Best of NM 2012 serve as the corridor to the north. Surrounded by water, woods and chocked full of history, it’s the last stop before folks say ‘Ya’ to da U.P. But this region is more than a pit stop for visitors, it’s home to eclectic shops, cool hangouts, good food and plenty of spirits.

Features Robert Downes

Once a week, professional endurance athlete Josiah Middaugh likes to strap on his snowshoes or crampons and charge up one of the Rocky Mountain ski runs in Vail, Colorado.

“Winter is a key training season for me,” says Middaugh, who grew up in East Jordan and has since become one of the top multisport athletes in the world.