Anna Faller | Author

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 >>

Poppyseed Bakery's Vanilla Cranberry Cheesecake

Dec. 14, 2024

’Tis the season for festive treats, and it doesn’t get any sweeter than Poppyseed Bakery’s Vanilla Cranberry Cheesecake. Inspired by the season’s staple flavors, this mini delight stacks baker extraordinaire Maggie Hardy’s rich vanilla bean cheesecake atop brow… Read More >>

Water Bearer Coffee's Sugar Cookie Latte

Dec. 14, 2024

The holiday magic has officially hit downtown Traverse City, and it’s got us feeling that childlike glee—especially when we’re sipping a Sugar Cookie Latte from Water Bearer Coffee! The adult-ified (and caffeinated!) version of everyone’s favorite seasonal treat, thi… Read More >>

A (Candle) Light at the End of the Tunnel

Dec. 7, 2024

It’s no secret that people love their pooches. But what would you do if the unthinkable happened, and you were faced with thousands of dollars in emergency bills to save your fur baby? For many pet owners, it wouldn’t be possible, at least not without some help.

Enter: c… Read More >>

Snowbelt Brewing Co.'s Sneaky Pants

Nov. 30, 2024

Time to put on your party pants, people! It’s officially festive season, and the Sneaky Pants cider at Snowbelt Brewing Co. in Gaylord is a humdinger of a holiday treat. Named for the powerful punch it packs—both in flavor and ABV, which clocks in at around 7 percent—this … Read More >>

Sam's Graces Cafe's Eggs Benedict

Nov. 23, 2024

Opened in 2020 (though it had a previous life in Harbor Springs), this eclectic little eatery in Petoskey offers an elevated mix of Euro and American fare all made from scratch, right down to the English muffins on the wildly popular Eggs Benedict ($16). This brunch classic starts with a ru… Read More >>