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.
Tucked in the Sturgeon River Valley near Gaylord’s city limits, Otsego Resort is a classic summertime retreat 80 years in the making.
My stay at Hotel Wallon was a rare respite made possible by Hotel Walloon’s meticulously crafted world— and authentic wonderland of unadultereated Up North nostalgia.
Wax your skis and don your wool base layer— Nordic winter wonderlands await across the north.
As you’re making your holiday plans, wish lists, and gift lists, I thought I’d share my favorite cozy items that keep me merry and bright during these dark days.
Marquette is an ideal destination if you want to immerse yourself in the UP’s wild beauty while enjoying amenities of a city.
Seven retired Idyll Farms dairy goats have an important summer gig in the Manistee-Benzie County region.
When I needed a little escape from reality recently—this adorable tiny home was exactly the unheralded diversion I needed.
A common spirit united us—the kind of enthusiasm for the outdoors that inspires you to so say, I will willingly haul a heavy bag for 25 miles on a mosquito, poison ivy, and tick-laden island and I will find great joy in that experience.
They are velvety. They are impossibly lovely. They are glorious, aromatic, cupcakes on a stem.
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.
Whether you enjoy biking a few miles or spending the entire day exploring via bike, northern Michigan has a scenic route for you to ride.
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!)
So, how do we purge and simplify without harming the enviornment? These are the resources I ran across on my decluttering journey.
These eight spring rituals consistently fill me up and inspire a springy-spirit in my heart.
Sintra is an enchanting city that is surrounded by rugged natural beauty and emerald-colored, palace-clad mountainsides.
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.
Here’s a recipe for a bright and bubbly day near Traverse City—regardless of weather.
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.
