Simply Spring

Posted on March 15th, 2019

Spring has sprung, but not everyone will be heading south in search of sandy beaches. If your compass points north, we have a few suggestions for spring break fun in the Gaylord area! The Alpine Chocolat Haus is certainly no secret (it would be impossible to keep their decadent chocolate covered pota…

Give Winter a Break

Posted on February 26th, 2019

By Christy Walcott I’m here to bring you a simple reminder – it’s not springtime yet! I know once March rolls around we all start getting anxious for the snow to melt and the trees to start budding. But why rush winter on its way? We still have a few more weeks to enjoy the white s…

Celebrate Free Fishing Weekend with youth ice derby Saturday

Posted on February 12th, 2019

Out See Go
By Chris Engle, contributor This weekend marks the winter edition of a twice-annual Michigan tradition wherein fishing license fees are waived and families are encouraged to get out and fish together. It’s one thing to be able to fish for free during the aptly named “Free Fis…

Gaylord – The Snowshoe Capitol of the Lower Peninsula

Posted on February 6th, 2019

By Jim DuFresne I learned to snowshoe on a golf course while attending Michigan State University. I learned right away that I was way overdressed and that it was important to spread your feet a bit to avoid tripping over the tails of the snowshoes. The beauty of snowshoeing is the simplicity of i…

National Plan Your Vacation Day

Posted on January 24th, 2019

Are the winter blues starting to get you down? Well, buck up, because January 29th is National Plan Your Vacation Day and there’s no better time to start thinking about your next Gaylord getaway! Offering four seasons of Pure Michigan enjoyment, the Gaylord area is the perfect travel desti…

So What’s with the White Stuff in Gaylord?

Posted on January 18th, 2019

The Skinny on Gaylord’s Snow from Jim Keysor of the National Weather Service There are myriad ways our region stands out, though our most well-known attribute may just be the heaping helping of white stuff we receive each winter. And we mean lots of snow— the fluffiest, most amazing kind of s…

Welcome to Otsego Lake, where anything’s possible anywhere

Posted on January 4th, 2019

Out See Go
By Chris Engle, contributor It was a normal, chilly morning on Otsego Lake Dec. 15 when a fish thumped the rod I’d been jigging. I was after walleye and this felt exactly like one, as the heavy, pulsing tugs bent my rod in a sharp arc. Fishing in only 4 feet of water at the north end of the lake, th…

Your Winter To-Do List

Posted on December 31st, 2018

By Christy Walcott I used to hibernate on the couch under a blanket all winter, but in recent years, I’ve had the yearning to get out and find a way to embrace this snow-covered landscape I call home. One of the biggest drawbacks to me has always been the fear of being COLD. Ick. No one like…

Five Really Cool Things To Do In Gaylord This Winter

Posted on December 17th, 2018

By Paul Beachnau So winter is here and your normal outdoor routine is shelved. It is cold and there is snow and you’re just not crazy about it. There are many of us crazy folks that LOVE winter. It is quiet, it is pretty and with the proper gear, you can stay warm and cozy! Don’t have a snow…

Bear Lake Nature Pathway: Welcome to beaver country!

Posted on November 30th, 2018

Out See Go
By Chris Engle, contributor There’s a lot to love about Big Bear Lake near Vienna Corners in eastern Otsego County. The beach is sandy and wide. Perch fishing from a boat is some of the best around. Just up the road, Big Bear Trading Post routinely has 8 flavors of soft-serve ice cream on…