April 2008

25 Reasons to Love Life Up North

Cherries, pasties, lighthouses, fudge. Sure, we’re proud of the North’s marquees. But for most of us, it’s the understated pieces of the North that capture our hearts and call us back: a two-track heading into a shadowed forest, a fish market right on the pier. Here, then, is a tribute to the things we love about life Up North—25 wonders that capture the spirit of this place in subtle, soulful ways. Let our list inspire you to spend time exploring this spring, falling in love with your own personal icons. Full article...

A Glorious Daytrip for Gardeners

Baver Herb Farm is a sweet spring destination for daytrippers. Full article...

A House Made from Clay and Straw. Really.

In her Crystal Lake home Bonnie Barnes achieved Provencal style and superb structural performance with an updated version of an ancient, sustainable building. technique. Full article...

American Spoon Debuts New Gelato Flavors

Over winter the chefs at this Petoskey food emporium created two new gelato flavors to get you daydreaming about summer. Full article...

Anniversary of The Legend of the Sleeping Bear

Jeff Daniels lends his voice to The Legend of the Sleeping Bear. Full article...

An Orchard Upbringing

From there I could watch the house without my parents seeing me, to see how long it took for them to miss me and begin crying to the cherry gods for my return. Full article...

April 21: Watch Onekama's Rosalind Jaffe on Jeopardy!

Onekama's Rosalind Jaffe is on Jeopardy! Monday, April 21. Full article...

April Rush

April is the time to see U.P. waterfalls in their most surging, glorious incarnations. Full article...

Ask the Real Estate Guy -Leland & the Art of Negotiation

Leland & Negotiating Full article...

Asleep with Bees

Behind the curtain of night birds, summer breezes, insect and moth patterings, I hear their hum like dark cream. It is so much a part of everything that it seems like a sound from my body. Full article...

Bathed in Serenity

Northern Home & Cottage gives you six ideas for creating your own spa retreat. Full article...

Best Eats 2008 in Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix and more

Our new, from-scratch quest for mouthwatering, enticing and otherwise amazing edibles all across this Northern land, including Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix and more. Full article...

Bobby Kennedy Exhibit in Petoskey

Crooked Tree Art Center exhibit timed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Robert Kennedy's death. Full article...

Breaking the Green

I grew up with the long-term risk it had taken to save the farm with this precarious crop from California, and with a sense of what a field—and family—can do. Full article...

Build a Bark House

Poplar bark shingles are available Up North. Full article...

Cabin Dancing

Free dance lessons at The Rustic Ballroom Full article...

Checking in: Debra Fayroian, Chamber Music North

World class chamber musicians are coming to the North. We talk with the woman who is making it happen. Full article...

Checking in: Jerry Dennis

Jerry Dennis is hard at work on his next Great Lakes book. We ask him how things are going. Full article...

Dunegrass 2008: Tickets On Sale Now

Empire's annual August music fest promises to be another great one. Full article...

Easy, Smart Trickle Irrigation

Grow healthier plants, reduce your water use and work less. Honest! Full article...

Efficient Beauty in Traverse City

A California couple brings Up North cottage style to their Traverse City neighborhood and it fits right in. Full article...

Favorite Stop: John Cross Fisheries

Visit June Cross at this bustling, 63-year-old fish market on Round Lake when you're hungry for a supper of fresh lake trout, whitefish or salmon. Full article...

Find: Petoskey's Tannery Creek Meat Market

It's a mighty fine weekend to dust off the grill and fire up for a long season of alfresco cooking. Full article...

Fishing Forecast for Trout Opener

Kirk Novak, owner of The Northern Angler, shares his prognostication for the start of Michigan's trout fishing season. Full article...

Food Finds: Traverse City Hot Dog as Harbinger

The beloved hot dog cart on Traverse City's Front Street has appeared, and we can't think of a more delicious first sign of spring. Full article...

Fresh for Spring: Elk Rapids' Siren Hall

Find amazing seafood and a city vibe at 151 River Street. Full article...

Geocachers: GPS Shopping

GPS recommendations from Up North guys in-the-know. Full article...

Go Country

Snowbird Inn puts guests in the perfect place for birding and exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the harbor village of Leland and historic Fishtown. Full article...

Grayling Classic: Pan-fried Trout at Gates Au Sable Lodge

For 38 years, the Gates family has helped fly fishermen find their trout on the fabled Au Sable. Join them for dinner at the Hungry Fisherman Dining Room. Full article...

Great Eats: Backyard Spring Vacation

Petoskey's Thai Orchid Cuisine is our pick this week for a dinner escape with exotic flavors. Full article...

Green's Anatomy

This precedent-setting eco-friendly home is making news Up North. We take you under its skin to find out why. Full article...

G.T.'s Rich History Featured in Glimpses

Historic photos and reflective essays recall Grand Traverse's early years. Full article...

Hear Frogs Sing Now

May is the premier time to hear frog song in the North Country. Full article...

Holy Cow: A Traverse City Farmhouse

This five-acre farmstead found new life with a fresh, funky reno. Full article...

How To: Build a Rock Garden

Follow these fundamentals to make your garden rock. Full article...

How To: Give Your Roof a Spring Checkup

Your roof could be suffering from the Up North winter blues. Here's how to find out -- and keep it healthy. Full article...

How To: Make Seed Packet Art

Some seed packets are too charming to throw away. Full article...

How To: Nordic Ski Walking

Walk your way to better health with these patented poles. Full article...

How To: Prevent Spring Wildfires

Cleanup burning chores, mixed with spring's warm, windy, dry weather, result in about one-third of all Michigan wildfires each year. Full article...

Inside a Windmill Lease

A new document by Michigan State Extension offers advice to landowners considering a windmill deal. Full article...

Interlochen Summer Festival Tickets On Sale

Tickets for summer 2008 acts go on sale to the public 4/25. Full article...

Interview With a Burn Boss

We talk with Chris Johnson, a burn boss with the United States Forest Service, stationed in Mio. Full article...

Kalkaska's Taste of Trout

Join Traverse food and wine editor Emily Betz Tyra as she samples delectable trout dishes at this annual fest. Full article...

Keep the Green in Your Landscaping

Sandy Naples of Pine Hill Nursery shares tips for healthy, sustainable landscaping. Full article...

Lightpaintings

Lightpainting artist Stephen Knapp's Lightpaintings exhibit is at Traverse City’s Dennos Museum April 13 through August 31. Full article...

Make a Seed Ball

Earth Day Celebrations in Ludington. Full article...

Mike, the Trout King

Thoughts from the new ruler of our trout realm, Michael Delp. Full article...

Miracle in a Diner

Bet you’ve never eaten in a place quite like this Ellsworth Diner. Full article...

Morels 201: Your Quick Guide

So you’ve finally found some mushrooms! But what’s next? Full article...

Movable Feasts: Petoskey's Feast Market & Cafe

Petoskey's Feast Market is a great pick for picnic season. Full article...

New Rule Helps Keep Lake Invaders Out

St. Lawrence Seaway tightens rules for ballast water on oceangoing ships to protect the Great Lakes. Full article...

No Ordinary Tree House

Builder Andy Poineau is using his skills to help the Raven Hill Discovery Center. Full article...

Northern Style: Fresh for Spring

Fresh for spring? Punchy patterns, retro style and evergreen hues of grass and sky. Full article...

Northern Style: The New Mod Has the Blues—and Blacks

The new mod is big on cool blacks and blues, warm browns and plenty of personality. Full article...

Opinion: What to do with Bay Harbor's Contaminated Groundwater

Jennifer McKay, policy specialist with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council shares her views of a complex situation. Full article...

Past Presence

A revamped 1914 Walloon Lake cottage embraces the old but lives like new. Full article...

Play in Dirt, Save Native Plants

Join the Native Plant Rescue to help save the North's flora. Full article...

Q&A: Song of the Lakes

Song of the Lakes percussionist Rick Jones dishes about the band's 25-plus years of making music. Full article...

Q&A: The Man Behind Michigan's Dogman Legend

What started as a harmless radio prank became one of Michigan's eeriest paranormal legends. Full article...

Rebuilt to Last in Traverse City

A small downtown home big on exquisite detail promises to satisfy anothercentury of homeowners. Full article...

Resources: Efficient Beauty in Traverse City

Builder, architect and suppliers who contributed to the progressive spirit of an Up North Michigan cottage in a Traverse City neighborhood. Full article...

Resources: Green's Anatomy

Resources: Holy Cow, a Traverse City Farmhouse

Builder, suppliers, architect for this Traverse City farmhouse. Full article...

Resources: Past Present

Resources: Rebuilt to Last in Traverse City

Builder and suppliers for this home that was "Rebuilt to Last in Traverse City." Full article...

Restaurant News: A Fresh Fusion in Frankfort

An expanded, waterside The Fusion is open in Frankfort. Full article...

Short Game Steal

The Homestead's Dave Pelz Scoring Game School offers sweet summer deals. Full article...

Spotlight On: Bellaire B&B

Bellaire B&B offers garden seminars throughout May. Full article...

Spring Daytrip: Breakfast, Biking & More

Fuel up with an Old World-style breakfast, blow off steam with a pedal down the Betsie Valley Trail, take a break to wade in Crystal Lake, disappear into the forest and come out by a first-class resort. Full article...

Spring Is Here, Sniff Around

Where to find sweet smells at this glorious time of year. Full article...

Spring Romp with Your Pooch

Take a long-awaited spring hike with your dog. Full article...

Stalking the Wild Leek

Take a walk in springtime and inhale. If you detect a familiar culinary fragrance under the trees, you’re on to the pungent joys of the leek. Full article...

Summer’s Structure

The porch was the origin of trust, imagination and the closeness. Full article...

Swing Dance at City Opera House

Open dancing and lessons available as Judy Harrison and Swing Shift perform alt-swing and oldies May 2. Full article...

Take Your Turn in the Old Mission Lighthouse

New lighthouse keeper program allows you to stay in a Great Lakes icon. Full article...

Talking Landscaping With Bob Drost

Rock-walled infinity pools and natural hot tubs made from slate and boulders—what's next Bob? Full article...

Tapawingo's New Chef

Editor Emily Betz Tyra tells about a spring dinner at chef-owner Harlan "Pete" Peterson's house to usher in a new era of exquisite cuisine in Ellsworth. Full article...

Tee Upscale

Boyne Highlands brings back caddy service at The Heather and offers unlimited-golf package deals. Full article...

The Green Nursery

Breathe Easy Baby Full article...

The Road From Hancock to Nashville: Part Two

Part two of U.P. musician Paul Smith's journey south to record with the legendary Cowboy Jack Clement. Full article...

The Ultimate DIY Workshop

Learn to bake bread, start your own seeds, improve your woodlot and more at Wagbo Peace Center's annual Skill Swap, Sunday, May 10. Full article...

The Voice

Sixty-one years ago in Brethren’s Dickson Schoolhouse, James Earl Jones began to speak. Full article...

'Tis the Home and Garden Season

Mark these events on your calendar. Full article...

To Do This Week: Play Hooky

Eat pie for breakfast, browse through Harbor Springs and wind down the day with a picnic and a paddle in Little Traverse Bay. Full article...

Trout Live Better in Trees

Ken Reed tells why big stuff in the river is good for fish. Full article...

Trumpeting a Return

The rare trumpeter swan is making a 150-year-long overdue return to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Full article...

Vegetable Bouquet

Sometimes veggies are just too pretty to eat. Full article...

Women's Winter Tour

Wine, women, winter sports and chocolate are the grand ingredients for the annual Women's Winter Tour at Crystal Mountain. Full article...