Anna Faller | Author

Two K Farms Apple Pie Cider

Sept. 11, 2021

At Two K Farms Cidery and Winery, apples are the name of the game. Nestled snugly along northbound M-22, this Suttons Bay sippery is changing the face of estate-grown fruit — and from #farmtoglass, it shows. The cider house is owned by “K and K” brothers, George and Max ... Read More >>

Rock's Landing

Sept. 4, 2021

Nestled snugly along Crystal Lake’s picturesque shoreline, Rock’s Landing in Frankfort continues to serve that summertime state of mind until October, and you should not miss the experience. A nod to the infamous Jim Rockwell “Rock” Rogers Sr., who constructed the ... Read More >>

Pam Houston is our Weakness

Sept. 4, 2021

The wait is finally over. Following an original event date of April 2020 — you can guess why it was canceled — the National Writers Series welcomes author Pam Huston to the stage 7pm Thursday, Sept. 9 to discuss her memoir and 2020 Colorado Book Award winner, “Deep Creek... Read More >>

Bahia’s Potatoes Bravas

Aug. 28, 2021

At Bahia (pronounced ba-Hee-yah), the new Spanish-fusion spot on near the north end of Traverse City’s Union Street, bringing guests together is the name of the game. The brainchild of owner Tim Keil and two-decade kitchen veteran Brian Welburn, Bahia was born in mid-July when a lov... Read More >>

Barrel Back’s Chicken Wings

Aug. 21, 2021

Named for the signature “barrel back” boats that once dotted the coasts of Charlevoix County, Barrel Back Restaurant in Walloon Lake tops any proper “Up North” to-do list. Since this hidden gem of an upscale eatery first opened its doors in June 2013, its scratch-m... Read More >>

Five Shores’ E Machine

Aug. 21, 2021

Some of the world’s best ideas are born over a pint — or two or three. In the case of Five Shores Brewing co-founders Oliver Roberts and Matt Demorest, that idea just happened to be, well … beer. Since opening their historic quonset building doors last January, Five Sho... Read More >>

John U. Bacon Gets Out of the Way

Aug. 14, 2021

John U. Bacon is a man of multiple hats. A celebrated writer and educator, he is the author of a whopping 12 full-length titles, five of which are New York Times bestsellers, including "Bo’s Lasting Lessons" (in collaboration with the esteemed University of Michigan football coach B... Read More >>

Birch & Maple’s French Toast Monte Cristo

Aug. 14, 2021

For your weekly breakfast fix, look no further than the French Toast Monte Cristo at Birch & Maple in Frankfort. Founded and co-owned by fine-dining veterans Nick and Natalie Crawford, this cozy kitchen and cocktail spot first opened its doors in 2018; since then, its modern take on c... Read More >>

Ethanology’s Crimson Commander

Aug. 7, 2021

What elevates a cocktail from “ehh” to “exceptional?” At Ethanology, in Elk Rapids, the secret is — spoiler alert! — scientific research. Well, that, and a years-long commitment to top-quality tipple. Founded by Michigan natives, Nick and Geri Lefebra, ... Read More >>

Short's Brewing Company's Mosa

July 31, 2021

Since its inception in 2004, Short’s Brewing Company has prided itself on its cutting-edge mastery of craft beer. So when chief innovation officer Tony Hansen discovered an untapped passion for cider in his staff, a new drink endeavor was a no-brainer. Enter Starcut Ciders. Founded ... Read More >>

Small Batch’s Superior Sandwich

July 31, 2021

For a truly entertaining dining experience, look no further than Small Batch at the Cupola in Harbor Springs. A combination catering biz, bakery, and full-service cafe, Small Batch is the brainchild of proprietress and full-blown foodie, Lauretta Reiss. A former designer-turned-artistic c... Read More >>

The Plot Twist of M.I.T. Science Grad-Turned-Mystery Writer Megan Miranda

July 17, 2021

Internationally acclaimed author Megan Miranda got her start as a self-proclaimed scaredy-cat. “I was one of those kids who was afraid of everything,” she says. “Literally, everything.” Suffice to say, those fears were short-lived. Now a New York Times bes... Read More >>

The East in Eden

July 17, 2021

For decades in northern Michigan, folks with a craving for Asian cuisine had few options — generally, a Chinese buffet or two on the outskirts of town. But as the region’s population and demographics have expanded, so too has its cultural reach. Thai and Asian-fusion eateries ... Read More >>

Bee Well Zoot Suit Riot

July 17, 2021

Find yourself craving cherries, even after Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival has folded up its tents? Fret not: The staff at Bee Well Mead and Cider in downtown Bellaire have your fix on tap. The brainchild of brothers Chris and Jeremy Vansice, Bee Well Mead and Cider was fou... Read More >>

2 The Moon Bakery’s Foldover Pastries

July 10, 2021

For the ultimate in sweet-tooth satisfaction, we heartily recommend the Foldover Pastries at 2 The Moon Bakery in Lake City. The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo, Nathanial (aka Chef Ziggy) and Chelsie Sigsbey, 2 The Moon began as a catering company in the spring of 2019, shortly before... Read More >>

North Perk’s Cafe Miel

July 3, 2021

On the hunt for a balanced morning buzz? Christine at North Perk Coffee in downtown Petoskey has you covered. This community coffee shop’s winning combination of exceptional brews and friendly baristas has made it a favorite among locals since 2013. Featuring both medium and dark-ro... Read More >>

Mundos Eat House’s Cheddar Lime Waffle

July 3, 2021

Waffles: They’re what’s for breakfast. And at Mundos Eat House in Suttons Bay, you can have some of the most inventive topper combos to hit the hash pattern. Open since late May last year, this take-out utopia has been cranking out clever comfort foods that, with its sister co... Read More >>

Dear White Male Friends of a Certain Age

June 26, 2021

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, acclaimed author and advocate Dax-Devlon Ross found himself in the midst of a message onslaught — the majority from the white men in his life.

“I appreciated them reaching out to me, but I thought it was peculiar,”... Read More >>

Take a Mini-Vacation with Author Emily Henry

June 19, 2021

On the hunt for the perfect warm-weather companion? New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry joins the National Writers Series on Thursday, June 24, and she’s about to take your beach bag by storm. Her newest novel, “People We Meet on Vacation,” follows the protagon... Read More >>

Trattoria Stella’s Agropolitan

June 19, 2021

For a sweet-and-tart start to the longest night of the year — June 21 — or any other summer night, look no further than the Agropolitan at Trattoria Stella. Nestled snugly in the basement of the Grand Traverse Commons, Stella’s been garnering street-cred for both its sta... Read More >>