The Verdant Ramble

Michigan Greetings: Behind our Holiday Card Designs

Michigan Greetings: Behind our Holiday Card Designs

What makes our holiday cards so sought-after? We collaborate with local illustrators and printers to create high quality designs fit for any upstanding Michigander's mailbox. Read on to see why our Michigan holiday greeting cards are perfect for your Christmas or holiday gifts and gatherings.
36 Hours on Road M-119, Tunnel of Trees

36 Hours on Road M-119, Tunnel of Trees

 If you want to see the beauty and history of northern Michigan up close, there are few better places than the famous Michigan highway, M-119, nicknamed “The Tunnel of Trees”...
Michigan Pumpkin Carving Stencils

Michigan Pumpkin Carving Stencils

There’s no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to carve some pumpkins! Watching your candlelit carvings come alive as the sun sets is a great way for...
Prescription: Nature

Prescription: Nature

Guest Author: Susan Bakker, LMSW, Psychotherapist. These days, whether I’m on a trail in the woods or reveling in the dramatic views of the Great Lakes, I have always found nature feeds my soul and gives me a greater sense of well-being. But is there evidence, beyond the intuitive, that time spent in natural surroundings supports mental health and improves mental illness?
Michigander: Clay Bowers, Expert Forager

Michigander: Clay Bowers, Expert Forager

Clay Bowers uses his years of experience foraging and hunting to help sustain himself and his family. He also founded Nomi Forager, where he works to educate others and spread the good word about nature's bounty. We sat down with Clay to learn more about his foraging skills and harvesting in Michigan's natural spaces.
The Rich History Behind Peninsulas North

The Rich History Behind Peninsulas North

The Peninsulas North team has been as busy as Sturgeon River beavers since opening in the spring of 2018. The latest Peninsulas shop offers the same high-quality, Michigan-inspired gifts, apparel...
Acorn Trail

Acorn Trail

Available for your next adventure! Acorn Trail is the Peninsulas' glamping experience in Northern Michigan. Just a skip away from our store in Cross Village, yet tucked away enough to...
A Century of Commitment to Michigan’s Natural Resources

A Century of Commitment to Michigan’s Natural Resources

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a storied conservation legacy dating back a hundred years to March 30, 1921. The genesis of the department’s conservation officers dates back even...
Tags: History Nature
Cooking with Mandy – Stories & Strawberry Shortcake

Cooking with Mandy – Stories & Strawberry Shortcake

Mandy McGovern is a food blogger, photographer and cookbook author. She’s also a chef/baker extraordinaire and a Michigander to boot. Most importantly, she is the author of a Peninsulas perennial favorite cookbook, My Little Michigan Kitchen, as well as the blog Kitchen Joy. I spoke with Mandy to learn about her inspirations and hear her story. Read on for the full interview as well as her delicious strawberry shortcake recipe.
6 Delicious S'mores to Try on Your Next Campout

6 Delicious S'mores to Try on Your Next Campout

S’mores are one of the best ways to bring a little something extra to a night around the campfire. And while the classic is great, sometimes it’s more fun to...
Tags: Recipes
Michigander: Amber Parsons of Harwood Gold, Michigan Maple Syrup

Michigander: Amber Parsons of Harwood Gold, Michigan Maple Syrup

Harwood Gold has been making maple syrup in Michigan since 1898. Amber Parsons is the 5th generation to run the family business over and expand it to what it is today. Maple Syrup season is a very special time. Lots of laughter and an ease about life. The whole process is very nostalgic."
Michigan Dates in History - October

Michigan Dates in History - October

From KISS to Harry Houdini — October is full interesting anniversaries and memories for the Great Lakes State. How many of these did you know?   October 1, 1967 Michigan’s...
Tags: History