The Transformation of the Northern Michigan Asylum

Two summers ago I stopped at Traverse City, Michigan's Grand Traverse Commons to see how this sweeping complex was being transformed. Built in 1885 the Northern Michigan Asylum operated as a psychiatric hospital treating the mentally needy for decades. Part of the then cutting edge therapy was introducing patients to farming and livestock production. This experiment gained critical acclaim in professional circles for the advancement in patients' self esteem and self-worth. After many years of use the grounds fell into disrepair as the state built more modern facilities in other cities. In 2000, a group of private investors bought sections of the run down property to transform it into condos, restaurants, and shops - today known as the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. In 2007 portions of the facility had been restored while other building wings remained untouched.

Check out the gate's iron works located in the rear of the main building complex. Any symbolist will tell you that the mirrored fleur-de-lis image represents the struggle of the Trinity with those of evil forces - somehow appropriate to the battle within the mind. Know that.

Dennis the Quincy Mine Tour Guide is YouTube Celebrity

This is Dennis. He is the all-knowing Quincy Mine properties tour guide in Hancock, Michigan. Dennis educates people about the history of copper mining in Michigan, especially about the Quincy Mining Company. He answers just about any question that you may have about copper mining, impresses many with his extensive geological knowledge and leverages his presentation skills to educate and entertain.

While on the first tour of the day last summer there is a point where the tractor pulling visitors stops, and Dennis motions for the group to come near. He has a cross sectional map of the mine that shows the dozen or so shafts that penetrate over 97 levels of the once active mine. Here he points out that we are located on Level 7 (above 90 levels that have filled with water!) Dennis also jokes about who in the group might be video taping him. He says he is aware of a few clips of him on YouTube. The crowd laughs, but the visitors' cameras (both still and video) record his discussion of the evolution of mining techniques once used in the mine. Later we post a couple of videos on YouTube featuring the plaid-shirted Dennis. These videos join a growing number of Quincy Mine visitor made clips featuring the star of Level 7. Somehow we know that he really likes all the attention. Know that.

Farewell S.S. Badger

The S.S. Badger leaves her Ludington, Michigan port for Manitowoc, Wisconsin. As the only coal-fired steamship in operation in North America, the 410 foot S.S. Badger ferries passengers and autos across Lake Michigan daily during the open water season. On this August day in 2007, the S.S. Badger passes the breakwater at Ludington where people gather to fish and gaze at the lighthouse and harbor. During the summer the Badger departs Ludington at 7:55 pm ET.

Ishpeming Whitefish at Bucks

Some of the best whitefish available in the Upper Peninsula can be found at Bucks Restaurant in Ishpeming, Michigan. Located at 218 Main Street, this diner serves the tasty, sweet whitefish in all-you-can-eat portions. After you finish viewing the iron ore mine museum and discover where several scenes of the 1959 movie, Anatomy of a Murder was filmed, head over to Bucks for authentic hometown cooking served by entertaining wait staff. There is always an up north story to be heard while you gaze at trophy mounts on the walls. Know that.