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EnjoyerMichigan Enjoyer

O.W. Root

O.W. Root is a writer based in Northern Michigan, with a focus on nature, food, style, and culture.

Multi-story apartment buildings under construction with exposed dirt, construction equipment, and safety markers scattered around the development site

Is Petoskey Becoming Traverse City 2.0?

O.W. Root·May 8
Memorial headstone for Franklin Devereux in wooded cemetery, decorated with colorful flowers and surrounded by blue border stones

When a Frontiersman Fought a Bear to the Death

O.W. Root·May 1
Wide five-lane Ludington Avenue cuts through downtown with historic buildings and small businesses lining both sides

This Michigan Beach Town Needs Ozempic

O.W. Root·Apr 24
Blue-spotted salamander with distinctive blue speckles crosses wet asphalt during nighttime migration to breeding pools

What I Saw at the Blue-Spotted Salamander Migration

O.W. Root·Apr 17
Washed-out section of Tunnel of Trees road shows cracked pavement and exposed foundation amid bare winter trees

The Tunnel of Trees Collapse Must Be Fixed by Summer

O.W. Root·Apr 15
Giant clam shell display with coral specimens at Sea Shell City roadside attraction near Mackinac Bridge

The Man-Killing Clam Is Michigan's Best Tourist Trap

O.W. Root·Apr 10
Vinyl record spinning on turntable with tonearm and needle positioned over the grooved surface at Malted Vinyl lounge

This Japan-Inspired Lounge Is Vinyl-Only

O.W. Root·Apr 3
Snow-lined rural road stretching into distance with bare winter trees on both sides under blue sky with white clouds

Gravity Is Broken on This Up North Road

O.W. Root·Mar 27
Rocky Lake Michigan shoreline with driftwood and boulders scattered across sandy beach, autumn trees lining the coast

The Definitive Ranking of Michigan Area Codes

O.W. Root·Mar 20
Wooden sign reading "PUBLIC BEACH" and "NO CAMPING" stands in dune grass overlooking Lake Michigan's shoreline

Why Northerners Lie to Out-of-Town Reporters

O.W. Root·Mar 13
Snow-covered outdoor sanctuary with towering red crucifix surrounded by wooden benches and pine trees under clear blue sky

Why the World's Second-Largest Crucifix Belongs Up North

O.W. Root·Mar 6
Classic luxury cars with gleaming chrome grilles displayed inside the Gilmore Car Museum's spacious exhibition halls

The Continent’s Largest Car Museum Is Hiding in West Michigan

O.W. Root·Feb 27