Writing

Feature Writing

Mike Kent has been telling northern Michigan's stories for decades. Here are some of them.


Inside the Old Mission General Store

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A General Store for History

As days slip into years, and years slip into decades, it can be difficult to separate folklore from reality. But if you embrace the tale, Jim Richards of Old Mission is following in the footsteps of giants.

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Sunset over Grand Traverse Bay from Chateau Chantal

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In With the Inn Crowd

There is a moment when the sun sets through wisps of clouds over Grand Traverse Bay, when you have a realization that you never knew the color red had so many shades.

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The tall ship Manitou on Grand Traverse Bay

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Tall Ship Tall Tales

Shortly after setting sail, the young lady serving as "Water Protector" passed around a ceremonial copper pail with cool, clear water. Passengers and crew dipped their hands in, and by that simple act, forever changed the makeup of the liquid.

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Traverse Wine Coast

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50 Years of Wine

Consider it an infant at 50 years old. The Traverse Wine Coast turned 50 this year. Compared to other long-established wine regions in the world, that makes Traverse City a baby of the wine industry. But oh, how this baby has grown.

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The Leelanau Trail between Traverse City and Suttons Bay

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It's the Little Things

It's a temptation to take your bike on the Leelanau Trail and be totally taken in by the amazing panoramic views. When you get lost in the big picture, you lose sight of the little things.

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Rosen Rye fields on South Manitou Island

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Seeds of Treasure

Imagine taking your first steps on a treasure hunt today, and you know for certain you will never see the treasure for at least four years. Plus, there's a good chance that when you open the treasure chest, you will find nothing.

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The Honor Motel along US-31 in Honor, Michigan

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Along the Roadside

Long before Interstates were built and zipped families to travel destinations at breakneck speeds, there were tiny mom-and-pop-run motor hotels that straddled the state highways.

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Ron Smith, Navy veteran and veterans advocate

Feature — Gather Veterans Magazine

The Senior Chief is on Duty

Ron Smith is officially retired. He never really retired from caring about the military and veterans.

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Piping Plover habitat at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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Guardian of the Plover Galaxy

Alice Van Zoeren stands watch on the sands of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. She has come to these shores for years as a guardian, searching to find, defend, and protect the endangered Piping Plover.

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Pinball machines at Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City

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Unleash the Wizards

Traverse City is considered a pinball haven in Michigan, with 75 public-accessible machines at numerous locations. Traverse City is believed to have more pinball machines per capita than any other city in the state.

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