Fall 2025
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2025 Best of Blue Awards
Our first-ever readers’ favorites poll takes us to all corners of the Great Lakes State, showcasing everything from top festivals to popular lighthouses and who builds the prettiest cottages.
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Tasting Room
The grapevines that cover Old Mission Peninsula’s slopes hang heavy with fruit in autumn, and their leaves take on a golden-green cast. Against a backdrop of blazing fall foliage, vineyard crews make their way along the tidy rows of fruit, moving from one vine to the next, pulling clusters of ripe grapes and dumping the harvest into bins for transport to winery crush pads.
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Creating a Stir
About 12 years ago, Yumna Jawad decided she wanted to learn to cook well. A graduate of the University of Michigan’s business school, Jawad, a marketing research manager, had been working in her chosen field for a number of companies as a contract consultant. “I’d get a project, complete it, turn it in, and move on to the next project,” says Jawad, who was born in Africa and moved to Dearborn as a young child.
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Keep Your Windows Open
I’ve entered a lot of wildlife sightings into my tiny, 3- by 2-inch nature journal this year at our northern Michigan cottage. I can read the dates and times we’ve spotted eagles, snapping turtles, muskrats, bass, heron (both the great blue and the green), and belted kingfishers. As I flipped through the pages recently, I […]
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Sky, Sand and Surf
From the unspoiled, remote Alaskan wilderness to the vast waterways, lush wetlands, and picturesque coastal areas of South Florida, seaplane pilot David Stawinski has soaked in hundreds of miles of nature’s splendor from his favorite vantage point.
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Waterfront Charms
From its get-away-from-the-crowds location along the eastern shore of Lake Charlevoix, Boyne City offers visitors a vibrant small town to explore
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Feasting on History
The dinner I recently enjoyed at The Continental at Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores was heavenly, to be sure. My main course was roasted airline chicken, a citrus-brined, oven-roasted, super-tender delicacy with Michigan cherry and asparagus risotto and a mushroom Diane sauce. Wow. You can be sure there wasn’t a single bite left.
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Notebook
Delamar Traverse City Open Maison, a new all-day café, has opened in Traverse City’s Delamar hotel. The former bistro space is now a warm, inviting hub that blends northern Michigan hospitality with European café culture. Maison serves up fresh pastries from The Mill in Glen Arbor and small-batch coffee by Panther Coffee. It also offers […]
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Refined Refuge
Downtown Saugatuck’s charming Wickwood Inn presents finery around every corner
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French Lessons
Renovated home on Diamond Lake is the perfect escape
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Field Guide
Exploring Michigan: Tips, trends, and tidbits
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Woods and Water
Living the dream on Bass Lake
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Houghton Lake Country
Reflections on how the fall season introduces itself to those who love one of north-central Michigan’s most popular regions
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Falling for the U.P.
This photographer’s favorite autumn splash zone sparkles within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
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Ancient Wonders
Visitors often feel like they’re time-traveling to the Paleozoic Era when hiking the Ledges Trail along the Grand River
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Trek a Land Conservancy Gem
Enjoy the serenity, hidden paths, and the Rapid River beauty at Seven Bridges Natural Area, north of Kalkaska.
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The Windemere Caper
A writer reflects on her exciting visit to author Ernest Hemingway’s family cottage
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Photo Essay
There are many ways to absorb the astounding fall color enveloping the beautfiul Au Sable River, especially if you take River Road National Scenic Byway out of downtown Oscoda. It’s peppered with trails and overlooks, including the one shown here — Highbanks Trail. The river is considered a blue ribbon fishing stream, and is teeming […]
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Positive Outlook
When artist Emily Wells was 8 years old, she landed her first commissioned work of art. “I would go around to classmates and say, ‘I’ll draw a cat for you for 10 cents; you just have to tell me if you want the eyes open or shut,’ ” Wells says with a laugh. The Grand […]
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Experience the Fall Delights of Pure Ludington this October
As fall paints the Lake Michigan shoreline, Ludington comes alive with color, charm, and adventure. Fall is the perfect time to explore scenic trails, explore the charming downtown, and discover historic landmarks. From family-friendly fall fun to relaxing getaways and outdoor adventures, Ludington offers something for every season seeker. Fall Lodging Special: Half-off this October […]
