Ross Boissoneau | Author
Sleeping Bear Farms’ Raw Honey
Feb. 1, 2020
The secret to Sleeping Bear Farms’ raw honey: It’s spun out of its natural beeswax honeycombs without the addition of heat, which can change the taste and fragrance. All the enzymes, natural bee pollen, and floral essences from the star thistle flowers remain — and so…
Read More >>
Beat the Winter Blahs
Feb. 1, 2020
It seems regardless of winter’s weather — whether we’re talking frozen lakes or muddy trails, mounds of powdery snow or sleet-filled roadways — a malady hits around this time each year. The frigid temperatures, short days, and lack of sunshine can leave even the hard…
Read More >>
“Sow-Nah”
Jan. 18, 2020
You sit on a wooden bench, wearing a bathing suit (or less). The temperature rises to 100, then 120 degrees. You start to sweat, and then ladle water onto scalding-hot rocks. The temperature continues to climb, to more than 150 degrees, yet you continue to sit. And sweat. And sweat some mor…
Read More >>
Ode to the Unsung Wards of Winter Fun
Jan. 18, 2020
Northern Michigan’s reputation as a haven for outdoor recreation is well-earned. But who maintains those miles and miles of trails for bikers, hikers, skiers, and snowmobilers? While the DNR has some responsibilities, in large part, winter maintenance is left up to volunteers.
&n…
Read More >>
Willy Porter Coming to Cadillac
Jan. 11, 2020
He’s received accolade upon accolade. “A dazzling acoustic guitarist with a moody baritone,” according to The Washington Post. “A genre-defying maverick,” says Frets magazine. “A relaxed and fearless performer who’ll ente…
Read More >>
Art & Joe
Jan. 11, 2020
How many people enter an art gallery each day? Is that number greater or smaller than the number of patrons who visit a coffee shop?
Carol Spaulding knows the answer. That’s why she her friend and fellow artist Angela Saxon create a monthly art show at BLK\MRKT in Tra…
Read More >>
Live: on Stage
Jan. 11, 2020
From shows that have never been performed before to those that have stood the test of time, the region raises the red velvet curtain on an astonishing number of stage productions each winter. Make a date to unpeel from the couch and take in some ultra-high-definition (i.e., in-person) perfo…
Read More >>
Want to Feel Better? Try Vitamin V
Jan. 4, 2020
A family practitioner in Kalkaska, Natalie Okerson-Sparks, M.D., regularly treats a variety of ailments and complaints. One thing that’s long bothered her, as it does many physicians in the modern age, is the need to see as many patients as possible in a given day. The rush results in…
Read More >>
Resolve to Move
Jan. 4, 2020
It’s undoubtedly the oldest and most common New Year’s resolution: Everybody wants to get in better shape, lose weight, become more flexible. But how to do it?
There are certainly plenty of options. Join a gym (and bail after a month or so). Get a home gym (then…
Read More >>
Dry January: Actually Possible Up North
Jan. 4, 2020
With so many excellent distilleries, breweries, wineries, fine restaurants, and cozy hometown bars around northern Michigan, we’ve got a drinking culture some say is second to none. And that’s fantastic — until it’s not.
Should you find yourself on t…
Read More >>
Sober Scene Small But Growing
Jan. 4, 2020
There are countless bars across the region, but indoor spots where people can socialize without alcohol around … ?
Turns out, they’re few and far between. Studio Anatomy in Traverse City is one. Brian Chamberlain started the underground hideaway as a recording …
Read More >>
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
Dec. 27, 2019
For many, going out on the town is the only way to ring in the New Year. Champagne at midnight, party favors, music, maybe even fireworks. So where to go and what exactly to do? We gathered a few fun options for adults and families from across the region.
<…
Read More >>
Your 2019 Holiday Soundtrack
Dec. 21, 2019
No matter how many times we’ve heard “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” or “Sleigh Bells,” each year a new crop of artists puts their stamp on songs of the season. This year’s holiday music crosses all genres, from jazz to rap, metallic to country.…
Read More >>
Unique Christmas Services
Dec. 21, 2019
As the cast of A Charlie Brown Christmas sings, “Christmas time is here.” And at churches across the area, that means special services: Maybe bigger music — with brass, winds and percussion joining piano, organ, or even drums and guitars. But sometimes the special…
Read More >>
POW! Winter Fun on the Slopes
Dec. 14, 2019
Area ski slopes are doubling down on improvements to not only the slopes but also what’s inside. From new paint to new equipment to new places to plug in your crockpot, it’s all about making things more accommodating for skiers and snowboarders. After all, winter is coming.
Read More >>
A Breath of Fresh Aire
Dec. 7, 2019
There’s just no stopping the music in the Petoskey/Gaylord area, especially this time of year.
The more than 80 members of the Little Traverse Choral Society are poised to share their gift with the community this week at two concerts: Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Petoskey…
Read More >>
Oak Ridge Boys to Bring “Down Home Christmas” to Leelanau Sands
Nov. 23, 2019
It’s the holiday season, but don’t fret: While the Oak Ridge Boys show at Leelanau Sands Casino is billed as a “Down Home Christmas,” there’s no doubt Bobby Sue and Elvira will join in the fun. After all, it wouldn’t be an Oaks concert without bass Richar…
Read More >>
Fudge, Unparalleled
Nov. 23, 2019
You can’t really say that Tim and Bridgett Lambdin’s candy store is without parallel. After all, Candy World is the sister operation to their 45th Parallel Café located right next door.
But maybe you can say it about the fudge. Certainly you can say its v…
Read More >>
12 Days of Christmas Spirit
Nov. 23, 2019
There’s no lack of seasonal spirit sparkling in northern Michigan this year (just look out your window). But if you’re looking for a little boost to amp up the festive mood, we’ve compiled 12 unique holiday outings and activities happening around the North, each sure to wa…
Read More >>
2019 Holiday Gift Guide
Nov. 23, 2019
The Gift of Experience
For your best guy, gal, group of friends, or family
A Crafty Girl’s Night Out
Know someone who likes cheesemaking? Knitting? Making acrylic Christmas tree ornaments? String art? Candle-making? It&rs…
Read More >>