Geri Dietze | Author

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 >>

Falling into Fall Fashion

Oct. 11, 2025

Ah, sweater season. Cooler weather has us checking out the fashion scene in four of the region’s most popular retailers in the Charlevoix/Petoskey/Harbor Springs Area. Read on to get a look at what’s in demand for grown-ups and kids alike, and how they’re faring in the tar… Read More >>

A Market Update from the Builders

Sept. 27, 2025

Tariffs. Labor shortages. Inflation. For months, the up-down, will-they-won’t-they economy has kept the talking heads on the edge of their seats. Still, the building industry seems to be solid and moving forward, at least for now.

Northern Express talked to a duo of local buil… Read More >>

Who’s a Good Puppy? Therapy Dogs!

Sept. 13, 2025

Records of canine companionship go back thousands of years, and the bond between dog and human has been used therapeutically for far longer than we might imagine.

The first “moral” treatment for mental illness was in 1796 in England. Forgoing restraints, leeches, and ice… Read More >>

A Year-Round Pizza Joint in Elberta

Sept. 13, 2025

When we talk about fresh, house-made, and hand-crafted at a pizzeria, that means fresh dough daily, in-house sauces, hand-grated cheese, and hand-cut meats. We wouldn’t expect anything else, and Elberta Pizza Co. has made its mark doing just that in a matter of months after a soft ope… Read More >>

Recipe for Success at Wildflour Bakery

Aug. 2, 2025

In just one year, owners Tom and Heather Goodman have earned the 2024-2025 Trailblazer Award for business leadership from the Cadillac Area Visitor’s Bureau, plus a place on MyNorth.com’s 2025 Red Hot Best Bakery for their region. Their business, Wildflour Bakery, is billed as a… Read More >>

Fire Up the Smoker: Cordwood BBQ Has the Meats

July 12, 2025

Walt Lach has a pretty sweet—and savory—deal: After the launch of Cordwood BBQ 10 years ago, the 2007 Great Lakes Culinary Institute grad continues to grow his business, which remains solidly among Traverse City’s favored venues for authentic smoked eats, plus all the fixi… Read More >>

Historic Harbor Springs

June 14, 2025

Simply put, this place is gorgeous. From indigenous village to lumber town to its century-plus role as a premier resort destination, Harbor Springs enjoys pride of place on the northern shore of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, approximately 10 miles from Petoskey.

With on… Read More >>

Walking a Mile in Someone Else’s (Famous) Shoes

May 31, 2025

By now, there are few who don’t know of social studies teacher Matt Hamilton, or his labor of love, the East Jordan Shoe Club. The educator has, since 2008, helped his 7th and 8th graders discover their own value, and that of others, through acceptance, empathy, and civic spirit.

Cinco de Mayo at El Maguey Mexican Bar & Grill

April 26, 2025

Cadillac already has a wealth of Mexican restaurants, so how does one succeed in what appears to be a saturated market? It’s all about authenticity and family heritage, according to Dusty Rodriguez, manager of Cadillac’s El Maguey and member of the family who owns the eatery.Read More >>

Feeling Good, Eating Well

March 22, 2025

A conscious effort to provide healthy, flavorful food is what drives BeeSmooth Café, Manistee’s light, bright, and eclectic eatery.

Operating since 2023, the café serves fresh and tasty traditional café fare, including vegan, gluten-, sugar-, and allergen-… Read More >>

Indian Spice, and Everything Nice

Feb. 15, 2025

What explains the popularity of Indian food? It’s simple, according to Sam Chugh, co-owner with nephew Paul Singh of Indian Spice, Cadillac’s newest eatery.

Beyond the variety of flavors, colors, and textures, Chugh explains that “It’s fresh and healthy, [and… Read More >>