An Orchard Upbringing

From there I could watch the house without my parents seeing me, to see how long it took for them to miss me and begin crying to the cherry gods for my return. Full article... ( Essays Essays )

Breaking the Green

I grew up with the long-term risk it had taken to save the farm with this precarious crop from California, and with a sense of what a field—and family—can do. Full article... ( Essays Traverse )

Summer’s Structure

The porch was the origin of trust, imagination and the closeness. Full article... ( Essays Essays )

Best Eats 2008 in Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix and more

Our new, from-scratch quest for mouthwatering, enticing and otherwise amazing edibles all across this Northern land, including Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix and more. Full article... ( Traverse Magazine Traverse )

25 Reasons to Love Life Up North

Cherries, pasties, lighthouses, fudge. Sure, we’re proud of the North’s marquees. But for most of us, it’s the understated pieces of the North that capture our hearts and call us back: a two-track heading into a shadowed forest, a fish market right on the pier. Here, then, is a tribute to the things we love about life Up North—25 wonders that capture the spirit of this place in subtle, soulful ways. Let our list inspire you to spend time exploring this spring, falling in love with your own personal icons. Full article... ( Features Traverse )

Spring Romp with Your Pooch

Take a long-awaited spring hike with your dog. Full article... ( Hike Health Health )

Checking in: Jerry Dennis

Jerry Dennis is hard at work on his next Great Lakes book. We ask him how things are going. Full article... ( Features Traverse )

Geocachers: GPS Shopping

GPS recommendations from Up North guys in-the-know. Full article... ( Hike Nature Hike Nature )

Winging it: Sandhill Crane

Look for skyward for these large and beautiful harbingers of spring. Full article... ( Nature Features Nature )

King Pong

Don Hayden opens a table tennis training center in Williamsburg. Full article... ( Features Traverse )

The Awakening

Powwow regalia is more than just captivating. Each bit of thread, feather and fur reminds both dancer and audience that Native Americans are again free to express their religion, their traditions, their selves. Full article... ( Features Traverse )

Mr. Smiley's Windmill Wars in Northern Michigan

Steve Smiley has a plan for Northern Michigan towns, including Traverse City, to become energy self-sufficient for electricity and heating—no more coal, no more oil, no more nuke. Is he crazy or what? Full article... ( Features Traverse )

Our Lighthouses Get Some Love

Eight lighthouses throughout Michigan will share over $215,800 brought in by the Save Our Lights license plate program. Full article... ( Features Features )

Skunk Shampoo

Recipe for Skunk Shampoo. Full article... ( How To Nature How To Traverse )

In Search of Bluegills