Behind the Mitten

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast
Episode 771
Air date: Sept. 19-20, 2026

Michigan travel gets delicious, surprising, and a little bit Amish in this packed episode of Behind the Mitten.

Co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman spotlight fall festivals, a family-run creamery in Mio, and small-town discoveries that make you want to grab a cooler and hit the road.

The episode offers a guide to fall fun across the state, from Mackinac Island’s Fudge Festival and Rockford’s 50th annual Harvest Festival to Pentwater’s autumn charm and Port Huron’s Wrigley Barbecue Throwdowns.

Amy then introduces us to Junior Weaver at Farmer’s Creamery in Mio—a cooperative of local farm families producing milk, ice cream, cheese, and baked goods. It’s a destination worth remembering, especially if you’re tempted by a scoop of black raspberry ice cream or an Amish hand pie.

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Farmer's Creamery was destroyed by a structure fire, Saturday, Oct. 3. READ HERE: Fire destroys The Farmers’ Creamery on Kittle Road in Mio

Also on the show, journalist and Amish expert Kevin Williams of Amish365.com joins us to discuss Michigan’s Amish communities and what makes the Mio area distinctive.

Together, the stories reveal how a small northern Michigan town has become a destination for local food, unique shops, and a glimpse into Amish life. This show is perfect for fall travelers, food lovers, and Michigan road-trippers.

This episode is packed with ideas for places to visit and people to meet along the way.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast.
On the air for 11 years.
Episode 772

What makes an independent bookstore a place readers return to again and again?

In this interview segment, Behind the Mitten co-host Amy Sherman talks with Matt Norcross, co-owner of McLean & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey, Michigan. Matt shares how the bookstore builds a welcoming community through personal recommendations, staff picks, its popular weekly email, and events that bring authors and readers together.

He also talks about the books capturing readers’ attention and the details that make discovering a new favorite part of the bookstore experience.

If you love independent bookstores, Michigan stories, and finding your next great read, join Amy and Matt for a conversation about the people and ideas behind McLean & Eakin.

Upcoming Event:

Holiday Hype Night
6 p.m., Oct. 24
McLean & Eakin Booksellers, 307 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770

• Penguin Random House Reps: Special guest representatives sharing insider information on upcoming and trending book titles.
• Exclusive Previews: Get a sneak peek at the hottest books hitting shelves for your reading list.
• Perks: Light refreshments, drinks, and opportunities to purchase or preorder featured books.

Learn more about McLean & Eakin at facebook.com/mcleanandeakin.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Follow Behind the Mitten on Facebook at facebook.com/behindthemitten.

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast.

Amy Sherman joins Mike Austin as part of the Morning Wake-Up on WILS-1320AM, Lansing's More Compelling Talk Radio.

She talks about what people can expect this weekend on Behind the Mitten, and she also shares  why Blue Hubbard Squash at Bavarian Inn and Zehnder's of Frankenmuth is one of the state's most beloved autumn traditions. They harvest more than 250,000 pounds of squash that they serve at restaurants year round.

Listen every  weekend on your favorite radio stations across the state.

Affiliates and air times:

Fridays

• 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron)

Saturdays

• 8:00 AM — WBRN 1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM (Big Rapids)
• 8:00 AM — WILS 1320 AM (Lansing)
• 10:00 AM — News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM (Benton Harbor)
• 12:00 PM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 4:00 PM — WIOS “The Bay’s Best!” 1480 AM / 106.9 FM (Tawas / East Tawas)
• 5:00 PM — WMIC “The Voice of the Thumb” 660 AM / 95.3 FM (Sandusky)

Sundays

• 6:00 AM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 7:00 AM — Black Diamond Broadcasting Stations:
  -WCFX — CFX Today’s Hits (95.3) — Mt. Pleasant
  -WGFN — The Bear (98.1 / 95.3) — Traverse City
  -WMRX — Sunny 97.7 — Midland
  -WUPS — The Classic Hits Station-UPS (98.5) — Houghton Lake
  -WWMK — 106.3 MAC FM — Cheboygan

• 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw)
• 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids)

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast:

This weekend Gonzo and Amy Sherman go behind the scenes of two great Michigan events:

• The Fudge Festival on Mackinac Island (Oct. 2 and 3),
• And the annual Fall Harvest Festival at Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City (Oct. 3).

Plus, their good friend and historian Andrew Kercher stops by to talk about Port Huron history - bootlegging and the great fires of The Thumb in the late 1800s. He hosts a Bootleggers on the Blue Water cruise on the Huron Lady II on Oct. 10.

Segment 1: Amy and John Gonzalez
Segment 2: Andrew Kercher of Andrew Kercher Lecture & Tours
Segment 3: Steph Castelein of Mackinac Island Tourism
Segment 4: Kyle Brownley of Chateau Chantal

Listen every  weekend on your favorite radio stations across the state.

Affiliates and air times across the state:

Fridays

• 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron)

Saturdays

• 8:00 AM — WBRN 1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM (Big Rapids)
• 8:00 AM — WILS 1320 AM (Lansing)
• 10:00 AM — News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM (Benton Harbor)
• 12:00 PM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 4:00 PM — WIOS “The Bay’s Best!” 1480 AM / 106.9 FM (Tawas / East Tawas)
• 5:00 PM — WMIC “The Voice of the Thumb” 660 AM / 95.3 FM (Sandusky)

Sundays

• 6:00 AM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 7:00 AM — Black Diamond Broadcasting Stations:
  -WCFX — CFX Today’s Hits (95.3) — Mt. Pleasant
  -WGFN — The Bear (98.1 / 95.3) — Traverse City
  -WMRX — Sunny 97.7 — Midland
  -WUPS — The Classic Hits Station-UPS (98.5) — Houghton Lake
  -WWMK — 106.3 MAC FM — Cheboygan

• 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw)
• 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids)

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast.

John Gonzalez, Gonzo, previews this weekend's show on WPHM-105.5 FM with Paul Miller.

Gonzo talks about:

• The Fudge Festival on Mackinac Island (Oct. 2 and 3),
• And the annual Fall Harvest Festival at Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City (Oct. 3).

He doesn't discuss it with Paul, but if you tune in this weekend, he and Amy Sherman also talk about Port Huron history - bootlegging and the great fires of The Thumb in the late 1800s.

Listen this weekend on your favorite radio stations across the state.

Our affiliates and air times across the state:

Fridays

• 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron)

Saturdays

• 8:00 AM — WBRN 1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM (Big Rapids)
• 8:00 AM — WILS 1320 AM (Lansing)
• 10:00 AM — News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM (Benton Harbor)
• 12:00 PM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 4:00 PM — WIOS “The Bay’s Best!” 1480 AM / 106.9 FM (Tawas / East Tawas)
• 5:00 PM — WMIC “The Voice of the Thumb” 660 AM / 95.3 FM (Sandusky)

Sundays

• 6:00 AM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 7:00 AM — Black Diamond Broadcasting Stations:
  -WCFX — CFX Today’s Hits (95.3) — Mt. Pleasant
  -WGFN — The Bear (98.1 / 95.3) — Traverse City
  -WMRX — Sunny 97.7 — Midland
  -WUPS — The Classic Hits Station-UPS (98.5) — Houghton Lake
  -WWMK — 106.3 MAC FM — Cheboygan

• 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw)
• 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids)

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast.

John Gonzalez, Gonzo, previews this weekend's show on WILS-AM (1320) with Mike Austin. They talk wine, and fudge!

Gonzo mentions:

• The upcoming Fudge Festival on Mackinac Island (Oct. 2 and 3),
• And the annual Fall Harvest Festival at Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City (Oct. 3).

Listen this weekend on your favorite radio stations across the state.

Our affiliates and air times across the state:

Fridays

• 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron)

Saturdays

• 8:00 AM — WBRN 1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM (Big Rapids)
• 8:00 AM — WILS 1320 AM (Lansing)
• 10:00 AM — News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM (Benton Harbor)
• 12:00 PM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 4:00 PM — WIOS “The Bay’s Best!” 1480 AM / 106.9 FM (Tawas / East Tawas)
• 5:00 PM — WMIC “The Voice of the Thumb” 660 AM / 95.3 FM (Sandusky)

Sundays

• 6:00 AM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 7:00 AM — Black Diamond Broadcasting Stations:
  -WCFX — CFX Today’s Hits (95.3) — Mt. Pleasant
  -WGFN — The Bear (98.1 / 95.3) — Traverse City
  -WMRX — Sunny 97.7 — Midland
  -WUPS — The Classic Hits Station-UPS (98.5) — Houghton Lake
  -WWMK — 106.3 MAC FM — Cheboygan

• 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw)
• 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids)

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast.

John Gonzalez, Gonzo, previews this weekend's show on CFX, 95.3 The Breakfast Flakes.

Gonzo talks about:

• The Fudge Festival on Mackinac Island (Oct. 2 and 3),
• And the annual Fall Harvest Festival at Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City (Oct. 3).

Listen this weekend on your favorite radio stations across the state.

Our affiliates and air times across the state:

Fridays

• 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron)

Saturdays

• 8:00 AM — WBRN 1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM (Big Rapids)
• 8:00 AM — WILS 1320 AM (Lansing)
• 10:00 AM — News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM (Benton Harbor)
• 12:00 PM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 4:00 PM — WIOS “The Bay’s Best!” 1480 AM / 106.9 FM (Tawas / East Tawas)
• 5:00 PM — WMIC “The Voice of the Thumb” 660 AM / 95.3 FM (Sandusky)

Sundays

• 6:00 AM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 7:00 AM — Black Diamond Broadcasting Stations:
  -WCFX — CFX Today’s Hits (95.3) — Mt. Pleasant
  -WGFN — The Bear (98.1 / 95.3) — Traverse City
  -WMRX — Sunny 97.7 — Midland
  -WUPS — The Classic Hits Station-UPS (98.5) — Houghton Lake
  -WWMK — 106.3 MAC FM — Cheboygan

• 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw)
• 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids)

One of Northern Michigan's most anticipated harvest traditions returns October 3 on Old Mission Peninsula

On this weekend's Behind the Mitten Show, we talked to Kyle Brownley, the marketing director at Chateau Chantal, a winery that Gonzo picked as one of Michigan's Best wineries way back in 2015. It is located on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City.

Learn more about the Oct. 3 fall festival at chateauchantal.com/harvest-festival.

Below is Kyle's press release on the upcoming event:

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (September 23, 2026) – The vineyards are bursting with ripe grapes, the fall colors are beginning to emerge, and harvest season is in full swing at Chateau Chantal.

To celebrate one of the most exciting times of the year in Northern Michigan wine country, Chateau Chantal will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 3, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring a free family-friendly grape stomp, local artisan market, vineyard tours, food and wine experiences, and a special celebration honoring founder Bob Begin's 92nd birthday.


Set atop the scenic ridge of Old Mission Peninsula overlooking both East and West Grand Traverse Bays, the festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience harvest season at one of Michigan's most iconic wineries.


"Harvest is the heartbeat of every winery," said CEO Marie-Chantal Dalese. "It's the culmination of a year's worth of work in the vineyard, and we love inviting guests to celebrate alongside us. This year's festival is especially meaningful as we honor our founder, Bob Begin, on his 92nd birthday."


A Celebration of Harvest, Wine & Community
The free Harvest Festival showcases the best of Northern Michigan agriculture, food, wine, art, and hospitality.

Festival Highlights:

Public Vineyard & Cellar Tour 1 p.m.
Join CEO Marie-Chantal Dalese for an insider's look at the winemaking process, from vineyard to bottle, including access to the winery cellar during peak harvest activity.


Grape Stomping For All Ages 2 p.m.
Channel your inner Lucille Ball and take part in one of the day's most popular traditions by crushing grapes the old-fashioned way, barefoot and laughing alongside friends and family.

Cork Toss Championship 3 p.m.
Teams compete for the coveted Cork Toss title and Chateau Chantal gift card prizes.

All-Day Harvest Festival Attractions
Wine, Food & Fall Views
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The tasting room will feature wine flights, wines by the glass, seasonal cocktails, charcuterie boards, chef-prepared menu offerings, cozy indoor fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, and self-guided access to the winery's open cellar.
Visitors can enjoy 25% off all 12-bottle wine purchases during the event.


Local Artisan Market
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The Harvest Art Fair will feature distinctive Michigan-made products, gifts, home décor, food items, and artwork from local artists and makers, including:
North Coast Golf Company
Lakes & Grapes
Lakuna Links
Le Macaron Traverse City
Leelanau Pottery Company
Kendall Wisniewski Art
DC Boat Shelves
MORRISMADE Handmade Home Goods
Why Knot Pretzels

Founder Bob Begin's 92nd Birthday Open House
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Guests are invited inside founder Bob Begin's apartment to enjoy breathtaking bay views, meet the visionary who founded Chateau Chantal, and watch a special presentation highlighting his remarkable life and legacy in Michigan wine tourism.

Extend the Harvest Celebration:

Fall Harvest Wine Dinners
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays through November 6
Guests can experience the flavors of the season through Chateau Chantal's acclaimed six-course wine dinners featuring locally inspired cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Randy Minish and expertly paired wines.
$115 per person, includes winery tour, six-course dinner, wine pairings, tax, and gratuity.
Reservations: www.chateauchantal.com/public-events

Murder in Wonderland
Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Friday, October 30
Wonderland has never been so dangerous.
Guests become characters in a mysterious Alice in Wonderland-inspired adventure where clues, hidden secrets, and unexpected twists unfold throughout a multi-course dinner experience.
6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:45 p.m.)
$85 per person, tax and gratuity included
Reservations: https://shorturl.at/kZVgc

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast.

On this bonus episide, Amy Sherman runs down what listeners can expect this weekend on Behind the Mitten. She and Gonzo are regular guests each Thursday on the "Morning Wake Up" with Mike Austin in WILS-1320 AM, Lansing's "More Compelling Talk Radio" show.


Behind the Mitten can be heard Saturdays from 8-9am on 1320 WILS.

Our affiliates and air times across the state:

Fridays

• 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron)

Saturdays

• 8:00 AM — WBRN 1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM (Big Rapids)
• 8:00 AM — WILS 1320 AM (Lansing)
• 10:00 AM — News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM (Benton Harbor)
• 12:00 PM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 4:00 PM — WIOS “The Bay’s Best!” 1480 AM / 106.9 FM (Tawas / East Tawas)
• 5:00 PM — WMIC “The Voice of the Thumb” 660 AM / 95.3 FM (Sandusky)

Sundays

• 6:00 AM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba)
• 7:00 AM — Black Diamond Broadcasting Stations:
  -WCFX — CFX Today’s Hits (95.3) — Mt. Pleasant
  -WGFN — The Bear (98.1 / 95.3) — Traverse City
  -WMRX — Sunny 97.7 — Midland
  -WUPS — The Classic Hits Station-UPS (98.5) — Houghton Lake
  -WWMK — 106.3 MAC FM — Cheboygan

• 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw)
• 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids)

We’ve got helpful news you can use this week on the show, plus a student run event in Midland, and fall fun in the Keweenaw. 

Segment 1: We start off with our good friend Mark Copeland from Jay’s Sporting Goods. With locations in Gaylord and Claire, Jay’s is the destination for all things outdoors. Mark joins us to talk a little bit about the new changes in Michigan hunting laws, assures Amy that she’ll still be able to enjoy the deer hunter’s weekend in November, and stresses how important it is to be prepared out in the woods. All important information. 

Segment 2: Next, we meet a new friend in Caiden Doan, who is this year’s PR rep for Northwood’s University International Auto Show. This free event will feature all sorts of fancy cars, info sessions, food, entertainment and more. It’s family friendly, and they are celebrating 63 years of this student led event in Midland the weekend of September 18 and 19.

Segment 3: One of our favorite guests returns, Jesse Wiederhold from Visit Keweenaw. They are always up to something up there in the Key, and fall is a time when things really shine. Jesse has big, big plans for the first weekend in October, and shares their four-fold celebration with us. The Canal Colors Festival will feature events throughout the weekend, including a crazy color run, historical Brew Street downtown, and another attempt at a world record on Plaidurday. Yes, we are not making this up. Hear all about it on this weekend’s show.

Segment 4: Finally, once again, our resident German beer expert Dave Ringler joins us to discuss Oktoberfest and why we celebrate it in September instead of October. He’ll also share what it’s like in Munich during these few crazy weeks, and where to enjoy Oktoberfests and good German beer around Michigan, including at his places, Cedar Springs Brewing and Kusterer Brauhaus.