Colleen Stout

Last February, my husband and I broke down and bought a snow blower after 17 years. We were reeling from two harsh winters in a row. It’s a matter of pride for diehard Michiganders to shovel their own snow. But with both of us pushing 40, we decided we were done having sore backs from slinging the...
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Michigan is home to many companies that produce tasty foods and treats. Many are local favorites, but these seven Michigan brands have a national following, and are still produced in The Mitten State. Kellogg's - The Kellogg’s company was founded in Battle Creek in 1906. The headquarters is still...
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  Cold and snow transform Michigan into a winter wonderland. It brings with it a whole new season of adventure. Here are 9 ways you can experience the best of Michigan in the winter. 1. See an ice-covered lighthouse - Nothing is quite as breathtaking as a lighthouse that’s been encased in i...
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Most fans of Ernest Hemingway know he had a strong connection with Northern Michigan where he spent every summer until he was in his early 20s. He wrote about those places from his childhood in his semi-autobiographical Nick Adams stories, and the Michigan Hemingway Society holds its annual con...
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Yes, Michigan moms are tough. We’re resilient and resourceful. We can stuff one kid into snow pants and tie another’s scarf at the same time.  We can clear a vehicle of the night’s ice and snowfall in two minutes flat and get everybody to school on time in our four-wheel drive SUV, even thoug...
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You've probably finished off your turkey by now, and Christmas is just a few weeks away. Carols are playing, and we're trimming trees and decking the halls. Grab a cup of eggnog and read up on this Michigan Christmas trivia. It might come in handy as a conversation starter if you find yourself at a...
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Did you know Michigan ranks second in the country for the number of ski areas state-wide? Some of the best are located right here in Northern Michigan. The first significant snowfall of the year is forecast for this weekend, which means the 2015-16 Ski season is about to get underway. It’s time to...
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Add coffee to the long list of tempting artisan food products you'll find in Northern Michigan. When you come up this winter to enjoy a long weekend of skiing or shopping, be sure to stop by one of these coffee roasters for a hot drink to warm up. You can also take home some Michigan-made coffee to...
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Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family who love Michigan? Whether they call the Mitten State home or have fond memories of summer vacations swimming in the lake and playing in the sand, Grandpa Shorter's has something for them. Petoskey Stones - Michigan's state s...
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Temperatures set records and were anywhere from five to 20 degrees above average for four days in a row here in Michigan this week. Normally in the first week of November we’re bundled up in warm coats. Often snow is even flying. When you live in a place where winter can hang on for four to six ...
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