickles is now open in Au Gres. The pickles-only, counter-service retail shop serves these 12 flavors: double dill, old fashion dill, garlic, hot garlic, xtra hot garlic, bread and butter, hot bread and butter, horseradish, thick and sweet, sweet heat, flaming dill and veggie mix.
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
Stevens Mason wasn’t born in Michigan. He didn’t die in Michigan either, yet he is very well-known for being a true Michiganian, and his influence on our state is undeniable. Also known as the Boy Governor, Stevens was instrumental in Michigan gaining statehood. The month of September has quite a few important dates in our state, and
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
Undoubtedly spurred on by the pandemic, Sleeping Bear Dunes welcomed a record number of visitors in July. According to the National Park Service, 592,404 visitors came to visit.
Alchemi opened in the old Mr. B's Gastropub space at 215 S. Main Street in Royal Oak. It's being described as a "farm-to-table bistro" and will have American dishes, global fare, small plates and options for vegans and vegetarians.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $7 million contract to J.F Ryba Marine Construction Co. of Cheboygan to replace old WWII-era tainter valves at the Soo Locks. Tainter valves are used to control the flow of water used for raising and lowering the water level in the lock during a lockage.
The latest USA Today Readers’ Choice poll has declared the Inn at Black Star Farms to be America’s “Best Wine Country Hotel.” The boutique lodging destination is situated beside Black Star Farms’ Suttons Bay vineyard in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula wine region. It took the top honor after readers voted on their favorites from a
Sugar Lu's, a colorful candy store selling treats from across the world opened at 116 E. Main in Northville. It sells a variety of sweet goodies from taffy and candy sticks to imported candy from Asia.
Four Michigan breweries took home medals at the 2020 New York International Beer Competition (NYIBC). In total, Michigan breweries took home one gold medal, two silver medals, four bronze medals and four individual awards for achievement in specific beer styles. Honorees included HomeGrown Brewing Company in Oxford, North Peak Brewing Company in Traverse City, Third Monk Brewing
The year was 1841, and the United States faced another possible threat from Great Britain, the same nation from whom it had won freedom only 65 years ago, and who tried again to retake it 28 years prior. In August of this year, Congress appropriated hundreds of dollars to build a chain of forts from the East
Michigan has captured eight top 10 spots on Business Facilities’ 16th annual Rankings Report for 2020, including once again taking the #1 ranking for in the Automotive Manufacturing Strength category. The other top 10s include: Manufacturing Employment (#4), FDI-Investments (#5), Manufacturing Output percentage of GNP (#3), Gross Domestic Product (#10), Cybersecurity (#9), Opportunity Zones (#8) and Tech Jobs
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
