Behind the Mitten

Each week, hosts Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez go Behind the Mitten on Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast.

On a show that aired February 24-25 2024, we discussed different ways to travel around Michigan and create unique experiences. From following a wine trail to taking a farm tour, there's something for every interest.

One guest on the show was James Beard Foundation nominee, Chef James Rigato who owns the award-winning restaurant Mabel Gray in Hazel Park.

Described as a "modern, adventurous restaurant" on their website, Mabel Gray is a statement of Chef Rigato's culinary journey. "It is my point of view on the renaissance of the Michigan food scene," Rigato says on his website. "Approachable and energetic, reclaimed and refined, it is a commitment to complex contrasts." If you visit Mabel Gray, you can expect handwritten menus that change daily, that feature seasonal local ingredients, incredible service, a well-thought bar, and Chef Rigato behind the stove, personally cooking.







Rigato also is a regular in the Keweenaw peninsula and is currently rehabbing a historic local dive bar in the area. He shared with us an incredible itinerary of things to explore in this beautiful and remote part of Michigan.

A few of his suggestions:
-Dinner on the shores of Lake Superior at The Fitz. Chef Rigato has consulted with them for years on their menu, and the location just can't be beat.
-Where to find Detroit-syle pizza in Hancock
-Who has what might be the best pasty in the area
-Places to check on your way north

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This week we talk about different ways to travel around Michigan, whether it's by food, farm, Finnish sauna, or fine wine. We were looking for tips on travels from both local and national experts, and we have an interesting line-up of guests this week.

We start off with James Beard Foundation nominee, Chef James Rigato who owns the award-winning restaurant Mabel Gray in Hazel Park. He also is a regular up in the Keweenaw and is currently rehabbing a local bar in the area. He shares an incredible itinerary of things to explore in this beautiful and remote part of Michigan.


We are big fans of farms, and to be honest, cheese and ice cream. So a visit to Country Dairy in New Era is alright by us, anytime. Did you know that you can do a farm tour here, and learn all about the dairy industry? And what is it like to give tours like these? We talk to Micah Johnson, a tour guide here, about milk machines, ice cream, and maybe (shhhh) hamburgers. He also lets us in on a really special experience you can have at the farm this spring.


We learned some pretty big news this week....did you know that there is a National Sauna Week? We didn't either, but we immediately had to know more. We went right to the top, and have the executive director of the national Finlandia Foundation, Tommy Flanagan on to tell us all about it.

(Congrats to Debbie Paver of Calumet, who created the winning entry in the first National Sauna Week poster contest.)


When you think Michigan wine you might automatically head straight up North, but did you know there are multiple wine trails you can explore all over the lower peninsula? We catch up with Justin Gifford, the executive director of Visit Lenawee to learn more about the River Raisin Wine Trail in southeast Michigan.

*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 Sundays on News, Talk and Sports
• *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
  
• Follow John and Amy:Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
• Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
• Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

A special bonus podcast with our Behind the Mitten Resident Ski Bunny Nick Nerbonne.

Nick shares some slope updates, making sure to point out that our Michigan ski hills are open, and are offering some great skiing, despite the lack of snow on the ground. We have some of the best snowmakers in the country here, and they've been working overtime this year, creating good conditions on slopes from north to south.

As a lifelong skier, and through his work with Pure Michigan, Nick has skied almost every hill in the state. He shares a few of his favorite runs, and hills with us. Plus, what ski area is on his Michigan bucket list.

Thanks to Kusterer Brauhaus in Grand Rapids for hosting us during this recording.

Follow John and Amy:
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

SEASON 6, BONUS

On this speical podcast, Britney Buti Primeau of Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville sits down with John Gonzalez and assures skiers that they DO HAVE SNOW! "Your backyard is not an indicator of our conditions," she says on the show.

They anticipate a busy March with awesome deals for skiiing, great restaurants, a busy spa, and popular local destinations like Iron Fish Distillery and Stormcloud Brewery in Frankfort. Also, every Saturday in March will have a Mardi Gras theme with special events every weekend. The slopes will remain open through April 1.

If you're curious about the slope conditions, check out the webcams.

Learn more about Crystal Mountain, as well as how to book your stay and get those discount deals, go to crystalmountain.com.

Don't miss out on the latest in travel, things to do and events throughout the state at amyandgonzo.com.

Follow John and Amy:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
X (formerly Twitter) at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

What a great season! What a great team! Our beloved Detroit Lions had a season for the ages, and we just can't get enough. We just had to have one more week of Detroit Lions football. What a great show this weekend, with superfans, super chefs, and even a former player stopping by to share the excitement.



We start with our good friend Earl Bovia from Bay City Bills Bar & Grill, a Lions season ticket holder along with his wife Michelle, and a huge supporter of all things Bay City. He and Gonzo even went to a few games together this year, we recap a few of their favorite moments from this season.



Gina Ferwerda is a chef, business owner, and published cookbook author based in the Silver Lake area. She shares her Defend the Den burger, which you can find in her cookbook "Meals from the Mitten" and that has been featured on the Rachel Ray show. Of course, she's also a lifelong fan.



Our final guest was a delight to get to talk with and get a true insider's take on what it's like to be a Detroit Lion. Former guard Rob Sims joins us to talk about this season, the National Cherry Festival, a few of his favorite Michigan spots, and what he and his current business partner Calvin Johnson are up to now.

On this podcast, Gonzo and Amy talk to Terry Moore, who handles Media Relations and Communications for the West Michigan Golf Show, which is this weekend (Feb. 9-11, 2024).

What: For over 35 years, West Michigan has started the golf season with the West Michigan Golf Show. With the area’s top equipment dealers, courses and resorts, you can plan your entire golf season and even book your first tee-time of the year.

Other attractions include: The$100 Hole-Out Challenge; A Closest to the Pin Contest; and a Long Putt Contest where someone may walk away with $10,000.

When: Friday, Feb. 9, 2 pm-8 pm; Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 am-6 pm; Sunday, Feb. 11, 10 am-3 pm

Where: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, downtown Grand Rapids

Tickets: $12. Juniors 14 & under are FREE. Your ticket gets you free re-entry all weekend! Purchase your ticket at the box office or online with no added fees at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com. Lots of special ticket promotions online!

Parking: Parking is easy! Convenient parking beneath DeVos Place, across the street, or $3.00 parking in DASH lot 9 on Seward Ave. with free shuttle service to the show every 10 minutes, sponsored by Affordable Limousine & Party Bus.

Specials: A $10,000 putting contest, long drive contest, and a special Family Fun Golf Zone.Door prizes every hour.

Sponsors: Golf Association of Michigan, ForeverLawn West Michigan, LeafFilter, Tito’sCharities:First Tee of W. Michigan, Make a Wish Foundation, Folds of Honor and Patriot’s Day.

Info: westmichigangolfshow.com

Don't miss out on the latest in travel, spirits and events throughout the state at amyandgonzo.com.

Follow John and Amy:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
X (formerly Twitter) at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

SEASON 6, EPISODE 5:

Welcome to Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez.

On this show, Amy and Gonzo debut in Grand Haven, then take you around the state to things you can do INDOORS!

Segments include:

• Segment 1: John and Amy welcome listeners of 92.1 WGHN-FM "Grand Haven's Finest" to Behind the Mitten, where the show debuted this week. They talk about some of their favorite places to visit when they're in the area. John also talks about some of the work he is doing for a local nonprofit, Tri-Cities-Puentes Initiative.
• Segment 2: Nick Myers, general Manager at Altitude Trampoline Park in Grand Rapids tlaks about the popularity of trampoline parks. He's also a former NFL player who played one season with Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell in New York, and we talk about his love for what Lions did this season for fans across the country.
• Segment 3: Connie Weaver, Spa Director at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, talks about all the great services available this winter season, including some February specials. She also talks John and Amy into getting a facial on their next visit.
• Segment 4: Tanya Bardy, Advertising and Public Relations Manager for Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, talks about the renovation of their buffet into a Food District to house four additional restaurants including Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy!, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches, Bubbakoo’s Burritos and Bonanno’s New York Pizzeria. She also runs down all of the upcoming shows. Additionally, "big names" will be announced soon for this summer's outdoor concert season.

Don't miss out on the latest in travel, spirits and events throughout the state at amyandgonzo.com.

Follow John and Amy:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
X (formerly Twitter) at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE

On this bonus podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten talk to John Lindley, President & CEO of Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC). They talk about the popularity of RVing and camping, as well as the latest trends, travel tips and campground etiquette for newcomers.

They also run down the details you need to know about this weekend's 58th annual Detroit RV & Camping Show (through Feb. 4) at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi. And upcoming shows in Battle Creek, Port Huron, Flint and Traverse City.

Each show offers seminars, displays and hundreds of RVs, including folding campers, motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheel travel trailers, and a park model, ranging in price from $6,995 to more than $400,000. On-site dealer RV financing and RV rentals available. Consumers can pick up the 2024 Michigan RV & Campgrounds directory and other travel publications.

UPCOMING SHOWS

58th Annual MARVAC Detroit RV & Camping Show
When: January 31 – February 4, 2024
Hours: Weekdays 1– 8PM., Saturday 10AM – 9PM, Sunday 10AM – 5PM
Where: Suburban Collection Showplace: 46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374.
(On Grand River, south of I-96 between Novi Road and Beck Road.)

Admission: Adult (ages 13 and over) is $12; senior admission (ages 55 and over) is $11; and children 12 and under get in free! (Parking not included in show admission.)

37th Battle Creek RV & Camping Show
When: March 1 - 3, 2024
Hours: Friday – 1-8pm, Saturday – 10am-8pm, Sunday – 12-5pm
Where: Kellogg Arena, 1 McCamly Square, Battle Creek, MI 49017
Admission: Adult (13 and over) $8; Senior $7; and children 12 and under are free.

29th Port Huron RV & Camping Show
When: March 7 - 10, 2024
Hours: Weekdays – 1-8pm, Saturday – 10am-8pm, Sunday – 11am-5pm
Where: Blue Water Convention Center, 800 Harker St. Port Huron, MI 48060
Admission: Adult (13 and over) $7; Senior $6; and children 12 and under are free.

47th Annual Flint RV & Camping Show
When: March 15 - 17, 2024
Hours: Friday – 12-8pm, Saturday – 10am-7pm, Sunday – 11am-5pm
Where: Dort Financial Center, 3501 Lapeer Rd. Flint, MI 48503
Admission: Adult (13 and over) $7; Senior $6; and children 12 and under are free.

32nd Annual North West MI RV & Camping Show
When: March 22 - 24, 2024
Hours: Friday – 11am-8pm, Saturday – 11am-8pm, Sunday – 11am-5pm
Where: Grand Traverse County Civic Center, 1213 W. Civic Center Dr. Traverse City, MI 49686
Admission: Adult (13 and over) $7; Senior $6; and children 12 and under are free.

More info on Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC):
marvac.org
Facebook
Instagram

Don't miss out on the latest in travel, events and things going on with Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Follow John and Amy:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
X (formerly Twitter) at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

SEASON 6, EPISODE 4:

Welcome to Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez.

On their fourth show of the year, Amy and Gonzo get all bundled up once again to discover what life is like on Mackinac Island during the winter time.

Segments include:

• Segment 1: Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Steve Brisson talks about life on the Island once all the tourists leave in early November.
• Segment 2: We caught up with Alex Belonga, who with his wife Samantha, have spent a lot of times in the area during the winter. They own St. Igance in Bloom, which is a huge part of the reason Main Street on Mackinac Island looks so beautiful each season.
• Segment 3: Mackinac Island only has about 600 residents on the Island each winter season, and one of them is Urvana Tracey Morse, who has lived on the Island since 1990. She is the owner of Urvana's in the Chippewa Hotel lobby. The carry unique items like jewerly, original paintings, art glass, knives and scrimshaw.
• Segment 4: Andrew Doud talks about his grocery store, Doud's Market (established in 1884), that stays open for residents all year round. He also talks about his latest venture, Patrick Doud's Irish Pub that was open for the holidays, and plans to be open for St. Patrick's Day! He also talks about the snowmobile culture on the Island during winter time.

Don't miss out on the latest in travel, events and the spirit of the season! Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Follow John and Amy:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
X (formerly Twitter) at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

This week we head straight to Maize and Blue country, where we shout a hearty hello and how ya doin' from good old Ann Arbor town, home to THE National Champs THE University of Michigan. It's Ann Arbor Restaurant Week running through January 26, and we checked out just a few of the awesome offerings you can experience this year.

We chat with Vicki Joling, from Ann Arbor Main Street Area Association and Chad Wiebesick, Destination Ann Arbor about how this event has changed over the last few years, and what is new at local spots this year.

Then, we head out around Ann Arbor, making stops at Restaurant Week participants to see what they'll be serving up this week.

Asian Fusion cuisine is on the menu at Pacific Rim, and we are telling you what....make the reservation now to try those scallops with coconut carrot sauce. Old Town Tavern has great burger and beers on tap, plus a stop at Jolly Pumpkin for a sour or two rounds out the show.

Get all the information and plan your trip to Ann Arbor at https://www.annarborrestaurantweek.com/

Big thanks to our friends at Life In Michigan, Chuck and Brenda Marshall, for joining us this week in their hometown of A2. We highly recommend their site, they've got awesome recomenndations from all over Michigan, and are just generally the type of peeps you'd want to hang with. Thanks guys for including us on YOUR adventure!




Follow John and Amy:
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten



"Behind the Mitten" is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and Podcast and has more than 500 episodes. It is co-hosted by John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman. John is a longtime journalist, social media early adopter and member of the Central Michigan University Journalism Hall of Fame. Amy is a former chef with 20-plus experience, craft beer expert and freelance writer. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten.