BTM Episode 81: Big Ugly Fish, Jessica Shepherd and Founders Brewing

We are always intrigued to hear what others have to say about our beloved Michigan, whether it is current residents, former citizens, or visitors from afar. We are always especially interested to hear the take that travel experts have on Michigan, what they notice, what they love, what they might see in our future.

We were pleased as punch to confirm an interview with Pauline Frommer for our Season 6, Episode 7 show. Yes, of that Frommer family, the kind of kings of travel publications. We were interested to hear some of her experiences around Michigan as a travel expert, and what she sees trending in the next few years.

She did not disappoint. Frommer is the Co-President of FrommerMedia, Editorial Director of Frommer's Guidebooks, author of the best-selling "Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City" and "Frommer's New York City Day by Day", and co-host of "The Travel Show" You see what I'm saying? This woman is an expert.

You can listen to the entire podcast, which includes additional guests Matt DeWitt, Mary Ellen Murphy, and actor Jeff Daniels.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s6-e7-michigan-bucket-list-with-jeff-daniels-pauline-frommer-and-more-feb-17-18-2024--58694549

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We set out to make a Michigan Bucket List show and ended up with a guest list that is all over the map and book-ended by two well-known names, one in the travel industry, and one for abiding while creating an incredible theatrical destination for all to enjoy.

We were pleased as punch to confirm an interview with Pauline Frommer. Yes, of that Frommer family, the kind of kings of travel publications. We were interested to hear some of her experiences around Michigan as a travel expert, and what she sees trending in the next few years. She did not disappoint. Frommer is the Co-President of FrommerMedia, Editorial Director of Frommer's Guidebooks, author of the best-selling "Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City" and "Frommer's New York City Day by Day", and co-host of "The Travel Show" You see what I'm saying? This woman is an expert.

Then we turn closer to home, and visit with our friend, and radio legend, Mary Ellen Murphy. This award-winning DJ hosts The Morning Show on WGHN in Grand Haven. Passionate about the Tri-Cities region, which also includes Spring Lake and Ferrysburg, Mary Ellen shares her thoughts on 'beach time' plus what she loves about this area. One thing I love about Mary Ellen is her fantastic studio at WGHN, which looks directly out over the Channel and boardwalk in GH. You can see what she sees on their live camera link here. Pro beach-going move: check out their OTHER cam for live beach conditions, so you know before you go.


An old friend then calls in, all the way from Savannah Georgia. We first met Matt DeWitt at the bar he used to own in Ishpeming, a little gem of a spot called Brogie's that served one hell of a Bloody Mary. May have been named a top glass by a couple of food writers we know. Anywho, Matt has been having quite an adventure the last few years, working for that crazy baseball team, the Savannah Bananas. We get to hear all about what that's been like, plus what he misses most about the Upper Peninsula. It may, or may not, be a certain sausage.

EDIT: I almost forgot! Matt and his wife EV have started a new website, crabrankoons.com. They rank crab rangoons and all derivatives. Yes, you cannot make this up. These are the people we love at Behind the Mitten.

Finally our last interview, and yes, it's a big one. Jeff Daniels took time to chat with little old us about his incredible Purple Rose Theatre.

"Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for theatre artists to define our collective Midwestern voice. It is a place for emerging talent and seasoned professionals to learn more about and to practice their craft; a place for patrons of the arts to laugh, cry, and perhaps even learn something new," according to their website.

We learned it is so much more than that, not just to Daniels, but to the Chelsea community that has been truly transformed by its presence over the last thirty years. Daniels' passion for theatre and acting is pretty evident, but what I found most interesting is that The Purple Rose focuses on laughter, the best medicine, and developing hilarious plays from the ground up, all to bring some much-needed joy to our world. How awesome is that?

Their newest play had me giggling just reading the summary. Directed by Rhiannon Raglan, and written by David MacGregor, "The Anti Christ Cometh" premiers to the world on March 22 and runs at the theatre through May 25.

"The Antichrist Cometh is a comedy about a happily married man who discovers that he might be the Antichrist. Will he be able to enjoy a small dinner party with his loving wife, former college roommate, and his roommate’s devoutly religious fiancée? Or will their home-cooked meal usher in the Apocalypse?"

Daniels goes a little bit deeper with us, and let me say, this sounds like quite the dinner party, and one you don't want to miss. Remember, it's a comedy! Chelsea is a charming, lively downtown with great restaurants and shopping, so when you go to a show, plan on making a day of it.

It was a pleasure talking with Mr. Daniels, who at the end of the day, is just another Michigander like the rest of us. It's his passion for this project, for the Purple Rose and all that it might mean, that sets him apart. We salute his years of hard work building this Michigan gem. Daniels is also a big Lions fan and attended a few games this year, so you know we had to ask him about that.

Who could we possibly have on the show next week? Who knows! But stay tuned to Behind the Mitten to find out!

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Fenn Valley Vineyards has been creating unique Michigan wines and ciders for over fifty years, nestled in the rolling green hills of Fennville in beautiful southwest Michigan. Behind the Mitten made a recent jaunt that way, about 45 minutes south of our world headquarters in Grand Rapids. We sat down with Brian Lesperance, Vice President of Fenn Valley, and winemaker Matt Jannette to get the scoop on all that's happening at Fenn Valley, plus some wine-tasting do's and don'ts.

First, let's go way back to 1973 when Fenn Valley was founded. The owners located the perfect section of land just the right distance from our lady Lake Michigan, which helps to provide the temperate weather that is just right for growing grapes. Lesperance explains the true importance of the lake, plus what "terroir" means, to kick off the show.

Head winemaker Matt Jannette came back home to Michigan after a stint out on the West Coast working for a really big vineyard. He's been making his mark at Fenn Valley for a while now, tweaking systems and techniques to make the very best wine possible. We learn how he got started, and what he loves about making wine. Hint: he's a Sparty!

Both Lesperance and Jannette join us for segment three, where we talk fun things to do at the vineyard, which is family-friendly, and open year-round. Fenn Valley hosts a few really big events each year, including their upcoming New Release weekends. Held the second and third weekends in April, this is like the deal and experience of the spring. This year join them at the vineyard April 13 & 14, and April 20 & 21where you'll get to try the six new wines for 2024, each paired with a special small taste of food from the culinary team. For only $15. Seriously!

We end the show with a wine tasting, and we get some great tips on do's and don'ts when you are doing one. I also just remembered that by the end of the show, we had both agreed to participate in The Vine Wine'd, a stunning 5K through the vineyards at Fenn Valley on October 5. Plan on joining us, and plan a visit to this beautiful corner of our state soon.


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BONUS PODCAST

On this Podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate National Sauna Week (Feb. 18-24, 2024) with executive director of the national Finlandia Foundation, Tommy Flanagan. He tells us all about it, including that the Upper Peninsula is considered part of the U.S. Sauna Belt. He also discusses proper sauna etiquete. Congrats to Debbie Paver of Calumet, who created the winning entry in the first National Sauna Week poster contest.

Finlandia Foundation National is the leading independent source of support for Finnish culture in the United States,

LISTEN TO THE FULL SHOW EPISODE HERE. It aired on Feb. 24-25, 2024.

Photos courtesy of Finlandia Foundation National and Debbie Paver.

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

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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
  
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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.

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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:

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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
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