Episode #764
Taverse City Food & Wine 2026, plus music and travel (Aug. 8-9, 2026)
Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast EPISODE 764 Aug. 7-8, 2026 This episode is all about food, travel and music. That's right BTM's alley! A big portion of the show is focused on Traverse City Food and Wine, which is back bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever, with 80 events, a fully functional demonstration kitchen, sold-out chef dinners, and rare up-close moments with some of the biggest names in food. Amy Sherman sits down with Whitney Waara , COO of Traverse City Tourism, to unpack why year two of the festival feels like the real breakthrough. From collaboration dinners with multiple chefs to waterfront tastings, market-basket challenges, and the new Open Space Park kitchen built for real cooking, Whitney shares how Traverse City is turning August 19-23 into a choose-your-own-adventure for food lovers. In addition: John Gonzalez checks in with foodie Chad Lamar of Grand Rapids who is a truck driver by day, but uses his travels to explore some of his favorite destinations all over the country. John interviews Chad while in line at Stubburn BBQ in Grand Rapids. And Amy and Gonzo interview bluegrass musician Mark Lavengood , a.k.a. Huggy Bear, who is the master of ceremonies at the first ever (and SOLD OUT!) Ionia Freak Fair (Aug. 28-29) . You will learn more about Mark's musical background, what it's like to be on stage with Billy Strings and Greensky Bluegrass, and, his early years, when he played middle school basketball at Comstock Park - with John as his coach. We're not making that up! Follow John and Amy's adventures on their new Substack page. Just go to amyandgonzo.com to learn more. Want more events and things to do in Michigan? Follow the West Michigan Tourist Association, the official partner of Behind the Mitten. Go to WMTA.org .
