The Verdant Ramble

Mackinac Island Ice Bridge Adventure

Big Mac is easily one of Michigan’s most famous bridges, but do you know about Mackinac Island’s other, lesser-known bridge? The “Ice Bridge” is a natural pathway to Mackinac Island...

Tags: History Northern Michigan Travel

Late Night Cinnamon Whiskey

Stir up something dark and boozy. This slow sipping, refreshing cocktail uses cinnamon whiskey, coke, and a splash of ginger.

Tags: Recipes

Five Drink Recipes Perfect for the Day Off Mixer

The Grand Traverse Sauce Co. is exactly the type of home-grown and hand-crafted Michigan company we love to spotlight. That’s why we sell their hot sauces in our shop. That,...

Tags: Recipes

When the weather outside is frightful...a sweet cup of warm cocoa can be just the thing to warm up your nose (and toes)! This recipe is a twist on the classic chocolatey cocoa, adding a warming hint of ginger and cinnamon to make it taste just like a fresh-baked batch of gingerbread cookies.

Tags: Holidays Recipes

The Legacy of Stormy Kromer

If you’ve lived around the Great Lakes for long enough, you’ve definitely seen at least one Stormy Kromer cap out in the wild. But how much do you know about its creation, or how it ended up as a symbol of Yooper pride? Read on as we dive headfirst into the history of this iconic Michigan and midwesterner hat.

Tags: History Northern Michigan

Fall in Love with Michigan’s Forests

Whether carpeted in trilliums in the spring, bursting with wildflowers and bramble berries in summer, painted with golden color in fall or sparkling with ice in winter – it’s easy to fall in love with our state’s forests in any season.

Tags: History Nature

Michigander: Daniel Ryniak, Trail Bike Rider

Daniel Ryniak is one of those folks that you could talk to for hours on end and still long to hear more of his stories. As an avid trail bike rider and adventurer, Daniel cannot get enough of the outdoors. He goes for a total immersive experience, packing up little more than his hammock, coffee and chapstick. “In a little over a year, I have ridden over 1000 miles in Michigan. I rode my bike across the state twice as well as from Ohio to Reed City and back,” Daniel shares.

I was able to chat with Daniel after he stopped in our shop to pick up a state of happiness patch. Read on for tips and tales of the trail (and a few close encounters!)

Tags: Interviews Travel

Nature Keepsakes

If you like to spend time outdoors, you're likely to end up finding a ton of picturesque pieces of nature. Think back to those brilliant fall leaves from a walk...

Tags: Crafts DIY Nature

The HOMES Shirt: A Peninsulas Classic

Our HOMES collection continues to be one of our most well-loved designs, and it’s no wonder why. It's comfortable, durable, washable, and stylish. Plus, we Michiganders love our lakes! Like many great designs, it all started with a t-shirt. The HOMES t-shirt is a Peninsulas classic. Here’s why it should be your go-to.

Tags: Designs

How to Plant a Butterfly Garden: Our Top Seven Tips

Beautify your backyard and do your part to support a healthy local and national environment. Flowers and plants like milkweed and hyssop make your garden attractive to native butterflies like monarchs, swallowtails, and admirals! Read on to learn our tips for making your garden butterfly-friendly.

Tags: DIY Nature

Cross Village Community Parade 2021

Cross Village paraded its creativity and appreciation for their community this weekend! Check out the highlight reel from this years festivities!

Tags: Events Northern Michigan

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.

Tags: Interviews Recipes