Lullabies evoke special feelings of closeness with our mothers and with our children when they were very young – or perhaps images of boughs breaking when the wind blows and cradles falling helplessly out of treetops. Similar to the entertaining nursery rhymes of Mother Goose, lullabies still have a distinctive influence on the parent-child bond.
Numbers. Good people. Hard work. School. These are a few of Dan Kutchey’s favorite things. Earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting with honors from the University of Michigan-Flint this spring included all of those favorite things, culminating in the accomplishment of a dream that, not so long ago, seemed only a fleeting hope.
You simply can’t visit Traverse City without enjoying a cool treat at Moomers Homemade Ice Cream. The shop is located just five miles from beautiful downtown Traverse City next to a dairy farm. And it’s all about family at this popular destination. Moomers is owned and operated by the Plummer family who share their passion for ice cream and agriculture with area residents and tourists. Nancy Plummer had tossed around the idea of opening an ice cream shop for years. As the owner of a dairy farm with her husband Bob, she thought it was an ideal location. To learn about the ice cream business, she contacted the Ice Cream Association and they put her in touch with the Durant family, owners of Uncle Ray’s Dairyland in Fenton. “They trained me in all aspects of the ice cream business. They were my mentors,” says Nancy. They have remained good friends and still call each other for advice.
The craft beer movement has exploded across the country, including in the state of Michigan. Traverse City is home to several micro-breweries – one is called Right Brain Brewery, located on E. 16th Street in the old warehouse district. Owned by Russell Springsteen, the unique brew pub has been serving beer lovers since 2007, according to Joe Symons, Event Coordinator. “It’s the thing to do now,” says Joe. “We make our beer on site at the brewery.” And what people love best about Right Brain is the fantastic beer made with all natural ingredients. “There are no fake flavorings in our beer!” he exclaimed. One example is their Apple Pie Whole, an amber ale made with 40 real apple pies — crust and all! One can expect a hazy sunset color, candy apple aroma, medium body and satisfying notes of apple skin, cinnamon and biscuit. Another craft beer is Angel’s Nectar, which has a dark body with big notes of chocolate and banana.
Interlochen Center for the Arts will be brimming with artistic excitement this summer as students express their creative passions in the school’s many camps and classes. Located just 15 miles southwest of Traverse City, Interlochen originated in 1928 as a music camp for boys and girls. Its Arts Academy opened in 1962 and soon thereafter, its popular public radio station and arts festival were born.
It’s time to get your game on – and King Par Superstore in Flushing provides a golf experience for people of all ages. The seventh largest golf specialty store in the Midwest, it was named by Golf World magazine as one of America’s Top 100 Golf Stores. According to Nigel Matthews, Product Development Manager/Overseas Sales Director, King Par has something for everyone. Nigel met King Par owner, John Runyon, in Scotland at The Old Course at St. Andrews – one of the world’s most iconic courses and considered by many to be the home of golf. Having an extensive business background and professional golf skills, Nigel was invited by John to visit Flint and after obtaining a Visa allowing him to work in the U.S. He was then hired to bring his expertise to King Par. “It’s nice to be back in the golf industry,” he says.
Simply one of northern Michigan’s most picturesque drives, the M-22 highway gives visitors a taste of the tree-lined beauty and lovely lakeshores from the comfort of their vehicles. Whether you enjoy investigating small towns or just cruising for the views, M-22 is a unique destination in itself. It’s also an eye-pleasing route for those looking to experience the splendor of northern Michigan’s fall colors.
Traverse City and the surrounding area is wine country – its location on the 45th parallel makes the climate perfect for growing grapes. Winery tours are popular and the variety is nearly endless! Discover the spectacular beauty and charm of Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula while experiencing some award-winning wines. ♦
