Focus On: The Rusty Pelican

The story of the Rusty Pelican actually begins in Illinois, where Northern Michigan native Cassie Meredith was living at the time. Since she wasn’t from the area, she looked for a fun side job that would allow her to meet people and ultimately settled on a job at the Galena Cellars tasting room.

Focus On: North Star Gardens

Gearhart’s legacy grew, and after more than 75 years, North Star Gardens remains a family-owned Northern Michigan business. Now, at almost 1,000 acres with multiple locations, North Star Gardens has become a trusted source for home gardeners, landscaping engineers, and outdoor design professionals across the region.

Regional Feature: Black Birch Design + Build

At the suggestion of a neighbor, the family hired Black Birch Design + Build, owned and operated by principals Justin Roberts and Matthew Chaperon, to fulfill their vision for an Adirondack Craftsman-style cottage.

The Butter Barn Offers a Unique Shopping Experience

ust off US 23 in the small town of Ottawa Lake, the Butter Barn is a unique monthly shopping destination. Part pop-up boutique and part-antique and flea market, the Butter Barn features hand-crafted farm tables, refinished and repurposed furniture, and an ever-changing trove of treasures that have been carefully cultivated into new vignettes and seasonal displays each month.

Regional Feature: Conquest Builders

A complete, down-to-the-studs remodel and addition by Conquest Builders, the home went from a dark and closed-off three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath weekend cottage to an open and welcoming five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath haven for family and friends to gather.

Focus On: Little Bay Boards

Jason Thelen, the owner of Little Bay Boards, had no idea that by building his daughter one wooden paddleboard, he would end up launching a business. On his search for an eco-friendly paddleboard, he learned that most foam and fiberboard pieces would last no more than ten years before starting to break down.

Guardian Gals, Inc.

Nearly 20 years ago, Guardian Gals, Inc. founder Abby Hamilton recognized the need for a program to engage women from early adolescence to young adulthood in activities that promote healthy hearts and lives. More specifically, its mission states, “to actively engage girls and women to ignite positive personal growth and connection.”

Out and About: Arts, Science, and Sports “Team Up” in Mid Michigan

Renowned for its trademark of uniting science and art, the Alden B. Dow Museum in Midland is adding athletics to the line-up this fall, with the STEM Center Science of Sports exhibit September 14 through January 5, 2020.

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