Behind the Mitten

On this episode of Behind the Mitten, Gonzo and Amy visit marvelous Muskegon, a historic city nestled on the shores of lady Lake Michigan that offers different types of adventures for everyone, including some with a decidedly Gaelic twist to them.

We start the show off by highlighting the Michigan Irish Music Festival, which is happening this September 12 through the 15th at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon. Celebrating 25 years, this is the premier Irish music festival for the entire mid-west, drawing incredible international musical acts, artistic performers, arts and crafts, Irish dancing, and tastes of the "old country". We have on Kris Vanderstelt, Vice President, and volunteer coordinator for the fest to share what's new for 2024, what not to miss, and insider tips on how to make the most of your festival experience. Tickets are on sale now, and we highly recommend you plan ahead for this very popular event.

Speaking of volunteers, it takes a lot of them to make the festival run smoothly, so if you are interested in helping out, please contact our next guest. Jim Rudicil, the Executive Director of the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is also in charge of parking volunteers for the Michigan Irish fest, which is truly a community endeavor. He'll also share all the amazing things you can do at the Luge park, which is located inside Muskegon State Park. This fall they'll be hosting "HIke the Lights" where you can walk Michigan's longest-lit hiking trail right along the shore, and get up close and personal with the dunes. Plus, did you know you can do a dual zip line here? True story.

The Muskegon Museum of Art, founded in 1912, is known throughout the Midwest as having one fine collection, and we think its stellar reputation is about to get even better if that's possible. Kirk Hallman, Director, shares with us the exciting news about their $15 million expansion that is set to open in February 2025. The Muskegon community has been working on this since 2018, and the addition will feature a huge new gallery which will allow the museum to bring in bigger shows and exhibitions for all to enjoy. 

Lashelle Mikesell, Digital Media and Marketing Coordinator for Visit Muskegon then stops by to share other fall activities to enjoy in this neck of the woods. She recommends catching the end of a few art exhibits at the museum, including a quilt exhibit that is ending at the of September, and a jewelry exhibit that is showing through the end of 2024. For fall, Muskegon is awash in fun festivals, find a complete listing of events in the area here. Lashelle recommends the self-guided leaf peeping tour you can follow called "Depot to Depot". The route takes you from Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station in Whitehall. You'll be able to catch some incredible views, while also getting some nice little deals from local businesses. She'll tell us just where to go for this fun event that you can do on your own time.

With three state parks, miles of multi-use trails, two major paddle sport rivers, and 26 miles of beaches, Muskegon County is the outdoor recreation hub of Michigan's sunset coast, every season of the year.

Affiliates:
*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids
*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI
*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

• 9 a.m. Saturdays on 92.1 Grand Haven's Favorite, WGHN-FM
• *10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek
• *10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor
• *4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas
• *7 a.m. Sundays on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan
• *Noon Saturdays and 8 am Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM Radio.
• *1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw
• *6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand Rapids

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We hope you'll tune in this weekend, as we are coming straight at you from a slow-down-you-might-miss-it spot in Upper Peninsula, charming Germfask.


We've been known to stop any time of day at Tovey's Jolly Inn because you can get a burger for breakfast, or lunch, or dinner. We'll talk with Damian Tovey about his historic bar located right on HWY 77, his claim to making the best cheesesteak in the state, and a possible supernatural guest that visits the Jolly on the regular.


Can you believe that you can go wine tasting in the Yoop? True story! We visit with the owners of End of the Road Winery, Robin and Jim. We love it when people find a whole new calling in life, which is exactly what is going on here. We had the best time at this super cute place, that really is at the very end of the road, so remember to KEEP GOING.


AND......we get to meet this charming fellow at Northland Outfitters Campground & Canoe / Kayak Livery ......the amazing Bennie the Beardfisher. Commissioned by new owners Levi and Duree, who have their own amazing story to share, Bennie was created by international artist Thomas Dambo, and has turned into quite the destination. Pro tip: you can camp here, stay in one of their cute cottages, kayak down the Manistique River from here, and check out the adorable tchotchkes at the gift shop. It is well worth a visit!


Home to 490 people, named after its four original founders, don't miss out. It's Germfask baby, and it's fantastic.

When you turn 125 years old you best do something special. Our friends at Northern Michigan University in Marquette decided to do just that to celebrate this incredible anniversary of Wildcat pride, collaborating with Blackrock Brewery to create a special commemorative beer, Wildcat Gold.

"NMU is thrilled to team up with Marquette's own Blackrocks Brewery to launch Wildcat Gold—a special brew crafted by alumni, for alumni! This exclusive beer is a golden celebration of our rich history, dedicated to the Wildcat spirit that unites us all," says a post on NMU's social media.

We recently had Andy Langlois, David Manson, and Steve Farr from Blackrocks on to talk about this special release. It's a beer that is near and dear to Andy and Steve's hearts, as they are both alumni of NMU. Poor Dave, he can only shout from the sidelines "Go Green, Go White". Dave, no worries, you might not be golden, but you're still a cool Sparty.



Let’s raise a glass together to toast to 125 incredible years of Northern pride. Wildcat Gold will be released August 23, and can only be found at this time at Blackrocks in Marquette, and certain sporting events at Northern. Wildcat Gold may also show up at exclusive alumni events over the next few months, so if you are a Wildcat, make plans to attend.


Shown are NMU Alumni Steve Farr ’09 BS, ’12 MBA, and Andy Langlois ’95 BS from Blackrocks Brewery, thanks for putting this great collab together with NMU.


#WildcatGold #NMU125 #AlumniPride #Marquette #alwaysNMU #shareNMU

We are back to school this week! Our young Michiganders are headed back to the classroom this week, and back to college campuses, which is both exciting and sad. 

It's exciting if you are a student and finally back home at school with friends, exciting if you are a business that is ready to serve, and exciting if you are a tourism bureau welcoming visitors.

But it's sad if you are a momma sending two kids back to campus, which Amy is doing this year, and probably for the last time. Gonzo has already traversed this road with his boys, so he gets it too. So very exciting, so very sad. 

College towns came back alive this week as students streamed in, so we went right to some of our most popular spots here in the mitten: Mt. Pleasant, Kalamazoo, East Lansing and Ann Arbor. We kick off the show and get FIRED UP in Mt. Pleasant, where Gonzo attended Central Michigan University. If you are a fellow Chip, then you know The Bird, one of the most popular places in town. We talk to Ben Breidenstien, who co-owns the bar with his family. Stop by here to sidle up at the bar next to a professor, while a family enjoys a pizza nearby. Ben and Gonzo agree, it is THE spot to be in Mt. Pleasant.

Next, we head to Kalamazoo, home to both Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Together, these schools offer a degree program that we can really support. Did you know you can actually get a degree in beer here in the mitten? True story, if you go through the dual program that they offer at WMU and KVCC. We talk with our good friend Aaron Ross, formerly of Mitten Brewing Company, current instructor at KVCC in the brewing program. He explains how this two and two program works, what students learn, and how everyone can come to Kalamazoo this fall to taste the beer.

At this point, we got hungry, so we called our buddy Keith Mckendry in Ann Arbor up. He makes what just might be the very best cheesesteaks in the state at his uber popular spot, Mr. Spots. Yes, he gives us the low down on those beauties which a certain famous former pro football player, and U of M alum, loves. He also gives us his thoughts on the Wolverines chances this season. Our thoughts? Doesn't matter the win/loss record when you are eating one of these cheesesteaks.

One last stop in East Lansing, where we catch up with fellow journalist Chris Solari. His Detroit Free Press beat is the Michigan State Spartans football team, so we talk x's and o's. Chris got so excited that we were going to ask him about something other than football that we just went with it, and he shares many of his favorite places to hang out at in East Lansing, including The Peanut Barrel, which we just love.

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This week takes us to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, as we do a little road trip to Saugatuck and South Haven.  We'll take you out on the water, do some shopping, talk to three blondes who brew, and meet up with some fine friends who are cooking up greatness at their very own restaurant finally. We'll even tell you about the most fantastic saltine crackers we've ever had. Intrigued? Here's more:

We'll start off at a cute little spot nestled downtown Saugatuck on the shores of the Kalamazoo River.  Retro Boat Rentals offers up the sweetest little boats that you can take out, on your own, to cruise around and see Saugatuck from the water. Brightly colored 50's-style little cruisers will make you feel like a vintage movie star, while the donut boats can be packed with friends to bob along with. There are pontoons too, and all the boats have been retrofitted and are electric, so you'll hum along in silence, able to absorb all the sites and sounds of Saugatuck. Grab a beer or a cocktail afterward on their sunny deck to prolong your enjoyment. 

Next, our friends from LuLu Cadiuex come by and share that they are expanding into a new space in downtown Saugatuck. While their cooking school remains on Blue Star Highway, they'll be moving their store downtown. This is the place to find all sorts of fun things for your home, from table linens to dishes and cookware, to a stacked array of cookbooks. Amy is a big fan of snooping around here and seeing what she might find, from cool clothes to great gifts. 

Just a few minutes farther down the shore lies South Haven, another beachside gem. During the busy summer time it can be hard to find parking downtown, so we head outside of this bustling area and go straight to Three Blondes Brewing. Located very close to the highway exit, this fun spot is easy to get, and always has a cold beer waiting for you. We talk with Amanda Johnson, one of the three blondes brewing.

Finally, we reconnect with some friends who have been making their dreams come true and we couldn't be prouder. Meredith Sherrod owns The Lodge, an absolute banger of a restaurant, bar, and hang-out located just a bit outside of downtown SH. She and her business partner Erica Degrandchamp worked together for years at Captain Lou's, and finally made their dream of owning their very own restaurant a reality when they purchased local spot The Curve. A few years later, this remodeled space features an incredible menu, from their scratch kitchen, all run by these two best friends. 

Now about those crackers.....find them at The Lodge. Have them with pimento cheese dip. Thank us later.

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Each visit to I Love Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan unveils new things to do, places to visit, and always new Michigan history to learn. This trip was no different.

Absolute highlight? Meeting the one and only Paul Sabourin, the curator at the Tower of History, part of the Sault Historic Sites group of museums. Not only do you get a banger of a view from the tallest spot in the Soo, but you might also get to meet this guy, who will regale you with historical facts and stories, might throw down in three languages, and will definitely instill a love for all the history in this area, just by his infectious nature.

Learn more about the Tower of History at Sault Historic Sites at saulthistoricsites.com.

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Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
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Radio Affiliates: amyandgonzo.com/general-5

This weekend takes us ABOVE the mitten, as we travel across the Mighty Mac and head to one of our favorite places in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste Marie.

"Where Michigan history was born" is an apt tagline for this city that resides along the St. Mary's River, as it was founded way back in 1668 by one of Michigan's favorite explorers, Fr. Jacques Marquette. Today, the "Soo" is best known for their famous locks, which transport some of the biggest freighters in all the land between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Our good friend Linda Hoath from the Sault Ste Marie Visitor's Bureau kicks off the show, and as one of our regular guests, you know we'll have a great time. Linda shares a little about what makes this community so special, she is a life-long resident, and a true advocate for all that this area has to offer. Linda also gives us an update on the incredibly large construction project that is underway, as they transform two of the older, smaller locks into one gigantic one that can handle larger boats. It's quite an engineering marvel.

To get a great view of this project, we recommend a trip to the top, 210 feet up in the air, at the Tower of History. We stopped by for the very first time and while we were very impressed by that panoramic view, we were even more impressed with the curator, Paul Sabourin. Sometimes you get very lucky and walk into an interview and strike absolute gold, which is exactly what happened when we met Paul. A passionate storyteller, this man regaled us with stories in three languages: English, French and Ojibway. Now that I'm thinking about it, he might have also told a joke in German at one point. Head to the Tower to learn more about the Native Americans in this area and the settlers that came later, meet Mr. Paul himself and check out that absolutely incredible view.

In order to see the locks in action,  you just have to do a boat tour, and our friends at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours are some of the best. Celebrating 90 years of being on the water, the Original Tours are open every day of the summer. Shiela Marchand joins us, she is currently the business manager for the company, but she started off at the ticket counter when she was in college. Best part of her job is giving tours, she loves that they do live narration on each and every tour, so you can ask all the important questions you have about the locks. The Original Soo tour is a must do when in da Soo.

Finally, we catch up with our good friends Ken and Wilda Hopper, who own the uber-popular Bird's Eye Outfitters.

If an adventure is what you are looking for in the Soo, Bird's Eye is where you want to go. They can help you plan a mountain bike trip, a fantastic hike, a paddling adventure, or even a trip in a kayak right through the locks. These guys, and girls, are absolute experts, so they'll make sure you have not just the right gear and equipment, but also that you'll have a great time. This is also THE spot for coffee and a bit of nosh in the morning, or for a beer and a sandwich at lunch. Always bustling, Bird's Eye is one of our favorite spots to stop in the Soo.

Affiliates:*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing* 9 a.m. Saturdays on 92.1 Grand Haven's Favorite, WGHN-FM*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor*4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas*7 a.m. Sundays on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan*Noon Saturdays and 8 am Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM Radio.*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand Rapids

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All hail the Queen.....our Michigan agricultural queens that is! A time-honored traditiion.

Interviews with:

• Kelley Chase, Michigan Apple Queen 2024. More info.
• Emma Woller, National Asparagus Festival Queen 2023-2024. More info.
• Carmen Beemer, National Cherry Festival Queen 2023-2024. More info.

Follow John and Amy:
Website: amyandgonzo.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
Radio Affiliates: amyandgonzo.com/general-5

This weekend's show is an all-ages crowd-pleaser, with a little something for everyone. We visit Calhoun County, home to fun times in Battle Creek, Marshall, and Albion plus local environs through the rolling green hills of south-central Michigan.

We'll talk with local experts about what's happening in this neck of Michigan, including a soon-to-open brand-new beautiful hotel located right in downtown BC. We'll visit Albion Malleable Brewing Company for an incredible burger. We'll have totally delicious turkey dinners at the estimable Cornwell's Turkeyville, and maybe catch some dinner theatre (and real live turkeys too!). We'll stop by one of Michigan's most iconic restaurants and get the scoop on both the famous heritage cheese spread at Schuler's Restaurant in Marshall, and their brand new and totally awesome place to stay, The Royal Hotel.

And just so you don't think that all we do is eat, we will also feed giraffes. Actual, real live giraffes at Binder Park Zoo.

And you can too! We'll tell you how on this week's show. We hope you'll tune in.


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This weekend's show is all about art....really, REALLY big art that you can find around Michigan.

We are talking all about murals, these giant art installations that are popping up everywhere, and making our cities and towns that much more beautiful.


We were inspired to explore this topic by the recent creation of the absolutely AWESOME Shine Bright Saginaw Mural Project. It's the second-largest mural in the United States, and we are lucky to have it right here in Pure Michigan. It's incredible, and we have project director Mark Flegenheimer on to tell us how Saginaw rallied around this project to make it happen.....with all private funding.


We'll also visit with Experience Jackson about Bright Walls, their multi-year initiative that has transformed downtown into a walkable gallery, and our friends at Visit Detroit about the beautiful murals you can see throughout our state's largest city.


And don't miss our first guest, we landed nationally recognized mural artist, and Midland Michigan native, Joey Salamon to explain the process behind developing one of these works of art, and what goes into actually painting them. It's fascinating.

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