Pleasant Peninsula with O.W. Root

O.W. joins from under an umbrella as the rain managed to hold off for a beautiful Fourth of July weekend, but let loose a deluge on Sunday. And if you’re ever in the mood for a road trip to one of those creatively-named Michigan towns or villages, might we suggest Aloha. It’s not just a name, or is it? Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episod...

There’s a sure fire way to tell who’s a tourist and who isn’t, and you don’t even need your eyes — just listen for the honking! Here’s some advice: relax, you’re on vacation. And if you want to getaway because your northern town is overrun by out-of-towners, why not head to the most well-kept secret in Michigan - The Garden Peninsula? Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @neckt...

Besides the mercury heading off the charts overnight, another sure sign of summer are folks who park a boat in their driveway in anticipation for the weekend. Some look down upon such behavior, but not O.W. Root. Plus, you’ve probably seen your share of sunsets, but how often do you wake up to see the sunrise? They’re totally different vibes, yet mirrors of each other. Discover more at Michigan En...

Midges, mayflies - call them what you want. They’re extremely annoying, yet necessary part of nature. They can quickly turn a day at the beach into a Hitchcock-inspired horror movie. And let’s face it, our airports are lousy. But have you ever flown out of a super small one? There’s a certain airport up north that’s so cozy, you almost feel like you’re flying private. Discover more at Michigan Enj...

Have you ever taken a photo of a foggy morning only to see the air much clearer than you remember? Digital or otherwise, that moisture in the air is much more visible to your naked eye than film. So what else can we say the same about? If you’re looking for a place that’s like stepping back in time, O.W. suggests you stop by the Legs Inn if you’re even remotely close to Cross Village. The carvings...

O.W. highlights the digital dystopia our children are living through these days and suggests a simple remedy - kick them outside. Let them use their imaginations, not their phones. But it takes real effort from both the child and the parent. Plus, lilacs aren’t just a sign of spring up north. They tell a story. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a publ...

When you were a kid, you probably ranked the playgrounds in your neighborhood. And all you parents out there, you have your favorites too. Well, O.W. has his own rankings, and he’ll share the one with the best lake view. Plus, did you know the Upper Peninsula has its very own chocolate bar? Never heard of it? That’s because you can’t buy it anywhere but up there. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer...

Spring is accelerating. The signs are all around us. Very soon the sweltering heat of summer will be upon us, but first a few more days of seesaw temps with sweater weather quickly followed by beach attire. And do you know why we have sea stacks in the U.P.? O.W. explains why it has to do with an ancient body of water. Ever heard of Lake Algonquin? Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Roo...

O.W. shares some photos of his recent trip to St. Ignace, where you can see where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet. So why do these majestic bodies of water look so different? Speaking of getting wet, don’t forget your umbrella. You look ridiculous scurrying like a rat in the rain, or worse! Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you woul...

We all know that 50 degrees outside means something very different in May than it does in October. What does that say about how our blood "thickens up" during the winter? Plus, there's only one solitary county in the entire State of Michigan that's managed to ward off the Dollar General menace, at least for the time being. Why Leelanau County is the opposite of what the chain retailer stands for....

Did you head to the beach this weekend? Just a few weeks ago, many up north were still shoveling snow. That’s part of Michigan’s high contrast lifestyle. Plus, why does Charlevoix get all the love from the tourists, but not Rogers City? Both are beautiful beach towns, but no one seems to want to head east to visit RC. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is...

O.W. explores a little noted sign that spring up north has arrived, the ability to walk outside after sunset without freezing. Plus, water bottles are lame. We all know it, but we just don’t want to say it out loud. O.W. doesn’t have that problem. And he has the talk you need to hear about your little plastic and metal friend. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvag...

O.W. surveys the damage after one of the most devastating ice storms in Michigan’s history, noting how the young trees managed to survive winter’s revenge up north. Plus, want an instant stress reliever this tax season? File an extension. Why it’s almost always worth it for your mental and patriotic health. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public e...

Over the weekend, a giant ice storm enveloped much of Northern Michigan, leaving tens of thousands of people in the dark. O.W. Root is among them, but characteristically finds the beauty in being covered in what appears to be a sheet of glass. Plus, do you struggle with Spring footwear? Need something in between a boot and a shoe. O.W. has the answer. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W....

When is it too early for breaking out the grill and sizzling up some steaks? For O.W. snow on the ground is not necessarily a deal breaker. Every true Michigander has one. So what’s your favorite Faygo Flavor? Plus, how a pro-wrestling event in Bay County is actually preserving history. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you would...

One of the fun things about the snow melting is finding all the stuff you lost in your back (and sometimes front) yard. Does Mike Duggan own just one sport coat? For a guy running for governor, he sure does limit his wardrobe. Plus, the untapped potential of Michigan’s maple trees. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you would like...

O.W. shares his thoughts on the land icebergs, otherwise known as the giant piles of snow in your town’s big box store parking lot. Why snowmobile culture isn’t just encouraged on Mackinac Island, it’s necessary. And the real reason you should have backyard chickens - it’s not just about eggs. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you...

O.W. Root delves into the deceptive behavior of the month of March during winters in Northern Michigan before sharing what it’s like for the 500 permanent residents to live on Mackinac Island the entire year. Plus, have you thanked a Millennial lately for that awesome coffee shop in your small town? Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode....

O.W. Root recounts his experience watching the UP200 Dog Sled Races in the Upper Peninsula. A magical trip to Kitch-iti-kipi (ask your friends to spell that one), and what better way to celebrate winter than Saginaw’s Outhouse Races. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acc...

O.W. Root showcases the simple elegance and practicality of a sled made to carry an infant, why the but short, but breathtaking five-minute flight from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island is worth it, and getting air the old school way — off a ski jump ramp. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other sub...

O.W. shares an example of what true neighbors do for each other in winter. Get an exclusive tour inside the the state’s premiere artisan sauna maker in Engadine. Plus, a look at Michigan’s natural ice luge track in Muskegon State Park. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get a...

O.W. shares his love/hate relationship with the sobering tone of the Mackinaw Bridge weather advisory. He also gives insights into a speakeasy in Harbor Springs that was once run by the Detroit mob and is rumored to have several tunnels going out of the property. But where do they go? Plus, why ice size really does matter (if you want to walk on it). Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. R...

Wesco isn’t just a gas station, it’s a testament to regionalism. Plus, why some virtue-signaling Tiktokers should butt out of a U.P. town’s chance for economic revival. And have you been tired lately? It may be because nature is trying to tell you something. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with oth...

O.W. Root explains how a sledding trip can bring back childhood memories, the real reason Dollar General stores are ruining small towns in Michigan and across the country, plus that other Great Lakes State rivalry: Stormy Kromer vs Carhartt. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or...

O.W. Root investigates why Antrim County’s roads are the worst in the entire Lower Peninsula when it comes to winter driving. Plus, we see how Boyne Mountain isn’t just about a unique winter escape, it has genuine world history. Discover more at Michigan Enjoyer Follow O.W. Root on X: @necktiesalvage This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access t...