Chirps of birds had threaded through the branches early one June morning as we strolled along the path at Palms Book Park near Manistique. The buzzing insects had answered the bird calls as Chuck and I stepped quietly, clad in our bug shirts. Suddenly the glassy water of Michigan’s largest […]
Local Travel
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I’d like to introduce you to Bob and Karen Wiltse, a most dynamic pair! They call themselves, “Serial Entrepreneurs.” Over the past decades this visionary couple has creatively carved their own life path through innovation and hard work. Bob and Karen had invited us to stay at their off-the-grid, lighthouse […]
The Grand River, Michigan’s longest waterway, stretches 262 miles from Jackson to Lake Michigan. This road of water has been the lifeline of commerce and transportation for over 10,000 years. Come along with us from Jenison to Grand Haven as we explore this entrancing river, the river boats and the […]
“Let’s say the intro from a distance, so you can see the whole Bronner’s store in the background.” Chuck had suggested as we had been capturing video footage of Christmas traditions around Michigan for our Restless Viking YouTube channel. Bronner’s is the largest Christmas store in the world located in […]
Have you ever wondered about the enormous Christmas tree that stands in front of our state capitol? This year’s story is especially touching. Join my husband, Chuck, and I as we follow the journey of this year’s state Christmas tree. Let’s begin in Onaway, Michigan which is located in the […]
Just south of Saranac in Ionia County sits the first roadside table. Allan Williams’ vision in 1929 has enhanced our travels even today. Join my husband, Chuck, and I as we stop at this site and learn more about how a single individual can make a difference for our nation. […]
McCourtie Park Have you ever been inside an authentic speakeasy? Join my husband, Chuck, and I as we were given a spontaneous tour of the Rathskeller complete with bullet proof doors, secret underground parking and a full bar. On the same property we strolled McCourtie Park where seventeen faux bois […]
Join Poppins and DaViking as they search for the secrets of Mystery Valley!
A wise horse, Old Sam, who had served in the Civil War, now has plaques and a grave marker in Coldwater, Michigan where he’d been born. Old Sam’s story is one of dedication and bravery. How did he become a Civil War hero? Where is Old Sam buried? His burial […]
The summer mugginess hung around us as we strolled around Kalamazoo. My husband, Chuck, and I often return to the city where we’d met decades ago at WMU. “Hey, isn’t that the abandoned building we’d climbed into?” Chuck mentioned. We noted how the painted brick had been sandblasted to reveal […]