Vincent Van Gogh Exhibition

VOL. 1 | ED. 1 | MARCH 2020

| Art | Entertainment | Lifestyle A COLLECTION OF MICHIGAN’S BEST STORIES

STORIES INNOVATION THINGS for foodies & that uplifts our that make Michigan adventurers communities a remarkable place to live and thrive

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 1 Dear Friends, It was not so long ago that Michigan’s Best comprised only stories of our great state’s flavors. The food searches led by the energetic John Gonzales and Amy Sherman have proven to be a source of appreciation and inspiration for hundreds of thousands of readers. You spend so much time with this content on our website that we felt compelled to bring you more of what you clearly love!

In 2019, Michigan’s Best expanded to include stories of the Arts, nonprofits, Michigan’s businesses, and more. Innovations, adventures, and initiatives were waiting to be discovered by our team and shared with readers. This expansion, featured both on MLive.com and at ThisIsMIBest. com, gave us a chance to tell more stories about the people, places, and happenings in the State, produced both in digital and print formats.

You may have been following this movement that Michigan’s Best has in your Sunday newspaper. Each week, we feature just a few of our favorite stories in the section you’ll find wrapping your advertising content. But there were so many stories to tell! We needed to share more.

What you hold in your hand is just one more way these stories have been collected and packaged. This “magazine” represents a collection of the stories we’ve told so far. We sincerely hope you find it informative, perhaps intriguing or inspiring.

If you’d like more of this content, you’ll find it on the sites mentioned here. But you can also follow along in real time by connecting through social media. We hope you join us along our journey to uncover Michigan’s Best stories and the people that bring them to life.

Sincerely, THE MICHIGAN’S BEST TEAM JOHN GONZALES (Comprising Journalists, Videographers, Photographers and [email protected] the dozens of unsung team members that shape this content into its digital, print, graphic, animated, or visual form.) AMY SHERMAN [email protected]

WHERE TO FIND MICHIGAN’S BEST CONTENT

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 2 ContentsMICHIGAN’S BEST

10 15 Muskegon Lumberjacks’ Beaver Island seeks International arena renovations Dark Sky designation How $2.7M in arena renovations changed this hockey experience.

4 Activities for a perfect Michigan summer 5 ‘Most sensory-friendly Saddleback BBQ celebrates its 6 city in Michigan’ 4 year anniversary continues opening 7 3rd and final Bright Walls Festival activities to families. Arts offers free ticket program in Grand Rapids 8

9 Continental Companies’ design-build model

World’s second-largest castle, with

11 everything you want in an apartment Vietnamese bahn mi restaurant 12 opens in Kalamazoo

13 Ultimate U.P. Road Trip 17 14 Sleeping Bear Dunes track chair hikes ‘Black Girls Rock’ 16 First of its kind Van Gogh exhibit at the DIA celebrates women for Michigan Whiskey from their integrity, heart. 18 Ann Arbor Whiskey Distillery

If you’d like to suggest a place for us to visit please email [email protected] MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 3 WANT A PERFECT

uring the seemingly endless months of Michigan winter, we all dream of returning to the days of summer. We wait to hit dthe beach for the first time. We wait to plant our gardens. We simply wait for days when we can comfortably stand outside for more than a few minutes. Since you know you waited what seemed like an eternity for this, and you know it will be over too soon, don’t waste this summer, Michiganders. Participate in all of the summer activities you miss when the temps drop and the snow takes over.

DO THESE 25 THINGS

SAMPLE THE WINE ON OLD CRUISE DOWN WOODWARD MISSION PENINSULA AVENUE IN A CLASSIC CAR Time wasted at Summer is a time for relaxation, You don’t have to wait for the right? What could be more relaxing Woodward Dream Cruise to hop in the lake is time than sampling delicious Michigan a classic car and take a ride down wine? Head to the Old Mission Michigan’s most iconic roadway. Of well spent. Peninsula for some beautiful scenery course, you can wait for the Dream and tasty local pours. Cruise and join tens of thousands of other car enthusiasts as they take PLAY EUCHRE WHILE over a 16-mile stretch of the road. | [email protected] CAMPING Euchre is the unofficial state card SPEND A SATURDAY AT EASTERN MARKET game here in Michigan. Make sure Shopping is simply better when to throw a pack of cards in your you get to do it outside on a camping bag so you can play the summer day. Eastern Market is full JESSICA SHEPHERD JESSICA state’s favorite game during one of of vendors offering locally made the many camping trips you should goods. The sights and smells are take this summer. overwhelming, and you will find CAMPING yourself sampling EVERYTHING! TAKE A SELFIE AT TAHQUAMENON FALLS DRINK A BOSTON COOLER CANOEING Bring a selfie stick along to your While we still think it should be SUNSET summertime trip at Tahquamenon called a Detroit cooler, this treat Falls and snap away. There is no is truly a Michigan original. Our shame in your selfie game when you beloved Vernors mixed with LIGHTHOUSE are capturing one of the state’s most creamy vanilla ice cream. What iconic natural gems. could be better?

FIND A FULL LIST OF 25 EXPERIENCES TO MAKE YOUR MICHIGAN SUMMER THE BEST IT CAN BE, ON MLIVE.COM/LIFE

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 4 SPONSORED Sponsored by Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau

Cathy Blatnik felt isolated, like a prisoner in grams and special events. Additionally, leaders her home, after her youngest son was diag- at the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors nosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Bureau, the Wharton Center for Performing cand epilepsy before he turned three. Arts and the Mid Michigan Autism Association A bright or flashing light, a loud noise, any have trained more than 1,000 people across unexpected turn of events of the day could regional attractions, restaurants and hotels trigger an outburst, and then a life-threatening on how to create supportive and welcoming seizure. environments. Going to the movies as a family? That was “We want to elevate our community so that not an option. there’s more awareness, more understand- Heading to a ballpark for a game? Couldn’t ing and more ability to serve and welcome do that, too many external stimuli existed. families,” said Julie Pingston with the GLCVB. How about a visit to a museum? Again, the “Our message is that Lansing is open to you unknown lurked around every corner. and we will continue to work to make this the “It was very lonely. We did absolutely noth- best experience visitors to our community can ing,” said Blatnik, of Okemos. have.” Today, the options for the Blatnik family and Laura Zeller, the director of communications others living with sensory issues have opened for Impression 5 Science Center, said the up. The Lan- facility has worked with experts from Michigan sing region has State University and the autism association to embraced and conduct two audits to understand how to be a ‘Most sensory-friendly city in Michigan’ become a state- more welcoming venue. wide leader as a “We want people to feel that we are open continues opening activities to families sensory-friendly and accessible,” Zeller said. “What we’ve seen community for from families is just a huge sense of gratitude people with and appreciation. They just want to be able autism and other disabilities. to participate and have an entertainment and In less than two years, Lansing has trans- learning option that is welcoming. “Families formed into what Blatnik calls the “most sen- can be themselves and be comfortable here sory-friendly city in Michigan.” Over a dozen and across Lansing now, and we think that’s a attractions are offering sensory-friendly pro- great feeling to provide as a community.”

FIND THE FULL STORY, INCLUDING LINKS AND EVENT LISTINGS ON MLIVE.COM

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 5 Saddleback

BBQin Lansing to celebrate its 4-year anniversary

JOHN GONZALEZ | [email protected] he lines started forming at 8 a.m. - Fries topped with Mac & Cheese. June 6, 2019, as Saddleback BBQ - Pork Belly Burnt Ends. in Lansing celebrated its 4-year an- - Smoked Steak meal with a twice tniversary. They had some awesome baked potato. specials, and some incentives for those that arrived early. We named Saddleback one of the The support means a lot to Michigan’s Best Top 10 BBQ restau- co-owner Travis Stoliker, who rants in 2018. At the time we said: opened the restaurant with chef “The brisket here develops a great Matt Gillett in 2015. bark from the rub it gets of black “Four years ago, we opened our pepper, brown sugar and cayenne first restaurant in Lansing. One and pepper. The pulled pork also has a a half years ago we opened our sec- delicious crust on it with a gentle, ond in Okemos. Three months ago, smoky flavor.” we started retailing our Sweet & “Some of the best wings we had Savory BBQ sauce in stores around can be found at Saddleback. Their Michigan. We have so much more to “Wu Tang Wings” are smoked, flash come in the next few years. We are fried crispy, super tender and come just getting started,” Stoliker said. jazzed with their spiced-up yellow He added: “We are so incredibly sauce. Our guest eater that day thankful to our amazing customers said, “I don’t even know how to and staff members that today we describe these, but they are really are able to celebrate our 4 year good.” anniversary!” “If they have the beef ribs on the menu, get one of these 1 1/2 pound ON THE MENU FOR THE beauties for the selfie potential ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: alone. They are also pretty deli- - Their famous Meatballs w/ Saddle cious. We enjoyed the devil eggs

back Sweet & Savory Sauce and the sizzling, crunchy pork rinds from Monticello’s Market & laced with hot sauce as starters. It is better to have burnt and lost, Butcher Block. House-made pickles have every- - Candied Bacon. thing you want: a punch of vinegar, then never to have barbecued at all. - Spare Rib & Baby Back Rib Platter a bit of spice, fresh dill.” (this was their first time selling spare ribs). - Beyond Meat Sausage Hoagie FOR MORE ON SADDLEBACK BBQ OR (a special for our vegetarian and MICHIGAN’S BEST BBQ SEARCH, VISIT vegan friends). MLIVE.COM/MICHIGANSBEST

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 6 TAYLOR DESORMEAU | [email protected] The Bright Walls Mural Festival is returning in 2020, although it will be the last year for the event, organizers have announced. The 2020 festival runs from September 10-15 in downtown Jackson, but the exact locations haven’t been announced yet. A group of young professionals created the 2018 event, bringing in top artists from around the Bright world to paint murals. In the two events, 36 murals have been painted so far. There Walls announces will be at least 50 murals by the end of this year’s festival, plans for third – and final – Co-Director Clay McAndrews said. “It’s bittersweet, but all good Jackson mural festival things must come to an end,” McAndrews said. “Frankly, we’ve just run out of walls.” The festival is hosted within a city block or two, which har- nesses energy and creates a close-knit atmosphere, McAndrews said. Though there are plenty of blank walls throughout the city, there’s only one area remaining with a high density of empty walls downtown, close together, he said. Event organizers will meet after the event to decide if they want to start something new for downtown in 2021 or not, McAndrews said. The 2019 event brought 30,000 people downtown over the six-day festival. The Chicago Tribune named Jackson as one of the 10 best Midwest places to visit in 2020, citing the Bright Walls murals and festival as one of the incentives. That’s a point of pride for McAndrews and the Bright Walls team, he said. “It’s really just grown exponentially because of the community’s response to that first year,” McAndrews said. “People are traveling to Jackson now to come see the murals both during the festival and after.” More details about the 2020 festival are to be announced, but McAndrews said it will include music, activities, food and some new features.

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 7 Free shows arts group’s commitment to first-time experiences program

Opera Grand Rapids has invested $40,000 in its community tickets program, a new initiative that will allow 450 first-time patrons to see the production of Turandot for free on each May 1 and May 2.

SPONSORED Sponsored by Opera GR hen the curtains open on Opera Grand Rapids’ The new outreach partners Opera Grand Grand Rapids Symphony and a large chorus in May 1 and May 2 performances of Turandot – Rapids with local arts and service organizations addition to the talents of top opera performers. the company’s largest production in more than a including: It features opera’s most iconic aria “Nessun wdecade – nearly 20 percent of the audience will Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities dorma,” which was most famously performed by be seeing the art form for the first time – and for Grand Rapids Public Library Luciano Pavarotti. free. Salvation Army of Kent County The opera’s investment is made possible by its Opera Grand Rapids has committed $40,000 Woodlands/Suburban Library Cooperative supporters, who have generously donated be- to its Community Tickets Program, which will Grand Rapids Urban League cause they understand the importance of being distribute 900 tickets, 450 for each of the two Community Food Club inclusive. shows at DeVos Performance Hall, to community Dwelling Place Opera Grand Rapids is in its 52nd year and is organizations for distribution to people who are Gilda’s Club the longest continuously operating opera compa- interested in the opera but have been priced out Patrons of the community partners can request ny in Michigan. It is also recognized as one of the of access. tickets through the groups and must not be premier mid-size operas in North America. “This is an investment that creates an prior ticket purchasers. Syrewicze said “The arts can change lives,” said Syrewicze, avenue for people and eliminates the more community associations can part- “and we want to be a part of that.” barriers to seeing Opera in Grand ner with Opera Grand Rapids by calling Rapids,” said Emilee Syrewicze, the (616) 451-2741. opera’s executive director. “These are “We are providing an opportunity prime seats that we are keeping open to see Turandot, and at the same time, for people to experience this classic we’re helping elevate the profile of other artform.” community cultural groups,” Syrewicze “We want to approach diversity, equity and said. The arts can change lives, and inclusion with intention. We hope the result is Turandot, from composer Giacomo Puccini, we want to be a part of that. easier access to the performing arts. We’re excit- will be a stunning experience, and it is described EMILEE SYREWICZE, ed, and we think this is an important step for our as a visual, dramatic and musical feast for the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR community.” senses. The production will feature the full

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 8 design team that we came up with the helix,” said Weiner, CEO of the Meyer C. Weiner Co. “I have found over the years that his attributes and education have made his model of being a design-build contractor particularly beneficial to developers like me, who always seem to be wanting projects done quickly and seamlessly from beginning to end.” In many ways, Continental has been the building block of Kalamazoo over the past half-century. You don’t have to drive for long to pass a building designed and constructed by Stifler’s team. From strip malls on Westnedge Av- enue to the Holiday Inn West off U.S. 131 to the iconic Wings Stadium, Continental has had a hand in over 3,000 projects during the past 50-plus years. Stifler started Continental in 1965, three years after beginning his career ‘We designed it. We built it.’ with another Kalamazoo-area construction firm. Under Stifler’s leadership, Why design-build model works better Continental became one of the Kalam- azoo area’s first design-build contrac- tors – handling both architect and general contractor roles. SPONSORED In 1974, Continental designed and built Wings Sponsored by The Continental Companies Stadium, which went on to host concerts by The hile the term “helix” often gets used when Beach Boys, Gordon Lightfoot, Rod Stewart, talking about DNA, the building blocks of life, Elvis Presley and scores of other music greats Josh Weiner first heard it in the context of con- through the years. struction when his firm was developing Kalama- “That’s where I got my reputation,” Stifler wzoo Commons. said. “We finished it so fast and on schedule and To make room for a mixture of uses including under budget that I was written up as the world’s apartments, offices, retail and a movie theater, greatest contractor.” an existing downtown parking ramp had to be remodeled on a smaller footprint. In order to Continental’s design-build model includes free keep the same number of spaces, the design/ preliminary designs and a guaranteed budget build construction team proposed an innovative with guaranteed completion dates. It results helix – a circular, upward moving drive that in cost savings of up to 28 percent compared motorists use to access levels of the ramp. to conventional design-bid-build construction. The team came up with the idea because, in Plus, although a design-build model makes sense this case, the builder and designer were both for many projects, Continental has a successful Continental Companies. track record of associating with different archi- “It was through (owner) Jerry (Stifler) and his tects when the situation warrants.

FOR THE FULL STORY AND MORE PIC- TURES, CHECK OUT MLIVE.COM

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 9 ‘One big party’ how $2.7M in arena renovations changed this hockey experience

SPONSORED Friday or Saturday nights, the setting is ideal Sponsored by Muskegon Lumberjacks for families, businesses or group outings, or just getting friends together. ith a $2.7 million renovation and elite hock- “Coming to a Lumberjacks game is a ey talent – the Muskegon Lumberjacks have release,” he said. “You’re going to yell, you’re had 18 NHL draft picks and 51 players earn going to scream, and you’re going to cheer. wcollege scholarships in just the last 5 years You’re going to see people you know, have – the hockey and the social experience has some food and beverages and just have a changed from preconceived perceptions, said great time.” Mike McCall, the Lumberjacks President. That is exactly the atmosphere that Andrea The project was unveiled in late 2018, and Sponaas, the Vice President of corporate this is the first full season for fans to experi- partnerships for the team, has witnessed. ence the team’s 30 home dates. The upgrades Lumberjacks games are safe, clean, fun, included a new and improved concourse affordable and convenient, Sponaas said, area, suite boxes, club and lodge seating, and and the team’s leadership wants to keep the the creation of a party platform that includes momentum going. a beer garden, bar and open-air and interac- “The Muskegon Lumberjacks of today are tive kid’s zone. an entirely different experience. If folks hav- The new concourse design keeps fans in- en’t been to the game recently, experienced side the arena rather than leaving the seating the arena changes, I think they’re really area and into a closed off hallway. The work missing out.” brings concessions to the inside and is trans- On the hockey side, Lumberjacks Head formative. Coach Mike Hamilton said fans can expect The USHL took notice too, honoring the 100 percent effort and an exciting, active Lumberjacks with the 2019 “Organization of style of play. The USHL is the highest level the Year” award. of junior hockey in the country, he said. The Lumberjacks, who feature players ages Prospects come from around the world to 17 to 20 on the development track to major play in this league. The players have moved college and profes- away from their homes – in some cases their sional hockey, are countries – to pursue their dreams. a community ex- “Everyone who plays youth hockey, this is perience and at- their goal,” he said. “Every night they’re be- tribute, McCall ing evaluated, not just by us, but if you look said. With the around, there are NHL and college scouts. majority of The dream starts here.” the team’s games on FIND THE FULL STORY, LINKS TO THE LUM- BERJACKS WEBSITE AND MORE ON THISIS- MIBEST.COM

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 10 SPONSORED Sponsored by Grand Castle

nyone driving by The Grand Castle gets • Covered loading docks for easy move in two- and three-bedroom floor plans also a sense of the building’s momentous size. • Expansive courtyard with outdoor are available. aConstruction materials for the 522-unit seating and water fountain The Grand Castle is proving to be a apartment community off I-196 west of • Fenced-in dog park great fit for people of all ages. In addition Grand Rapids included 200 million pounds • Fitness classes, watch parties and other to 20-somethings just starting out and of concrete, 900 tons of steel and 320,000 organized social events mid-career professionals, many residents kilograms of granite. • Conference rooms for personal parties age 55 and up are finding a home at The The Grand Castle is indeed grand. In “It has everything you could want in an Grand Castle, too. fact, at 1.2 million square-feet, it’s the apartment,” said Taryn Willett, 27, who “It’s no maintenance,” said John Green, second largest castle in the world! lives on the sixth floor with her fiancée, 72, who moved into a two-bedroom apart- But you have to tour The Grand Castle dog and cat. “It’s newer, cleaner. It has a ment with his wife after downsizing from a to get a full appreciation of how grand it fresh feel. And it’s actually a really good 4,900-square-foot home on 18 acres. “We really is. price for the area considering it’s very love it here. It has so many things that How each apartment has brand-new close to downtown. make it worthwhile as far as things to do.” stainless-steel appliances, granite coun- tertops, full washer and dryer and its own water heater, plus high nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings. How there’s a variety of floor plans that World’s second-largest castle fit a variety of living situations and bud- gets, and more than 90 percent of them get at least one covered parking space. ‘has everything you could How the extraordinary architecture is complemented by unparalleled amenities: • Outdoor swimming pool and clubhouse want in an apartment’ • Castle-themed playground for kids • Two-story library with a “Beauty and the Beast”-style twin staircase “We’re actually paying less money for a • On-site gym with cardio and weight new building, and it’s closer to the high- training equipment way. You can get anywhere in 10 minutes.” • Game room with ping pong, shuffleboard A year after opening, The Grand Castle and arcade games is more than 70-percent occupied. Studio • Spacious outdoor terraces and sun decks apartments rent for as little as $730 per • 23-acre lake for fishing and kayaking, month, while three-story penthouse suites with a waterside walking trail have more than 4,000 square-feet. One-,

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 11 Vietnamese banh mi sandwich restaurant opens in Kalamazoo

new Vietnamese sandwich shop is open July 2015. Each of the Nguyen’s Nonla restaurants in downtown Kalamazoo. Nguyen said the new restaurant in “feel related” but each have their own a Nonla Banh Mi Togo, which offers a va- downtown Kalamazoo is an extension of identity, Schantz said. The banh mi spot riety of Vietnamese sandwiches and other the Mattawan restaurant, but offers more features a living room-type seating area items to go, opened on South Burdick traditional fare. with “vintage and homey” furniture. Street in Kalamazoo in October, co-owner “If you go to Vietnam and order from Kyle and Natashia Monk, close friends Kelly Nguyen said. a banh mi cart, this is what you will be of the Nguyens, visited Michigan in 2017 The restaurant is the newest addition to getting,” she said. with a dream of opening their own busi- the string of Nonla-affiliated businesses in Sous-chef Dylan Schantz said he worked ness. Later, the couple also decided to

| [email protected] the Kalamazoo area. Those include one as chef at the Mattawan restaurant for 2 move to Michigan and go into the restau- serving Vietnamese street food in Mat- 1/2 years before moving to the new banh rant business with the Nguyens. tawan, a Mexican restaurant in School- mi location. This restaurant has a menu In January 2018, the couples partnered craft and another restaurant in Kalama- with traditional ingredients, and the food to open Nonla Burger, located at 2103

KAYLA MILLER KAYLA zoo offering burgers and related fare. comes out fast, he said, allowing residents S. Burdick St. in Kalamazoo. The burger The menu at Nonla Banh Mi Togo and those who work downtown to get “in joint offers simple, fast-casual burgers includes Ga (roast chicken), Heo Quay and out in 10 minutes.” from the small space in the city’s Edison (pork belly), Cha Lua (steamed sausage) Neighborhood. and Dau Hu (tofu) bahn mi sandwiches. In November 2018, the couples togeth- All entrees come with pickled vegetables, er opened Mexican restaurant, Nonla cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, pâté and Taqueria, in Schoolcraft. The menu offers mayonnaise. Other menu options include culinary options from regions across Mex- Nonla Noodles, Pho (beef noodle soup) ico, including the Yucatan Peninsula and and a variety of drinks. Tijuana. Nguyen and her husband, Johnny, Kelly Nguyen said future plans for the relocated to Michigan from California in business include a second Nonla Burger 2015, with plans to start a family here. location on Drake Road and Stadium They opened their first restaurant, Nonla Drive, expected to open in January 2020. Vietnamese Street Food in Mattawan, in

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 12 ULTIMATE U.P. ROAD TRIP

ome people say crossing into Michigan’s Upper THE SOO ANTLERS, Peninsula is like entering another country. SAULT STE MARIE | 804 E Portage Ave. sAnd while we’ve traveled enough of its high- There’s a lot to love at The Antlers, ways and two-tracks to know that you’ll find including fries and poutine. The most PALMS BOOK STATE PARK, popular is the Yooper Venison Poutine, MANISTIQUE | LAT the charming towns and friendly folks our which features a delicious house-made 46.004772000000003; whole Mitten is known for, we also agree the gravy and an awesome venison meatloaf LONG -86.385047 Upper Hand can seem like an otherworldly on top. Palms Book State Park is place. Maybe it’s all that wild beauty bound- home to one of the most ed by three Great Lakes. Or the expanses of CASTLE ROCK, fascinating sites in the U.P., old-growth forests you can’t find anyplace else. ST. IGNACE | N 2690 Castle Rock the Kitch-iti-Kipi spring. | [email protected] It could be the delicious regional foods, or all Road Michigan’s largest freshwater the places you can find to unplug and refresh Known as “Pontiac’s spring is 40 feet deep. Take the Lookout” by the Ojibwa, your sense of adventure. Whatever it is, we’re hand-cranked raft across to check Castle Rock is one of the out the underwater trees and fish. AMY SHERMAN AMY hooked. We invite you to sample these high- oldest lookout points lights of Michigan’s Best 2019 U.P. Road Trip. in the area. It rises 195 UPPER HAND BREWERY, feet and you can see for ESCANABA | 3525 Airport Road OUR ROAD TRIP BEGINS AT THE miles in every direction. Upper Hand Brewery was the dream MACKINAC BRIDGE of Larry Bell, owner of Bell’s All road trips start somewhere and it’s a safe COPPER HARBOR Brewery. They brew a completely bet that, unless you are already a Yooper, your Go all the way to the end of the unique lineup of beers here, all U.P. adventure will start and end by crossing Keweenaw Peninsula and visit Cop- with a U.P. theme. the Mighty Mac. This engineering marvel is a per Harbor. U.S. 41 starts here, then 5-mile span that connects Michigan’s Upper winds south through eight states FIND THE FULL 2019 ‘ULTIMATE U.P. and Lower Peninsulas. before ending in Miami. ROAD TRIP’ ON THISISMIBEST.COM

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 13 Sleeping Bear Dunes offers groundbreaking track chair program for hiking assistance

Some of the natural features that make Because the track chair is powered by a The program is just one of the measures Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore so battery that must be charged between uses -- Sleeping Bear Dunes and Friends of Sleeping stunning -- rolling hills, wilderness, moun- and not many trailheads offer electrical hook- Bear Dunes have undertaken to increase tains of sand -- can, at the same time, present ups -- currently it is only used at one spot in accessibility for people with disabilities or sdifficulties for visitors with mobility limita- the park: The 1.5-mile Bay View Trail loop, limited mobility; others include an accessi- tions. which winds through a meadow and woods ble kayak launch and fishing pier, accessible A new program, launched summer 2019, before reaching a scenic spot overlooking campsites, beach wheelchairs and beach is helping more people experience Sleeping Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. boardwalks, and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Bear’s beauty without barriers, by offering “That’s where the emotions run high,” trail. them free use of a motorized ‘track chair’ Esch said. “You hear your friends and family Maps of accessible locations and features designed to tackle tough terrain. talking about the views, but to actually be on can be found at the Friends of Sleeping Bear The program is run by the volunteer group a trail and come to that opening -- it’s just Dunes website, as part of the group’s mission | [email protected] Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, in part- emotional.” to help more visitors experience the park’s nership with the park. The group says the “Being there with friends adds to it, be- natural beauty. program is the first of its kind among national cause you have that joy of sharing the experi- “I use a wheelchair, so I use the track chair, parks. ence rather than saying, ‘You guys go ahead, and I can tell you from my experience: My The track chair is equipped with burly and I’ll just wait,’” Esch said. first time I went out on it, it was just over- BY EMILY BINGHAM EMILY BY treaded tracks, like those on military tanks. Using the chair is free, though a park pass whelming,” Esch said. “To be back out on a It also includes features like “tilt on the fly,” is required for entry to the national park. trail, in the quiet, to feel the breeze blowing a design that keeps the seat level, even when Visitors can find out more about the program -- it heals you. It heals your spirit.” traveling down or up a steep hill. and request a reservation at trackchair.org.

To be back out on a trail, in the quiet, to feel the breeze blowing -- it heals you. It heals your spirit. JEANNE ESCH

Photo courtesy Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 14 Michigan’s Beaver Island seeks international dark sky designation

itting some 30 miles from the ferry docks ignation from the International Dark-Sky the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce in Lake Charlevoix, Michigan’s remote Association. is currently working with Little Traverse Beaver Island has long been rich with an A dark-sky sanctuary differs from a Conservancy to create a publicly accessi- increasingly rare resource: Dark, unpollut- dark-sky park in that it is an exceptional ble dark-sky viewing area at the island’s ed night skies. distinction reserved for the planet’s dark- 116-acre Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve. s Now, a group is hoping to spread est, most remote, and often most ecologi- According to chamber director Paul Cole, the word about the island’s incredible cally sensitive places. that viewing area could be open as early stargazing -- by seeking to designate the Currently there are only 10 such sanc- as next year. entire island as an international dark-sky tuaries in the world, and only four in the Applying for official dark-sky status sanctuary. United States. So far only one location in from the IDA is a lengthy and complicated “Everybody that I know that comes Michigan has been granted any designa- process -- the earliest the Beaver Island here interested in astronomy is just tion from the IDA: Headlands Internation- group could submit an application would

| [email protected] absolutely amazed at how dark it really al Dark Sky Park near Mackinaw City. be the fall of 2020. The plan is for the is,” said William Markey, an astronomy Tapping into the interest in dark skies, group to evolve into a nonprofit -- and in enthusiast who has lived on the island for the meantime, Markey said, he and others nearly 40 years. “We really are the darkest are hoping to continue to gather support skies in Michigan.” from like-minded lovers of the night sky. EMILY BINGHAM EMILY Markey’s love for Beaver Island’s night “We’re looking to develop and we’re skies led him to become the volunteer recruiting,” Markey said. “We’re looking administrator for a Facebook group called for people with telescopes, people with Beaver Island Dark Sky Project: An unoffi- cameras.” cial group gathering research and support “The future is unknown, but there’s to apply for the dark-sky sanctuary des- immense interest,” he said.

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 15 First of its kind Vincentvan Gogh exhibition coming only to Michigan

ichigan will be the only place you can see a to obtain such a large number of loaned Van The DIA was actually the first public muse- first of its kind Vincent van Gogh exhibition. Goghs from museums and collections around um in the country to buy a painting by Van mThe exhibition focuses on how his art was the world,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA Gogh, his Self-Portrait (1887), acquired in introduced in the United States and how it director. “This exhibition is a once-in-a-life- 1922. was first received. time opportunity for residents of southeast The collection will exclusively be at the Michigan and beyond and will be an unforget- Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) from June 21 table experience for everyone who visits.” HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXHIBITION INCLUDE: through September 27, 2020. Sixty-eight The exhibit won’t just feature paintings. • The Bedroom, 1889, Vincent van Gogh, works by Van Gogh will be on display. The There will be drawings, prints and a 256- Dutch (1853–1890); oil on canvas works focus on the efforts made to show off page fully illustrated scholarly catalogue • Van Gogh’s Chair, 1888, Vincent van Gogh,

| [email protected] his art by promoters and his family in the authored by a number of international Van U.S. The exhibition will tell the story of how Gogh scholars. There will also be works by Dutch (1853–1890); oil on canvas the popularity of Van Gogh’s work evolved Post-Impressionist artists Paul Cézanne and • Undergrowth with Two Figures, 1890, Vincent over time during the first half of the 20th Paul Gauguin, in addition to 20th-century van Gogh, Dutch (1853–1890); oil on canvas century. European and American artists Raoul Dufy, EDWARD PEVOS EDWARD “This is a uniquely Detroit story, and only a Henri Matisse, Georges Ribemont-Dessaignes, Check out the DIA website for more information, museum the caliber of the DIA would be able and Joseph Stella. dia.org.

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 16 ‘Black GirlsRock’ celebrates women for their integrity, heart

Tracy Palmer owner of Trendsetters Productions

racy Palmer had a simple idea Palmer, owner of Trendsetters • TaWanna Anderson, that came from the heart — to Productions. Survivor Award trecognize strong, black women in “It warms my heart to see these • Marquitta Harris, her community. women feel so loved,” Palmer FAIMOUS Award As the Flint native saw ce- said. “I feel with these women. • Chia Morgan, Favor Award lebrities lauded time and time I love with these women. They • Ebonie Gipson, again with awards, it sparked deserve this. Black girls rock be- People’s Choice Award her to give the same attention cause we work hard. We are the • Kala Wilburn, Fashion Award Think like a queen. A and notoriety to 17 local women, minority, but we don’t let any- • Deria Brown, each uniquely driven to better thing stop us from being great.” Congeniality Award queen is not afraid to | [email protected] their hometown. With that motto, • Ashley Green, Grace Award “Black Girls Rock” was born. The list of women honored in • Shanise Ollie, Ebony Award fail. Failure is anoth- Each woman was given a 2019, includes: • Mama Sol, Poetic Justice Award er stepping-stone to

BY JAKE MAY JAKE BY hand-crafted trophy at the formal • Mari Copeny, • LaTashia Perry, evening event, complete with Junior Ambassador Award Children’s Choice Award greatness. performances by Adam Baker • Sharita Galloway, Agape Award • Danielle Green, and Cherisse Bradley. • Chantella Byrd, Bravery Award Pretty Girl Award OPRAH WINFREY “I just felt we needed to rec- • Karen Weaver, Merit Award • Pamela Loving-Copeny, ognize the everyday woman that • Brittany Willingham, Sister Humanitarian Award is working hard in the inner city Award trying to make a change,” said

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 17 Ann Arbor Distilling Co. releases new

Too much of anything is ‘Michigan bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough. Whiskey’ MARK TWAIN

n all-Michigan brand of blended whiskey “The last step in the launched in Ann Arbor in June 2019. process actually is tak- Ann Arbor Distilling Co. Managing ing cherry wood char- aPartner Rob Cleveland wanted to highlight coal … and that’s the Michigan’s resources and used local grains last thing we do, we run and wood to create Fox River Michigan the whiskey through the Whiskey. cherry wood,” Cleveland “We’re the first people to actually call it said. “It gives it a little bit ‘Michigan Whiskey.’ You’ll see people say, of a smoky hint … we’re ‘Made in Michigan.’ We made it all from using something that’s near | [email protected] Michigan crops. We used Michigan wood and dear to Michigan, which to filter it. This is entirely a Michigan is cherry wood.” whiskey.” Cleveland said. “We have all of The Fox River line of liquors these different crops available to us (and) has been around for several DANA AFANA DANA thought what would make this something years, but the idea to create unique to Michigan?” Michigan Whiskey was sparked in fall 2018, when distillers explored the various barrels they had. “When you’re taking a look at a blended whiskey ... you’re trying to create something based on the accumulation of a bunch of different parts,” Cleveland said. “You take something out of them individually ... if you put them together, maybe they’ll complement each other.” The name Fox River comes from an annual trip Cleveland and his friends take to the Fox River in the Upper Peninsula. “It’s a river that’s got a lot of great fishing. Me and three other guys went up there for about 25 years. (We) Cleveland hopes to see Michigan whis- always bring whiskey,” he said. key develop its own state-specific charac- His friends encouraged him ter and brewing guidelines, like Tennessee to make a whiskey they could whiskey or Kentucky bourbon. bring on their trips, rather “I’m sure we’re not going to be the last” than buying a brand outside to make Michigan whiskey, Cleveland said. of his own. The label features The distillery sought to give Fox River the latitude and longi- Michigan Whiskey a less sweet and more tude coordinates of their grain-flavored body by blending sever- campsite, and the initials al ingredients. The trick to finishing off “BARC,” for the names of the flavor is filtering it through Michigan the four friends, Brandon, wood. Art, Rob and Curtis.

FIND THE ORIGINAL STORY, PICTURES AND MORE ON MLIVE.COM

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 18 31 NOWLOCATIONS WITH 31 OFFICESSTATEWIDE STATEWIDE!

The world’s The world’s 2019 2019 first Healthable first Healthable hearing aid hearing aid

The world’s first hearing aid that tracks brain and body health Call to schedule your NO COST hearing evaluation to learn more about the Livio Al and other state of the art hearing aid instruments. BEST IN RECHARGEABLE TECHNOLOGY!

866-986-8033 WWW.HEARMICHIGAN.COM ANN ARBOR SAGINAW JACKSON 2736ALLEGAN JACKSON RD. 4600GRAND FASHION SQUARE RAPIDS BLV., STE. 204 GRANDVILLE2600 AIRPORT RD. GREENVILLEGRANDVILLE 305 THOMAS ST. 739 E. BELTLINE NE 4072 CHICAGO DR. 709 GREENVILLE4072 CHICAGO WDR. DR., MIDLAND PORTAGE KENTWOOD STE. 101 1519 W. WACKERLY 576 ROMENCE RD. 4232 29TH ST.., SE MUSKEGON FLINT-SWARTZHASTINGS CREEK FRANKENMUTHIONIA GRANDKENTWOOD RAPIDS 3145ZEELAND HENRY ST., STE 102 107 S. JEFFERSON ST. 537 W. MAIN ST. 4232 29TH ST. SE 400 S. STATE ST., STE. 260 6203 MILLER RD., SUITE B 975 MAIN ST. 739 E. BELTLINE NE 9507086-01 MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 19 LIKE A LOCAL

Discover diverse dining and exciting attractions, lively festivals and artsy neighborhoods, unexpected chill spaces and family play places all in the heart of Michigan. Love Lansing like a local and we promise, you’ll love Lansing as much as we do!

LANSING.org #LOVELANSING

9513063-01 MICHIGAN’S BEST | 3.29.20 | 20