The Verdant Ramble

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: Cross Village Events Northern Michigan

Pinecone Birdfeeder Craft

Looking for a fun, relaxing craft and a way to interact with the great outdoors? With only a few simple steps, you can turn a pine cone into a delicious bird feeder to offer the winter birds in Michigan. Perfect for the whole family!

Tags: Crafts DIY Nature

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Tis the season! The holiday season may look different from others but we can still add a little cheer with these soft, spicy gingerbread cookies! Enjoy with a cup of eggnog or hot cocoa and have yourself a little celebration!

Tags: Recipes

Southern Comfort Vanilla Maple Syrup Punch Recipe

Michigan produces over 100,000 gallons of maple syrup per year. And while we love it on our pancakes and french toast, this sweet, sugary nectar has many other uses. Our most recent (and now favorite!) use is in this festive punch recipe — perfect for fall get-togethers, tailgates, or just relaxing with friends.

Tags: Recipes