Anna Faller | Author

The Third Coast: America's Great Lakes Shoreline

Aug. 16, 2025

People leave a mark on the places we’ve been, whether that’s buildings and structures that might stand for centuries, or something as small and insignificant as a footprint in the Lake Michigan sand. It’s all those little imprints, though, that eventually form a place&rsqu… Read More >>

The Kingsley Inn's Meatloaf

Aug. 16, 2025

We’re all for a little summer nostalgia: golden sunsets on the porch, weekend mornings on the lake, and—stay with us on this one—meatloaf for dinner. Specifically, we’re eyeing the gourmet version at The Kingsley Inn, and it’s definitely not your mama’s (… Read More >>

Little Juice's Jaws Smoothie

Aug. 9, 2025

We love a beachside snack selection—bonus points if it’ll tide you over til dinner! Little Juice in Harbor Springs has the goods, from freshly-pressed juices to masa chips and acai bowls stacked with tasty toppings. But after a sunny afternoon on the bay, nothing beats the islan… Read More >>

Welcome to Camp Compost

Aug. 2, 2025

As humans, it can be easy to forget that there’s a whole universe under our gardens and lawns, one that’s vital to the health of our ecosystems and all the lives they sustain (including our own). In fact, a single spoonful of soil should contain more microorganisms than there ar… Read More >>

Vander Farm's Sourdough Scones

Aug. 2, 2025

Tucked among the endless acres of field and farmland in Leelanau County, Vander Farm might just be one of Traverse City’s best-kept secrets—but we’re not about to gatekeep the goods! This self-service farmstand and micro-bakery is a haven for all things sourdough, but it&r… Read More >>

Hill Top’s Mojito Mojo

July 26, 2025

Midday slump sufferers, rejoice! We’ve found the sweet spot between a cup of coffee and an energy drink (but with none of the artificial stuff): the vibrantly green Mojito Mojo at Hill Top Coffee & Ice Cream in Benzonia. Inspired by the classic cocktail’s mint and lime, with… Read More >>

Creating Recovery Friendly Workplaces

July 19, 2025

If Anna Serrano, chef-owner of Spanglish in Traverse City, had her way, we’d be approaching our shared challenges not as weaknesses, but as qualities that make us most human.

Per Paula Lipinski, CEO of Addiction Treatment Services (ATS) in Traverse City, the nonprofit served a… Read More >>

Harwood Gold's Hand Pies

July 19, 2025

With endless beach days on the horizon, a primo snack selection is a must. We’re talking sweet treats, bubbly drinks, and the pièce de résistance: homemade hand pies ($12.95) from Harwood Gold in Charlevoix. Rooted in similar on-the-go fare, like the classic Aussie meat … Read More >>

Shady Lane Cellars' Golden Hour

July 12, 2025

What’s better than catching a pastel sunset over the lake? Pairing it with a glass of the 2023 Golden Hour from Shady Lane Cellars in Suttons Bay! Named for the pinky-orange hue of pre-dusk, this gorgeous pinot gris (which, believe it or not, are red-skinned grapes!) features estate-g… Read More >>

10 Horses to Watch at Traverse City Horse Shows

July 5, 2025

With its stalls of designer shopping, chef-worthy dining, outdoor games, and beyond, the Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) at Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg has become a summertime destination. Of course, most folks are there for the riders and the horses—more than 1,500 in pea… Read More >>

MorrisMade’s Cherry Chocolate Sourdough

July 5, 2025

Attention, cherry lovers! Allow us to introduce your next stone-fruit obsession: the Cherry Chocolate Sourdough ($12) at MorrisMade Bread and Bakery in Traverse City. Opened in May, this micro-bakery is all about serving up joy in the form of scratch-made bread and baked goods (did someone … Read More >>

Seismoto Coffee's Banana Bread Matcha

June 28, 2025

It’s officially hot out, and you know what that means: iced coffee! For our next summer beverage obsession, try the Banana Bread Matcha latte at Seismoto Coffee Bar in Traverse City. The latte isn’t technically coffee, but with its base of finely ground green tea leaves—Se… Read More >>

Is Your Cannabis Real or Synthetic?

June 21, 2025

At Torch Cannabis Co. in Central Lake, the motto is: “Life is too short to feel anything less than your personal best.” For CEO and Founder, Kelly “Green Girl” Young, this translates to a storefront full of full-spectrum cannabis and CBD products, ranging from infuse… Read More >>

Chubby Unicorn's Breakfast Burrito

June 21, 2025

While we already love Chubby Unicorn in Traverse City for their stacked sandwiches and scratch-made soups, we didn’t know that this day dining gem also makes one heckuva breakfast burrito. Originally a featured item made permanent—because it’s just that good!—this fl… Read More >>

Birdy’s Low-ABV Wine Spritzers

June 14, 2025

Birdy’s low-ABV wine spritzers were inspired by summers spent in northern Michigan. These crisp and quenching (and organic!) bevvies are the collaborative creation of Up North-enthusiast siblings Callie Guman Furste and Tad Gruman and the Oosterhouse brothers of TC’s Bonobo Wine… Read More >>

A Day in the Ring at Traverse City Horse Shows

June 7, 2025

For 13 weeks from June to September, Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) plays host to some of the world’s most accomplished equestrians representing 48 states and 26 countries, 60,000 rapt attendees, and in peak season, 1,600 horses (not to mention seven million dollars in prize money)!… Read More >>

45th Parallel Cafe's Morel Mushroom Burger

June 7, 2025

We’re all for a little spring adventuring, especially if it comes with a haul of highly-coveted morel mushrooms…or, you could just go for the Morel Mushroom Burger ($22) at 45th Parallel Café in Suttons Bay! Featuring a hearty half-pound beef patty from Fire River Farms,… Read More >>

The Good Bowl's Shiso Fine

May 31, 2025

We’re pretty sure The Chiffons misspoke in their hit song when they sang “he’s so fine”—they really meant to say she’s so fine and were clearly talking about the eponymous (and punny!) cocktail at The Good Bowl in Traverse City! A twist on tradit… Read More >>

It Takes Two to Brunch

May 24, 2025

It was just over four years ago that Jenni Scott—a Traverse City native and longtime veteran of the local restaurant scene—in partnership with her sister Lisa, their parents, and Lisa’s husband, Matt Gaffy, purchased and planned to redevelop the historic downtown pub, Litt… Read More >>

Wildwood Coffee Co.'s Latte

May 17, 2025

We get it: morning decisions are hard, especially when it comes to coffee. For our AM fix, find us at Wildwood Coffee Co. in Indian River, where everything from local art to light breakfast and pastries are on the menu. Our first order, though, is the Wildwood Latte. The perfect juncture of… Read More >>