In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate a decade of exploring Michigan's attractions, focusing on winter activities and local events.

They highlight the importance of supporting local restaurants during the winter season and discuss the diverse winter experiences available in Gaylord, Crystal Mountain, and Grand Traverse Resort. The episode emphasizes the joy of embracing winter, from cross-country skiing to festive markets, encouraging listeners to explore and enjoy Michigan's winter wonders.

Learn about My Winter Trails and Learn to Ski Day (Jan. 10) at mywintertrails.org.

Learn more about Gaylord at gaylordmichigan.net.

Learn more about Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville at crystalmountain.com.

Learn more about Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City at grandtraverseresort.com.

In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate 10 years of exploring Michigan's Great Lakes.

They discuss winter activities in Michigan, focusing on Treetops Resort in Gaylord, which offers skiing, snowboarding, and family-friendly fun. The episode features interviews with Barry Owens, the general manager, and other team members, highlighting the resort's commitment to creating lasting memories, local culinary experiences, and new winter activities, including the introduction of a mascot, Mama Bear.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace winter and explore the beauty of Michigan's winter landscape.

Book your stay at Treetops Resort at treetops.com.

Or call for a reservation at 866-348-5249.

Join co-hosts Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez on "Behind the Mitten," where they explore the vibrant offerings of Michigan's hidden gems. This week, dive into the tropical paradise of Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland, conveniently located off US 131 between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Discover the Wawyé Oasis, where it's always a balmy 80 degrees with over 4,000 tropical plants and a swim-up bar. You staycation in paradise also allows you to indulge in the excitement of slot and table games. With a variety of dining options and 250 luxurious rooms in the hotel and spa, Gun Lake promises an unforgettable escape. Tune in for an insider's look at this unique destination!

Learn more about Gun Lake Casino Resort at gunlakecasino.com.

Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten sits down with Christy Walcott, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau, to talk about winter in Gaylord, and why you MUST visit this season.

Learn more about Gaylord and how to plan your trip at gaylordmichigan.net.

Amy Sherman previews this weekend's show from Gun Lake Casino - where it's always a balmy 80 degrees at the Wawyé Oasis!

Amy previews the show on WPHM in Port Huron, one of Behind the Mitten's 20-plus radio affiliates across the state.

You can listen to BTM at noon Saturdays and 8 a.m. Sundays on WPHM-AM (1380).

Learn more about WPHM at wphm.net.

Learn more about Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland at gunlakecasino.com.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten and list of radio affiliates at amyandgonzo.com.

Behind the Mitten Preview-Dec. 11, 2025

Amy Sherman previews this weekend's show where she and Gonzo spend trime at the Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland.

Amy previews the show with Mike Austin on "The WILS Morning Wake Up Show" in Lansing.

More on Wawyé Oasis

In the palm of West Michigan, the Wawyé Oasis is a destination unlike any other in the Midwest. A beautiful glass atrium will house over 32,000 square feet of paradise with live palm trees, tropical flora and other features kept at a sublime 80°. This venue will feature two distinctive pools, a 21+ VIP Pool and a fun-filled Family Pool. Guests can lounge in the private cabanas, take a trip to the snack bar or swim-up bar and enjoy a leisurely play beneath the bright, natural light.The energy shifts after sunset as spotlights and shimmering LEDs transform the resort into a state-of-the-art concert venue. The tropical scenery takes on new life as the performers take the stage, inviting you to move to the music and embrace the moment. The Wawyé Oasis is an experience that promises to bring you back again and again.

A special show
On Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland, Michigan (south of Grand Rapids and right off U.S. 131), will feature Rok Brigade (Def Leppard) & Completely Unchained (Van Halen), two popular tribute bands who will rock the stage inside Wawyé Oasis. The show is completely FREE. It begins at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Def Leppard opens the show, followed by Van Halen. More details at gunlakecasino.com.

We hope you tune in to BTM this weekend, which is all about Gun Lake Casino Resort. Get a list of all of our affiliates at amyandgonzo.com.

Behind the Mitten Special Podcast

Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez sit down with Brian Decorah, the general manager at Gun Lake Casino Resort, to talk about "Two epic tribute bands. One unforgettable night."

On Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, Gun Lake Casino Resort in Wayland, Michigan (south of Grand Rapids and right off U.S. 131), will feature Rok Brigade (Def Leppard) & Completely Unchained (Van Halen), two popular tribute bands who will rock the stage inside Wawyé Oasis. The show is completely FREE. It begins at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

"They'll play all the hits," Brian said. "They sound like them, and look like them."

Def Leppard opens the show, followed by Van Halen.

More details at gunlakecasino.com.

By the way, this weekend's BTM show is all about Gun Lake Casino Resort. We hope you tune in. Get a list of all of our affiliates at amyandgonzo.com.

We head back to our beloved Mackinac Island this week, for our annual holiday show with our friends from Original Murdick's Fudge, and more.  

We know how curious people are about what life is like on the island during the off-season. We know because we are also super interested in winter on Mackinac, we think it's the most incredible time to visit if you are able. Andrew Doud was born and raised on the island, and is now raising his three sons there, along with his wife Nicole. They talk about what that is like, plus what is happenig at Doud's Market, the oldest continuosly run, family owned grocery store in the country. Nicole shares that her charming little gift shop is open online year-round, and we think it's the prefect place to find unique gifts that fairly scream Michigan and Mackinac. 

Bobby Benser then joins John to talk all about how you can ship a taste of Michigan this holiday season direct from the island to practically anywhere. Original Murdick's is known for using all Pure Michigan ingredients, from sugar to butter, which all still gets delivered by horse drawn dray to the store every day. The fudge, and all the other goodies including peanut brittle and caramel corn, are made fresh every day by the talented team of fudge makers, and then shipped directly out, all in time for the holidays. We can't stress enough what an incredible gift this is, your friends and family will love it....and you.

Our good friend Brian Bailey stops by and we always love to hear what he has to say. As the long-time general manager for multiple island properties, including the Lilac Tree Suites, Chippewa Hotel and the Pink Pony, he's got an awesome perspecitive on things on the island. He and his wife Jeri-Lyn live on the island year-round, and Brian discusses the fun that is the holiday bazaar, as well as other winter activities residents participate in. 

Finally, Susan Wilcox Olson from Grand Bay Promotions visits, she is also a long-time former resident of Mackinac, and tells us what she loves about the island. She also shares just how Murdick's produces all this fudge each year, and shrares the featured flavors for this year, including the very yummy maple fudge that Murdick's is highlighting this season to help shed light on our Northern Michigan maple syrup farmers who suffered devastating losses after the ice storm last year. 

Ordering for Murdick's fudge, and all of their other delicious Pure Michigan treats is open until December 21.

Follow along on all of our adventures at:
 AmyandGonzo.com

Amy Sherman previews this weekend's Behind the Mitten radio show, which is all about Original Murdick's Fudge and life in wintertime on Mackinac Island.

In fact, you can pre-order your holiday gifts and send an unforgettable taste of Mackinac Island to friends, family and clients - NOW! Choose from crunchy caramel corn, old-fashioned salt water taffy or buttery brittle — including the seasonal favorite, Holiday Brittle, which is loaded with Michigan sweet cherries, fresh peanuts, cashews, and pecans. CLICK HERE to save for orders before Dec. 3.

Amy shares BTM's adventures on the WILS Morning Wake Up Show in Lansing with host Mike Austin, who created Amy's verry own theme song.

Listen to Behind the Mitten this weekend on 22 radio affiliates across the state at amyandgonzo.com.

This week we share some great holiday gifts you can give from the Mitten, because who wouldn't want a bit of Michigan this season? 

We visit with our good friend Charlie Olson from Grand Bay Promotions, who shares a few of his favorite Michigan-made gifts to give this season, including our favorite, Original Murdick's Fudge. Fun flavored oils and vinegars from Fustini's ship like a dream and can make anyone a chef. One very unique idea from Charlie? A round of golf at the historic Wawashtemo Golf Course on Mackinac Island where his dad Chuck is the golf pro. 

We'll talk to Mike Laing about this newly released wine, their CCS Cuvée 1. They describe it as a "love letter to Detroit art and the people who make it." This stunner of a sparkling wine from our friends at MAWBY Winery is as delicious as it is beautiful, and with a great story to boot.

From Mawby:
Born from a partnership with the College for Creative Studies, this bottle began in the classroom and took shape in our cellar. Students developed label concepts for a special-edition MAWBY sparkling wine, gaining real-world experience; the project also funds scholarships through CCS to support the next generation of artists.

As makers, we’ve stood with the arts for more than 50 years, and we hope wine lovers and art lovers find common ground in this collaboration.

The winning label by CCS student Olivia Plochocki captures a city in bloom. We followed its lead and finished this brut cuvée with a botanically inspired dosage. Using locally grown Yarrow, Lemon Verbena, and Elderflower, we built a balance of herbal, floral, and citrus aromas and flavors. On the nose: yarrow and lemon verbena mingle with undertones of elderflower and a hint of mint. The palate reflects those botanical notes, lifted by bright flavors of lime zest, muddled lemon, and Asian pear. A touch of white pepper adds gentle warmth, extending the finish and allowing the herbal character to pleasantly linger.



Have you heard about the power of pie? It's a true story from our friends at Grand Traverse Pie Company. And as owner Mike Busley tells us, they make totally incredible pies, first and foremost. Using Pure Michigan ingredients, each pie is made by hand by their talented bakers for maximum delight. GT Pie is also all about what pie can do, whether it acts as a way for people to come together or as a vehicle to allow the Busley family to give back to our Michigan communities in so many ways.

With multiple locations throughout Michigan, you can always just stop in to grab a pie, or a slice, to go. Also amazing? They'll ship these beauties to wherever you'd like them to go, so your friends and family can understand you when you say Michigan fruits make the best pies.This year, be sure to check out the chocolate bourbon pecan pie featuring Iron Fish Distillery, the perfect partnership of two awesome family-owned Michigan businesses.

We hope that you'll choose Michigan this holiday season, and spread some Mitten love around.