Under the Radar – Michigan Episode 112
Episode 112: “1 Block South of the Blinking Yellow Light”
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 112
Houghton Lake / Marquette
On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, Tom Heads for Houghton Lake and one of Michigan’s oldest and largest winter festivals … Tip Up Town. While there, you’ll discover that there’s a lot more going on than just ice fishing. Next you’ll head back up to Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula to visit a fascinating snowmobile museum; find out where they make the legendary Stormy Kromer hat; and experience the U.P. 200 … a grueling 200 mile dogsled race that runs right through the streets of downtown Marquette.
Under the Radar – Michigan Episode 111
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 111
Hamtramck / Frankenmuth
On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, Tom takes viewers on a trip to Disneyland … but this one’s in Hamtramck, and it’s one of the most colorful and eclectic collections of Americana you’ll ever see. Tom also gets hip at a retro, resale shop called Detroit Threads, and eats at a Mexican/Asian fusion restaurant … Then Tom will show you how to become German in Frankenmuth, and take viewers to an international festival where they literally turn snow into a show.
Under the Radar – Episode 110: “Farewell to Arms”
Under the Radar-Episode 110: “Farewell to Arms”
Detroit & Petoskey
DETROIT:
This week Under The Radar Michigan goes back to the Motor City to find out how The Sphinx Organization is literally changing the faces of symphony orchestras around the world … We’ll also discover the best French crepes outside of Paris, and see African beads over a thousand years old.
PETOSKEY:
Then we head north to Petoskey to stay at the historic Perry Hotel … We’ll also stop by American Spoon to see how it all started, and taste natures best preserves. We’ll dine like kings at Chandler’s experience some of Michigan’s most inspired artists at The Crooked Tree Art Center … and “almost” have a drink with the great, late Ernest Hemingway at The City Park Grill.
Under the Radar – Michigan Episode 109
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 109
Boyne City & Rochester
FIRST STOP, BOYNE CITY:
You’ve heard the expression “art imitates life, well, in this episode, you will see how “art” changed the lives of a lot of people in Boyne City. You’ll also meet a custom boat builder who ships (pun intended) his boats all around the world, and see a view of Lake Charlevoix that’s totally worth the climb. Just ask Tom, he’s still out of breath.
NEXT STOP, ROCHESTER:
Then, Under The Radar travels to Rochester where Tom helps light up the town “literally” with the Rochester Bright Lights Festival. Tom then visits the only certified organic restaurant in Michigan, finds a bit of Poland in Michigan and then gets gnarly and tries not to break anything at the South Street Skate Park.
Under the Radar -Episode 108: “ A Tale of Two Tawas’ ”
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 108
TAWAS & EAST TAWAS, MONROE
FIRST STOP, TEWAS CITY and EAST TAWAS:
This episode has everything from culture and kites, to food and a fantastic boat trip. Under The Radar travels up to Tawas City and East Tawas for a tale of two cities that when combined, make one great place to live work and play. Tom takes a fascinating boat trip to Charity Island.
NEXT STOP, MONROE:
We finish our Michigan adventure in Monroe, a beautiful city with great history, and wonderful people. You’ll visit a boutique hotel that will blow your mind; get a dose of the rich history of the area; and hear from two local artists that are putting a creative eye on Monroe. Tom also discovers two gourmet restaurants that are worth the drive to Monroe, no matter how far away you live.
Then, once back on the mainland, show you the only full service resort in Michigan that’s on Lake Huron. After all that, Tom still finds time to fly a kite, and sample some of the best beef jerky on planet earth.
Under the Radar – Michigan Episode 107
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 107
MUNISING/ANN ARBOR
FIRST STOP, MUNISING:
Under The Radar Michigan travels to the best kept secret in the upper peninsula beautiful Munising. In Munising you’ll visit the incredible Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore, hike to scenic waterfalls that are right in town, and watch Tom sample the best (and only) whitefish sausage he’s ever had. You’ll also discover where you can get a gourmet meal to go, on your own pontoon boat out and around the Pictured Rocks.
NEXT STOP, ANN ARBOR:
Next, host Tom Daldin travels to the home of The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is a very comfortable and intellectual place, where people are passionate about learning, and independent thought; and boy, do they love good food, In Ann Arbor, Tom discovers why a meal at the restaurant, Afternoon Delight, is totally worth the wait; and were Bo Schembechler always went to make sure he looked good for game-day. Then, you’ll see how Zingerman’s Deli has created a food culture that’s become almost a way of life for a lot of people, and find out about a wonderful place you can take the kids, where they can touch everything.
Under the Radar-Michigan – Episode 106: “Never Leave a Man Behind”
Episode 106: “Never Leave a Man Behind”
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 106
Sault Saint Marie & Cheboygan
Home to Breathtaking Waterways and Rich History
FIRST STOP, SAULT SAINT MARIE:
Host Tom Daldin drives to the northeastern end of the UP to visit scenic Sault Saint Marie, a town with many claims to fame. Having been established in 1668, Sault Saint Marie bears the title of ‘oldest city in the Midwest.’ It’s also home to the Soo locks. Visitors in every part of town can see the giant freighters passing through from the beautiful, tree-lined streets downtown.
Those interested in eating great food as well as taking in the sights can head downtown to Karl’s Cuisine, where every meal is made from scratch. Everyday, Chef Karl and his wife, Paula, bring food from simple to spectacular, making it good for the soul while making sure it’s still good for you. Restaurants like theirs, which nurture customers as well as the community, have earned Sault Saint Marie the title ‘Best Food town in the Midwest’ this year.
For art lovers, deeper into town is an art gallery, which upholds the mantra of ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’. For 30 years, owner and artist, Greg Steele, has been showcasing his creative handiwork. What others discard, he turns into unconventional art. Visitors will be fascinated by his ability to take the simplest materials—such as radio dials, gears, pieces of copper, old cameras—and craft them into something new.
Sault Saint Marie’s connection to the water surrounding it is unmistakable. Nowhere is this more evident than by The Soo Locks, the busiest waterway in the world. Giant ships come from all over the world to pass through them, and more cargo goes through the Soo Locks than the Panama and Suez Canals combined. For those wanting to get a closer look, tours of the freighters, such as the 500 feet S. S. Valleycamp, are available, giving a real sense of what it was like to live on a giant freighter. On the S.S. Valleycamp, you can see the perfectly preserved upper deck and then descend into cargo bay, which has been turned into a maritime museum with cool exhibits—such as a life boat from the Edmund Fitzgerald.
History buffs have many places to visit in Sault Saint Marie. The town has its share of beautiful historic churches from the 1800s, which were built out of sandstone that came from the canal. There’s also the city courthouse, which still has its original stone and oak. Another notable site is Sault Saint Marie’s hydroplant. At a quarter of a mile in length, it holds the title of the longest hydroplant in the world. If you want to get a bird’s eye view of the entire town and the canal, head up to the Tower of History. At 210 feet in height, this observation tower grants visitors an unparalleled perspective of all Sault Saint Marie has to offer.
For a perfect way to end the day, take a twilight walking tour at the city park. Led by longtime residents, Jim Cooley and his wife, Mary, these tours act as reminders that Sault Saint Marie is a place where you can take in the smell of the cedars, hear the ships, and listen to the wind off the lakes. Discovering this town is an experience to be savored, not rushed.
CHEBOYGAN: LOGGING TOWN TURNED HIDDEN TREASURE
Formerly known as one of the greatest logging towns in the Midwest, Cheboygan is now a haven for people who love to live and play by the water. Located at the tip of the Lower Peninsula, just east of Mackinac City, Cheboygan is a town that stays rooted in its history while reinventing itself in the present.
Tom’s first stop is the Cheboygan Opera House, home to not only great performances but also great history. The opera house has been burnt down twice in the past, but each time, the town’s dedicated residents have resurrected and reconstructed it into the venue that it is today. Though the exterior has been modernized, the townspeople kept its interior authentic to what it would have looked like when it was originally built in 1877—stepping inside its doors is like stepping back in time.
For a daily dose of art, stop by the Gildner Gallery, where’s there’s a vast array of art to take in—from acrylics, to mixed media pieces, to watercolors. Located on top of The Coop Flower Shop, the gallery is a welcoming place for art and artists of every variety, and its owner, Ann Gildner is always on the lookout for artists that offer new and original works.
Right off Mullett Lake, just outside of Cheboygan is Tom’s last stop and one of Northern Michigan’s hidden treasures known as the Hack Ma Tack Inn. Along with so many sites in Cheboygan, the Inn has its own colorful history. The Inn was originally constructed as a hunting and fishing lodge in 1894, but was eventually transformed into a gourmet restaurant and inn. What has stayed constant are the beauty and lushness of the grounds surrounding it as well as its constant stream of visitors. After partaking of a delicious meal, those interested in exploring can visit its bell tower, take in the hand-crafted décor (such as carved fish and canoes) made by local artists who were deeply involved in the Inn’s creation, or even head to the dock to enjoy a quiet walk by the lake.
Under the Radar – Episode 105: “Shut your Pie Hole”
Episode 105: “Shut your Pie Hole”
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 105
Traverse City: Where High Class Spirits Meet a Small-Town Vibe
Host Tom Daldin ventures to beautiful Traverse City, located at the base of Traverse Bay in northeastern lower Michigan. It’s a city that boasts a great downtown area that is filled with wonderful restaurants and is known for its exceptional spirits—specifically, vodka.
It’s a little known fact that Traverse City produces the top 6 best vodkas in the world. To investigate, Tom visits the Grand Traverse Distillery, which produces these high-class spirits. One visit is all it takes to see why it has been the proud winner of numerous blind-tasting events and how it has developed into a local institution, simultaneously elevating the status of Michigan products the world-over.
Traverse City is also home to an already iconic Michigan product: the cherry. The National Cherry Festival, now in its 84th year, attracts million of visitors, and has helped Traverse City earn its title as the cherry capital of the world.
Port Austin: A Town for Families, Kayak Adventurers, and Food and Art Lovers
Located in the tip of Michigan’s thumb is Port Austin, a town that greets families with a happy and relaxed atmosphere, sandy beaches, picturesque piers, beautiful bed and breakfasts, and a wonderful downtown filled with shops all within walking distance.
Families that want to get a taste of the quaint, cozy side of Port Austin can stay at ‘The Little Yellow Cottages,’ whose location in the heart of town leaves visitors with only a short walk to the parks, pier, and shops.
Art lovers can enjoy the creations of Dave Thuemmel, a dairy farmer turned Port Austin’s premier woodturner. A life-long resident, Dave has perfected his technique of handcrafting greenwood into usable, unique art. One look at his finely and painstakingly made creations shows how the simplest materials can be used to bring out greenwood’s natural beauty.
Under the Radar-Episode 104: “Does it or Does it NOT”
Episode 104: “Does it or Does it NOT”
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 104
Marquette
Where a Beautiful Waterfront, a Great Meal, and Quirky Creativity Meet
Host Tom Daldin, of Under The Radar Michigan reminds viewers that the best vacation doesn’t have to include a trip to the airport. A day’s drive will take you to lovely Marquette, nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near the southern shores of Lake Superior.
A hilly college town, Marquette’s downtown area bustles with a hum of friendly energy and is filled with character and charm. A walk along the waterfront reveals beautiful homes that were once old factories—providing great photo opportunities as well as showing the city’s transformation.
If you love authentic Cajun/Creole food, you won’t want to miss “Laginappe – A Cajun Creole Eatery”. Master Chef Dan has taken special care to bring Louisiana’s finest culinary favorites and Bourbon street essence to downtown Marquette. His black beans and rice and traditional shrimp jambalaya will leave you saying, “Wow!”
Marquette is also a creative hub where an artist with creative materials, combined with a unique artistic approach can fashion every day items into quirky and beautiful art. One such resident is Andy Gregg, a former cyclist turned artist who displays his unique, one-of-a-kind chairs, stools, and tables made entirely from old bicycle parts. Marquette also boasts the wonderfully bizarre Lakenenland, a free drive-through art exhibit of industrial scrap yard art. These beautiful, freaky, and unique creations of scrap machine metal are a must-see for those looking to complete their Marquette experience. Feeling creative yourself? Be sure to visit “Hot Plate,” a paint your own pottery store which allows visitors to relax, have fun, and produce something they can be proud of!
Alpena
Dinner with Ghosts; The Twin Sinks and Shipwrecks
Under The Radar Michigan then travels to the city of Alpena. More than the cement capital of Michigan, Alpena offers comfortable urban spaces filled with beautiful neighborhoods and historic homes all within walking distance of the shoreline.
Hungry adventurers may want to try the “John A Lau Saloon,” which offers great meals, cold beverages, and cool ghost stories. Enjoy the authentic saloon style dining, but watch out for the ghost who is said to haunt the building, and is not afraid to let you know if you’re not wanted. If you’re looking for a dining experience with a little less
Under The Radar-Michigan – Episode 103: My Guitar is worth $12.50
Episode 103: My Guitar is worth $12.50
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 103
In the third episode of “Under The Radar – Michigan”, host Tom Daldin asks viewers to revisit the city of Detroit, a city that is coming back to life with its new businesses, restaurants, and entertainment centers. New strips popping up across the city help this historic city thrive once again, and Detroit’s historic entertainment district offers something for everyone, especially if you love jazz. Cliff Bells, a restored jazz club from the 1930s, offers great food, classic cocktails, and amazing musicians to transport you back to when jazz was king and elegance was everything.
“Under the Radar – Michigan” then travels to our state’s capitol in Lansing. This city isn’t only for housing our government however. Along with the historic museums, libraries, and courts, Lansing has a brand new city market and Old Town, filled with young business and old (like the 3 quarters of a century old Peanut Shop, which boasts every kind of nut imaginable), combining history with the present to create the future. One of the most famous places to visit in Lansing however, is Elderly Instruments, housing one of the largest collections of stringed instruments in the world. This internationally renowned music store specializes in new, used, vintage, and rare instruments and is used by many famous musicians from all over the world. If you play a stringed instrument, or are just interested in music at all, Elderly Instruments is the place to go!
Tom’s last stop takes him to the rolling countryside of Battle Creek. This home of the Kellog company displays history in it’s 100 year old buildings while also combining beautiful river walks and city living. The biggest attraction in Battle Creek however, is the Binder Park Zoo. Rated one of the best zoos in America, The Binder Park Zoo’s Zuri National Park offers a chance to travel to Africa right from Michigan! Take a tram to an authentic African village and hike through forests and plains filled with African wildlife. Don’t forget to stop to feed the giraffes!
Under the Radar – Michigan-Episode 102
Under the Radar – Michigan
Episode 102
Episode 102 of “Under the Radar Michigan,” is loaded with good food, phenomenal people and fabulous hot spots to stop and rest a spell. Tom Daldin takes you through the thriving city of Grand Rapids, where he explores the following: the B.O.B (aka The Big Old Building) an old grocery warehouse turned into the city’s main entertainment center.
“Under The Radar- Michigan” travels next to the city of Cadillac, which prides itself on being a great place to live and a great place to play! Many new businesses are coming into the new main street area, such as the large and whimsical Toy Town, which local business owners believe really contributes to the city’s growth. You’ve got to see the first class European style hotel in the Herman’s European Café & Hotel which lets visitors unwind after a day of fishing, hiking, and boating.
Tom’s third stop takes him to the lake town of Port Huron, with its large boardwalk, lake front homes, and plenty of boating activities, making it the Maritime capital of the Great Lakes. The main attraction however is the United States Coast Guard Cutter Bramble. Part of the Port Huron Museum program, the Bramble allows groups of 20 people to experience what it would be like to live and sleep on a Coast Guard Cutter. These three destinations are only the beginning. Michigan has over 10 million people, 300 cities, 260 villages, and 1200 townships. With “Under the Radar Michigan”, audiences will discover them all.
In addition to being an Emmy award winning actor, producer, writer, Tom’s also a Michigan enthusiast who’s traveled to every part of the state, leaving no stone unturned and no destination uncharted. During his travels, he’s uncovered many ‘under the radar’ people, places, and things that make Michigan a great place to live and take pride in. In every episode, Tom connects audiences with the Michigan he knows — the Michigan that is “beautiful, fun, crazy, and smart” and has “incredible things to offer the world.
Under the Radar Michigan-TV show
Check out Under the Radar Michigan – TV show
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