26 JUN 2024 · SEASON 6, BONUS PODCAST MJ - The Musical July 9-12, 2024 Broadway Grand Rapids More info: https://broadwaygrandrapids.com/mj In this podcast, John Gonzalez of Behind the Mitten interviews J. Daughtry, who plays Berry Gordy in the National Broadway Tour of "MJ - The Musical." He is a seasoned pro who came into theatre in a non-traditional way. He was teaching at a private school in Maryland, when his principal tapped him to fill in when the school's theater teacher suddendly passed away. They knew he could sing, but they didn't realize how talented he was. It was the school principal who pushed him to audition in New York. He has since performed on Broadway ("The Color Purple," "Beautiful," "Ain’t Too Proud") and also toured the country on National tours ("Miss Saigon," "The Color Purple," "Motown: The Musical"). He also continues to perform his music professionally and is a two-time Grammy nominee as well as a winner of multiple Stellar and Dove Awards. He is a graduate of Bethune Cookman University. He is a Theatrical, Gospel and R&B singer/actor on both stage and screen. He is originally from Bartow, Florida, and he talks about why loves about that part of the country. "MJ" is a multi Tony Award-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. It was created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.  "MJ" is making its Michigan premiere at the Devos Performance Hall in  Grand Rapids. PERFORMANCES - Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - 7:30pm - Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - 7:30pm - Thursday, July 11, 2024 - 7:30pm - Friday, July 12, 2024 - 7:30pm - Saturday, July 13, 2024 - 2:00pm - Saturday, July 13, 2024 - 7:30pm - Sunday, July 14, 2024 - 1:00pm - Sunday, July 14, 2024 - 6:30pm This Grand Rapids engagement is welcomed by Barnes & Thornburg, LLP; Corewell Health; Edify North; UFP Industries.

24 JUN 2024 · SEASON 6, EPISODE 25 With miles and miles of sugar sand, endless waves of fresh water, and absolutely no sharks, our beloved state of Michigan is a beach lovers paradise. This week’s show takes us to a few top-rated beaches, plus we talk with a beach concession queen, learn some water safety tips including what to do in a rip current, and interview the man himself, Dr. Beach. SEGMENT 1: Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach) literally wrote the book on beaches. He is currently the Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, a published author, and filmmaker. For over three decades, he has been visiting and evaluating beaches all over the world, as well as writing about climate change.   Now, we just assumed that he would be including the Great Lakes beaches on his searches, because WHY WOULDN’T YOU, but we were mistaken. He focuses on salty, shark-infested waters for his research and rankings, but it turns out that he HAS visited Michigan, and loves our beaches. He shares some of his top picks across the state, and both Amy and John ask the question: how do we get your job? Dr. Beach brings up a very important topic in his segment, which is beach safety. He brings up rip currents, which are prevalent on the Great Lakes, and talks about things to look for on the water in order to avoid them. If you are swimming in a Great Lake this summer, you need to know this information. https://www.drbeach.org/national-healthy-beaches-campaign SEGMENT 2: This leads into our second segment with Jim Gallie, the manager of Ludington State Park. He “dives deeper” into beach safety, giving us an excellent tutorial on escaping a rip current. Note: try not to panic, float or tread water, don’t fight the current, swim parallel to the shore until the current weakens. Ludington is one of our most popular state parks not just in Michigan but for the whole Midwest, with seven miles of sandy beaches, 21 miles of trails,and inland Hamlin Lake. A 1-mile stretch of the Big Sauble River runs through the park and dumps out into Lake Michigan. This beautiful and popular spot in the park, which many visitors adore because of the warmer water and shallow spots for splashing, can also be dangerous depending on conditions. Knowing before you go is key. https://www.michigan.org/article/beautiful-michigan-beaches-coast-coast SEGEMNET 3: Speaking of Ludington, we’ll do some more of that with our third guest. Brandy Miller, the executive director of the Ludington CVB joins us to share some news. After a very, very friendly battle with a certain city to the north, Ludington was named the SECOND best beach in Michigan by USA Today’s Top Ten, a popular national poll. We discuss this, plus events happening both on and off the beach in this lively tourist-y town this summer. SEGMENT 4: Finally, you know we have to talk about food on the show, or it just isn’t truly going behind the mitten, right? We meet Linda Dykert, known as the Queen of Conceesions at Holland State Park and the Ottawa Beach Store. She gives us the low-down on their famous donuts and sliders, how to properly eat at the beach, and just what is beach culture. We can’t wait to go visit Linda and soak up all this goodness. Our website is https://www.amyandgonzo.com/

19 JUN 2024 · SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE Recorded June 6, 2024 On this special Podcast, we close out our special Juneteeth show with Dr. David Pilgrim of Ferris State University.  He is one of this country's leading experts on issues relating to multiculturalism, diversity, and race relations, and is the founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery. The museum uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice and has over 20,000 artifacts. It's a difficult topic, but one that is very important to study and learn from. Dr. Pilgrim has personally collected most of the collection and has developed a traveling exhibit so more people can experience it.  On this Podcast he talks about the origins of the museum in the early '90s when he donated his collection to the University, and then moving into a larger space in 2012. Today he is also working on a permanent spot to house the collection on Ferris' campus. As for Juneteenth, he said the day represents a "celebration." He said a great historian once said, immediately after Emancipation, Juneteenth is an opportunity to "to celebrate, educate and agitate, and I think that's what it has always meant to me.... It's an opportunity to celebrate freedom. To educate people about the past... To get people's rights, like the right to vote."  Learn more about the Museum at https://jimcrowmuseum.ferris.edu/index.htm. https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s6-e24-juneteenth-in-michigan-june-15-16-2024--60410035 Follow John and Amy: Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten Twitter athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

17 JUN 2024 · It's a different kind of road trip this week, as we learn all about the Juneteenth holiday and talk with a variety of guests about different places around Michigan that hold special significance for African American history and culture. Juneteenth marks the final emancipation of slaves during the Civil War, on June 19 in Galveston Texas. Today, it is a day of celebration and education. We kick off the show with Chris Grier, who shares with us both the history and significance of the Juneteenth holiday. Grier is the historian for Idlewild, located near Baldwin, and known as the "Black Eden of Michigan. He was both born and raised at this special spot, and his grandfather was one of the founding members. We discuss the importance of Idelwild to it's members, and to the community as a whole. We also discuss how a certain movie brought attention to Idelwild's history, but also completely got the location wrong. Idlewild is in Michigan, not Georgia! Then, we meet with Cynthia Jones, who is the Director of Museum Experiences at https://www.thehenryford.org/explore/inside/rosa-parks-bus/ in Dearborn. Did you know that the bus that Rosa Parks sat down in and helped galvanize the Civil Rights Movement is right here? You can even climb on to experience history firsthand. We talk about why items of cultural significance are so important, and how The Henry Ford has integrated it into their exhibit "With Liberty and Justice for All". Annie Kelly from the https://www.battlecreekvisitors.org/ stops by and we discuss the long history the Underground Railroad had in this part of Michigan. Known as a safe stop for escaped slaves, usually on their journey to Canada and freedom, Calhoun County, which includes Battle Creek, Marshall and Albion, now boasts several tributes to this time in history. We talk about the Underground Railroad memorial that you can experience here, as well as a 12-foot-tall statue of activist Sojourner Truth, who ended up calling Battle Creek her home for the last decades of her life. We close out this special show with Dr. David Pilgrim of Ferris State University.  He is one of this country's leading experts on issues relating to multiculturalism, diversity, and race relations, and is the founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum. The museum uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice and has over 20,000 artifacts. It's a difficult topic, but one that is very important to study and learn from. Dr. Pilgrim has personally collected most of the collection and has developed a traveling exhibit so more people can experience it. He is also working on a permanent spot to house the collection on Ferris' campus.  Follow John and Amy: Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten Twitter athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

12 JUN 2024 · SEASON 6, BONUS PODCAST Welcome to a special Behind the Mitten podcast! BTM is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast, bringing you the best of the Great Lakes State since 2014. With over 600 episodes under our belts, we're thrilled to have you join us for a special treat from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso. This podcast includes additional interview from our June 8-9, 2024 show (https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s6-e23-all-aboard-a-love-affair-with-michigan-trains-june-8-9-2024--60325163). In it we take a closer look at the Pere Marquette 1225 in Owosso, a charming little town located a bit northeast of Lansing. Gonzo spent some extra time with volunteers, including Roger Scoville and Randy Paquette, former MSU students who started working on restoring the Steam Locomotive in 1970. They were members of the Michigan State University Railroad Club. Randy was member No. 2, and Roger was member No. 52. Today, some 50 years later and into retirement, they work as volunteers to keep this piece of American history alive so today's generation can learn from it. Jim said these trains "helped build this country dating back to the Civil War and through two World Wars." It's worth restoring, he added. This extended podcast includes interviews with Roger and Randy, as well as Dean Pyers, Executive Director of the Steam Railroading Institute. The Pere Marquette 1225 is best known for its relationship with the popular movie "The Polar Express." In fact, a film crew was on site to capture images, sound and video as it prepare for the movie. You will see some of that history in the museum. https://michigansteamtrain.com/north-pole-express/ also hosts the famous North Pole Express, a seasonal and extremely popular excursion based on a famous movie during the holiday season. This four-and-a-half-hour trip includes cocoa, and a visit to the Ashley Christmas Village, as well as a festive train ride. Stay tuned for ticket sales this summer. They sell out in advance. From individuals to large groups of school children, the Steam Railroading Institute is open to the public on select days from April to September for visits and tours. You can also book private charters, ride the 7.5 gauge mini-railroad, and experience other special train events. More information a https://michigansteamtrain.com/. Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to Behind the Mitten to find out! Follow John and Amy: Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten Twitter athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

10 JUN 2024 · This week we go railside, and explore the fascinating world of trains around Michigan. What we found was a dedicated, passionate group of people, some incredible machinery, lots of history, and one new restaurant.  We first meet Kyle Rosol, the general manager of the https://mitrain.net/, which is located just due west of Grand Rapids, about halfway to Grand Haven. His life-long passion for trains and railroads led him across town from Lowell to this dream job. The vintage train resides in Coopersville and travels a dedicated 7-mile track to Marne that was originally built in 1858. The historic cars do a 90-minute loop and a relaxing pace.  The extra cool thing about this train is that each voyage out follows some type of theme, many of them seasonal. Check out Rails and Ales, and enjoy a craft beer or wine and an appetizer as you travel, or do the Summer Train and learn about the history of the area. The most popular are the fall Pumpkin Train and Holiday Train in December, please plan ahead for these.  Also, reserve ahead of time, and do not miss the Great Train Robbery, which Kyle shared with us. All we'll say is that bandits takeover and a certain someone has to arrive by horseback to save the day, which sounds pretty exciting to us. Owosso, a charming little town located a bit northeast of Lansing, has always been a favorite of ours after spending some time here eating the best fried chicken we ever had at our beloved Lula's Louisiana Kitchen, which has sadly since closed by fire. Taking a walk through downtown offers cute shops, bakeries to pop into, an absolutely lovely green park, and one colossal piece of American engineering. https://michigansteamtrain.com/north-pole-express/ in Owosso is home to the mighty Pere Marquette 1225 engine, which pulls the famous North Pole Express, a seasonal and extremely popular excursion based on a famous movie during the holiday season. This four-and-a-half-hour trip includes cocoa, and a visit to the Ashley Christmas Village, as well as a festive train ride.   Situated on the site of the former Ann Arbor Railroad’s steam shops and roundhouse in Owosso, SRI’s mission is to educate the public about steam-era railroading in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. From individuals to large groups of school children, SRI is open to the public on select days from April to September for visits and tours. You can also book private charters, ride the 7.5 gauge mini-railroad, and experience other special train events. Matthew Buskard has been a long-time friend and restaurant colleague of Amy's from way, way back. It's always a very proud moment to have this restaurant empire owner on the show, knowing how hard he has worked to get here, with multiple locations of his https://bobcatbonnies.com/contact_lansing-2024/ popping up all over the state. His most recent spot just opened in the Lansing Train Station, which was formerly the home of Clara's. Matty Cakes tells us about the care they took in this renovation, maintaining many historical parts while consciously updating, which sounds kind of Goop-y but is decidedly not. He also gives us an update on the huge Michigan Central Station rebuild in Corktown by Ford, which sounds incredibly exciting for everyone, including his original location of Bobcat Bonnie's. Andrew Kercher, Community Engagement Manager and Historian for the https://www.phmuseum.org/, is another favorite guest, because his passion is just so apparent, and he makes learning effortless and fun. The museum family in Port Huron encompasses multiple locations, including the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Carnegie Museum, the Huron Lightship, and the Edison Depot. That last one is our focus on this show, where Kercher shares with us Thomas Edison's childhood in Port Huron and the importance of trains to this young entrepreneur. Plan a visit to this interesting spot this summer to experience history firsthand.  Follow John and Amy: https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten Twitter athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

6 JUN 2024 · This week on Behind the Mitten we are back on our beloved Mackinac Island, visiting with our friends at Mackinac State Historic Parks. We recorded this show on-site at Fort Mackinac, after hauling all of our recording equipment up that famous hill. It was completely worth it, as it always is.  Now, we will just start this off by saying that yes, we do fire off a historical cannon on this show. And yes, it was just as awesome as you can imagine. Fun fact we'll share: you can do it too. But before we get to that, we chat with a few friends about all you can experience at this premier state park.  Dominick Miller, chief of marketing and a BTM regular, stops by to tell us just a little bit about what to expect at the parks this season. It's always a great reminder that Mackinac State Historic Park encompasses more than just the fort on the island, there are six different locations to enjoy. If you are on the mainland, pay a visit to Fort Michillimackinac for incredible historic exhibits as well as working archeological digs you can observe. You can also visit Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, or have an amazing adventure, or even zip-line, at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. On the island, you too can hike up to Fort Mackinac, and we do recommend it. It's a quintessential pure Michigan experience, from learning about our history to watching historical interpreters, it's the most famous spot on the island and has been for hundreds of years. Downtown, stop by the Mackinac Art Museum or the Biddle House to dive deeper.  Craig Wilson, who joined the park in 2005 and is currently the chief curator at Mackinac State Historic Parks, enters the chat to tell us about the new exhibit at Fort Michilimackinac that will open later this summer. “Slavery at the Straights” focuses on what slavery meant during the 1770s here in Michigan, and it will be housed in the first new building erected at Colonial Michilimackinac since 2013. From the park website: Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, slavery was an integral part of the community at Michilimackinac, as well as the rest of Michigan. Enslaved Black and Native American men and women worked in all levels of society, doing everything from domestic work to skilled labor. Already a hub of the Great Lakes fur trade, Michilimackinac also served as the center of the regional trade in enslaved workers as French and British colonists exploited preexisting systems of Native American enslavement to feed a growing demand for enslaved labor. In addition, Wilson discusses the many outreach programs that Mackinac State Parks do in the off-season, bringing mobile exhibits to children throughout the state. It's a nice reminder that the Park's staff continues their important work documenting and sharing our Michigan history year-round and with all of our citizens.  The main man himself joins us for our third segment, which is all about that huge new Milliken Nature Center at Arch Rock. Steve Brisson, Director of Mackinac State Historic Parks explains why this is such a big deal, the natural wonders you'll learn about here, and how Big Gretch lobbied for the name. Also, you'll hear about the many new restrooms. Finally.....we will blow that cannon off with one of the Mackinac State Park historical interpreters, Jack Swartzinski. He's been up at the Fort for a few summers now, and is a true pro. Yes, they are wearing real wool uniforms, so please do ask them about them and what they feel like. Yes, they are holding replica muskets from the era, so have them explain how to load that crazy gun. Yes, these are professional historical reenactors and they honestly live for your interest and questions. Don't be shy, ask away. Which of course, we do during the final segment and then proceed to fire that cannon.  The thing about the cannon isn't the big boom, or the fact that you get to wake up all of Mackinac Island with it, although those two things are totally top-notch in our book. What is really interesting is learning the how and the why behind firing this piece of history from the interpreters. Their passion and knowledge about the fort and the straights is amazing, and to get to experience it first-hand is a total bucket-list experience.  Plan your visit to Mackinac State Historic Parks before you go with help right here. https://www.mackinacparks.com/ Follow John and Amy: Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten Twitter athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

30 MAY 2024 · On this week's episode of Behind the Mitten, we head to beautiful Bay City and meet up with a few friends who help us explore the city like a local. We've had a long time connection with this town on the sunrise side of the state, each of us for different reasons. The common denominator has always been the people of Bay City, and on this show, you get to meet a few of our favorites.  We start off with a little background about our personal connections to this nautical city, then we bring on our friends from D'Angelo's. Kellie and Dave Baranowski were first work acquantances of Gonzo, and then quickly became friends, which does tend to happen when you've visited their establishment for multiple food searches. D'Angelo's is known for thier award-winning pizzas, incredible hamburgers, fantastic fries......and one of the largest vegan menus in all of Michigan. Surprise! Who knew?  Kellie and Dave share some of their favorite things to do in the area when they have a rare day off. Of course, they recommend visiting a few other restaurants in town, including Bay City Bill's and Mussell Beach Drive-In. We introduced these business owners to each other years ago, and since then, they've all become not just friends, but relentless supporters of each other. So......we decided to just have them on too. Earl Bovia owns Bay City Bill's, a charming little joint where you can get a great Bloody Mary, as well as some local chit chat, and even check out a mini-replica of the Might Mac Bridge made by one of the bridge workers himself. We know, it seems like a lot, but for some reason it all just works perfectly in Bay City. Earl and Gonzo spent a few Detroit Lions games together this year, so we have to talk about that. We also discuss the upcoming Bay City Fireworks Festival, which happens 4th of July weekend, and which Earl is president of. He gives us the downlow on this event, and possibly his take on the Lions 2024 season. Last, but never least, our great friends from Mussell Beach Drive-In, Catie Belfry and Liz Larner, stop by to talk about this iconic Michigan gem. We never know where to start when we are here, do we go with a classic big breakfast complete with pancakes and eggs? Or do we do the Michigan lunch dance with some of the best coney dogs in the state? Or do we say let's just go for the gold and get a huge cone of ice cream? It's all possible at this family-owned spot, and what a family they are.  We are always excited to get back to Bay City, why don't you join us? Follow John and Amy: Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten Twitter athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

22 MAY 2024 · SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE Welcome to another exciting episode of Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast, bringing you the best of the Great Lakes State since 2014. With over 600 episodes under our belts, we're thrilled to have you join us for a special treat from the enchanting Mackinac Island. This Week's Destination: Mission Point Resort We took a delightful trip to the iconic Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, a place where history and luxury blend seamlessly. This week, we were in for a spectacular musical experience with none other than Yuri Pool and his incredible show, https://www.missionpoint.com/experiences#!/e/the-mccartney-years-134ef351/. Guest Spotlight: Yuri Pool of The McCartney Years Yuri Pool is the mastermind behind The McCartney Years, a world-renowned tribute act that brings the legendary music of Paul McCartney to life with stunning authenticity. Known for their spellbinding performances and attention to detail, The McCartney Years have captivated audiences around the globe, and now, they’ve brought their magic to Mackinac Island. Episode Highlights: - A Chat with Yuri Pool: We sat down with Yuri to discuss the inspiration and dedication behind The McCartney Years. Yuri shared how his love for Paul McCartney's music and his uncanny resemblance and voice have driven him to create a show that’s as close to the real thing as possible."It's an authentic, live concert experience of Paul McCartney's music from the Beatles to Wings,” Yuri explained. “What you're going to see is a show that goes back in time. It's almost as if you see Paul McCartney live in the 1970s. We perform on many of the original instruments that they played at the time. The lighting, the stage clothing, the harmonies, everything is live. Nothing is pre-recorded. And it's as if you step back in time and enjoy the music again or for the younger generation (they get to) enjoy it for the very first time.” - Behind the Scenes: We got a sneak peek into what it takes to recreate the magic of McCartney's 1970s tours. From vintage instruments to era-specific stage setups, Yuri and his band leave no stone unturned to ensure an immersive experience. - The Show Experience: Live at the Mission Point Resort Theatre, The McCartney Years deliver a dynamic, mesmerizing performance that’s family-friendly and accessible with tickets priced at just $25. Whether you're a long-time fan of Paul McCartney or discovering his music for the first time, this show is a must-see. https://www.missionpoint.com/experiences#!/e/the-mccartney-years-134ef351/ Why You Should Visit: Mission Point Resort isn’t just about luxurious accommodations and beautiful views; it’s also becoming a cultural hub on Mackinac Island. The collaboration with The McCartney Years is a testament to the resort's commitment to bringing top-tier entertainment to its guests. So, pack your bags and make your way to Mackinac Island for an unforgettable musical journey! Learn more about Mission Point Resort at https://www.missionpoint.com/. Stay Connected: Make sure to subscribe to Behind the Mitten on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates on our latest episodes and Michigan adventures. Thanks for tuning in, Behind the Mitten fans! We’ll catch you next time with more stories from the heart of Michigan. Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to Behind the Mitten to find out! Follow John and Amy: Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten Twitter athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

19 MAY 2024 · This weekend's show has us back on beautiful Mackinac Island. How lucky are we? We'll take you along with us as we kick off the show in the most Mac Island way possible.....by making fudge! Our good friend Carnell athttps://www.facebook.com/originalmurdicksfudge?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXMTdxgj8wKCWjL55SmjfQ7JjuikoOKbWEFml_Ga2CL_0WqsFBqz9ytq6s3vdwPfkaNTX_0mlqnxd5_hoi0tMLbFWLuzlVtfa_mi39HP5vOwGJp22vm37LSzicacy1JGuXeqVMSe7tBA07x0uGLWY_StdDx2HBaQQuogC-lv4TIixtneW4zuaj9k5RGnDV9JCvN7D4Udxl2g6uQi9ltWTwzqVtb6Wgxn5WdZApuWwWv9Q&__tn__=-%5DK-R welcomed us onto the fudge floor and let us give it a try, live on the air.Let's just say it is not as easy as these professionals make it look.Fudge making is both an art, and a science, and something that truly takes years to master. Knowing how the ingredients will react to different temperatures in both the air and on the marble slab, understanding the alchemy between butter and sugar, knowing the exact time and temp to pour the brittle....this is science. Having that perfect flick of the wrist while turning the fudge to get that perfect level of creaminess? That is the art. One of our favorite fudge artisans opens the show this week, our very good friend Carnell Samuel. He's been making magic at Orginal Murdick's for 24 years now. He shares his journey from his homeland of Jamaica to the island with us, and why he loves the island now. As always, he's "FRESH IN". Nicole and Andrew Doud run multiple businesses across downtown, all while raising the three nicest little boys you'll meet on the island, including their oldest son. Louie Doud, who recently has been "working" over athttps://www.facebook.com/originalmurdicksfudge?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU4i0H4n4O9YDBXnhvWBuF5UStMlHKWn-1KPCfudh4fmvVDum7-t-lmIa1EEqdHzXsC4TZVSZicaE5VmNa25nXV8W3tTl-J6-ZTw1HGWW_7ZXtyTY9DrIpdzwLBrqEQ-VwzaPQpAMJ9n0jlIQqGZGXn-2Ftqj3thwD3rxM2NRffHRwznto0yA-Cl2HlIkAsLj_hpAdQEYt2tMoO4FkVkveNWVNpe-D-D7FV1M8D-21t9w&__tn__=-%5DK-R, is already well on his way to master fudge maker.  Andrew shared a bit about what it's like raising their boys on the island on the show, and you definitely want to hear why Louie has been fired from Doud's, and now must find work across the street. Doud's Market has a storied history, both on-island and off. Doud's is America’s oldest grocery store and has been serving the locals, residents, and visitors of Mackinac Island since 1884. Stroll through their aisles to find not just delectables like rotis chicken, freshly baked pizza by the slice, hot coffee, marinated steaks, prepped veggies, wines, beers, and assembled meals.......but also tons of pictures documenting the long history of this bustling center of the island. We ALWAYS buy a lottery ticket when we are at Doud's....tune in to find out why. Also, be sure to stop byhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089186006206&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU4i0H4n4O9YDBXnhvWBuF5UStMlHKWn-1KPCfudh4fmvVDum7-t-lmIa1EEqdHzXsC4TZVSZicaE5VmNa25nXV8W3tTl-J6-ZTw1HGWW_7ZXtyTY9DrIpdzwLBrqEQ-VwzaPQpAMJ9n0jlIQqGZGXn-2Ftqj3thwD3rxM2NRffHRwznto0yA-Cl2HlIkAsLj_hpAdQEYt2tMoO4FkVkveNWVNpe-D-D7FV1M8D-21t9w&__tn__=-%5DK-R right up the street for a perfectly poured pint, some fish and chips, and a big helping of Irish hospitality. Named for Andrew's great-grandfather, the pub honors his memory with pictures of the many buildings that "Mackinac's contractor" built across the island. Well worth a stop, for every reason. We visitedhttps://www.facebook.com/themackinachouse?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWqFKRZOy7ynOQq-OhUP-H7HDkO5Fg-S_M17iGNM7OLWiLUbzjU2bbpnP-sNC61baRZvR5pfmpqaSMrwfLeONCMXe34NweXeKg8YndN65mFMiWLPUihwvei_xG1GLFdPksg_CiMXeWQBHP_ohSgu0o3KxQwzNIUVJ-fPyOe_TXmbdEIaVSJTkm34g2x2C7mgOUAnH3lD6z0RSyCIbUXTVJBbHSI1IeTCyO5Sj-ZeJpmZA&__tn__=-%5DK-R a luxury boutique hotel located just steps away from Main Street, but in a whole new world on Market Street, and chatted with general manager Alyssa. Removed just enough from the hustle and bustle of a busy summer day downtown, this charming inn offers 19 stunningly beautiful rooms to enjoy. The hard-working staff is ready to welcome you with a generous breakfast, plus yummy snacks throughout the day. Guests feel welcome to relax on the porch and watch the carriages go by, or use the inn as a base for exploring the island.We could spend days lounging on this porch. "Inspired by a love of Mackinac Island and the simple delights that make it home, Nicole Doud took a leap of faith and opened Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island in May 2009. She had little retail experience at the time, but Nicole knew her weekend shopping trips to cute stores and small towns with mom growing up had to count for something. Things like using a cash register were eventually learned, but traveling the country and our beautiful state for unique gifts was something Nicole knew how to do by heart. Now entering its fifteenth year, Little Luxuries has blossomed into a charming gift shop that’s filled to the brim with home accents, body products, stationery, accessories, handmade goods, and more. We carry more than 200 vendors from across the country. Our store celebrates the spontaneous discoveries that happen when you slow down, stroll around, and embrace life’s simple joys." This is the store where you can wander around for hours, and always find something incredibly cute on the next shelf. Unique gifts galore, special island mementos, gorgeous goods from around Michigan....they have tchotchkes for any and all. Plus the staff is top-notch! We think that thehttps://www.facebook.com/SiPnSaiL?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVBXqWOgrz3dr4uwqcm4wof5CsWe2_T1-0XrMj4oAU82ruMuH-nh_jtvxbVurB7JDvKgLEnReH2zd7BwSOapGTC8G1_-kLyllzrvu34t_kRIdfJnydOsGMwQv7vLtjrJKx9C9Wsmh_dzJKlqdbes-TUijmLgrbEdAqIyaZ7SMi7b6MIJy-Snh8UiQ1Gk0xoM5BzXgKbx85Vbsmw59wrrIWhDdyEW4_tMOZXCo4fv5mqfA&__tn__=-%5DK-R is one of the coolest things you can do on the island, whether it is your first visit, or number one hundred.Since 2015, The Isle Royale Queen III has been owned by partners Veronica Dobrowolski, Co-Owner and CEO of Arnold Freight Company and Andrew and Nicole Doud, owners of Doud's Market and Little Luxuries retail stores. This historic ship used to sail on Lake Superior starting in the 1950s, ferrying people to Isle Royale. She made her way to Mackinac Island and now welcomes guests seven days a week in season. There are multiple cruising options, and something for everyone, from young to old. The classic Sip N' Sail Sunset Cruise is a favorite, hop on board to enjoy a craft beverage, live music, and a stunning sunset under the Mighty Mac. Or choose a Sunday Morning Mimosa Cruise, which from personal experience we can say is a great time. Special cruises featuring Michigan beer, bourbon, live music and history presentations are also available, plus you can book this boat privately for your own special party.Seeing the island from the water is truly a special treat, and so is cruising on the Isle Royale Queen. We highly encourage you to book this incredible experience in advance, so you won't miss out on its awesomeness. Mackinac Island is a Michigan gem any time of the year, we hope you’ll discover something new there this year. Follow John and Amy: Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten Twitter athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/