Ross Boissoneau | Author

Alpine Chocolat Haus' Awesome in a Bag

July 24, 2021

If you ask someone — or at least the right person — at Alpine Chocolat Haus in Boyne City what the best treat in the store is, you might be surprised with the answer. It’s not one of the truffles. Not the dizzying variety of coated apples. Not even the chocolate-covered Nu… Read More >>

All-Access Fun Up North

July 24, 2021

One trend we can all get behind: the great strides made in creating and adapting recreational options Up North so people of all abilities can access and enjoy our extraordinary outdoors. Local, and regional groups alike have spearheaded efforts to build or retrofit playgrounds, install mobi… Read More >>

Best News on Two Wheels

July 24, 2021

After a year in which the world closed and/or went virtual, in-person biking events are again a thing. That means that it’s time for people to pedal to get the medal. Or at least enjoy one another’s camaraderie on area trails.

More and more are doing so. Of the many trai… Read More >>

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers on Way to Interlochen

July 24, 2021

People attending the Chicago show at Interlochen Aug. 3 may feel like they’re traveling back through time. The band will be opening the show with the first song from the band’s first album, Chicago Transit Authority, released in 1969. It will then move on to its hits from the &r… Read More >>

Traverse City Trails Festival Returns July 25

July 17, 2021

After a year off (that pesky pandemic), the Traverse City Trails Festival returns July 25. The Shorts Brewing-sponsored event is a fundraiser for the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association, which supports various outdoor projects associated with area trails. It also supports the associ… Read More >>

Wine, Live Music, and Getting Food Delivered to Our Chairs

July 17, 2021

Boathouse Vineyards in – and on – the Narrows of Lake Leelanau is offering a greatly expanded schedule of summer music. Guests can enjoy wine, music, and wine-paired food while relaxing outside. Local artists will perform everything from mellow rock and cool blues grooves t… Read More >>

Art Festival at Bay Harbor July 23–24

July 17, 2021

The 21st Annual Bay Harbor Arts Festival will take place July 23-24 on the grounds of the tony community on Lake Michigan, just south of Petoskey. The festival opens at 4pm Friday afternoon for its preview night, an opportunity for visitors and patrons to stroll the artists’ booths un… Read More >>

Local Movie Wins Best Comedy in Big City Film Fest

July 17, 2021

Filmmaker Rich Brauer typically lets his distributors showcase his movies however they think best. But with his distributor headquartered in Chicago, he was inspired to enter his film Frozen Stupid 2: Open Water in the Chicago Independent Film Festival. He’s glad he did: Much to his s… Read More >>

Summer Restaurant and Food News

July 17, 2021

The line keeps moving but never seems to disappear completely. No, not at Moomers (well, maybe; see below), but in terms of news regarding restaurants and food and beverage institutions around the region. Openings, closings, and changes are the only constant in this most volatile industry. … Read More >>

Grammy-winning Kurt Elling to Turn GLCFA SuperBlue July 24

July 17, 2021

Grammy-winner Kurt Elling is one of the most lauded and adventurous vocalists in the jazz world. From crafting new lyrics to existing jazz standards to creating originals, performing pop material by the likes of Stevie Wonder and Joe Jackson, and collaborating with a host of different music… Read More >>

Grand Traverse Salad Co.

July 17, 2021

It’s not a straight line from the gas station to restaurant, nor is it a direct route from doughnut shop to salad emporium. But it’s the path John and Jan Sheill embarked on, and they’re more than happy with the result: Grand Traverse Salad Company.

&ld… Read More >>

Ride with Pride July 14

July 10, 2021

In case you needed another reason to go to Mackinac Island in the summer: Straits Pride hosts a Pride Ride the second Wednesday of each month on Mackinac Island. Riders will meet in Marquette Park at 6pm and ride to British Landing. Bring your own bike but plan to pick up a free pride flag … Read More >>

Willkommen zurück, Alpenfesters!

July 10, 2021

In 1964, when U.S. Plywood announced plans to build a plant in Gaylord, the town decided to celebrate the opening with a gala event. To make it even more special, the town opted to embrace an alpine theme for both the event and the city as a whole. That was the beginning of what today stand… Read More >>

William West's Inn for All

July 10, 2021

A long time ago, in a Petoskey seemingly far, far away, The Rainbow Inn stood as a beacon of hope for people of color. Or was it simply a hotel ahead of its time? The answer is both, and it’s part of a vital chapter of local history few recall.

To understand the signific… Read More >>

Ramsdell Goes Live and Big for Summer

July 3, 2021

The slow march back to live presentations has become more like a giant leap at Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee. Its schedule includes concerts, exhibits, and the return of the Tuesday Talks, a free lecture series on a wide variety of topics. Ramsdell Executive Director Xavier Verna says the la… Read More >>

Cherryarama: The Best Mystery on Two Wheels

June 26, 2021

It’s a virtual event, but it’s not online. Nope, you have to put in the work in the real world. But that begs another question: Is biking really work? Not at Cherryarama. Part healthy activity, part scavenger hunt, and all fun, you and your family or friends can take on the Cher… Read More >>

Live Theatre Returns!

June 26, 2021

Theatre in the (almost) post-pandemic summer? Well, yes, at least a bit. Stalwarts such as the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival and Lakeside Shakespeare in Frankfort are MIA, and the performances by campers at Interlochen are closed to the public. Other pickings are slim as well, as communi… Read More >>

Tiffany's Ice Cream & Little Finger Sandwiches Café

June 19, 2021

Tina and Mark Dunphey know better than to mess with a good thing.

“This has been Tiffany’s for over 40 years,” says Tina.

True. But while the ice cream shop in Empire has long been a tradition for beachgoers and locals alike, the Dunpheys have only ow… Read More >>

Traverse City's Jewish Community Holds a Sacred Gem

June 19, 2021

It might be small in numbers, but Traverse City’s Jewish congregation is rich in history. One needs to look no further than the white frame building with gable roof ends it calls home. It is the oldest continuously operating synagogue in the state, opening its doors in 1886.

Free Summer Art Classes for Kids

June 19, 2021

Keep your kids learning and creating with Summer Class for Kids at Oliver Art Center in Frankfort. Starting July 5 and running every Monday and Tuesday through Aug. 10, each class will include a brief lesson on an artist, his or her artistic period, and most famous works, plus give kids the… Read More >>