November 14, 2024

Alexandra Dailey | Author


Fine Art as a Second Act

Nov. 25, 2023

Some people dream of becoming artists from the time they are finger-painting toddlers. Others develop an appreciation for art, even find ways to bring it into their lives, but don’t exercise that side of their creative expression until later in their careers.

Both Jennifer Lak… Read More >>

10 Fabulous Host Gifts

Nov. 18, 2023

’Tis the season of holiday gatherings. No matter who you’re toasting the festivities with, it’s always nice to bring your host or hostess a thoughtful gift of appreciation. (After all, it takes a lot of work to pull together a seasonal shindig!) Northern Express has rounde… Read More >>

Hygge Nesting with The Quiet Moose

Nov. 4, 2023

There is an innate desire to be warm and cozy this time of year, snuggled up with a blanket near a crackling fire, holding a good book, or having a meaningful conversation. Such an atmospheric desire and setting has a name: hygge.

A Danish word and way of life, hygge is defined as a… Read More >>

Investing in Expansion & Curation in Downtown

Oct. 14, 2023

In recent years, many stores have turned to online sales to carry their brands, forgoing the physical shopping experience. However, Becky Thatcher Designs and the FLEA collective are two northern Michigan-based brands that value a curated, in-person experience for their customers in cities … Read More >>

Top of the Wine List

Sept. 30, 2023

How much are you willing to spend for that special occasion bottle of wine?

You’re out at dinner, celebrating a birthday or anniversary or promotion, and as you scan the wine list, you decide to spring for the bottle with a few extra zeroes. Maybe you opt for the sparkle of Do… Read More >>

The School to Work Pipeline at NMC

Sept. 9, 2023

College grads—whether they get a two-year or four-year degree—tend to have an employment rate ranging from 70 to 80 percent. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that “of the 391,000 20- to 29-year-olds who completed an associate degree between January and Octob… Read More >>

Sweet Treats for Summertime

Aug. 12, 2023

We all scream for ice cream, fall in line for fudge, and even queue up for chocolate (we see you, Kilwins), but we are also quite barmy for baked goods. Cookies, donuts, European pastries—we love them all. So in the spirit of our Ingredients Issue, here are three bakeries whose delici… Read More >>

August Art Shows

July 29, 2023

August is art season throughout northern Michigan. From picturesque landscapes to the creatures from your dreams, there’s something for every viewer and collector in all media types. Channel your inner art critic and enjoy the visual beauty of these fleeting summer exhibits.

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Camping Must-Haves

July 15, 2023

Northern Michigan is a prime region for all things camping. Campgrounds big and small are easy to come by, whether you’re sojourning in a tent, RV, or hammock. (There are also cabins, lodges, and yurts for those who need more than the bare necessities.)

When it comes to gear f… Read More >>

Lighting Up the Sky: Five fireworks shows around the North this July

June 24, 2023

Summertime in northern Michigan means cookouts, boating, and several amazing fireworks displays throughout July. Here are some upcoming events you won’t want to miss, plus a few fun facts about the breathtaking shows.

Boyne City

Photo by Alex Childress

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Jumping into June

June 10, 2023

Memorial Weekend has come and gone, and now we’re in the season of all festivals, all the time. But there are some cool, quieter events breaking through the hubbub this June, and we want to make sure they’re on your radar…and your calendar.

1. Gaudy Giggle… Read More >>

Your Up North Memorial Day Weekend Itinerary

May 20, 2023

Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer Up North. This weekend, all our favorite restaurants and shops will have opened for the season. The farmers markets will be showing off their spring bounty. And the water temperatures have warmed just enough that we’ll stick our feet in (… Read More >>

Spring Couture

April 22, 2023

Like our four-legged friends—who seem to shed in giant poofs this time of year—we humans are itching to ditch the sweaters, wool socks, and fleece-lined pants for something lighter. To help you turn over a stylish leaf, meet Bohmey Beauty, l.a.cool, and Magnolia Boutique & G… Read More >>

Express Yourself

March 25, 2023

Spring break is upon us in northern Michigan, and if you’re taking the staycation route rather than jet-setting to other locales, consider trying your hand at one of the many creative and art-focused activities—from fused glass to pottery to wooden signs—taking place betwe… Read More >>

The Luck of the Michigander: Seven Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Northern Michigan

March 11, 2023

Each year, people all over the North gear up for the holiday of green: St. Patrick’s Day. And for 2023, we’re all feeling extra lucky because St. Patrick’s Day takes place on a Friday—ideal for all the shindigs featuring stout and songs, merriment and mirth. Open up … Read More >>

The Lost Art of Valentines: Three spots to find (or make) the perfect card

Feb. 4, 2023

Remember the days of giving valentines in elementary school? Of perfecting each card and sentiment and placing each sparkly sticker? (Or writing the names of your kid’s classmates for them because valentines were the last thing on their mind?)

The older we get, the more the Va… Read More >>

13 Fresh Ways to Embrace a NoMI Winter

Jan. 21, 2023

As we all know, winters in northern Michigan can be long. So, in the name of staving off cabin fever and embracing the season, we’ve collected a handful of activities that may pique your interest while also keeping you active, engaged, and breathing in the fresh air in the coming week… Read More >>

Snowshoe Mania

Jan. 7, 2023

A renewed interest in one of the oldest forms of bipedal transportation—at least for the winter months—has bloomed in the last decade, blending ancient cultures with technological advances that have made the sport more accessible and enjoyable.

Combine a fascination with… Read More >>

From Blog to Brick-and-Mortar Store

Dec. 10, 2022

Sometimes great ideas start small. It could be a word or phrase that inspires a novel, an overlooked ingredient that alters an entire recipe, or a glimpse of a sunset that provokes a painted masterpiece. And sometimes, that little inkling takes the form of a blog that sparks an idea for a s… Read More >>

A Strong Sense of Craft

Nov. 26, 2022

Ahh, the holiday season, that magical time of year when we bust out our hot glue guns, knitting needles, special scissors, and fancy trimmings to decorate and create with joyous abandon. Sometimes we feel inclined to make gifts for friends and family, and other times we just want to get cra… Read More >>