Red Hot Best Winners 2023: The Best of Northern Michigan Red Hot Best Winners 2023: The Best of Northern Michigan

Nov 22, 2023

by MyNorth/Traverse Magazine Staff | May 31, 2023 | Counties, Events, Evergreen, Farm and Agriculture, Features, Food & Drink, Live Here, Outdoors, Red Hot Best, Towns, Vacation | 0 comments

The 2023 Red Hot Best results are in! Explore all 46 categories, 8 regions and 900+ winners below or search by region and make this your Red Hot Best summer.

This article first appeared in Traverse Northern Michigan. Find this story and more when you explore our digital issue library. Want Traverse delivered to your door or inbox monthly? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.

Wow! You love this place. More than 230,000 nominations and votes were cast in MyNorth's sought-after 2023 Red Hot Best Awards, celebrating the people, places and experiences that make our region OURS. Dive in to see who took home the gold, silver and bronze across eight regions, including a new "Best of the Best" section highlighting the entire North. From buzzing happy hours and pretty places to paddle to fabulous lodging, restaurants and events, we’ve got your go-to list for summer fun—and beyond.

Head out to say hello to our Red Hot Besties in real life this summer … and a heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees!

Above the Bridge // Benzie & Leelanau // Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington // Charlevoix & The Chain of Lakes // Kalkaska, Gaylord & Grayling // Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits // Traverse City // Best of the Best

Looking to view all winners in print? Grab our June issue of Traverse Northern Michigan magazine!

ART GALLERY1) Mackinac's Little Gallery2) Maeve Croghan Art3) The Gallery, Marquette Artist Collective

BAKERY1) Joann's Fudge2) The Jampot3) Wild Blueberry Breakfast & Bakery

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION1) Detour Drummond Community Credit Union2) First National Bank of St. Ignace, Main Office3) Honor Credit Union, Marquette

BEACH1) British Landing2) U.S. 2 Sand Dunes Beach3) Big Shoal Bay Beach

BREAKFAST SPOT1) Keweenaw Coffee Works2) Round Island Kitchen, Mission Point Resort3) Watercolor Café

BREWERY1) Great Turtle Brewery & Distillery2) Keweenaw Brewing Company3) Les Cheneaux Distillers

CHIROPRACTOR1) Dr. Brian J. Chandler, Drummond Island Medical Center2) Dr. Phil Pietila, Core Wellness Chiropractic3) Dr. Justin Fountain, Fountain of Life Chiropractic

COFFEE SHOP1) Lucky Bean Coffeehouse2) Keweenaw Coffee Works3) Watercolor Café

DENTIST1) Scott Elsey, DDS, Pickford Dental2) Angela Cena, DDS, St. Ignace Dental Associates3) David P. Anderson, DDS, Anderson Dentistry3) Scott W. Taylor, DDS

DISC GOLF AREA1) Great Turtle Park2) Silver Creek Disc Golf Park 3) Silver Mountain Disc Golf Course

EVENT1) Mackinac Island Lilac Festival2) Drummond Island Fall on the Island Festival 10K, 5K3) Jibba Jabba Rail Jam

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR1) Joshua MacDonald, Edward Jones2) John W. Kling, Edward Jones3) Mark A. Aho, Mark Aho Financial Group

FLOOR COVERING1) Northwoods Flooring & Rustic Decor2) Upper Peninsula Carpet Mart (Formerly Weir Carpet Mart)3) Carpet One Floor & Home

GYM OR HEALTH STUDIO1) Great Lakes Fitness2) NMU Physical Education Instructional Facility3) David & Thu Brulé YMCA

HAPPY HOUR1) Pink Pony2) Round Island Kitchen, Mission Point Resort3) Horn's Gaslight Bar & Restaurant

Photo by Jacqueline Southby

Pink Pony at Chippewa Hotel, Mackinac Island.

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS1) Island Breeze Heating & Cooling2) Mark & Sons Plumbing & Heating3) Mackinac Plumbing & Heating Co.

HIKING TRAIL OR AREA1) Mackinac Island State Park2) Lake of the Clouds Overlook3) Heritage Trail, Drummond Island

HISTORICAL LANDMARK1) Fort Mackinac2) Soo Locks3) Quincy Mine

LOCALLY MADE HARD BEVERAGE1) Widow Maker, Keweenaw Brewing Company2) Ginger Beer, Superior Culture3) 51K IPA, Blackrocks Brewery

LODGING: HOTELS, MOTELS & RESORTS1) Mission Point Resort2) The Vault Hotel3) Hotel Iroquois

LODGING: NO HOTELS, MOTELS OR RESORTS1) The Mackinac House2) Haan's 1830 Inn3) Bay View Bed & Breakfast

NONPROFIT1) Mackinac Arts Council2) Straits Pride3) Drummond Island Community Food Pantry

OUTDOOR DINING1) Bistro on the Greens, Mission Point Resort2) Esther's Authentic Mexican Food3) Pink Pony

PHYSICAL THERAPIST1) Mackinac Straits Health System: Therapy2) Inner Strength Physical Therapy and Wellness3) Northern Michigan Physical Therapy3) UP Rehab Services

PIZZA1) Island Slice Pizzeria2) Calumet Pizza Works3) Pins Bar & Grill, Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center

PLACE FOR A WEDDING1) Mission Point Resort2) Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center3) The Inn at Stonecliffe

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK1) Island Bookstore2) Grandpa's Barn3) Snowbound Books

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT1) Mission Point Marketplace2) Little Luxuries3) K.C. Bonker's Toys & Coffee

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS1) Weir Furniture Center2) Everson's Home Furnishings, St. Ignace3) Everson's Home Furnishings, Newberry

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY1) The Boutique at Mission Point Resort2) North Haven Gifts3) Little Luxuries

PLACE TO BUY ORGANIC & NATURAL FOODS1) Doud's Market2) Keweenaw Co-op3) Marquette Food Co-op

PLACE TO BUY PET ITEMS1) Caddywampus2) Erickson Feed, Seed & Pet Supply3) Mares-Z-Doats

PLACE TO GET ACTIVE/ OUTDOOR WEAR & GEAR 1) Mackinac Outfitter2) Drummond Island Outfitters3) Down Wind Sports, Houghton3) West End Ski & Trail

PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE/SUP1) Mackinac Island2) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore3) Drummond Island

PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG1) Great Lawn, Mission Point Resort2) Heritage Trail, Drummond Island3) Maasto Hiihto & Churning Rapids Nordic Ski Area

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER1) Christine Cordray, MD2) Valerie Taglione, MD3) T. Michael Kates, DO

PROJECT HANDYPERSON1) Matt Myers, Residential Building & Construction2) Frank Gordon, Trifecta Handyman Services

REAL ESTATE AGENT1) Suzanne Sasso Kuusinen, Drummond Island Realty2) Lauren Rowland, RE/ MAX 1st Realty3) Jo Jo Visnaw, Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors

RESTAURANT1) Esther's Authentic Mexican Cuisine2) Chianti, Mission Point Resort3) Pink Pony

SALON1) Lakeside Spa & Salon, Mission Point Resort2) Citrus Salon3) Vintage Glam Salon

SPOT FOR PICKING (THRIFTING/CONSIGNING)1) The Copper Poppy2) Keweenaw Consignment3) 906 Restyle

TEACHER1) Heather May, Mackinac Island Public School2) Becky Newell, Drum- mond Island Elementary3) Liz Burt, Mackinac Island Public School

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR1) Claire O’Brien, LLP2) Sarah Santiago, LPC3) Lottie Kohtala, LMSW, CAADC

WINERY1) End of the Road Winery2) Threefold Vine Winery

WINTER HIKE OR SNOWSHOE TRAIL1) Great Turtle Trail, Mackinac Island State Park2) Hungarian Falls Nature Area3) The Rock Golf Course

XC SKI TRAIL OR AREA1) Mackinac Island State Park2) Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park3) Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center

ART GALLERY1) Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts2) Gwen Frostic Prints3) The Painted Bird

BAKERY1) 9 Bean Rows2) The Bread Lady3) Chimoski Bakery

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION1) Honor Bank, Honor2) Huntington Bank, Leland3) Fifth Third Bank, Suttons Bay

BEACH1) Good Harbor Bay Beach2) Van's Beach3) Esch Road Beach

BREAKFAST SPOT1) Pegtown Station2) Fiddleheads3) 45th Parallel Café

BREWERY1) Hop Lot Brewing Co.2) Lake Ann Brewing Co.3) Stormcloud Brewing Company

CHIROPRACTOR1) Emily Eilers, DC, North Star Family Chiropractic2) Jesse Carden, DC, Suttons Bay Chiropractic3) Katie Hatten, DC, Chiropractic House of Vitality

COFFEE SHOP1) Red Door Coffee House2) Mundos Roasting & Co.3) Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co.

DENTIST1) Steve Hall, DDS, Suttons Bay Dental Center2) Lisa Siddall, DDS, Holistic & High Tech Dentistry3) Jacob Sorber, DDS, West Bay Family Dental3) Joshua Brudi, DDS, North Pine Family Dentistry

DISC GOLF AREA1) Myles Kimmerly Park2) Almira Township Park3) St. Ambrose Cellars Disc Golf Course

EVENT1) Leelanau UnCaged2) Cedar Polka Fest3) Suttons Bay Art Festival

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR1) Peter Finch, Lakeshore Financial Group2) Justin Keillor, Edward Jones3) Tory McMullen, Edward Jones

FLOOR COVERING (TILING, CARPETING, WOOD FLOORING)1) Classic Interiors & Design2) Mike Cox, Lakeshore Tile3) Surfaces by TileCraft

GYM OR HEALTH STUDIO1) CrossFit Dunes2) Betsie Hosick Health & Fitness Center3) Strongheart Center

HAPPY HOUR1) Lake Ann Brewing Co.2) Northern Latitudes Distillery3) Art's Tavern

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS1) Julius Bunek Plumbing, Heating, Electrical2) Moore Mechanical3) Lemcool's Heating & Cooling

HIKING TRAIL OR AREA1) Empire Bluff Trail2) Pyramid Point Trail3) Sleeping Bear Point

HISTORICAL LANDMARK1) Fishtown2) Point Bestie Lighthouse3) Glen Haven Village

LOCALLY MADE HARD BEVERAGE1) Smackintosh, Tandem Ciders2) Maple Bourbon Whiskey, Iron Fish Distillery3) Sex, MAWBY

LODGING: HOTELS, MOTELS & RESORTS1) The Leland Lodge2) The Homestead3) Crystal Mountain

Photo by Andy Wakeman

The Homestead in Glen Arbor.

LODGING: NO HOTELS, MOTELS OR RESORTS1) Whaleback Inn2) Inn at Black Star Farms3) Little Traverse Inn

NONPROFIT1) Leelanau Conservancy2) Lake Ann Camp3) Leelanau Christian Neighbors

OUTDOOR DINING1) Hop Lot Brewing Co.2) Lake Ann Brewing Co.3) The Cove

PHYSICAL THERAPIST1) Leelanau Physical Therapy, Suttons Bay2) Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital3) ATI Physical Therapy, Suttons Bay

PIZZA1) Roman Wheel2) Market 223) The Stone Oven

PLACE FOR A WEDDING1) The Cherry Barn at Nugent Orchards2) Aurora Cellars3) The Barn at French Valley Vineyard

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK1) The Bookstore, Frankfort2) Cottage Book Shop3) Leelanau Books

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT1) The Front Porch2) Poppy Things3) Two Fish Gallery

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS1) Betsie Bay Furniture2) The Front Porch3) Edward's Home Furnishings

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY1) Wandering Waters Designs2) Becky Thatcher Designs 3) Tampico Imports

PLACE TO BUY ORGANIC & NATURAL FOODS1) 9 Bean Rows2) MI Market Suttons Bay3) Farm Club

PLACE TO BUY PET ITEMS1) Hillside Market2) Tractor Supply Co.3) The Front Porch

PLACE TO GET ACTIVE/ OUTDOOR WEAR & GEAR 1) Crystal Lake Adventure Sports2) Bahle's of Suttons Bay3) Leland Harbor House

PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE/SUP1) Platte River2) Crystal River3) Lake Ann

PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG1) Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail2) Houdek Dunes Natural Area3) Alligator Hill Trail

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER1) Michelle MacDonald, PA-C2) Rebecca Hoffman, DO3) Nancy Dorman, FNP

PROJECT HANDYPERSON1) Ryan Blessing2) Andy Hammersley2) Dean Schaub

REAL ESTATE AGENT1) Jamie Gray, Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors2) Kari King, Century 21 Northland3) Kathy Neveu, Real Estate One

RESTAURANT1) The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill2) Hop Lot Brewing Co.3) The Stone Oven

SALON1) Refuge Salon2) Solé Salon3) Salon Dahlia

SPOT FOR PICKING (THRIFTING/CONSIGNING) 1) Samaritans’ Closet2) The Roost Consignment Boutique3) Jerry's Resale Store

TEACHER1) Alexia Warburg Post, Northport Elementary2) Janet Leggett, St. Mary Catholic School3) Emily Stevenson, Frankfort High School

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR1) Onika Witzke, LMSW2) Katie Larson, LMSW3) Eric LaPaugh, LPC3) Matt Peschel, LPC

WINERY1) Blustone Vineyards2) Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery3) St. Ambrose Cellars

WINTER HIKE OR SNOWSHOE TRAIL1) Leelanau State Park Hiking Trailhead2) Blustone Vineyards3) Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve

XC SKI TRAIL OR AREA1) Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail2) Crystal Mountain3) French Valley Vineyard

Photo by Dave Weidner

Fishtown in Leland.

ART GALLERY1) Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts2) Todd & Brad Reed Photography3) Art by Mary Case Gallery & Studio

BAKERY1) The Daily BakeHouse2) Two Slices3) 2 The Moon Bakery

Photo by Dave Weidner

2 The Moon Bakery in Lake City.

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION1) Filer Credit Union, Manistee2) Genisys Mortgage Professionals, Cadillac3) Honor Bank, Bear Lake

BEACH1) Portage Point Beach2) Fifth Avenue Beach3) Ludington State Park Beach

BREAKFAST SPOT1) Lakeside Café2) Diner 313) After 26 Depot Café

BREWERY1) North Channel Brewing Co.2) Clam Lake Beer Co.3) Ludington Bay Brewing Co.

CHIROPRACTOR1) Edward P. Hybza, DC, Hybza Chiropractic2) Christa Johnson, DC, Johnson Adult & Pediatric Chiropractic3) Joshua Switek, DC, Switek Chiropractic

COFFEE SHOP1) Roasted Cafe2) Port City Brew3) Yellow Dog Café

DENTIST1) Geoffrey Paine, DDS, Water's Edge Dentistry2) Blythe A. O’Donnell, DDS, High Tech Dental3) Layne Godzina, DDS, Honest Dental Solutions

DISC GOLF AREA1) Ludington School Forest Disc Golf Course2) Diggins Hill Community Park3) Udell Rollways Disc Golf

EVENT1) Manistee Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend2) Onekama Block Party3) Bear Lake Days

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR1) Nicholas K. Callesen, Callesen Wealth Management2) Julee Sarto, Executive Wealth Management3) Jeff Reau, Edward Jones

FLOOR COVERING (TILING, CARPETING, WOOD FLOORING) 1) Haglund's Floor Covering2) Harbor Flooring3) The Home Depot

GYM OR HEALTH STUDIO1) Manistee Health & Fitness Center2) EVOLVE Yoga & Fitness3) NorthStar Fitness

HAPPY HOUR1) TJ's Pub2) Blue Slipper Tavern3) The Truck Stop

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS1) Hopwoods Heating & Cooling2) Personal Plumbing3) Lakeshore Mechanical3) Premier Heating & Cooling Co.

HIKING TRAIL OR AREA1) Arcadia Dunes: Baldy Trails2) Ludington State Park3) Magoon Creek Natural Area

HISTORICAL LANDMARK1) Manistee County Historical Museum2) Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts3) Father Marquette Memorial Cross

LOCALLY MADE HARD BEVERAGE1) Northern Star Cider, Northern Natural Cider House & Winery2) I Scream You Scream Dark Cherry, Starving Artist Brewing Co.3) Tangelo Dream, Ludington Bay Brewing Co.

LODGING: HOTELS, MOTELS & RESORTS1) Little River Casino Resort 2) Coyote Crossing Resort3) Nader's Motel & Suites

LODGING: NO HOTELS, MOTELS OR RESORTS1) The Ramsdell Inn2) Canfield House Bed & Breakfast3) Cartier Mansion Bed & Breakfast3) Dempsey Manor Bed & Breakfast

NONPROFIT1) Armory Youth Project2) Manistee County Humane Society3) Portage Lake Garden Club

OUTDOOR DINING1) Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar2) Northern Natural Cider House & Winery3) Lakeside Charlies

PHYSICAL THERAPIST1) Dynamic Physical Therapy, Manistee2) West Michigan Physical Therapy3) Dynamic Physical Therapy, Cadillac

PIZZA1) Big Al's Pizza2) G&D Pizza & Party Store 3) Pizza Plus3) Rosie's Place

PLACE FOR A WEDDING1) Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club2) Caberfae Peaks3) Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK1) Happy Owl Bookshop2) Horizon Books3) Book Mark

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT1) Anchored Designs Boutique2) MacBeth & Co.3) The Cozy Company

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS1) The Cozy Company2) Wellnested3) Charming North3) Comfort Center of Manistee

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY1) Wexford Jewelers2) CC Jewelers of Manistee3) Roxy's Rocks

PLACE TO BUY ORGANIC & NATURAL FOODS1) Z&N Farm2) Port City Organics3) Apple Valley Natural Foods

PLACE TO BUY PET ITEMS1) Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies2) Family Farm & Home3) Tractor Supply Co.

PLACE TO GET ACTIVE/ OUTDOOR WEAR & GEAR1) Snyder's Shoes2) The Outpost of Manistee3) Dunham's Sports

PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE/SUP1) Portage Lake2) Ludington State Park3) Little Manistee River

PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG1) Magoon Creek Natural Area2) Heritage Nature Trail3) Buttersville Park

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER1) Ryan A. Sullivan, MD2) Maxine Lipon, DO3) Tania M. LeBaron, MD

PROJECT HANDYPERSON1) The Fixer Upper Man2) Schafer Construction Company

REAL ESTATE AGENT1) Casey Tennant, Lighthouse Realty2) Gini Pelton, Century 21 Boardwalk3) Randy Zakrajsek, RE/MAX Bayshore

RESTAURANT1) The Glenwood2) 876 Baldwin3) Timbers Restaurant

SALON1) Salon 22 Spa2) Port City Clipper3) Harold's Hair Loft

SPOT FOR PICKING (THRIFTING/CONSIGNING) 1) Redeemed Manistee2) Kott's Pickin’ Antiques & Home Decor3) Emmi's Closet

TEACHER1) Mandy Butcher, Manton Elementary School2) Kelsey Kosiboski, Bear Lake Schools3) Zack Korienek, Ludington Elementary School

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR1) Derrick Martinez, Manistee Area Public Schools Child and Adolescent Health Center2) Barbara Edwards, PSY.D.3) Lighthouse Associates

WINERY1) Northern Natural Cider House & Winery2) Cadillac Winery3) Pere Marquette Winery

WINTER HIKE OR SNOWSHOE TRAIL1) Ludington State Park2) Arcadia Dunes: Baldy Trails3) Orchard Beach State Park

Photo by Shelby Soberalski

Ludington State Park in Ludington.

XC SKI TRAIL OR AREA1) Crystal Mountain2) Big M3) Logging Trail, Ludington State Park

ART GALLERY1) Twisted Fish Gallery2) Bier Art Gallery & Pottery Studio3) Charlevoix Circle of Arts

BAKERY1) Friske Farm Market2) Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery3) The Flour Pot

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION1) Charlevoix State Bank, Charlevoix2) 4Front Credit Union, Boyne City3) Huntington Bank, Bellaire

BEACH1) Barnes Park Campground2) Young State Park3) Michigan Beach Park

BREAKFAST SPOT1) Toonie's Fish& Steak House2) Smoke On the Water3) Cafe Santé3) South Arm Café

BREWERY1) Short's Brewing Company, Bellaire Pub2) Bier's Inwood Brewery3) Short's Brewing Company, Elk Rapids Pull Barn

CHIROPRACTOR1) Trevor Darnell, CD, Torch Chiropractic Family Wellness Center2) Kathy Hoyt, DC, Inspire Health Chiropractic and Wellness3) Martina Peterson, DC, Monarch Family Chiropractic

COFFEE SHOP1) Happy Camper Coffee Co.2) M88 Morning Grind3) Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery

DENTIST1) Brian Rathke, DDS, Bellaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry2) Shawn Spillane, DDS, Bellaire Dental Health Care3) Mandy DesJardins, DDS, Maple Ridge Dentistry

DISC GOLF AREA1) Mt. McSauba Disc Golf Course2) Avalanche Preserve Disc Golf Course3) East Jordan Community Park

EVENT1) Elk Rapids Harbor Days2) Charlevoix Venetian Festival3) Boyne City Stroll the Streets

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR1) Tom Shelder, Edward Jones2) Rob Joyce, Edward Jones3) Greg McGeorge, 4Front Credit Union

FLOOR COVERING (TILING, CARPETING, WOOD FLOORING) 1) Harbor Flooring2) Solid Designs3) Bartletts’ Home Interiors

GYM OR HEALTH STUDIO1) Bodywise2) Charlevoix Fitness Center3) Boyne Mountain Resort Fitness & Wellness Center

HAPPY HOUR1) Torch Lake Café2) Dockside Torch Lake3) Cafe Santé3) Hello Vino

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS1) Boyne Country Heating & Cooling2) K&K Heating and Cooling 3) Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Geothermal

HIKING TRAIL OR AREA1) Glacial Hills Pathway & Natural Area2) Grass River Natural Area3) Avalanche Mountain Preserve

HISTORICAL LANDMARK1) The Mushroom Houses2) Castle Farms3) Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse

LOCALLY MADE HARD BEVERAGE1) Local's Light, Short's Brewing Company2) Soft Parade, Short's Brewing Company3) Mammoth Gin, Mammoth Distilling

LODGING: HOTELS, MOTELS & RESORTS1) The Earl2) Hotel Walloon3) Boyne Mountain Resort

LODGING: NO HOTELS, MOTELS OR RESORTS 1) The Inn at Breezy Hill Farm2) The Blue Pelican Inn & Restaurant3) Applesauce Inn Bed & Breakfast

NONPROFIT1) Help From My Friends’ Pet Crisis Center2) Grass River Natural Area3) Paddle Antrim

OUTDOOR DINING1) The Landing2) Dockside Torch Lake3) Short's Brewing Company Bellaire Pub

PHYSICAL THERAPIST1) North Shore Physical Therapy2) Active Recovery Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab3) Mary Free Bed at Munson Medical Center, Elk Rapids

PIZZA1) Chef Chucks (formerly Chef Charles)2) B.C. Pizza of Boyne City3) Short's Brewing Company, Bellaire Pub

PLACE FOR A WEDDING1) A Matter of Taste at Tapawingo2) Castle Farms3) The Boathouse on Lake Charlevoix

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK1) Round Lake Bookstore2) Adams Madams3) Word Love Goods

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT1) Adams Madams2) The Lake House3) Nifty Things! Elk Rapids

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS 1) Adams Madams2) The Flying Pig3) The Lake House

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY1) Adams Madams2) Uniquely North3) Christine Leader Michigan Metalsmith

PLACE TO BUY ORGANIC & NATURAL FOODS1) Providence Organic Farm, Café & Natural Food Market2) Grain Train3) Martin's Market

Photo by Dave Weidner

Providence Organic Farm in Central Lake.

PLACE TO BUY PET ITEMS1) Tractor Supply Co.2) Ruff Life Pet Outfitters3) Ellsworth Farmers Exchange3) Family Farm & Home

PLACE TO GET ACTIVE/ OUTDOOR WEAR & GEAR1) The Clothing Company2) Paddles & Pedals3) My Michigan Roots

PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE/SUP1) Chain of Lakes Water Trail2) Jordan Valley Outfitters3) Grass River Natural Area

PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG1) Maplehurst Natural Area2) Elk Rapids Day Park3) Avalanche Mountain Preserve3) Fisherman's Island State Park3) North Point Nature Preserve

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER1) Benjamin J. Edwards, MD2) Jennifer Shockley, MD3) Colleen Scott, DO 3) April North, MD

PROJECT HANDYPERSON1) Matt Pederson, LMZ Maintenance2) Dan Deters Handyman Service

REAL ESTATE AGENT1) Kellie Sergent, Century 21 Northland2) Scott Moore, Exit Northern Shores Realty3) Walter Mann, Real Estate One

RESTAURANT1) Cafe Santé2) Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen3) Torch Lake Café

SALON1) Elk Rapids Beautique2) Revive Salon & Spa3) J. Luxe – A Salon

SPOT FOR PICKING (THRIFTING/CONSIGNING)1) Rainbow Thrift Shoppe2) Challenge Mountain Resale Store3) Good Samaritan Family Services

TEACHER1) Ryan Brubaker, Boyne City High School2) Rebecca Benson, Bellaire Elementary3) Annie Grammer, Lakeland Elementary

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR1) KaLeigh Shepard, LMSW2) Jennifer Hewitt, MA, LLPC3) Melissa Cronin, LMSW

WINERY1) Cellar 19142) Torch Lake Cellars3) Boyne Valley Vineyards

WINTER HIKE OR SNOWSHOE TRAIL1) Grass River Natural Area2) Glacial Hills Pathway & Natural Area3) Young State Park

Photo by Dave Weidner

Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire.

XC SKI TRAIL OR AREA1) Glacial Hills Pathway & Natural Area2) Shanty Creek Resort3) Mt. McSauba Recreation Area

ART GALLERY1) AuSable Artisan Village Art Center2) Main Branch Gallery3) Gaylord Area Council for the Arts

BAKERY1) Goodale's Bakery2) Sweet Shannon's3) Cops & Doughnuts Jay's Precinct

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION1) Forest Area Federal Credit Union2) Union Home Mortgage, The Huber Lending Team3) 4Front Credit Union, Kalkaska

BEACH1) Lake Margrethe2) Log Lake3) Manistee Lake3) Otsego Lake State Park

BREAKFAST SPOT1) Moose & Stella's Cafe2) Yankee Boy Restaurant3) Grayling Restaurant

BREWERY1) Rolling Oak Brewing Co.2) Paddle Hard Brewing3) Big Buck Brewery

Photo by Jesse Green

Paddle Hard Brewing in Grayling.

CHIROPRACTOR1) Peter Jenema, DC, The Chiropractic Center2) Brian Herron, DC, Gaston Family Chiropractic3) Brandon Suchey, DC, Suchey Chiropractic

COFFEE SHOP1) Moose & Stella's Cafe2) Biggby, Kalkaska3) Michigan Brew

DENTIST1) Ralph Oppermann, DDS, AuSable Family Dental2) Robert Stobert, DDS, Stobert Dental3) Carrilyn Stobert, DDS, Stobert Dental

DISC GOLF AREA1) Log Lake Park Disc Golf2) Hanson Hills Recreation Area3) Gaylord Disc Golf Course

EVENT1) National Trout Festival2) AuSable River Festival3) Alpenfest

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR1) Larry King, Edward Jones2) Dawn Moses, Sensible Financial Solutions3) ATS Advisors, A Certified Public Accounting Firm

FLOOR COVERING (TILING, CARPETING, WOOD FLOORING) 1) Jarrad's Carpet Direct2) McLean's Home Center3) Dunckley Floor Covering

GYM OR HEALTH STUDIO1) Kaliseum Recreation Complex2) Grayling Fitness Center3) FitNorth

HAPPY HOUR1) Kal-Ho Lounge2) Rolling Oak Brewing Co.3) The Iron Pig Smokehouse

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS1) Kalkaska Plumbing & Heating2) Air North Heating & Plumbing3) Dan's Plumbing & Services

HIKING TRAIL OR AREA1) Hartwick Pines State Park2) North Country Trail & Sunset Trail Road Loop3) Hanson Hills Recreation Area

Photo by Dave Weidner

Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling.

HISTORICAL LANDMARK1) Hartwick Pines Logging Museum2) Gaylord Elk Park3) Call of the Wild

LOCALLY MADE HARD BEVERAGE1) Rolling Oak White, Rolling Oak Brewing Co.2) Fall Harvest Cider, Big Buck Brewery3) C1 Cider, Rolling Oak Brewing Co.

LODGING: HOTELS, MOTELS & RESORTS1) All Seasons Resort2) Gates Au Sable Lodge3) Treetops Resort

LODGING: NO HOTELS, MOTELS OR RESORTS 1) Hanson House Bed & Breakfast2) Borchers Bed & Breakfast3) Otsego Lake County Park

NONPROFIT1) 22 2 None2) Friends of the Kalkaska County Library3) AuSable Valley Animal Shelter

OUTDOOR DINING1) Billy Bob's Boneyard2) The Dig's Food Truck3) Ray's BBQ, Brews & Blues

PHYSICAL THERAPIST1) Pursuit Physical Therapy, Kalkaska2) Dynamic Physical Therapy, Grayling3) Northsport Physical Therapy, Gaylord

PIZZA1) B.C. Pizza Kalkaska2) G's Pizzeria & Deli3) Kal-Ho Lounge

PLACE FOR A WEDDING1) Mill Pond Event Center2) Sonshine Barn Wedding & Event Center3) Sojourn Lakeside Resort

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK1) Hidden Treasures2) Tip’n the Mitten3) The Shopping Basket Gifts & More

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT1) Cherry Street Market2) Hidden Treasures3) Rooted

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS1) Woodland Creek Furniture & Gallery2) Great Rooms Furniture & Mattresses3) Past to Present Emporium

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY1) Hidden Treasures2) Hogan's Jewelers3) Kay Jewelers of Gaylord

PLACE TO BUY ORGANIC & NATURAL FOODS1) Earth's Garden Natural Foods2) Nature's Nest3) Jo Jo's Natural Market

PLACE TO BUY PET ITEMS1) Natural Farm Store/ Lodi Trading Company2) Pets & Things3) Tractor Supply Co. Gaylord

PLACE TO GET ACTIVE/ OUTDOOR WEAR & GEAR1) Natural Farm Store/ Lodi Trading Company2) Northbound Outfitters3) Jay's Sporting Goods

PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE/SUP1) Shel-Haven Canoe Rental2) Au Sable River Public Access3) Penrod's Au Sable Canoe & Kayak

PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG1) Kalkaska Area Recreational Transportation (KART) Trail

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER1) Andrew J. Long, DO2) Natalie Okerson-Sparks, MD3) Vincent E. Schultz, MD

PROJECT HANDYPERSON1) RV Doctor of Grayling2) Jerry Stapleton, Rapid City

REAL ESTATE AGENT1) Michael McGuire, Century 21 Northland2) Chet Wheeler, RE/MAX of Grayling3) Laura Grezner, Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors

RESTAURANT1) Trout Town Tavern & Eatery2) Moose & Stella's Cafe3) Yankee Boy

SALON1) Timberlie's Salon Studio2) Las Vegas Tan & Salon3) From Head to Toe

SPOT FOR PICKING (THRIFTING/CONSIGNING) 1) Hidden Treasures2) Past to Present Emporium3) St. Francis Thrift Shop

TEACHER1) Ms. Kirchofer, Birch Street Elementary2) Tawni Deike, Forest Area High School3) Ali Bridson, Cherry Street Intermediate

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR1) Annette Goodyear, LPC2) Marne March Olli, LPC, MA3) KaLeigh Shepard, LMSW

WINTER HIKE OR SNOWSHOE TRAIL1) Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve2) Michawyé Cross Country Ski/Hiking Trails

XC SKI TRAIL OR AREA1) Hanson Hills Recreation Area2) Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve3) Twin Birch Golf Course

ART GALLERY1) Three Pines Studio2) Crooked Tree Arts Center3) Sturgeon River Pottery

BAKERY1) JoJo's Cookie Co.2) Julienne Tomatoes3) Johan's Pastry Shop

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION1) First Community Bank, Main Street, Harbor Springs2) 4Front Credit Union, US-131, Petoskey3) St. Francis X Federal Credit Union, Rotary Park Branch

BEACH1) Petoskey State Park2) Sturgeon Bay Beach3) Cross Village Beach

BREAKFAST SPOT1) Julienne Tomatoes2) Rusty Saw North3) Sam's Graces Café

BREWERY1) Petoskey Brewing Company2) Pond Hill Farm3) Beards Brewery

CHIROPRACTOR1) Pateman Chiropractic & Massage2) Bear River Chiropractic3) Kulman Chiropractic Center

COFFEE SHOP1) Roast & Toast2) North Perk Coffee3) Johan's Pastry Shop

DENTIST1) Kathryn Morley, DDS, Indian River Family Dentistry2) Mark T. Makela, DDS, Complete Family Dentistry3) Susan Malone, DDS, Hueston Family Dentistry

DISC GOLF AREA1) Kiwanis Park2) Bear River Valley Recreation Area3) River Road Sports Complex

EVENT1) Petoskey Art in the Park2) Petoskey Holiday Open House3) Pond Hill Farm Fall Fest Weekends

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR1) Bill Hansen, AAMS, Crooked Tree Capital Advisors2) Tim Knapp, Edward Jones3) Chad Owens, Edward Jones

FLOOR COVERING (TILING, CARPETING, WOOD FLOORING)1) Contractors Supply2) Petoskey Flooring3) Kiss Carpet Design Center

GYM OR HEALTH STUDIO1) Yoga Roots and Healing Arts2) Center City Gym3) Bay Tennis & Fitness

HAPPY HOUR1) The Back Lot Petoskey2) Palette Bistro3) The Side Door Saloon

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS1) W. W. Fairbairn & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Cooling2) Ballard's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning 3) Matelski Plumbing & Heating

HIKING TRAIL OR AREA1) Offield Family Viewlands 2) Pond Hill Farm3) Little Traverse Wheelway

HISTORICAL LANDMARK1) Colonial Michilimackinac2) Petoskey Clock Tower3) Stafford's Pointer Boat

LOCALLY MADE HARD BEVERAGE1) Gypsy Vodka, Gypsy Distillery2) Blood Orange Honey, Cheboygan Brewing Company3) Horny Monk, Petoskey Brewing

LODGING: HOTELS, MOTELS AND RESORTS1) Stafford's Perry Hotel2) The Highlands at Harbor Springs3) Stafford's Crooked River Lodge

LODGING: NO HOTELS, MOTELS OR RESORTS1) The Gingerbread House2) Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort3) Holiday Vacation Rentals

NONPROFIT1) Little Traverse Bay Humane Society2) Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre3) Little Traverse Conservancy

OUTDOOR DINING1) Legs Inn2) The Back Lot Petoskey3) Pond Hill Farm

PHYSICAL THERAPIST1) Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center2) Orthosport Physical Therapy3) Tim Bondy Physical Therapy

PIZZA1) Mighty Fine Pizza 2) Vivio's3) Piper's Mighty Good Pizza

PLACE FOR A WEDDING1) Lavender Hill Farm2) Pond Hill Farm3) Blisswood Resort

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK1) McLean & Eakin Booksellers2) Between the Covers3) Poetess And Stranger

Photo by Dave Weidner

Between the Covers in Harbor Springs.

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT1) Grandpa Shorter's Gifts2) Sturgeon River Pottery3) Cutler's

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS1) The Quiet Moose2) Reid Furniture Co.3) Then & Now Antique and Consignment House

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY1) Hanni Gallery2) Ward & Eis Gallery3) Reusch Jewelers

PLACE TO BUY ORGANIC & NATURAL FOODS1) Grain Train Natural Foods Market2) Bill's Farm Market3) Harbor Springs Farmers Market

PLACE TO BUY PET ITEMS1) Ruff Life Pet Outfitters2) Tractor Supply Co.3) Pet Supplies Plus

PLACE TO GET ACTIVE/ OUTDOOR WEAR & GEAR 1) The Outfitter of Harbor Springs2) Bearcub Outfitters3) Bahnhof Sport

PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE/SUP1) Sturgeon River Paddlesports2) Little Traverse Bay3) Petoskey State Park

PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG1) Offield Family Viewlands2) Bear River Valley Recreation Area3) Ridge Road

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER1) Ben Vanos, DO2) Emilee L. Kennedy, NP3) Wendy Walker, MD

PROJECT HANDYPERSON1) Roy's Painting Services2) Mark Aquila, M&D Painting

REAL ESTATE AGENT1) Pat Leavy, Kidd & Leavy Real Estate2) Kim Porta, Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors3) Beth Flynn, North Harbor Real Estate

RESTAURANT1) Julienne Tomatoes2) Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse3) Legs Inn

SALON1) Radiance Salon & Spa2) Vogue Salon & Spa3) Polished on Main

SPOT FOR PICKING (THRIFTING/CONSIGNING)1) New Beginnings Resale Store2) Gold Mine Resale Shop3) Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity ReStore

TEACHER1) Steve Evoy, Wolverine2) Julie Spencer, Harbor Light Christian School3) Mollie Carter, Shay Elementary

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR1) Sabrina Spearman, LMSW2) Chance Gawlinski, LLMSW, CADC3) Tana J. Nathe, LPC, NCC

WINERY1) Pond Hill Farm2) Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery3) Walloon Lake Winery

WINTER HIKE OR SNOWSHOE1) Pond Hill Farm2) NCMC Natural Area Trail3) Bear River Trail

XC SKI TRAIL OR AREA1) Nub's Nob2) Pond Hill Farm3) Wildwood Hills Pathway

Photo by Dave Weidner

Bayfront Park in Petoskey.

ART GALLERY1) Crooked Tree Arts Center2) Higher Art Gallery3) Sanctuary Goods

BAKERY1) Bay Bread Company2) Common Good Bakery3) Grand Traverse Pie Company

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION1) TBA Credit Union, Front Street2) 4Front Credit Union, Front Street3) Huntington Bank, Front Street

BEACH1) Haserot Beach2) Old Mission Point Park3) Clinch Park Beach

BREAKFAST SPOT1) Red Spire Brunch House2) Sugar to Salt, S2S3) The Towne Plaza

BREWERY1) The Filling Station Microbrewery2) Brewery Terra Firma3) Rare Bird Brewpub

CHIROPRACTOR1) Back On Track Chiropractic2) Piché Family Chiropractic3) Russell and Johnson Chiropractic

COFFEE SHOP1) Brew2) Mundos 3053) Cuppa Joe Drive Thru

DENTIST1) Chad L. Beers, DDS, Beers Family Dentistry2) Steven J. Niergarth, DDS, Deerhaven Family Dentistry3) Lance Beers, DDS, Deerhaven Family Dentistry

DISC GOLF AREA1) Hickory Hills Disc Golf Course2) Civic Center South Park3) Green Lake Disc Golf Park

EVENT1) National Cherry Festival2) Traverse City Restaurant Week3) Pride Week

Photo by Courtney Kent

Pride Week Celebrations in Traverse City.

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR1) Beth Melcher, MoneyFit2) Tim Alfieri, Hudson Wealth Management3) Andrew Maniaci, TBA Credit Union

FLOOR COVERING (TILING, CARPETING, WOOD FLOORING) 1) Bay View Flooring2) Menards3) Floor Covering Brokers

GYM OR HEALTH STUDIO1) Grand Traverse Bay West YMCA2) EVO Athletics3) Yen Yoga & Fitness

HAPPY HOUR1) The Parlor2) The Little Fleet3) 7 Monks Taproom

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS1) Team Bob's Heating, Cooling, Plumbing2) Precision Plumbing and Heating Systems3) D & W Mechanical

HIKING TRAIL OR AREA1) Boardman Lake Loop Trail2) Traverse Area Recreational Trail (TART)3) Brown Bridge Quiet Area

HISTORICAL LANDMARK1) Traverse City State Hospital2) The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park3) Protected Native American Trail Marker Tree

LOCALLY MADE HARD BEVERAGE1) Cinnamon Girl, Left Foot Charley2) American Cherry Whiskey, Traverse City Whiskey Co.3) Lavender Cider, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

LODGING: HOTELS, MOTELS & RESORTS 1) Delamar2) Hotel Indigo3) Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

LODGING: NO HOTELS, MOTELS OR RESORTS1) Brys Estate Guesthouse2) Neahtawanta Inn3) Two Bay Stay

NONPROFIT1) Cherryland Humane Society2) Project Feed The Kids3) The Father Fred Foundation

OUTDOOR DINING1) The Little Fleet2) The Filling Station Microbrewery3) Boone's Long Lake Inn

PHYSICAL THERAPIST1) Superior Physical Therapy2) The Wellness Center at The Grand Traverse Pavilions3) Pursuit Physical Therapy

PIZZA1) The Filling Station Microbrewery2) Charles & Reid3) Peegeo's

PLACE FOR A WEDDING1) BlueBridge Events Centre2) Cobblestone Farms3) The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK1) Horizon Books2) Brilliant Books3) Blue Vase Book Exchange

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT1) Nifty Things!2) Cherry Republic3) My Secret Stash

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS1) Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings2) Currie's Furniture3) Woodland Creek Furniture

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY1) Miner's North Jewelers2) CC Jewelers3) James C. Smith Fine Jewelry

PLACE TO BUY ORGANIC & NATURAL FOODS1) Oryana West2) Oryana 10th Street3) Edson Farms Natural Foods

PLACE TO BUY PET ITEMS1) Pets Naturally2) PetSmart3) Pet Supplies Plus

PLACE TO GET ACTIVE/OUTDOOR WEAR & GEAR1) Backcountry North2) Boyne Country Sports3) Running Fit Fleet Feet

PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE/SUP1) Boardman River2) Brown Bridge Canoe Launch3) Interlochen State Park

PLACE TO WALK YOUR DOG1) Boardman Lake Loop Trail2) The Village at Grand Traverse Commons3) TART Trails

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER1) Elizabeth Hughes, DO2) Debra Graetz, MD3) Anessa Songer, DO

PROJECT HANDYPERSON1) Kevin Hall Builders2) Ace Handyman Services3) Marcus Clary, Clary Construction Services

REAL ESTATE AGENT1) Crystal Gober, Traverse Real Estate2) Holly Hack, Exit Realty Paramount3) Lexa Ferrill, Real Estate One

RESTAURANT1) Poppycocks2) J & S Hamburg South3) Boathouse Restaurant

SALON1) Studio 415 Salon2) The Hair + Beauty Lounge3) Bella Amici Salon3) Salon 804

SPOT FOR PICKING (THRIFTING/CONSIGNING) 1) Cherryland Humane Society Thrift2) Mrs. O's Crap Shack3) Zany Consignment Boutique West

TEACHER1) Katie Medler, TC West Middle School2) Carl Edgren, TC West Senior High School3) Sarah Hadd, Woodland School

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR1) Rebecca Sage, LLMSW2) Eric LaPaugh, LPC NCC3) Michelle Newman, LMSW

WINERY1) Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery2) Left Foot Charley3) Mari Vineyards

WINTER HIKE OR SNOWSHOE TRAIL1) Brys Estate Winter Trail2) Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area3) Old Mission Point Park

XC SKI TRAIL OR AREA1) Vasa Pathway2) Hickory Hills Recreation Area3) Mt. Holiday

Five new categories competing across all of Northern Michigan to crown the best of the best!

DOWNHILL SKI RESORT1) Crystal Mountain2) Nub's Nob3) Boyne Mountain

DOWNTOWN1) Traverse City2) Mackinac Island3) Petoskey

GOLF COURSE1) Grandview Golf Club2) Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club3) Twin Birch Golf Course

PERFORMANCE/CONCERT VENUE1) Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium2) City Opera House3) Old Town Playhouse

SPECIALTY MEAT MARKET1) Maxbauer Specialty Meat Market2) Burritt's Fresh Markets3) Meat Monkeys Bulk Meat Sales

Photo by Dave Weidner

View of Downtown Traverse City.

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