Rachel Pasche | Author

Shopping for Joy at Sanctuary Goods

Nov. 18, 2023

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons has come a long way in the past decade, transforming from seldom-used buildings and hauntingly beautiful grounds into a bustling marketplace filled with shops, restaurants, bakeries, and more that brings visitors by the droves. One of our favorite sto... Read More >>

Haunted Houses and Other Spooky Stops: Three Spots to Get Your Scare On

Oct. 21, 2023

’Tis the season to be terrified, and northern Michigan is full of ways to celebrate the approaching holiday. Whether you want to get scared senseless, feel a little frightened, or prefer to skip the haunts altogether, there’s a stop for every comfort level.

Bolt&rsquo... Read More >>

Seven Fall Festivals and Celebrations Around the North

Sept. 30, 2023

If you ask us, it’s impossible to beat the beauty of fall in northern Michigan. Vibrant-hued trees, glowing sunsets, that unmistakable autumnal smell in the air, and the abundant harvests make for an unforgettable season for residents and visitors alike. And what better way to comme... Read More >>

Life Is a Happy Mess

Aug. 19, 2023

While the words “new” and “antique” don’t often find themselves together in the same sentence, there are always exceptions, like in this instance: Alanson’s new antique store, Happymess, is the perfect place to snag a piece of history to take home for y... Read More >>

Taking a Swing at Something New

July 29, 2023

Golf is a quintessential pastime during northern Michigan summers. Is there a better way to enjoy the long days of sunshine and verdant, blooming landscapes than spending a few hours out on the links? For Kwin Morris, owner of the recently updated Twin Birch Golf Club, the answer is defin... Read More >>

What to Plant (and When) This Spring

April 22, 2023

Spring is the time for those of us with green thumbs to break out our trowels and take a trip to our local garden store. But sometimes all those little green shoots in their starter pots can be overwhelming. Which native plants offer the same beauty as popular perennials? When should you ... Read More >>

Spring Break Getaways and Activities in NoMi

March 25, 2023

Northern Michigan may not be the tropical spring break location we all dream of, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its fair share of getaways and entertainment options. In fact, springtime is usually a great way to experience places (or stays) you’ve had on your list fo... Read More >>

From the Classroom to the Kitchen with Brooklyn’s Pepperoni Rolls

Feb. 25, 2023

What happens when a high school senior project transforms into a thriving small business?

When Brooklyn Hall originally had the thought to bake and sell her family’s pepperoni rolls, it was as part of an assignment to finish her high school education. She didn’t antici... Read More >>

B&B Home Sweet Home

Jan. 14, 2023

A vacation is so much more than a pin in the map: It’s a step out of your normal routine into new experiences, with time to enjoy your surroundings and moments to relax and unwind.

Can a staycation replicate that feeling? We talked to the owners of several bed and breakfasts... Read More >>

Au Naturale Beauty

Dec. 24, 2022

As the new year approaches, so does the time for self-care, and for 2023, we’re leaning into all-natural beauty and wellness products. These four Michigan makers have just the thing to make your skin smooth, your nails gleam, and your hair shine…and they found many of their i... Read More >>

Treat Yourself: Local Chocolates, Sweets, and Treats

Dec. 10, 2022

For many of us, chocolate is a source of comfort, a rich and decadent flavor that somehow seems to make any moment just that much sweeter. For others, however, it’s a lifestyle. Artisan bean-to-bar chocolate is making a name for itself in northern Michigan thanks to two local chocol... Read More >>

One-Stop Shops for Seasonal Giving

Nov. 19, 2022

When it comes to the holidays, what is intended as a time of joy and the affectionate exchanging of presents can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. How do you know where to go to find something unique for the people you love? Stress not: The local shops below are boasting shelves full ... Read More >>

In Season at the Spa: Autumnal Treatments at NoMi Resort Spas

Oct. 15, 2022

Fall is the time to treat yourself. As we prepare for colder months ahead (and a reliably hectic holiday season), taking a little time for ourselves can be just the thing we need to rejuvenate and refresh. And what better way to do so than with a spa day? Northern Express spoke w... Read More >>

Fall on the Farm: What local farmers are harvesting and growing this season

Oct. 1, 2022

Summer may be the peak tourism season, but for farmers, autumn brings long days toiling in the soil harvesting, preparing, packing, and even planting crops. Two local farms—9 Bean Rows and Lakeview Hill—provided us with some insight into what the autumnal harvest looks like, w... Read More >>

Sweater Weather

Sept. 10, 2022

Northern Michigan is a wonder to behold during the autumn months, the bright reds and dazzling yellows offering a stark contrast to the lush blues of Lake Michigan and its tributaries. With summer drawing to a close, it’s time to start dreaming of fall, with its cooler temps, crispe... Read More >>

Ways to Explore the Bays: Epic escapades on NoMi waters

July 30, 2022

During the heat of summer, there’s no relief quite like cooling off in one of northern Michigan’s many bodies of water. From clear creeks and rivers to the magnificent Great Lakes, this area is one of the best for splashing around during the summer months.

While swimmi... Read More >>

Feeling Nautical

June 25, 2022

If you were to ask Chien Nowland what he does all summer, you’d likely be more than a little jealous of his response. Since 2007, Nowland has been operating and sailing the Nauti-Cat, Traverse City’s touring catamaran, around Traverse Bay.

Four times a day, seven days ... Read More >>

Protecting Our Parks

April 23, 2022

The Great Lakes offer a landscape full of diverse ecosystems, breathtaking shorelines, and, of course, the largest system of fresh water on the planet. With such incredible and unique environments comes a responsibility to sustain, protect, and conserve these lands and waterways to mainta... Read More >>

The Green Light: Alchemy Farms

Oct. 2, 2021

Somewhere in the Maple City area lies a farm full of plants grown with the intention of delighting the palate, body and eyes.

Alchemy Farms started a little over three years ago, though owner Naomi Call says she has been focused on herbalism and holistic wellness for most of her l... Read More >>

The Fabulous Pepper Berkowitz

Sept. 11, 2021

Pepper Berkowitz might be a bit of an anomaly in the fashion world. She’s warm, engaging, and genuinely wants to help others — a far cry from what you might think it takes to succeed in a fast-moving and highly competitive industry.   

But as much attention a... Read More >>