“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 […]
Local Travel
72 posts
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 […]
Who has left a permanent impression on your life? Well, Feodor Protar had made a lasting impact on the islanders who have called Beaver Island their home. His log cabin has been made into a museum and stone walls stand guard over his gravesite. A century after his passing, Feodor […]
Join DaViking (my husband, Chuck) and I as we search for the 33 markers commemorating an ancient trail from Cadillac to Traverse City, The Old Indian Trail. Evidence found along the 55 mile trek has been dated to 700 B.C.E. This passage had been used by the Hopewells and then [...]
Tulip Time! I had received a text from my husband, Chuck, “4:15 Dinner at Boatwerks?” Boatwerks is a restaurant in Holland, Michigan. He had been volunteering on the 1810 replica ship, Friends Good Will, in Holland for Tulip Time. “YES!” I replied. The Michigan Maritime Museum had sailed their wooden […]