Under the Radar Michigan Season 2

There are so many great festivals happening throughout Michigan at any given time, we’d almost have to devote an entire episode just to scratch the surface. So that’s exactly what we did, and boy, did we have fun.

The City of Ferndale has won all kinds of awards for their public spaces, business development and downtown. It truly is an enlightened city with a big heart and a lot of personality. Tons of progressive people live, work and go there every day to enjoy one of the coolest places to eat, shop and play in Michigan. If you’re looking for a sense of place, this is a great place to get it. Grand Rapids continues to be a driving innovative, creative and economic force in Michigan. In fact, there’s so much happening that you’d almost have to live there to keep up. Not a bad idea! This modern city continues to be one of the best places to be in the U.S. There’s a great energy and attitude that’s bringing in new business, great spaces where you can connect with your fellow urbanites and really cool places to live right downtown.

Lansing continues to move Michigan forward, but not just through the efforts of our state government. There’s also a lot of stuff happening on the ground there to help revitalize our economy. Everywhere you look, Lansing is alive with new business, cool spaces, great places and young faces bringing energy to downtown. Next, we headed up to Ishpeming in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. A lot of people don’t go to the U.P. because they say it’s too far. To that I simply say, nothing is too far, if you’re having fun in the car, and if you’ve seen our show, you know that UTR is just another way to spell FUN.

On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, we find out that not only is Lexington a great vacation destination … it’s also great wine country … We’ll also visit a music festival named after a part of Michigan’s mitten, and meet the man who put a new face on the entire town. Then, we head north to beautiful Bay City to see some of the best Michigan history, and future development you’ll see anywhere in the state. We’ll also see some awesome classic cars, tons of antiques, a great place to eat … and a theater that you’d swear was left here by the ancient Mayans.

On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, we head to Grand Rapids to experience an incredible, world class art competition … we’ll also explore the city on some homegrown bicycles, and meet the man who invented a better hotdog. Then, we head for the home of Central Michigan University to meet the person who reenergized downtown Mount Pleasant … we’ll also experience some sweet “flour power” … eat at a Brass Café … and find out why a promising young chef is making his future right here in Michigan.

Detroit, Saugatuck: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, we head to Detroit’s own Eastern Market for one of the most authentic urban adventures in the entire United States … we’ll discover why Eastern Market is a unique urban village where people can shop, live, work or even start a business. Then, we head west to find out why Saugatuck & Douglas are two towns that function as one incredible placed to experience Michigan. We’ll spend the night on a rare “Boat & Breakfast” … take a behind the scenes tour of the food culture there … and finally kick back and relax “Jamaican style”, right here in Michigan.

Ypsilanti, Leland: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, we start things off in Ypsilanti at a restaurant that took us so far back in time, lunch was only 40 cents. We also discover some very cool places to live right downtown, and show you a classic tavern that the famous frequent. Next, we head to beautiful Leland to see how some very creative people are turning old clothes into new fashions. We’ll also head for the high seas to visit an island of shipwrecks and giant trees. Not to worry … once back on land, we visit one of Michigan’s most romantic Inns.

Ludington, Rogers City: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, we begin our adventure in the beautiful beach town of Ludington. Tom and the crew dine “twice” in a blue moon; find a local watering hole that’s all Michigan, and discover a thriving art community. Next, we head to Roger City and stop by a place where we’re pretty sure Pee Wee bought his bike. We’ll also meet some incredible “meat” people, and spend time with a creative couple who are really making a difference.

Charlevioix, Detroit: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, we travel to Charlevoix, for a burger bistro foodies frequent. We’ll also see homes you’d swear hobbits inhabit, and to meet a local superhero they affectionately call Mr. Petunia. Then, it’s back to the motor city to tour Detroit in a completely unique way … on a Segway. We’ll also prove that shopping for groceries in Detroit can be an enlightening experience, and we’ll go to the movies … in style ... at The Detroit Film Theater.

Muskegon, Flint: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, we start things off in the port city of Muskegon, at a restaurant that’s taken the term “homemade” to a whole new level. We’ll also board a real World War II submarine, and watch Tom muddle through his very first charter fishing trip … Then, we’re off to see how a very old building is helping put a brand new face on Flint. We’ll also show you how old meets new at a great place to eat, and experience a culture cluster … like no other.

Detroit, Traverse City: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, we head back to Detroit for that classic combination we all know as wine, cheese and fire. Tom shows viewers a hip new place to discover good wine, and how you can learn to make your own cheese right at home. Viewers will also see how playing with fire can be a fascinating experience. … Then, we head north to Traverse City for an historic stay; a tall ship trip, and believe it or not … some of the best southern, soul food you’ll ever eat.

Harbor Country, Kalamazoo: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, Tom and the crew try to take back Michigan’s own Harbor Country. It seems that people from everywhere but here come to this little known part of Michigan for great restaurants, historic inns, homemade ice cream … and believe it or not … to surf. Then, we head for Kalamazoo to watch a couple of Michigan entrepreneurs reach for their dreams. We’ll also learn how coffee is roasted with a local barista, and discover a classic place to spend the night, right downtown.

Dearborn, Ann Arbor: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, we travel to Dearborn, where Tom discovers a city rich in culture. Viewers will discover where to get great music, find food made with love, and visit a place where the comic books turn your brain green. Next, we head back to Ann Arbor for more food, fun and conversation. First stop, historic Kerrytown Market, where Tom samples fantastic seafood, and meets a genuine “spice girl” … Tom also explores one of Ann Arbor’s cultural treasures ... The Michigan Theater.