Anna Faller | Author

Laughing Out Loud: TC Comedy Fest Returns in April

March 22, 2025

The Traverse City Comedy Fest is preparing for its rambunctious return April 10-12, 2025. Now entering its third year, TCCF was launched in 2023 in part to tick the local arts box (especially with other high-traffic events like the Traverse City Film Festival now defunct), but also to stimu… Read More >>

Silver Spruce + Francisco's Black Truffle Cheese Pizza

March 22, 2025

Does it get better than a frosty craft beer paired with a killer slice of pizza? We’re all in on the Black Truffle Cheese Pizza at Silver Spruce Brewing Co., the star of a new menu in collaboration with Francisco’s Market & Deli in Traverse City. The magic of this unparallel… Read More >>

Gypsy Spirits' Bee's Knees

March 15, 2025

With temperatures finally above freezing and glimpses of sun in the sky, it only feels right to boost the vibes with the Bee’s Knees cocktail at the newly-opened Gypsy Spirits Tasting Room in downtown Traverse City. Based on a 20th century classic, this refined sip blends local floral… Read More >>

Why No NA Beer?

March 8, 2025

Back in Dry January, we set out to find a local non-alcoholic beer and found…almost nothing. While alternative sips like seltzers and hop waters are common Up North, NA beers akin to Athletic Brewing or O’Doul’s are tough to find on taproom menus.

Within the … Read More >>

Charles and Reid’s Lorenzo

March 8, 2025

Prepare your stomachs, pizza fanatics! There are some tasty surprises in the works at Charles and Reid in Traverse City, from take-and-bake goodies and new appetizers to freshly-crafted pizza combos. With spring break just around the corner, find us stuffing our faces with the Italian-inspi… Read More >>

Roaster Jack's Kenya Peaberry

March 1, 2025

Ever heard of a coffee peaberry? It’s a special bit of nature’s magic that occurs when the stem of a coffee plant produces one seed instead of the usual two and packs it with the unique flavors of where it was grown. It’s also the buzz-worthy star of Traverse City’s … Read More >>

Could a North-South Passenger Train Be Running by 2030?

Feb. 22, 2025

It’s no secret that Michigan transportation is largely a no-car, no-go situation.

A modern passenger rail system, though—in particular, a line between statewide hubs—could streamline local travel. That’s the hope of the North-South Passenger Rail Project, a d… Read More >>

9 Bean Rows' Rum Raisin Brioche Feuillette

Feb. 22, 2025

There’s nothing like a fresh-from-the-oven treat to warm your toes (and taste buds), and even sub-zero temps are no match for 9 Bean Rows’ Rum Raisin Brioche Feuillette. Inspired by French patisserie fare, this decadent little confection takes the classic croissant up a notch by… Read More >>

Muskrat Distilling's Winter Spritz

Feb. 15, 2025

Old-school mixology meets Michigan flair at Muskrat Distilling in Boyne City. Opened in 2022, this small distillery is slinging a menu of pre-Prohibition-inspired cocktails, all featuring their line of craft spirits like the masterful Aperitivo, made with 10 botanicals, including grapefruit… Read More >>

The Other Side of Love

Feb. 8, 2025

According to recent census data, the divorce rate in the United States accounts for nearly half that of first marriages.

It’s a sobering statistic. But while these numbers might seem negative, divorce can also mark a fresh start. When combined with the right resources and know… Read More >>

Maple + Batter's Breakfast Charcuterie Board

Feb. 8, 2025

We don’t know about you, but we love a big breakfast, especially one that lets us have our cake—pancakes, that is—and eat it, too! Enter: the Breakfast Charcuterie Board ($18) at Maple + Batter in Bay Harbor. Modeled after the trendy appetizer, this AM smorgasbord is perfe… Read More >>

Wren's Grey Manhattan

Feb. 1, 2025

Deciding on our next go-to cocktail is usually a black and white affair—unless the famous Grey Manhattan ($15) is on the menu at Wren in Suttons Bay. This elegant twist on a Black Manhattan—aka, rye whiskey, bitters, and a category of herbal liqueur called amaro—combines v… Read More >>

The Land Can Take Care of You

Jan. 25, 2025

For most of us, the answer to an empty fridge or pantry is to hop in the car and head to the grocery store. Here in northern Michigan, though, our forests, streams, and even backyards are chock full of edible plants and herbs…we just have to know where to look.

However, for m… Read More >>

Birch Tree's Naughty and Nice Cookies

Jan. 25, 2025

Sugar meets a touch of spice at Birch Tree Bakery and Café in Harbor Springs. Opened in 2022, this from-scratch bakeshop offers everything from custom cakes to artisan breads and beyond, and their cheeky Naughty and Nice Sugar Cookies are back on the menu in time for Valentine’… Read More >>

Elder Piper Beer & Cider's Silver Birch Imperial Stout

Jan. 18, 2025

Northern Michigan roots are the name of the game at Elder Piper Beer & Cider in Petoskey, and we can’t think of a better place to be rooted during cozy season than by a crackling fire with a glass of their Silver Birch Imperial Stout. Inspired by winter’s decadent darkness, … Read More >>

Mid-Century Meets Modern Luxury

Jan. 11, 2025

We’ve heard history repeats itself, but when it comes to the Otis Harbor Springs, a boutique hotel whose 10-acre grounds have been occupied for more than a century, everything from ambiance to on-site amenities are brand spanking new.

“We love to delight and inspire peop… Read More >>

The Bistro's Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Jan. 11, 2025

We’re starting our New Year’s resolutions right this year with top-notch breakfast, and the cult favorite Cinnamon Roll Pancakes at The Bistro in Petoskey might just take the cake! Each made-to-order stack (three pillowy pancakes come in a full order) starts with the café… Read More >>

POUR Kitchen & Bar's The GOAT

Jan. 4, 2025

We’re all about starting the new year off with a punch—especially if it comes in sippable form! Enter POUR Kitchen & Bar’s fan-favorite cocktail, The GOAT ($15). A variation on a classic milk punch, this bevvy blends Don Fulano Blanco tequila with Eastern Kille Distill… Read More >>

Urgent Care: What's the Rush?

Dec. 21, 2024

For most of us, the term “urgent care” conjures images of a multi-use walk-in clinic. It’s where you could get a sprain wrapped at night, get tested for mono and strep throat in college, or refill that important prescription you forgot to pack on holiday.

In all of… Read More >>

Gilchrist's Mac 'n' Cheese Bucatini

Dec. 21, 2024

Does it get any more decadent than a piping hot bowl of cheesy pasta? Gilchrist Farm Winery & Restaurant in Suttons Bay is cranking out Mac ’n’ Cheese Bucatini ($21) just in time for cozy season, and trust us when we say it’s pure pasta perfection in a bowl! This eleva… Read More >>