Behind the Mitten

In this illuminating episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman shine a spotlight on Michigan’s most iconic coastal treasures — its lighthouses — in honor of National Lighthouse Day on August 7.

From Pure Michigan’s travel tips to firsthand stories from lighthouse caretakers and maritime experts, this four-part episode is a beacon for anyone ready to explore the Great Lakes State's rich nautical history.

Segment 1: Pure Michigan’s Kelly Wolgamott joins John and Amy to discuss the significance of Michigan’s 130+ lighthouses, more than any other state. She shares how these historic beacons are not only scenic and family-friendly travel destinations—but also serve as immersive educational opportunities. Plus, hear what’s coming this fall for Michigan tourism, and why lighthouse hopping is a must-do summer (and fall!) activity.

Segment 2: Built in 1829, Fort Gratiot Light Station in Port Huron is Michigan’s Oldest Lighthouse. Site Manager Lauren Nelson and St. Clair County Parks Director Dennis Delor Jr. share stories from this majestic lighthouse’s past, its ongoing restoration, and the exciting annual Sandfest that helps fund its preservation. Don’t miss the fascinating details about the nearby Huron Lightship and what makes this destination a cornerstone of Michigan’s maritime legacy.

Segment 3: Discovering Tawas Point Lighthouse and State Park: Next, we journey to Tawas Point on Lake Huron—often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” Explore the 1876 lighthouse with sweeping views, stroll the sandy beaches, and hear why this stop is beloved by birdwatchers, hikers, and history lovers alike. Whether you're climbing the spiral staircase or enjoying a sunset over the bay, Tawas Point is a must-visit on your lighthouse adventure. Historian Don La Barre of the Michigan History Center fill us in on all the details.

Segment 4: Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point: Up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, John and Amy take you to the legendary Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. Learn about the many vessels lost to Lake Superior’s depths, including the Edmund Fitzgerald. Hear about the scenic journey up the Curly Lewis Highway, the annual memorial event on November 10, and how this museum keeps the stories of Great Lakes sailors alive. We thank Bruce E. Lynn, Executive Director of the Great Lake Shipwreck Historical Society for joining the sbow.

Whether you’re a lighthouse enthusiast, Michigan road-tripper, or maritime history buff, this episode is packed with travel ideas, hidden gems, and unforgettable stories to guide your next Great Lakes getaway. 
#PureMichigan #NationalLighthouseDay #BehindTheMitten #GreatLakesHistory #MichiganLighthouses

Join John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman as they take you on a journey through the Great Lakes State in this week's episode of Behind the Mitten. From scenic road trips to year-round adventures, there's something for everyone!

Nick Nebonne of Pure Michigan talks about Scenic Drives & Road Trips
Discover the beauty of Michigan's highways, from the historic West Michigan Pike to the hidden gems of the UP. Whether it's the Tunnel of Trees or the Sunrise Coast, these drives are perfect for any season.

Brittney Buti Primeau of Crystal Mountain
Experience the magic of Crystal Mountain, a year-round destination in Thompsonville offering everything from skiing and the Alpine Slide to garden tours and art parks. It's the perfect base for exploring Northern Michigan.

Jordan Peck of Treetops Resort Golf & Dining
Tee off at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan, known for its stunning courses and breathtaking fall colors. Don't miss their progressive fall dinners, offering culinary delights amidst spectacular vistas.

Steve Hoke of Hastings
Enjoy live music in the heart of Hastings with community concerts, kids' shows, and Friday night features. It's a vibrant scene you won't want to miss!

Tune in to catch all these exciting segments and more!

#BehindTheMitten #ExploreMichigan #CrystalMountain #TreetopsResort #HastingsLive

Behind the Mitten - Episode 709
Michigan Craft Beer Month 2025

Celebrating 10 years of exploring the Great Lakes State, it's Behind the Mitten, hosted by Gonzo and Amy Sherman. Your ultimate insiders for all things Michigan. Food, festivals, breweries, and beyond. Whether you're a lifelong Michigander or just visiting, this is your guide to the heart of the Mitten State. Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.

In this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate Michigan Craft Beer Month - every July - by exploring the evolution of the craft beer scene in Michigan. They discuss the importance of community in the brewing industry, share stories from various breweries, and highlight new ventures in the craft beer landscape. The conversation emphasizes the significance of local breweries as community gathering places and the ongoing growth of the craft beer culture in Michigan.

Segment 1: Gonzo and Amy stop at Highway Brewing Co. in West Branch.

Segment 2: Nate Calery, head of operations at Territorial Brewing in Springfield, talks about his journey to become the head brewer, his life-long dream.

Segment 3: At Handmap Brewing in Battle Creek, Gonzo and Amy meet co-owners Jen Brown, who is a CPA, and Chris McCleary, the head brewer.

Segment 4: The newest member of the Michigan Brewers Guild is Saunders Point Brewing in Gladstone, in the Upper Peninsula. We meet the owner and head brewer, Jake Mills.

Chapters
00:00 Celebrating Michigan Craft Beer Month
09:04 Exploring Local Breweries and Community Impact
18:57 The Journey of Craft Beer Brewing in Michigan
27:57 New Beginnings: Saunders Point Brewing
36:55 Closing Thoughts on Michigan Craft Beer

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast. It can be heard on 22 radio stations across 15 Michigan markets. Tune in on the weekends or wherever you get your podcasts.

Historic Marshall sits at the crossroads of Michigan, nestled right alongside where the I-94 and I-69 highways meet in the central southern part of state. Known for it's well preserved architecture and many interesting museums, Marshall is well worth a visit any time of the year. 

We start off at one of Marshall's most famous, and delicious places, historic Schuler's Restaurant, where we visit with (kind of) new owner Sue Damron. We love Sue's story, she started at Schuler's in 1998 as owner Hans Schuler's executive assistant. She worked her way up, and was named President and Managing Partner in 2014, and sole owner in 2019. She has a vision, and she is making it a reality in Marshall.

Sue and her team recently opened a brand new, and much needed event space in downtown Marshall called Venue 19Zero9. The name is a reference to when the building was originally constructed. The new space features fesh clean lines, a cozy front reception area, a huge space to throw a great party in, and plenty of private spots for your wedding party to get ready in. 

There are some people who are interested in things, and then there are people who are passionate. Mike Schragg is really, really into the United States Post Office. He was a mail carrier and post master for years in Marshall, in fact, the post office there is named for HIM, the only one named after a living person. He took this passion and over the last few decades has created what might be the most intersting museum in Marshall, the United States Postal Museum. You have to call to make an appointment for this one, but let me tell you, it's worth it.

One of the biggest events of the year is the Marshall Historic Home Tour which is happening this September 6 and 7. We have on the chair of the tour Debbi Denedict, who gives us all the details on how to best enjoy this special time. Note: do not miss the Honolulu House.

Follow John and Amy:Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
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Behind the Mitten, Episode 707
Cornwell's Turkeyville, Marshall, Michigan

Amy and Gonzo are excited to return to one of Michigan's most iconic destinations, Cornwell's Turkeyville in Marshall, Michigan known throughout the Midwest as a place for old-fashioned, one-of-a-kind fun.

Turkeyville is a fudge shop, ice cream parlor, family restaurant dishing up turkey dinners and other comfort food, as well as an amazing dinner theater experience. Oh, and it's worth repeating, they offer up some of the best turkey dinners you'll find anywhere.

Segment 1: Owner Elyse Cornwell-Bibbings, who recently took over ownership from mom Patti Cornwell, talks about what it's like to take over a four-generation business that has been in operation since 1968.

Segment 2: Amy Mayne, who has been an employee of Cornwell's Turkeyville for 34 years, shares why she loves being a part of the fun.

Segment 3: Dexter Brigham, Producing Artistic Director at Cornwell’s Turkeyville, created their newest show, "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" (which continues through Aug. 9). He talks about the creativity of the show and why dinner theater has become part of Turkeyville's success story. 

Segment 4: Amy and Elyse of Turkeyville return to talk about the RV Park, as well as some of the events to experience this year. Amy Sherman says: "Turkeyville is the type of place to go with family and friends to create new traditions or relive fantastic old memories. Go for dinner, but stay for more. And don't miss out on their gift shop, it is a great place to find a unique gift."

This week we bring you 4th of July celebrations from all over the state. We wish every Michigander a safe, happy and joyous holiday this week.

We have events happening everywhere for the 4th, and each and every year it's hard to choose what to highlight. To kick off the show, John and Amy just talk about thier own traditions and plans for this most American of holidays.

Stephanie Ware, the executive director for the White Lake Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau joins us to talk about what is happening in their town nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan. The area, which encompases the twin towns of White Lake and Montague, features breathtaking water views, lots of outdoor activities, and a great sense of community. The parade kicks off at 10am, and Steph shares where the best place to watch is.....and hint hint.....there is ICE CREAM involved.

Next, we talk with a former guest who creates amazing art installations made of light, David Kronberg from Fresh Coast Light Lab. He and his talented team have put together one of their laser light shows in honor of the our nation's birthday and will be displaying it on the massive, historical Ore Dock in downtown Marquette. Extra cool? They will be doing two displays of this, one on July 3 with fireworks, and one on July 4 without, for our friends with sensory issues.


Finally, we meet our new favorite guest, Ms. Wendy Woj, who is the first woman to be in charge of the Algonac Pickerel Festival happening July 3-6. This annual event has been happening for 87 years, and while it does include a pretty intense fishing competition, there is something for everyone at this charming fun festival. 

Happy 4th of July Michigan!

Behind the Mitten - Episode 705
"Celebrating 10 years as Michigan's premier radio show and podcast."

On this episode, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman travel to St. Helen for the unveiling of “The Fish,” a striking 6-foot Bluegill sculpture installed to represent the natural beauty and identity of the Richfield Township and St. Helen area. It is the first of five unique sculptures to be placed throughout Roscommon County as part of the “Fresh Waters Trail” — a new tourism initiative aimed at celebrating our local waters and attracting visitors to the region. The sculpture was handcrafted by Bob Batchik of Sunfish Woodworks, based in Sylvan Lake, Michigan.

Gonzo and Amy also make stops at Jen's Hen House in St. Helen, as well as Iva's Chicken Dinners in Sterlling.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Behind the Mitten - Episode 704
"Celebrating 10 years as Michigan's premier radio show and podcast."

On this episode, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman share some segements they recorded earlier in the year. It's what Amy likes to call a "Hodgepodge" show.

Segment 1: Recorded on Mackinac Island in late April, Gonzo and Amy have a fun interview with Marie Hulett, founder of the Wings of Mackinac - Butterfly Conservatory, who is joined by employee Measha Hannink. Learn more about this Mackinac Island experience at wingsofmackinac.com.

Segment 2: Recorded at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism in April, John and Amy talk to PR rep Charlie Olson regarding the Fruits of Summer pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company in Traverse City. Each slice is full of Michigan grown cherries from Sayler Orchards and blueberries from True Blue Farms and topped with brown sugar crumb topping. Even the sugar and flour are proudly produced in Michigan! Learn more about the pie at gtpie.com.

Segment 3: In the middle of May, Gonzo and Amy did a whole show called Diversity is Our Strength, promoting a variety of festivals throughout the state. One interview that ran as a podcast was with Dr. Jacoub Mansour, president of the Arab and Chaldean Festival. It was such a fun interview, where Amy may, or may not, have volunteered to attend and show off her belly-dancing skills, that they decided to air the interview on the show. The Arab and Chaldean Festival festival takes place in dowtown Detroit at Hart Plaza on July 26 and 27 and is celebrating its 52nd year. The event is the largest Arab and Chaldean cultural event in North America and features everything from traditional dancing to live performances, cultural events, and plenty of delicious food. Dr. Mansour shares what to expect at this family-friendly event. Learn more at arabandchaldeanfestival.com.

You can also listen to the whole show on our diverse ethnic festivals HERE. 

Segment 4: One of Mackinac Island's hardest-working entrepreneur's is Veronica Dobrowolski, who has been involved with several businesses, including Arnold Freight Company and Sip N' Sail Cruises. In an interview recorded in early May, Gonzo and Amy interview "V" about what fans can expect on the vintage Isle Royale Queen III, a charming 81' vessel featuring multiple outdoor viewing areas and heated interior cabins, onboard restrooms, a full service interior bar & a state-of-the-art sound system. Several cruise options on the Straits of Mackinac await you at sipnsailcruises.com.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

This episode we head back to our beloved Mackinac State Historic Parks to learn what's new, and what's old, and how they plan to celebrate a pretty big birthday this season. 

We kick off the show with our great friend, and the director of MSHP's, Steve Brisson. With seven different locations scattered throughout the Straights area, on both Mackinac Island and the mainland, the Parks are a very busy place during the summer season. In 2025, Mackinac State Historic Parks will be 150 years young. President Ulysses Grant named Mackinac Island as the second National Park in the country after Yellowstone in 1875. The act set the stage for the Island that we love today. Steven takes us through this fascinating history, which was all new to us. 

Craig Wilson, the chief curator at Mackinac State Historic Parks, joins us and gives us a sneak peek on how the parks are going to celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial (which according to Wiki could also be called the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial, America250 or the Quarter Millennium). In other wordsw, it's the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, and there will be awesome events throughout the year to honor this anniversary.

Madi Hansen, Marketing and Group Travel Coordinator, stops by to share how anyone can host an event at the Parks. With so many different locations, and different options within each location, the Parks are perfect for everything for an incredible wedding ceremony to uniquely historical venues for meetings and more. Madi walks us through all the choices, and we are pretty sure that getting married on the island is a great idea.

And last, but never least, our buddy and regular BTM guest, Chief of Marketing Dominck Miller joins us. We'll be honest, we spend a little bit of time reminiscing about the last ten years of sharing the airwaves with him on Behind the Mitten, and we are beyond grateful for the support we've gotten, and our friendship. Anytime at Mackinac State Historic Parks is a gift in our books, and we are so happy to have had an insider's seat over the last few years with everyone here.....and to be able to share these stories with you.

Summer is underway, and that means events are in full bloom across our beloved Michigan. Here on Behind the Mitten, we'll visit with friends from all over to hear about new festivals, great beaches, new hotels and more on this edition of Behind the Mitten. 

Jesse Wiederhold is a verfiable Keweenaw Peninsula enthusiast, and his excitement about this part of the state is infectious. We are lucky that Jesse works for Visit Keweenaw, and gets to actually just be excited for his job. He also gets to come up with crazy new ideas to celebrate all the cool things about the Key. He's the man behind Pasty Fest, which returns August 16. He also reveals a brand new festival occuring the weekend of June 20, the Juhannas Summer Solstice Celebration.

The Mill at Zehnder Park, a 13,700-square-foot boutique hotel, with four individual large suites is set  to open for bookings in early 2026. A former flour mill, the property was purchased by the Zehnder family in 2022, and renovations promptly began. The new hotel is set to open in 2026, and we go  behind the scenes on this exciting project.

Now Ludington gets named as a "best beach" it seems like every year, moving into the national category in the last few years, and we won't lie, it's incredible. In fact, one of our favorite summer events are the beach bonfires held here the third Thursday of every month, with bands, food trucks, and so much fun. Brandy Miller joins us to share all the cool things happening this summer season right on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Finally, we catch up with our friends from Frederik Miejer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Summer is when the gardens really shine, sparkle, and shout, with all the outdoor spaces open to visitors and the ampitheatre open for incredible concerts. I'm a personal fan of the children's garden, no matter your age, for awesome interactive exhibits, and the Japanese Garden for quiet gorgeous solitude. Seeing a show here is divine, but get your tickets early, lots of shows sell out.