Behind the Mitten

This weekend's Behind the Mitten: Burgers, Dive Bars and Pure Michigan!

Segment 1: One of our favorite restauranteurs, Tim Taylor of Hamburger Mikey, talks about what makes Muskegon - and Michigan, for that matter - so great! He also embodies what makes our Michigan restaurant owners so awesome. They work so hard to support local communities by giving back and raising money for worthy causes.

Segment 2: Dave Lorenz of Pure Michigan talks about his upcoming retirement.

Segment 3: Heading up north to go deer hunting? Our good friend Corey Adkins of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in the U.P. talks about some of his favorite destinations, which happen to be in out-of-the-way dive bars in the middle of nowhere. They're located in Paradise, Seney, Leota, Kalkaska and Lewiston.

Segment 4: Tim Taylor returns to the show to talk about his tasty (and creative) burgers, as well as award-winning fries - both best in the state! Learn more about Hamburger Mikey at facebook.com/HamburgerMikey.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

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It's all about gorgeous, secluded, quaint, and charming Northport on this week's Behind the Mitten.

Shhhh.....don't let anyone else in on this secret! Or at least this is what we've heard from locals for years, as they would like to keep their little slice of heaven to themselves if they can.

We can't blame them after a mid-fall visit. Northport is located at the tip of the pinky finger, at the tail end of the Leelanau Peninsula. With a population of about 500 year round, Northport quadruples in size each summer, and welcomes visitors from all over to experience the peaceful quiet and beauty of the peninsula.

We recorded the show at The Mitten Brewing Company in Northport. This Grand Rapids based brewery operates a simple taproom featuring their classic brews year round. Stop in and chat with bartender/manager Dan Frank, not only will he quide you to some excellent liquid, he can also let you know all the cool things to do in the area.

While you are there, be sure to visit our very good friend Paul Penning at The Big Hot Woody-North End, which is his wood-fired pizza cart located on the patio at the brewery. Paulie joins us to talk not just good pizza, but also his long-time friendship with Amy, who used to cook with him in Grand Rapids.

Life-long resident, and great friend, Susan Wilcox Olsen is back on the show, but this time giving true insider tips for the Leelanau Peninsula, from pituresque hikes to new wineries in the area. Her love and passion for Northport shines through.

Finally, we seriously talk wine from the region with THE winemaker from 45 North, Jay Briggs. He shares not just what makes their wine different (think cement aging vessels) but what makes wine from the Leelanau special.

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A little bit of Lansing love this week on Behind the Mitten, plus one last chance to get yourself out on the SCARE floor for Halloween.

We caught up with our friend Tracy Padot, director of Lansing.org who explained that no matter whether you "Choose Lansing" or "Love Lansing", you are bound to have a fantastic time in the greater Lansing region.

In fact, one of the biggest parties of the year will be happening in our capital city on November 17 when they host Silver Bells in the City, the kickoff to the holiday season.

They typically have over 40,000 guests attend Silver Bells, coming to Lansing to see the lighted parade, the unveiling of the state holiday tree and an incredible fireworks display.

A little more info on Silver Bells in the City from the website:

From 5 to 9 p.m., visit the Silver Bells Village and start your holiday shopping! You can also get some refreshments and your commemorative Silver Bells ornament. The village is located on the 100 E. Block of Allegan Street between South Washington Square and Grand Avenue.

Steps off at 6 p.m. and begins at the corner of Lenawee and S. Washington Sq. Grand Marshal is Lansing's own India Graham.

More than 60 units and several high school marching bands will sparkle with thousands of lights as they make their way through the streets of downtown Lansing. The parade is a sight to behold, delighting people of every age.

The participating high school marching bands will compete for the Best Illuminated Band awards during the parade.

At approximately 7:25 p.m., Michigan's Official State Christmas Tree will be lit up! This year's tree is a beautiful 60-foot spruce from Onaway located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Vic Ruppert and his family donated the tree in honor of his late wife Shirley Ruppert. This is the first tree from Presque Isle County.

And with a few last days to celebrate the Halloween holiday with a little bit of scary fun, we reconnected with Ed Terebus, owner and genius mastermind behind the award-winning, nationally known haunted house Erebus located in Pontiac. We discuss what it takes to put on a production of this size and professionalism, and how they'll start working on next year's house on November 1.

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On this podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman take you the TART Trails in Traverse City, which is a network of trails for those who love to hike, ride bikes or rollerblade. Brian Beauchamp, the director of strategic engagement for the TART Trails, takes us to some of the most popular segments of the trail. The TART Trails network currently consists of several multi-use trails in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties as well as a cross-town bike route.

The TART in Town trail includes several point-to-point bike routes in downtown Traverse City.

• Cross-Town Route is an east-west bike route that currently goes from TC Central High to the Commons and Munson Medical Center.
• Rose Street Route is a north-south connector on the east side.
• Elmwood Street Route is a north-south connector on the west side.
• TART in Town are on-road routes.

In addition, the 10.5 mile long Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) is a paved urban transportation and recreation corridor with an eastern end point at M-72/Bates Rd in Acme Township and a western end point at Carter Rd in Traverse City, where it links with the Leelanau Trail. The 2 mile Acme Connector, the southernmost segment of the Nakwema Trailway, connects the TART Trail and Acme, providing safe access to businesses, existing trails, and recreation opportunities. It connects the current TART Trail terminus at Bunker Hill Road to the intersection of M-72 and US-31 in Acme. A section of the trail runs east toward the Acme Meijer store and Grand Traverse Town Center development.The TART connects you to:

• Resorts, shops, and restaurants
• Recreation areas including Reffitt Nature Preserve and several City Parks including Clinch Park Marina and Beach
• Other trails including Boardman Lake Trail, Three Mile Trail, and the Leelanau Trail
• Downtown Traverse City
• Local neighborhoods
• Several bike shops
• The State Park campground

To see a list of trails, go to traversetrails.org/trails.

Check out traversecity.com for more info.

Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten, including our list of affiliates, at amyandgonzo.com.

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On this podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman take you around the state for things to do in October!

Segment 1: Gonzo & Amy visit with Traverse City Tourism President and CEO Trevor Tkach. A longtime friend, he runs down all the things to do during the fall. Check out traversecity.com for more info.

Segment 2: Brian Beauchamp, the director of strategic engagement for the TART Trails, takes us to some of the most popular segments of the trail. The TART Trails network currently consists of several multi-use trails in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties as well as a cross-town bike route. Learn more at traversetrails.org.

Segment 3: Brittney Buti Primeau of Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville talks about all of the great things to do at the resort this fall, including the scenic chairlift rides. She also gets us excited for the holidays, which is known for lavish Thanksgiving meals and a visit from you know who! They also have an award-winning spa, which is perfect for couples or a girlfriends weekend. Learn more about the resort's amenities at crystalmountain.com.

Segment 4: Traverse City Beer Week is Nov. 10-17, and Russell Springsteen of Right Brain Brewery tells us all about it. In fact, you can win some cool prizes if you get the TC Beer Week Passport and check in as you go along. (The website also includes transportation information and accommodation details.) Learn more about Right Brain at rightbrainbrewery.com.

Tune in. It's a fun show!

Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten, including our list of affiliates, at amyandgonzo.com.

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

On this podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman take you around the state for things to do in October!

Segment 1: Gonzo & Amy talk about some of their recent fall adventures.

Segment 2: Good friend Paul Beachnau of the Gaylord Tourism Bureau updates folks about this season's fall colors, as well as why the Elk (mainly the male members of the herd) are making so much noise this time of year. Learn more about Gaylord at gaylordmichigan.net.

Segment 3: Justin Wendzel, day-to-day operations manager at Gull Meadow Farms, fills us in on the fun at his family farm in Richland (near Kalamazoo). They have a petting zoo, corn maze, ziplines, u-pick apples, cider and doughnuts, a marketplace and more. He said everyone is gearing up for the Fall Festival weekend on Oct. 28 when they drop a 1,000 lb. pumpkin from a crane to smash a car and shoot off cannons of candy. They also remain busy throughout the Holidays with a light show and other events. More details at gullmeadowfarms.com/special-events/.

Segment 4: We close the show in Marshall where Choose Marshall's Kimber Thompson tells us all about the Skeletons that invade this historical town every Halloween season. This year you can discover 60 decorated and themed skeletons all throughout the downtown area. Learn more at choosemarshall.com.

Tune in. It's a fun show!

Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten, including our list of affiliates, at amyandgonzo.com.

Follow Gonzo and Amy:
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We are honored to serve as the emcees for this year's Michigan Parkinson's Foundation Heroes Walk, happening on Saturday October 14 at Frederick Meijer Gardens.

Parkinson's is a terrible disease that affects over 1.5 million Americans, and over 35,000 people here in Michigan. Although it is usually diagnosed in people over 60, it can occur in people as young as 20, If you are diagnosed before the age of 50, you are considered early on-set Parkinsons.

No one ever wants to be a part of the Parkie club, but if you are diagnosed, the Parkinsons Foundation can provide invaluable resources to help you not just process your diagnosis, but also find a way forward, with support and help.

Two teams on Saturday hit very close to home for us at Behind the Mitten. Team SPARK is headed by Amy's beloved cousin Chas Schaner, who has been battling this insidious disease for a number of years now, always with a spark of a smile and a joke to keep things light, even when it seems very dark.

Nae Nae's Shakes Rattles and Rollers! is led by the uncontainable Renee Orr, an absolute dynamo and Amy's very best friend since they were just kids, and who was diagnosed at the incredibly young, and absolutely heartbreaking age of 49. Renee has found an incredible network of support, resources, information, and love from the Parkinsons Foundation over the last couple of years, a life-loong during this difficult time. Renee is this year's special Hero honoree, and when you hear her story you'll know why.

We hope that you'll consider donating to one of these special teams, or to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation to help them continue to do the good work that they do.

Donate here.

The Michigan Parkinson Foundation (MPF) is dedicated to people living with Parkinson's Disease (PD). The Parkinson's Walks are a team/pledge walking event that allows MPF to continue our services and programs free of charge. The Grand Rapids walk features a beautiful, meandering route through Frederick Meijer Gardens. There will be Parkinson exercise demonstrations, and entertainment for the whole family all while raising critical funds needed for those affected by Parkinson's here in Michigan

Event DetailsOctober 14, 2023 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture ParkRegistration opens at 9:00 AM
Programming starts at 10:00 AM
Walk starts at 10:30 AM$20 for Adults ($25 Day-Of)
Children are free




Volunteer!Volunteers needed! To learn more or to sign-up to volunteer, please contact Rita Dachs at [email protected]




Where Does the Money Go?

• Financial assistance for in-home respite care
• Medication assistance
• Daily Parkinson exercise classes led by physical therapists
• Weekly patient education programs
• Professional education symposiums
• Full-time staff social worker
• Parkinson caregiving training module
• Pro-bono legal guidance
• Newly diagnosed patient information packet
• 75 support groups throughout Michigan

All MPF programs and services are offered free of charge.





More info: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2023grandrapidswalk/

On this podcast, Gonzo and Amy take you to Frankfort in Benzie County for 10th annual Frankfort Beer Week (Oct. 1-8, 2023). Special events take place all week long in the charming, coastal city of Frankfort and neighboring village of Elberta.

Segment 1: Rick Schmitt, co-owner of Stormcloud Brewery, talks about the spirit of the community and how local restaurants have come together to create a special foodie week for everyone. Look for a list of Stormcloud events, including Oct. 7's Stormtoberfest, at stormcloudbrewing.com. (Gonzo and Amy named Stormcloud the Best New Brewery in Michigan in 2016.)

Segment 2: Good friend and local business owner Joey Barcheski talks about his popular FrankZ Restaurant, which offers not only great hot dogs and fries, but something spectacular called "Man Dip." It's a creation Joey and his friends came up with in the wee hours of the morning after a college party. The Grand Rapids native also talks about why he loves the area. "I always knew I wanted to open a restaurant in Frankfort," he said.

Segment 3: Joanne Bartley, executive director of Frankfort-Elberta Chamber of Commerce, joins the show to talk about all the things there are to do in the area, which is just south part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Point Betsie Lighhouse.

Segment 4: Local restaurant owner Nick Crawford talks about what his restaurants will be offering during Frankfort Beer Week. He owns Birch & Maple, a scatch kitchen with craft cocktails, as well as Dos Arboles. He is doing a wine vs. beer dinner, paring a five-course meal with a wine and beer. Learn more at birchandmaplefrankfort.com.

See the complete list of Frankfort Beer Week events at frankfortbeerweek.com.


Tune in. It's a fun show!

Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten, including our list of affiliates, at amyandgonzo.com.

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

On this Behind the Mitten podcast: Co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman feature segments on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette, and interview students and teachers from Grand Rapids Public Schools regarding the Consumers Energy SmartArt Competition as part of ArtPrize.

Learn more about the SmartArt Winners at https://force4michigan.com/smartart-t....

Segment 1: Amy and Gonzo interview:

• Josiah Willink (who finished #4 in the competition), a senior at City High Middle School, who is considering art education as a major. He explains in detail his work titled "Sunclimbers."

Segment 2: Andy Langlois, co-owner of Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette, talks about what you can expect when you visit one of Michigan's most beloved breweries.

Segment 3: The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 47-mile, year round, multi-use, interpretive trail that crosses the Marquette Iron Range in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Those who bike, walk, run, hike, ORV, snowmobile, cross country ski, birdwatch, and/or wander will find a section of trail perfect for your activity. We talk to new administrator Bob Hendrickson. Learn more at ironoreheritage.com.

Segment 4: More ArtPrize. Gonzo and Amy interview:

• Art teacher Marci Hanley of University Preparatory Academy, who had two students who made the Top 20. She explains the SmartArt competition.
• Winner Joshua Kortenhoven joins in next to talk about his winning artwork.
• Art teacher Teagan Burns of Museum High School, whose student Mathew Pierce was the People's Choice winner, talks about how important it is for students to be validated

Tune in. It's a fun show!

Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten by visiting amyandgonzo.com.

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

On this Behind the Mitten podcast:

Co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman preview the fall color forecast, talk to one of owners of an iconic restaurant in Ann Arbor and put on a spotlight on a recent work project by tourism professionals to clean up a state park.

Segment 1: Amy and John talk about their love for the fall.
Segment 2 (12:10): Diane Phillips, WNEM First Alert Meteorologist in Saginaw, says the fall colors should be peak color by the end of September in the Upper Peninsula. She also educates us on why the leaves might not be as colorful this season. Learn more about Diane at WNEM.com.
Segment 3 (22:12): Ari Weinzweig of Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor talks about the legacy they hope to leave, as well as their Zingerman's business philosophy. He also mentions a few events coming up this fall. Learn more at zingermans.com.
Segment 4 (33:20): Patty Janes of Michigan Cares for Tourism talks about how 150 travel professionals volunteered to help with a variety of projects at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - the Porkies! Learn more about Michiagn Cares for Tourism at michigancaresfortourism.com.


It's a fun show!

Keep up to date on everything going at Behind the Mitten by visiting amyandgonzo.com.

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