Welcome to Northern Soul. I’m Laurel. I document adventures that delight me in the Great Lakes region. I hope they delight you too. Happy exploring.
All in Tips
Wax your skis and don your wool base layer— Nordic winter wonderlands await across the north.
It was an incredible five days spent listening to the gentle roar of Lake Superior, sleeping soundly after days in motion, and swapping the blue glow of an iPhone and a MacBook Pro for the deep greens and blues of the forest, lake, and sky.
Just as April’s cold rain convinces us that the ground may never fully thaw, improbable delicate blooms emerge. Spotting the first sprouts is a wonderful relief, like finding congratulatory fans at the finish line of a hard-fought race.
There are three approachable, beautiful hikes within a few miles of downtown Leland I recommend if you are exploring the area. (Tip: in spring, these are all havens for abundant spring wildflower blooms!)
If you have a winter day to spend exploring, bundle up, pack your snowshoes, and head to Baldy Trail Head. This 3.8 miles trail is part of the Arcadia Dunes: C.S. Mott Nature Preserve, which offers 15 total miles of diverse and pristine trails.
Seven recipes to celebrate winter produce, nourish your body, and warm your heart.
If you’re visiting Traverse City or if you’re a local looking for a new dog-walking spot, I highly recommend these five trails. They are my go-to places when a game of fetch or a jaunt around the block just won’t do.
I am still collecting a wardrobe of total-package items. But six Northern Michigan winters in, I’ve dialed in a solid list of winter activewear essentials. During the winter months, I do not leave home for a beer or a grocery run, much less a hike, ski, or snowshoe, without these items.
