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Awesome Mitten Logo - map of Michigan showing lighthouse, mackinac bridge, and trees
Picture of Kristi Murphy

Kristi Murphy

I'm an adventure seeking, nature loving, mama of two. After many years of exploration, my husband and I planted our roots in beautiful Traverse City, MI. I am shaped by my experiences in the outdoors, taking inspiration from our natural world and moments shared with my loved ones. Most of my writing is a way for me to reflect, slow down, and earmark these memories before time passes by. Mainly, I aim to notice and be astonished every day by the small details of love running through the current of my life, and share this joy with others.
A sunset over a river and beach with rocks lining the water.

A Local’s Guide to 8 Breathtaking Beaches in Northern Michigan

It’s no secret that Northern Michigan has an endless supply of gorgeous beaches. Some are tucked away behind pine trees, others are front and center in the middle of town,

Northport, Michiga

Take the Road Less Traveled to Northport, Michigan

On any given day, during any given season, I’m always looking for a new adventure. One of my favorite things to do is to take a quick day trip to

Autumn blessings

Autumn in Michigan: A Majestic Array of Blessings

In my son’s room, I spy the first red leaf on the tree outside his window. Every year, this specific tree is the first to change colors and also the

Solo Trip Collage

Why Taking a Solo Trip Could Be the Best Gift You Ever Give Yourself

Solo. One word, one goal, one person. I’m not “free-soloing” like Alex Honnold, the infamous American rock climber, although some could call what I’m doing just as exposing. It’s not

Discover the 6 Unique Regions of Michigan’s Beautiful Petoskey Area

It’s no secret that Northern Michigan is known for its charm and beauty. It’s easy to spend days wandering the many towns that dot the shoreline of Lake Michigan, exploring

My Top 3 Michigan Ski Resorts + 5 Honorable Mentions

A few weeks ago, my family and I completed our second annual “Ski Weekend” with our family friends. We started this tradition last year and don’t plan on slowing down

A woman and boy wear helmets with bikes in front of a lake.

Road Trip Like a Local During Traverse City’s Shoulder Seasons

As the seasons shift from summer to fall, to early winter, so do patterns in our family. Our little town of Traverse City, a popular summer destination, now is quiet

A girl on a shoreline looking at water and trees.

Find Beauty, Tranquility & Wonder in Alpena, Michigan

Our family loves to adventure to new places together, especially in our home state of Michigan. We live in Traverse City, and as we looked at a map, we noticed

View of Lake Michigan along the beach.

The Hidden Beauty of Southwest Michigan’s “Shoulder Seasons”

The “spring” blues hit hard this time of the year, with the weather undecided on what it wants to do. I deal with it differently every year; sometimes, I focus

A man and a woman posed together smiling.

This Time of Year is Perfect for a Quiet Weekend in the Petoskey Area

Adventure is never far from home — especially if you live in Michigan. Even in the doldrums of winter, there are always places to go and things to experience. Recently,

Boyne Mountain ski lift

Ski, Swim & SkyBridge: The Ultimate Winter Weekend at Boyne Mountain

Winter was approaching, our minds excited for the prospect of snow and all the delight it brings. Our kids have been begging for a ski weekend at Boyne Mountain with

People sitting in a raft raising their oars. Michigan winter rafting with Jordan Valley Outfitters in East Jordan.

Experience the Thrill of Michigan Winter Rafting on This Gorgeous River

If you only try one new adventure this year, make it Michigan winter rafting on the Jordan River… It’s no surprise that I believe the winter season is pure magic

A Swing and firepit in the wood sat Detach Primitive in Rockford, Michigan.

Stay in a yurt, hobbit house, or A-frame cabin at this four-season, off-grid Michigan retreat.

Let me tell you a secret- adventure is here- RIGHT HERE- under your nose. You don’t have to go far, spend a lot of money, or take a week off

A girl sitting on a rock outcropping in the Keweenaw Peninsula

Discovering the Magic of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula

I am sitting outside, listening to the crickets sing. It is a sign of the oncoming autumn. The air is calm, and it takes a while for the day to

A couple embracing at the top of a mountain - Hikes in Marquette.

6 Beautiful Hikes in Marquette You Need to Explore

Marquette is a town known for many things – history, skiing, mountain biking, breweries, and of course, hiking. I spent almost 10 years in Colorado, bagging peaks and filling my

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Awesome Mitten
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Jackson, MI 49203

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© 2026 Awesome Mitten. A publication of Under a Red Oak LLC.

  • Home
  • Start
    • Start Here
    • Email Newsletter
    • Meet the Team
  • Seasons
    • Spring in Michigan
    • Summer in Michigan
    • Fall in Michigan
      • Places to Visit Colors
      • Fall Peak Color Predictions
      • Fall Bucket List
      • Fall Train Tours
      • Fall Festivals
      • Towns With Stunning Foliage
      • Why Fall is the Most Magical
    • Winter in Michigan
      • Best Winter Things to Do
      • Winter Festivals
      • Polar Express Train Rides
      • Frozen Waterfalls
      • Loving Michigan Winters
  • Things to Do
    • All Guides
    • Michigan Lighthouses
    • Northern Lights
    • Gift Ideas
  • Places
    • Western Upper Peninsula
    • Eastern Upper Peninsula
    • Northern Michigan
    • West Michigan
    • Mid-Michigan
    • East Michigan
    • Southwest Michigan
    • Southcentral Michigan
    • Southeast Michigan
  • Premium
    • Premium
    • Login
    • Members
    • Member Help
  • Travel Guides
    • Mackinac Island Travel Guide
    • Pictured Rocks Area Guide
    • Sleeping Bear Dunes Guide
    • Tahquamenon Falls Area Guide
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