Under the Radar Michigan (2010 - 2025)

Grand Rapids, Cadillac, Port Huron: Episode 102 of “Under the Radar Michigan,” is loaded with good food, phenomenal people and fabulous hot spots to stop and rest a spell. Tom Daldin takes you through the thriving city of Grand Rapids, where he explores the following: the B.O.B (aka The Big Old Building) an old grocery warehouse turned into the city’s main entertainment center. “Under The Radar- Michigan” travels next to the city of Cadillac, which prides itself on being a great place to live and a great place to play! Many new businesses are coming into the new main street area, such as the large and whimsical Toy Town, which local business owners believe really contributes to the city’s growth. You’ve got to see the first class European style hotel in the Herman’s European Café & Hotel which lets visitors unwind after a day of fishing, hiking, and boating.

Detroit, Lansing, Battle Creek: In the third episode of “Under The Radar - Michigan”, host Tom Daldin asks viewers to revisit the city of Detroit, a city that is coming back to life with its new businesses, restaurants, and entertainment centers. New strips popping up across the city help this historic city thrive once again, and Detroit’s historic entertainment district offers something for everyone, especially if you love jazz. Cliff Bells, a restored jazz club from the 1930s, offers great food, classic cocktails, and amazing musicians to transport you back to when jazz was king and elegance was everything. “Under the Radar – Michigan” then travels to our state’s capitol in Lansing. This city isn’t only for housing our government however.

Marquette, Alpena: Marquette Where a Beautiful Waterfront, a Great Meal, and Quirky Creativity Meet Host Tom Daldin, of Under The Radar Michigan reminds viewers that the best vacation doesn’t have to include a trip to the airport. A day’s drive will take you to lovely Marquette, nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near the southern shores of Lake Superior. A hilly college town, Marquette’s downtown area bustles with a hum of friendly energy and is filled with character and charm. A walk along the waterfront reveals beautiful homes that were once old factories—providing great photo opportunities as well as showing the city’s transformation. If you love authentic Cajun/Creole food, you won’t want to miss “Laginappe – A Cajun Creole Eatery”. Master Chef Dan has taken special care to bring Louisiana’s finest culinary favorites and Bourbon street essence to downtown Marquette.

Traverse City, Port Austin: Traverse City: Where High Class Spirits Meet a Small-Town Vibe Host Tom Daldin ventures to beautiful Traverse City, located at the base of Traverse Bay in northeastern lower Michigan. It’s a city that boasts a great downtown area that is filled with wonderful restaurants and is known for its exceptional spirits—specifically, vodka. It’s a little known fact that Traverse City produces the top 6 best vodkas in the world. To investigate, Tom visits the Grand Traverse Distillery, which produces these high-class spirits. One visit is all it takes to see why it has been the proud winner of numerous blind-tasting events and how it has developed into a local institution, simultaneously elevating the status of Michigan products the world-over. Traverse City is also home to an already iconic Michigan product: the cherry.

Cheboygan, Sault Ste. Marie: Sault Saint Marie & Cheboygan Home to Breathtaking Waterways and Rich History FIRST STOP, SAULT SAINT MARIE: Host Tom Daldin drives to the northeastern end of the UP to visit scenic Sault Saint Marie, a town with many claims to fame. Having been established in 1668, Sault Saint Marie bears the title of ‘oldest city in the Midwest.’ It’s also home to the Soo locks. Visitors in every part of town can see the giant freighters passing through from the beautiful, tree-lined streets downtown. Those interested in eating great food as well as taking in the sights can head downtown to Karl’s Cuisine, where every meal is made from scratch. Everyday, Chef Karl and his wife, Paula, bring food from simple to spectacular, making it good for the soul while making sure it’s still good for you. Restaurants like theirs, which nurture customers as well as the community, have earned Sault Saint Marie the title ‘Best Food town in the Midwest’ this year.

Munising, Ann Arbor: FIRST STOP, MUNISING: Under The Radar Michigan travels to the best kept secret in the upper peninsula beautiful Munising. In Munising you'll visit the incredible Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore, hike to scenic waterfalls that are right in town, and watch Tom sample the best (and only) whitefish sausage he's ever had. You'll also discover where you can get a gourmet meal to go, on your own pontoon boat out and around the Pictured Rocks. NEXT STOP, ANN ARBOR: Next, host Tom Daldin travels to the home of The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is a very comfortable and intellectual place, where people are passionate about learning, and independent thought; and boy, do they love good food, In Ann Arbor, Tom discovers why a meal at the restaurant, Afternoon Delight, is totally worth the wait; and were Bo Schembechler always went to make sure he looked good for game-day.

Monroe, Tawas: FIRST STOP, TEWAS CITY and EAST TAWAS: This episode has everything from culture and kites, to food and a fantastic boat trip. Under The Radar travels up to Tawas City and East Tawas for a tale of two cities that when combined, make one great place to live work and play. Tom takes a fascinating boat trip to Charity Island. NEXT STOP, MONROE: We finish our Michigan adventure in Monroe, a beautiful city with great history, and wonderful people. You’ll visit a boutique hotel that will blow your mind; get a dose of the rich history of the area; and hear from two local artists that are putting a creative eye on Monroe. Tom also discovers two gourmet restaurants that are worth the drive to Monroe, no matter how far away you live. Then, once back on the mainland, show you the only full service resort in Michigan that's on Lake Huron. After all that, Tom still finds time to fly a kite, and sample some of the best beef jerky on planet earth.

Boyne City, Rochester: FIRST STOP, BOYNE CITY: You've heard the expression "art imitates life, well, in this episode, you will see how "art" changed the lives of a lot of people in Boyne City. You'll also meet a custom boat builder who ships (pun intended) his boats all around the world, and see a view of Lake Charlevoix that's totally worth the climb. Just ask Tom, he's still out of breath. NEXT STOP, ROCHESTER: Then, Under The Radar travels to Rochester where Tom helps light up the town "literally" with the Rochester Bright Lights Festival. Tom then visits the only certified organic restaurant in Michigan, finds a bit of Poland in Michigan and then gets gnarly and tries not to break anything at the South Street Skate Park.

Detroit, Petoskey: DETROIT: This week Under The Radar Michigan goes back to the Motor City to find out how The Sphinx Organization is literally changing the faces of symphony orchestras around the world … We’ll also discover the best French crepes outside of Paris, and see African beads over a thousand years old. PETOSKEY: Then we head north to Petoskey to stay at the historic Perry Hotel ... We'll also stop by American Spoon to see how it all started, and taste natures best preserves. We'll dine like kings at Chandler's experience some of Michigan's most inspired artists at The Crooked Tree Art Center ... and "almost" have a drink with the great, late Ernest Hemingway at The City Park Grill.

Hamtramck, Frankenmuth: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, Tom takes viewers on a trip to Disneyland … but this one’s in Hamtramck, and it’s one of the most colorful and eclectic collections of Americana you’ll ever see. Tom also gets hip at a retro, resale shop called Detroit Threads, and eats at a Mexican/Asian fusion restaurant … Then Tom will show you how to become German in Frankenmuth, and take viewers to an international festival where they literally turn snow into a show.

Houghton Lake, Marquette: On this episode of Under The Radar Michigan, Tom Heads for Houghton Lake and one of Michigan’s oldest and largest winter festivals … Tip Up Town. While there, you’ll discover that there’s a lot more going on than just ice fishing. Next you’ll head back up to Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula to visit a fascinating snowmobile museum; find out where they make the legendary Stormy Kromer hat; and experience the U.P. 200 … a grueling 200 mile dogsled race that runs right through the streets of downtown Marquette.

Lansing, Wyandotte: On this episode of Under The Radar- Michigan, we head back to Lansing for inspirational stories from three motivated Michigan entrepreneurs. Tom helps us discover how Sweetie-licious pies are becoming a national sensation; how a great plan is making Cravings Gourmet Popcorn a huge hit; and how Biggby Bob has turned his love for a good cup a joe into a thriving Michigan business. Then, we hit Wyandotte for some great local art; the world’s best sliders; a real Muskrat dinner … and we’ll see how Wyandotte is using Geothermal energy to take its residents into a green future.