Situated at a center point of River Street, the Vogue Theatre is clearly the beating heart of the downtown district.  This beautiful, state-of-the-art theatre is a seamless blend of elegant history and modern technology.  Its story is a fascinating one that tells in three acts:  originating as a town jewel, followed by a long and…

Shelley and Tim Doyen have small business in their blood.  Their parents, on both sides, ran independent businesses.  Her family farmed and Tim’s had a resort.  So, when they came to Manistee, they were on the hunt for a business to call their own.  They looked at several existing operations, but in the end,  launched…

Surprises and wonderful discoveries are numerous in Manistee County.  However they often require an adventurous spirit and a willingness to travel unpaved roadways.  Today, just such a road led through glorious autumn colors and sleepy north county farmland to the brand new Iron Fish Distillery.  Just follow the blue Pure Michigan signs from the highway.   They…

M-22 is a legendary stretch of highway in Northern Michigan.  It originates in Manistee County just north of town and winds along the shore through Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau Counties all the way into Grand Traverse, including the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and countless miles of breathtaking scenery.  Twenty miles north of Manistee on M-22…

The newest eatery on River Street is The Fillmore whose window promises “Coffee and Brews.”  Inside is an inviting cafe with brick walls, reclaimed wood and comfortably cushy chairs.  It’s easy to see how this spot will become a favorite for folks who like to relax over a cup of coffee. The artwork on the…

In Manistee County, we walk.  And I don’t mean we just walk to get from Point A to Point B, though our towns are small, our neighborhoods are welcoming and we do enjoy shoe leather as a means of transportation.  Walking isn’t just for exercise either, though that is clearly a benefit of enjoying the…

Last Friday we were with a group of friends looking for a relaxed dinner out.  Our criteria was simple: great food, relaxed setting and good company.  We provided the company and turned to the Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar for the rest.  Located at the intersection of River Street and Division in a beautifully repurposed…

The lovely small towns that dot this county usually attract visitors seeking a slightly slower and less stressful pace; but, that doesn’t mean we don’t have all the amenities of the bigger cities.  A short ride up U.S. 31 takes us through Bear Lake and to County Line Road.  A quick right turn and a…