Episodes

  • S6,E46: Winter is on the way with Jay's Sporting Goods, Winter Trails Council, Pure Michigan and The Sauna Guys (Nov. 16-17, 2024)

    S6,E46: Winter is on the way with Jay's Sporting Goods, Winter Trails Council, Pure Michigan and The Sauna Guys (Nov. 16-17, 2024)
    Nov 22 2024
    Woohoo! It's coming on like a frozen polar express train, you can feel it getting closer and closer by the nip in the air and frost on the brown, dry grass. It's winter, and once again, your friends at Behind the Mitten are here and we are, once again, ready to help you EMBRACE WINTER.

    We have truly come to believe in the power of the correct winter equipment, having the right stuff can really make or break your time outside in the cold. Our friend Mark Copeland at Jay's Sporting Goods
    in Gaylord always knows the best gear, and stops by to talk what kind of equipment we should be getting. Quick takeaways? Layer, and not with cotton. Buy the best boots you can. And of course, shop at Jay's!

    Our resident ski bunny makes his first to Behind the Mitten of the season. Nick Nerbonne from Pure Michigan joins us once again to share his love of snow and skiing. We discuss favorite ski hills, what Michigan ski culture is like, and generally just gush about how great a Michigan winter can be. We hope Nick will inspire you too.

    Here are a few more tips on how to embrace winter from our friends at Pure Michigan.

    We meet some new friends during the third segment, and we sure hope that they'll come by again because we had a great time, and learned so much. We are fascinated by sauna culture, and love a good steam ourselves, and have been seeing these charming wooden barrel saunas around the state for a little while and have been intrigued. So, like the good journalists we are, we went right to the source. The Sauna Guys are the men behind the barrels, and we have them on to share the story of this family owned and operated business located in Baraga in the U.P. Randy and Jeff Maki joined us from the road as they were delivering a few of their handmade saunas down to the metro Detroit area. If you've always wondered what goes on in a sauna, tune in.

    Finally, we catch up with the Great Lakes Winter Trails Council and member Mariah Frye who works at Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Higgins Lake. Last year's lack of snow has created pent up demand, Frye believes, and this year should be a fun, busy one on our Michigan trails. Where to go, what to do, and where to learn how to cross country ski way better than Amy are all things we touch upon.

    This week has made it clear, winter is coming! And instead of fighting it, let's embrace it, the Behind the Mitten way.
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    45 mins
  • S6,E45: Fenn Valley Vineyards, Shady Lane Cellars, Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival (Nov. 9-10, 2024)

    S6,E45: Fenn Valley Vineyards, Shady Lane Cellars, Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival (Nov. 9-10, 2024)
    Nov 20 2024
    It's all about Michigan wine this week on Behind the Mitten, and we are awash in the great grape harvest of 2024.

    Our first guest is in charge of one of the Midwest's biggest, and arguably most exciting, food festival. The 17th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival kicks off November 21 through the 23rd. It's a full on extravaganza of food and food related events and presenations at DeVos Place throughout the weekend. Dawn Baker from Show Span joins us and shares all the new things that you'll find this year, including The Vineyard where you can sample over 1000 wines. Beer City Station with over twenty different brewies pouring their liquids, and the Barrel Room where you can try liquors and cocktails. There are mulitple food and drink pairing options, and culinary demonstrations throughout. This is really a fun festival, it is really huge, and it really shouldn't be missed.

    Then we catch up with Fenn Valley Vice President Brian Lesperance, who shares a little bit about the excellent grape harvest that Michigan experienced this fall. All that lovely sunny weather that we had put our wines on the road to greatness this year, and Fenn Valley is ready. Look for new releases happening throughout the year, and the next few years as they age to perfection. Sip 'n Shop is happening on December 14 2024, where you can, wander the aisles of artisan crafts while enjoying a glass or two. Right after the holiday season look forward to the chili-cook-off at the vineyard which will feature four cook-off categories: Four Legs (beef and pork), Two Legs (Fowl), Vegetarian (non-meat), and Exotic (Seafood or wild game, including venison). Registration will open for the cook-off on December 1st, 2024.

    Then the ladies stop by from Shady Lane Cellars. Maddie McCandless, assistant winemaker and Kasey Wierzba, Executive Winemaker and General Manager also share a harvest report from the vineyard, which is located in Suttons Bay. Kasey has been at the vineyard since 2013, and brings years of experience in California to the vineyard. Maddie graduated from Purdue in 2019, got a degree in enology in 2021 and worked at Ram's Gate Winery before finding her home in Northern Michigan. These women are smart, knowledgeable and super fun.

    Follow John and Amy:
    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
    Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    45 mins
  • S6,E44: Cornwell's Turkeyville ready for the holidays (Nov. 2-3, 2024)

    S6,E44: Cornwell's Turkeyville ready for the holidays (Nov. 2-3, 2024)
    Nov 5 2024
    This week we head to an iconic Michigan destination, known throughout the Midwest as a place for old-fashioned, one-of-a-kind fun, with an amazing dinner theater experience, and some of the best turkey dinners you'll find anywhere.


    It's Cornwell's Turkeyville, and we visited for the very first time—and we can assure you, it won't be the last.


    On the show, you'll get to meet owner/operator Patti Cornwell and her daughter and "retirement plan" Elyse Bibbings. Together, these women are running quite the production on their family farm located at the crossroads of 94 & 69 just outside of Marshall, Michigan. From an all-turkey menu, which includes the classic dinner, new favorites like the turkey grilled cheese (get it on the cheese bread please!) to an old-fashioned soda fountain featuring house-made ice cream, you'll be eating well when you visit. Elyse also offers the very cool Simpler Life classes through the winter where you can learn to bake bread, how to can, uncover the mysteries of sourdough, and learn to decorate cookies.


    We'll also introduce you to Dexter Bringham, producing artistic director for the dinner theater at Turkeyville, where they host a 47 week season of Broadway quality shows featuring actors from across the country. On November 7 they'll be kicking off their holiday show, the Winter Wonderettes which will run through December 21.


    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 holiday season. We also learned that the gift shop is Patti and Elyse's favorite thing at Turkeyville, their passion project so to speak, so you know it's full of lots of good things, including the cutest little stuffed turkey I had to get for Gonzo's newest baby turkey.
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    45 mins
  • S6,E43: Holy Smokes - Midland knows BBQ, Beer and Pasties! (Oct. 26-27, 2024)

    S6,E43: Holy Smokes - Midland knows BBQ, Beer and Pasties! (Oct. 26-27, 2024)
    Nov 3 2024
    Holy smokes! It's a moment in Midland, and we are back at one of our best.

    We are back at one of the all time greats Bone Daddy's Barbeque with our buddy and BBQ legend Bill Wall. He’s the master of meat, king of smoke, and just so fun. We know you’ll love him. too.

    A few years ago we were looking for great pasties made UNDER the bridge. We found them at shierspasties in Midland, and we have owners George and Kristin on to give us an update on their family run deli.

    Our friend Dave Clark, editor of the Midland Daily News shares what makes this community special, as well as beers from a few area breweries. He also shared some news from MiBrew Trail magazine.

    We hope you’ll tune in!

    Learn more about Behind on the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

    Follow us on Facebook at @behindthemitten

    Behind the Mitten is co-hosted by chef and local food advocate Amy Sherman and digital journalist John Gonzalez. It is Michigan's Premiere Radio Show and Podcast, established in 2015. They have produced more than 650 episodes.

    #bbq
    #midlandmi
    #mibrewtrail
    #btm
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    45 mins
  • S6,E41: Schuler's, Motel Bear Lake, Kognisjon Bryggeri and Manistee Fall Festival (Oct. 12-13, 2024)

    S6,E41: Schuler's, Motel Bear Lake, Kognisjon Bryggeri and Manistee Fall Festival (Oct. 12-13, 2024)
    Oct 21 2024
    This episode of Behind the Mitten has us all over Michigan, with reports from Marshall, Manistee, and Marquette. It's all about the M's on this show!

    Our good friend Sue Damron joins us from marvelous Marshall, where she owns and operates the historic Schuler's Restaurant. We love visiting this iconic spot, where you can cozy up next to the fire, and enjoy some classic cuisine, like prime rib, their famous meatballs, and of course, that bar cheese. We were extra lucky during this visit because we got to check out Schuler's new hotel, The Royal. A super charming spot with an ideal location right above the restaurant. It's a lovely place to explore downtown Marshall.

    Then it's on to another new place you can stay, the Motel Bear Lake. This classic 1950s-style motel was purchased a few years ago by Marta Turnbull and Kendall McIntyre, who have been undertaking a complete refresh on the property. Located just minutes from Manistee and Arcadia Bluffs, the motel is retro cute, has a seasonal pool, and is both cannabis and LBGTQ-friendly. Amy recently stayed here for a few nights while she explored Manistee, and has awarded the property five million stars. She can't wait to return.

    If you've been a long-time listener to BTM, then you've probably heard our next guest. It's Mr.Fancy himself, Jay Clancey of Kognisjon Bryggeri in Marquette. He catches us up with what's happening at the brewery, which is located on popular Third Street in downtown Marquette. Open seven days a week, you can swing by for a beer or a cider, and are welcome to grab something to eat from one of the local restaurants nearby, or from the adjacent Fish and More. The tap list here is constantly changing, but be sure to try the Sahti if it's on.

    Then it's back to Manistee, where we talk with Sammie Lukaskiewicz from the visitors' bureau about the Discover Manistee Fall Festival which is happening on October 26. There will be tons of kids activities, fun fall food, and more, all in downtown Manistee, on the shores of Lake Michigan.
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    45 mins
  • S6,E42: The 'maroon and gold' fall colors make Mt. Pleasant a perfect place to meet this time of year (Oct. 19-20, 2024)

    S6,E42: The 'maroon and gold' fall colors make Mt. Pleasant a perfect place to meet this time of year (Oct. 19-20, 2024)
    Oct 21 2024
    On this episode of Behind the Mitten we meet in the middle, and head to Mt. Pleasant. Fall is the perfect time of year to visit, as the entire state turns maroon and gold in honor of the Central Michigan University Chippewas, wink wink. We recorded at the famous Shepherd Bar, located just south of town, and you won't believe what they have planned for Halloween.

    We start with our good friend Chris Rowley from Meet Mt. Pleasant, where she is the executive director and the local expert on all things Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County. She shares fall fun that can be found throughout the area, including those incredible fall colors that are just fantastic this year. We then get to meet the owner of the Shepherd Bar, and all around great guy, Kent Roth.

    Kent has owned the bar for over thirty years and has built it into a gem of a spot, popular with locals and tourists alike. Shepherd is known for it's maple syrup festival, and many of the dishes on the menu get a little sweet enhancement from the local crop. From personal experience, the Maple Bacon Cheddar Burger here is excellent, as is the shaved ribeye hoagie. Please be sure to say hello to Kathy Dickman, she's been lighting up this place while waIting tables here for almost thirty years.

    Kent and his huge crew of community volunteers do a carved pumpkin display out behind the bar every year, and it is a pretty big deal. When we say a display, we mean a DISPLAY. This year, they are planning on carving 2,000 pumpkins. TWO THOUSAND. Then they'll light 'em up, and you can come walk through any time between October 26 and Halloween. Grab a beer and a burger and absorb a little local flavor.

    Jordan Ensing then steps in. She is the Marketing Coordinator for the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and shares that the downtown construction in MP is finally complete, and the new town center is open. Saturday mornings it's the site of the local farmer's market, and now features a beautiful new space for community events. Jordan also shares some breaking news that everyone is very excited about: Santa Claus is coming back to downtown Mt. Pleasant this holiday season.


    Cassandra Chippeway, content and communications coordinator for the Mount Pleasant Area Conventions and Visitors Bureau shares some ideas for indoor activities around town, including the new Valhalla axe-throwing bar, the always excitiing Soaring Eagle Casino, new indoor golf simulators to practice on, and a new restaurant to try, The Twisted Fork.

    There is so much to experience in Mt. Pleasant this autumn, whether it's paddling down the Chippewa River on the perfect sunny day, or rolling large on the roulette wheel. It's always time to get Fired Up for Mt. Pleasant.
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    45 mins
  • Fire Up: CMU Homecoming 2024, plus a fall excursion on the Maroon & Gold Express (Oct. 9, 2024)

    Fire Up: CMU Homecoming 2024, plus a fall excursion on the Maroon & Gold Express (Oct. 9, 2024)
    Oct 9 2024
    MT. PLEASANT - Fire Up Edition

    Are you planning to attend this weekend's 2024 Central Michigan University Homecoming (Oct. 12)?

    On this special podcast we sit down with Chris Rowley, Executive Director of Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as her associates, Jordan Ensing, Marketing coordinator, and Cassandra Chippeway, content and communications coordinator.

    We talk about some of the Homecoming festivities, things to do in Mt. Pleasant, where to eat and share details about a train excursion from Owosso to Mt. Pleasant, exclusively for Homecoming.

    More details:

    Central Michigan University 2024 Homecoming game against Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 12 to kickoff at 4 p.m. ET! Contest to be nationally televised on #espnu! https://bit.ly/4gI3m6n

    Train Excursion:

    Saturday, October 12th 2024
    12:00pm - 10:30pm
    Boarding: Steam Railroading Institute
    405 S Washington St., Owosso, MI 48867

    Climb aboard a fall color tour on the diesel-powered Maroon and Gold Express. Passengers will have two options. Attend Central Michigan University’s homecoming football game against the Ohio University Bobcats or use the time in Mt. Pleasant to dine at Mountain Town Station and visit the downtown area.

    $90 Deluxe Club Class train ticket in a vintage diner car & football game ticket
    $85 Football Coach Class train ticket & football game ticket
    $75 Coach Class train ticket only

    Book your tickets now:

    https://michigansteamtrain.com/events/

    LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST ABOUT THE MICHIGAN STEAM RAILROADING INSTITUTE
    HERE.

    Learn more about Mt. Pleasant at meetmtp.com.

    Follow Behind the Mitten on Facebook or check out the website at amyandgonzo.com.
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    10 mins
  • S6,E40: NMU-MSU Basketball Showdown at Superior Dome, plus where to eat in Marquette (Oct. 5-6, 2024)

    S6,E40: NMU-MSU Basketball Showdown at Superior Dome, plus where to eat in Marquette (Oct. 5-6, 2024)
    Oct 8 2024
    Let's go ABOVE the Mitten this weekend!


    Have you heard about the BIG game that is being played on October 13 in majestic Marquette? It's kind of a big deal, and we'll bring you the whole scoop right from the source.


    The Northern Michigan University Wildcats are hosting the exhibition basketball game of the year, when they take on the Michigan State Spartans at the Superior Dome on October 13. MSU Coach Tom Izzo, an NMU alum, is coming home, and the whole town is ready to celebrate.


    We'll be sharing how this whole thing came together, and why community events like this are so important to NMU and Marquette. We'll talk about some of NMU's other collaborations in the area, including a very fun one with our good friends at Blackrocks Brewery. Alumni themselves, they've brewed up a special beer for this game (and to be served at other alumni events throughout the fall) the very tasty Wildcat Lager. You can try it too when you are at the brewery.


    While we can't attend this fun event, since tickets are currently sold out, we are excited to hear that we'll be able to watch it on the Big Ten Network, how cool is that?


    We hope you'll tune in!

    Learn more about the game at nmuwildcats.com.

    Follow Behind the Mitten on Facebook or check out the website at amyandgonzo.com.
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    45 mins