Geri Dietze | Author

Raise a Margarita Glass

Sept. 26, 2026

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in Charlevoix chose a soft opening just before Christmas of 2025, a bold move in a town that slows down significantly in the winter months. But clearly, they were on to something.

“Sales were really good,” says manager Oziel Carreon about th… Read More >>

Spilling the Tea on Decades of Success

Sept. 19, 2026

For Angela Macke, tea is a healing journey, a ceremony, a spiritual awakening, and a way of life. But she had little idea of what she was starting back in 2003 when she founded what has become Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop on her Leelanau Peninsula farm.

The registered nurs… Read More >>

Saving Macie

Sept. 12, 2026

After years in an enormous Louisiana puppy mill, never setting foot on grass, never seeing the sun, Macie the poodle/shih tzu arrived in northern Michigan with trauma intact, but Boyne City’s Linda McGeorge was determined.

“For the first six months she hid, didn’t … Read More >>

Five Years for Ketch 22

Aug. 15, 2026

Among food trucks, Ketch 22 in Arcadia is a departure from the norm.

This 26-foot trailer is mobile, but it doesn’t move (unless it’s into winter storage); it’s an order-through-the-window arrangement, but your friendly, efficient servers deliver to the table; it&r… Read More >>

Casting a Line (and Great Food) Upstream

July 25, 2026

At first glance, Upriver is a casual sandwich shop, with a take-out window, booths and tables for 20, and eight picnic tables in a tranquil, al fresco setting on the Crystal River. But this place has a provenance that elevates it to a different culinary level altogether: Upriver comes from … Read More >>

The GOAT of Michigan BBQ

July 11, 2026

We all have our favorite food trucks; in fact, it’s almost a personal relationship, a place where we can score our favorite foods, fresh as can be in a neighborhood near us. Flannigan’s Goat, the go-to source for Michigan BBQ, has set up at Short’s Pull Barn and Production… Read More >>

20 Burger Joints Up North

July 4, 2026

Summertime is burger time, whether it’s fresh off the grill in your backyard or at your favorite local burger joint. Many of you Northern Express readers might find your favorites on this (non-exhaustive) list from our 13-county coverage area, or perhaps you’ll treat th… Read More >>

Get Ready for The Golden Beet

June 13, 2026

If you know Benzonia’s Cold Creek Farm, its organic produce, and its line of hot sauces (more on those below), you’ll be pleased to find that the new storefront, The Golden Beet, will open soon in Frankfort with an impressive and expanded product line, fresh vegetarian take-out,… Read More >>

The Village Library That Could

June 6, 2026

After 75-plus years in the charming Island House, and despite a generous lease that stretches out to 2038, the Elk Rapids District Library is planning to move into new digs in 2027, a space that will not only change the footprint but also the reach of the library—and the opportunities… Read More >>

Eat More Pie

May 30, 2026

How do you like your pie? Sweet and fruity or savory and comforting? The smart money goes for both, because these creations from the Sweet and Savory Pie Company don’t stay long in the display case.

Sweet and Savory opened in Alanson in 2022 in the former House of Pies, with a… Read More >>

What’s New on Mackinac Island?

May 16, 2026

People love Mackinac Island in part because it doesn’t seem to change. The island is, indeed, somewhere in time.

But this lovely place is not a theme park; it’s a community where people live and work, and they are experts at creating special experiences for visi… Read More >>

Good Brews Make Us Hungry

April 18, 2026

One brewery, two dining options. Silver Spruce Brewing on Eighth St. in Traverse City now hosts Toby’s Dog House food truck (originally started in the U.P.) and is the new home for Two Sons Pizza (previously found at The Coin Slot).

“People have been very eager to try so… Read More >>

Old Mission Tavern Returns

April 4, 2026

Chef and co-owner Brian Daley knows that he and partner Stephanie Krupka are setting up shop in a “beloved” landmark restaurant, and he understands the delicate balance between honoring the original site and moving forward with new flavors and methods. 

“Nosta… Read More >>

Spring Break Fun for the Whole Family

March 21, 2026

We all love getting away for spring break, but staying put in our beautiful northwest has its advantages, too. If you’re looking for entertainment close to home, check out the following list of engaging activities for all ages, both indoors and out, between March 27 and April 5. Visit… Read More >>

A Dandy Place for Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch

Feb. 14, 2026

Sometimes things were just meant to be. Take, for example, The Dandy, Front Street’s new brunch hub, which filled the space left empty by the departed—and much loved—Green House Café, which closed in 2024, after 24 years in business. The Dandy partners, Chad Hall an… Read More >>

Up North Staycation Deals for Winter 2026

Jan. 31, 2026

When you want to get away from daily life and enjoy a little winter fun, you don’t have to drive too far. These northern Michigan resorts and hotels have the amenities and the discounts for a snowy staycation.

Crystal Mountain

12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompson… Read More >>

Cozy Up at Babcia’s Corner

Dec. 13, 2025

Pierogi is special in so many ways: It’s Polish comfort food, a centuries-old tradition, and it even has its own patron saint. (St. Hyacinth is credited with distributing the beloved dumpling during times of famine or siege in 13th-century Poland.)

There’s no danger of t… Read More >>

What’s Cooking at Little Bay Gourmet

Nov. 22, 2025

Chef Sarah McDonnell of Little Bay Gourmet seems uniquely prepared to helm her Petoskey deli slash meal service slash catering enterprise. Her curriculum vitae speaks for itself: The Petoskey native graduated from CMU in 1998 before moving on to culinary school in Chicago. McDonnell called … Read More >>

Crafting with a Conscience

Nov. 15, 2025

Have you heard of slow textiles? The idea is to have just enough of something—useful, beautiful, or both, to keep and enjoy—that will not end up in a landfill. According to earthday.org, in the U.S. alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste, about 85 percent of all … Read More >>

13 Spooky Happenings Up North

Oct. 25, 2025

It’s hard to find a town or village that does not have some sort of Halloween fun planned for residents and visitors. We’re courting the goblins by only listing 13 events here, but check out area websites for many more events to get your scare on.

1. Boyne Mountain Hall… Read More >>