We asked our readers where to see the best 4th of July fireworks in Northern Michigan. This is what they said. Best 4th of July Fireworks First Place:Â Traverse City Hosted by the TC Boom Boom Club, Traverse City's 4th of July fireworks are part of the Cherry Festival....
10 Breathtaking Northern Michigan Wedding Venues
A historic castle, countryside winery, and rustic barn made this top 10 list, chosen by our readers in the annual Red Hot Best contest. Say "I do" at these Northern Michigan wedding venues. Beth Joy Photography // Castle Farms 1. CASTLE FARMS, CHARLEVOIX We’re...
A Mother-Daughter Road Trip Along the Leelanau Peninsula
Here I am, a 19-year-old Manistee native, and I've never explored the Leelanau Peninsula. With college coming up in the fall, I decided that needed to change promptly, and the perfect person to explore the peninsula with? My keen, all-knowing mom. Did we plan out what...
The Vogue Theatre’s Economic Ripple Effect in Downtown Manistee
Bursts of economic development, both large and small, are continuously happening in the city of Manistee. New restaurants and businesses are emerging downtown, with more in the works. There's a hustle and bustle these days, locals and tourists alike. For years, people...
Photos: Detroit Institute of Art Pop-Up Museum at Mission Point Resort
Under a new partnership with the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA), Mission Point is presenting a limited time pop-up museum throughout their property on Mackinac Island. Replicas of 10 of the DIA's most popular paintings are featured in the project, which was installed...
Fire at Sea: A Stand Out Documentary at the Traverse City Film Festival 2017
The style and storyline of this Italian documentary plays more like a fiction film; it's unbelievable and beautifully crafted. Lampedusa, the center of the film, is an island 200km off the coast of Italy. Refugees fleeing from Africa, Asia and the Middle East to...
“Newton” is a Must-See During the Traverse City Film Festival
With so many films showing during the Traverse City Film Festival, it can be hard to pick which ones you want to go see! So far, my must-see pick is Newton, a hilarious and heartbreaking movie on India's current democracy, and the problems the country is facing. The...
6 Northern Michigan Dairy Farms and Stores
Find fresh milk, cheese and ice cream at these Northern Michigan dairy farms and stores. If you're lucky, you can even meet the friendly cows and goats! Shetler Family Dairy, Kalkaska Open since 1979, this farm is rooted in family values. If you visit the property,...
Next Generation Learning Center Offers Affordable, Available Child Care in Manistee
Manistee County has long seen a need for quality and affordable childcare. Jason Cross, Director of Family Services for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, saw this need and decided to initiate the Next Generation Learning Center, a place to educate and care for...
Husband and Wife Share Tales of Ghosts on New Twilight Walking Tour in Traverse City
Thick clouds roll off Grand Traverse Bay, leaving a fog that hangs over the edges of the harbor. A chill breeze wipes away memories of the warm, sunny day. It's a perfect evening for a Twilight Walking Tour with Jim and Mary Couling, who share ghost stories at Clinch...
Top 10 Best Northern Michigan Coffee Shops
More than 10,000 voters from across the state weighed in on 101 things they love about Northern Michigan. Their votes determined over 300 Red Hot Best winners and 700 honorable mentions. Here you’ll find the best Northern Michigan coffee shops. Fuel up! First Place:...
EquuSpirit Partnership Offers Workshops, Team Building Through Horses
The connection between a horse and a human can be profound, leading to personal growth and love for the spirited animal. Maryellen Werstine, along with partner Erin Halloran, founded the company EquuSpirit Partnership with the vision of connecting people to horses for...
10 Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Traverse City
More than 10,000 voters from across the state weighed in on 101 things they love about Northern Michigan. Their votes determined over 300 Red Hot Best winners and 700 honorable mentions. Here you’ll find the best kid friendly restaurants in Traverse City. (Your...
Summer Skincare Tips for Kids and Adults
With the sunshine here to stay in Northern Michigan, make sure you're protected before heading outside. We chatted with Emily Hedley, a physician assistant at Great Lakes Plastic Surgery Center, and we learned a few surprising facts about summer skincare. What are the...
Top 12 Best Northern Michigan Beaches for Kids
We asked our readers to share their favorite spots to take young children to cool off (bonus points for places with playgrounds, restrooms, and picnic tables). These are their picks for best Northern Michigan beaches for kids. Clinch Park, Traverse City Earn...
Top 10 Best Northern Michigan Soft Serve Ice Cream Shops
More than 10,000 voters from across the state weighed in on 101 things they love about Northern Michigan. Their votes determined over 300 Red Hot Best winners and 700 honorable mentions. Here you’ll find the best Northern Michigan soft serve ice cream shops. We'll...
11 Best Northern Michigan U-Pick Farms with Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries
More than 10,000 voters from across the state weighed in on 101 things they love about Northern Michigan. Their votes determined over 300 Red Hot Best winners and 700 honorable mentions. Here you’ll find the best Northern Michigan U-Pick berry farms! [Check out...
New Mackinac Island Restaurant Dishing Out Authentic BBQ
If you're hungry and looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Mackinac Island, head to the newly revamped Ice House BBQ at Island House Hotel for cocktails, lunch and dinner. Previously called Ice House Grille, the new restaurant, which opened in late May,...
The Vision and Beers at Starving Artist in Ludington
A typical brew day starts at 6:30 a.m. for Andrew Thomas, founder of Starving Artist Brewing Co. in Ludington. A short commute across his lawn brings him to a small red barn, the home of his unconventional brewhouse. For the next six to eight hours he brews his beer,...
Top 10 Northern Michigan Outdoor Dining Spots
More than 10,000 voters from across the state weighed in on 101 things they love about Northern Michigan. Their votes determined over 300 Red Hot Best winners and 700 honorable mentions. Here you’ll find the best Northern Michigan outdoor dining spots. Fresh air. Good...