With rumbling chugs and hissing steam the 1225 Pere Marquette rolled into “The North Pole” located in Ashley, Michigan. This remarkable 1941 steam engine had been Chris VanAllsburg’s inspiration for his well known story about a train journey, “The Polar Express.” Today, families board in Owosso, Michigan for the hour […]
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“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 […]
Dale Otto Remling, a charismatic criminal, had spent two years constructing his scheme for a third escape from prison. This elaborate plan involved a helicopter and three “get-a-way / decoy” cars. Join Chuck and I as we investigate Michigan’s malicious marauder and head to Jackson State Prison for this curious […]
Wait? What? Kalamazoo had once been the second highest producer of celery? Chuck and I had lived in Kalamazoo in the early 1990’s while attending Western Michigan University. Neither of us had known the important role that CELERY had played in the economy of K-zoo. Join us as we embark […]
A collection of flyswatters?!? I haven’t given these tools much thought, but when Chuck, my husband, and I entered the Kalamazoo Valley Museum we were captivated by the display of flyswatters! Some hung from the ceiling in front of three glass cases filled with many styles of these pest controllers. […]
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. […]
What a birthday gift! My husband, Chuck, was treating our family to a hot air balloon ride for my 50th birthday. My tummy fluttered with excitement! We couldn’t even imagine the views and fun we’d have when we arrived at Altitude Endeavors in Battle Creek! Following our safety briefing, we […]
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!