Episode Archives: 2023
January 2023
Episode #2001-001 | week of January 5, 2023
Bruce & Grey Counties, Ontario
“Ontario's Bruce Peninsula in Winter”
On today’s show we are going to look back to a pre-pandemic winter trip to Ontario. From snowmobiles to skis, we will take a scenic tour of Owen Sound around Georgian Bay.
Episode #2002-001 | week of January 12, 2023
Escanaba, Michigan
“Discover Winter in Escanaba”
In the winter there is so much to do and this winter we travel to the city with the longest freshwater shoreline of any county in the entire USA. We will ice fish for trophy walleye and tour Escanaba but not in Da Moonlight!
Episode #2003-001 | week of January 19, 2023
Houghton Lake, Michigan
“Winter Trails”
Snowmobiling is not the only way to hit the trails in winter. Today we will jump on ATVs and discover the famous 222 ATV trail in St. Helen, then it’s on to snowshoeing, ice fishing and a lot more including the big winter carnival, Tip Up Town USA. Today’s show is all about winter!
Episode #1907-002 | week of January 26, 2023
Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region
“GLBR Best of the Outdoors 1”
In the middle of Michigan is an outdoor paradise. It includes everything from fat tire biking to hiking the Pere Marquette trail and kayaking the Chippewa River just to name a few of the many outdoor opportunities. It’s an area called the Great Lakes Bay, and we will bring you the best of the outdoors in this 2-part series.
February 2023
Episode #2004-001 | week of February 2, 2023
Manistique, Michigan / Hiawatha National Forest
“Lots of Snow”
We love the snow and there is always plenty of it in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We will play in it all, then visit some ice-capped lighthouses.
Episode #1913-001 | week of February 9, 2023
Grand Marais, Michigan
“Pictured Rocks: The East End”
Starting at the Grand Marais Ranger Station we discover incredible trails through the Grand Sable Dunes to the Grand Sable Falls and up the Grand Sable Light and then onto shipwreck discovery.
Episode #1902-002 | week of February 16, 2023
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Hiawatha National Forest Part 1”
We spend a lot of time in the Hiawatha National Forest hiking and exploring and that’s what we are going to do on this 2-part special. It all starts on the Bruno’s Run Hiking Trail.
Episode #2005-001 | week of February 23, 2023
Cadillac, Michigan
“Cadillac - Not the Car, The Town”
We didn’t know that you could kayak, canoe, fish, and mushroom hunt in Cadillac. So, we did. Oh, and we also visited some of their watering holes. Great Time!
March 2023
Episode #1712-002 | week of March 2, 2023
Michigan's Sunrise Coast
“Best of the Sunrise Coast”
The Sunrise Coast of Lake Huron has so many things to do for the outdoor enthusiast that we had to make a full tour out of it. We start at the southern point of the bay on bikes and end the trip with some music and festivities.
Episode #1908-002 | week of March 9, 2023
Great Lakes Bay Region, Michigan
“GLBR Best of the Outdoors 2”
This is the second in our 2-part series of the best of the outdoors in mid-Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region. This week we will discover world class walleye fishing, nature and so much more. If you love the outdoors, you will love this area.
Episode #1906-002 | week of March 16, 2023
Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Michigan's Canoe Wilderness”
In the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies an incredible canoe wilderness where you can camp, canoe, kayak and portage from one of 23 lakes to another. No wheeled vehicles of any kind is allowed and no motors. Just you, your kayak and Mother Nature.
Episode #1505-002 | week of March 23, 2023
Michigan
“Our Favorite Fishing Trips Pt 1”
We have had so many great fishing adventures in and around Michigan that it was time that we took the best and put them in a series of 2 shows. You will enjoy everything from fly fishing on the Rifle River to salmon fishing on Lake Huron. This is part 1 of 2.
Episode #1506-002 | week of March 30, 2023
Michigan
“Our Favorite Fishing Trips Pt 2”
We have had so many great fishing adventures in and around Michigan that it was time that we took the best and put them in a series of 2 shows. You will enjoy everything from fly fishing on the Rifle River to salmon fishing on Lake Huron. This is part 2 of 2.
April 2023
Episode #2006-001 | week of April 6, 2023
Schoolcraft County, Michigan
“Central Upper Peninsula Circle Tour”
Join Host Tom O’Boyle as he takes us on a tour of the central U.P. With stops from Fayette Historic Site all the way to the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse at the other end, and lots of cool places in between.
Episode #2007-001 | week of April 13, 2023
Michigan's Sunrise Coast
“Finest Trails on the Sunrise Coast”
Michigan’s Sunrise Coast has some of the best hiking trails in the state and they are very lightly used. Most hikers don’t even know about these. Learn some new places to hike on this week’s show.
Episode #2008-001 | week of April 20, 2023
Michigan / Wisconsin / Minnesota / Ontario
“A Look Back: 20 Years of Making Memories”
This year celebrates 20 years of bringing you Great Getaways and today we want to highlight some of the best.
Episode #2005-001 | week of April 27, 2023
Cadillac, Michigan
“Cadillac - Not the Car, The Town”
We didn’t know that you could kayak, canoe, fish, and mushroom hunt in Cadillac. So, we did. Oh, and we also visited some of their watering holes. Great Time!
May 2023
Episode #1802-003 | week of May 4, 2023
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Wilderness Waterfalls Part 1”
The U.P. is home to all but one of Michigan’s waterfalls. There are more than 200 falls scattered across the Upper Peninsula ranging in size from under 5 feet to 48+ feet vertical drops. Almost all require hiking to reach, and all are worth the hike. Some of the hikes are a lot harder than others but as you will see today the hikes are half the fun.
Episode #1803-002 | week of May 11, 2023
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Wilderness Waterfalls Part 2”
Part two of our wilderness waterfall hunt will take us to even more of the waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and they are all located in beautiful natural areas. We are going to take you across the U.P. to discover as many as possible in the time we have.
Episode #1813-002 | week of May 18, 2023
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Wilderness Waterfalls Part 3”
Our adventure continues in search of Michigan Waterfalls. So many waterfalls and so little time to see them all. This show is part 3 in our Wilderness Waterfall Adventure.
Episode #1605-003 | week of May 25, 2023
Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region
“Great Lakes Bay Trails”
As Michigan continues to build and promote trails for hiking, biking and fun, this area brings some of the newest for your enjoyment.
June 2023
Episode #2009-001 | week of June 1, 2023
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Michigan State Parks of the Upper Peninsula”
It wasn't until the onset of the twentieth century that things like admiring nature became fashionable in the United States. People like president Theodore Roosevelt, and author John Muir, helped to popularize setting aside public lands for the preservation of wildlife and other natural resources. Because of this foresight, Michigan's residents and visitors can enjoy one of the nation's premier park systems.
Episode #1610-001 | week of June 8, 2023
Michigan / Ontario
“Tom's Great Adventure”
Tom goes rock climbing for the first time, kayaking in the northern Michigan wilderness and hikes into caves, to a waterfall, in the treetops and to a magnificent overlook. Plus a trip to the top of the Mackinac Bridge.
Episode #2010-001 | week of June 15, 2023
Michigan / Ontario
“Our Favorite Parks From the Last 20 Years”
Celebrating 20 years of Great Getaways we count down our favorite parks. From southern Ontario to the northern reaches of Michigan and everything in between.
Episode #1705-001 | week of June 22, 2023
Tawas Bay, Michigan
“Iosco County Blog”
This is the third in our series of Facebook Video blogs. We share with you 12 months of adventures through Iosco County, it includes everything from touring the famous Tawas Point light to kiteboarding the best kite site in the U.S.
Episode #1905-001 | week of June 29, 2023
Bruce County, Ontario
“Hiking on the Niagara Escarpment”
Canada is known for its rugged beauty and pristine wilderness and that is what we will discover as we travel along a portion of the world-renowned Niagara Escarpment. We hike to rock outcroppings that look down 300 feet into the Georgian Bay, we go into the back country through beautiful forests rich with wildlife and so much more. Hike with us as we discover the Niagara Escarpment.
July 2023
Episode #1807-002 | week of July 6, 2023
Roscommon County, Michigan
“Up North Discovery”
From canoeing the mighty AuSable, kayaking Lake St. Helen and riding ATVs with a little shopping thrown in, this show has something for everyone.
Episode #1812-002 | week of July 13, 2023
Ogemaw County, Michigan
“Rifle River Recreation Area - Our Discovery Continues”
This slice of heaven has so much to offer we had to make another trip through to discover more nature, more lakes and more outdoor fun.
Episode #1804-002 | week of July 20, 2023
Michigan / Ontario
“Our Favorite Waterways”
Michigan and Canada are known for their waterways and today we will show you some of the best. We will canoe, kayak, and boat through some of the most spectacular and exciting waterways that are accessible to everyone.
Episode #1613-002 | week of July 27, 2023
Huron County, Michigan
“Thumbs Up”
Sticking out into Lake Huron like the thumb on a mitten, we discover a hidden getaway. It is a place where you can watch a sunrise and a sunset from the same spot, where Lake Huron surrounds you with a sandy beach and beautiful blue shoreline, with pictured rocks for incredible views. Join us as we discover the tip of “Michigan’s Thumb”.
August 2023
Episode #1511-002 | week of August 3, 2023
Bruce County, Ontario
“Lighthouse Kayak Trip”
Lighthouses standing majestically on a shoreline or an island conjure up images of romance and adventure. This trip will take us to 8 different lighthouses all located on Lake Huron.
Episode #1703-003 | week of August 10, 2023
Ludington, Michigan
“Time To Go West”
We will travel up Michigan’s western shore with stops at Lighthouses, Historic Museums and State Parks. Nothing but fun on this trip.
Episode #1405-003 | week of August 17, 2023
Ogemaw County, Michigan
“Ogemaw County Tour”
There is a lot of activity in Ogemaw County from biking, car shows, canoeing, history and so much more and we are going to experience a lot of it on today’s show.
Episode #1204-003 | week of August 24, 2023
Curtis, Michigan
“It Won't Hurt Us To Go To Curtis”
To quote an old friend Curtis is a place in the U.P. that most people have never been to and don’t know much about, so “It won’t hurt us to go Curtis” Three large lakes with the same name Big Manistique, Little Manistique, and North Manistique. We will enjoy fishing, hiking and friends galore.
Episode #2011-001 | week of August 31, 2023
Paradise, Michigan
“A Fall Fantastic”
Join Tom as he kayaks down the Tahquamenon River, discovers a long abandon cemetery at Whitefish Point along with a stop at the only cranberry farm in Michigan. Plus, a couple more surprises.
September 2023
Episode #1709-003 | week of September 7, 2023
Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan
“A Trip Down Federal Forest Highway 13”
Highway 13 starts at US 2 and travels north through 3 counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country as it goes right through the Hiawatha National Forest.
Episode #8021-003 | week of September 14, 2023
Grey County, Ontario
“Hiking In The Trees”
Autumn color abounds as we take you on a vacation you will never forget. We take a hike across treetops in an old growth forest and then end with a zip line down 300 feet from the top of the Niagara Escarpment. Along the way we will stop at the oldest brewery in Ontario.
Episode #2012-001 | week of September 21, 2023
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“Autumn in the Wilderness”
Starting in the village of Nahma along Lake Michigan, then heading north to hike Bruno’s Run and ending up with a search for Mulligan Falls - this trip is the perfect fall Great Getaway.
Episode #1516-002 | week of September 28, 2023
Michigan's Sunrise Coast
“Color Tour Along US23”
When the colors change there is no better place to experience the autumn beauty than a trip on the water and down the shore. Today you will be entertained with the eye candy of changing seasons in the Tawas Bay area on Michigan’s Sunrise Coast.
October 2023
Episode #1913-001 | week of October 5, 2023
Grand Marais, Michigan
“Pictured Rocks: The East End”
Starting at the Grand Marais Ranger Station we discover incredible trails through the Grand Sable Dunes to the Grand Sable Falls and up the Grand Sable Light and then onto shipwreck discovery.
Episode #1512-002 | week of October 12, 2023
Tawas Bay Area
“Autumn Splendor”
We will take a color tour by paddle boat, a canoe trip in the cool clean air, see incredible overlooks with trees so beautiful they look like a master artist painted them, and we top it off with a hike on a National Forest trail.
Episode #1304-002 | week of October 19, 2023
Schoolcraft County, Michigan
“Great Getaways Fish Fry”
Join us as we go to Michigan’s fishing paradise, the Upper Peninsula! Today is all about fish. The Upper Peninsula is not only known for its fabulous fisheries, but it has some of the best chefs when it comes to these tasty filets. You will have a chance to vote on which delicacy you would like to try.
Episode #1710-001 | week of October 26, 2023
Michigan Shore
“Guardians of the Great Lakes” part 1
There are thousands of shipwrecks documented on the Great Lakes, but it is the countless number of lives saved by the tirelessly working keepers of the light that we honor with our visit to some of Michigan’s Mysterious Lighthouses.
November 2023
Episode #1711-001 | week of November 2, 2023
Michigan Shore
“Guardians of the Great Lakes” part 2
As we tour these historic guardians of the lakes, we will discover the mysterious, solitary lives led by the lighthouse keepers, and how their tales take on a life of their own, as though the walls and towers could talk. Come along as the guiding lights lead us into the past.
Episode #2013-001 | week of November 9, 2023
Au Gres, Michigan
“Au Gres Michigan: The City of Gritty Stone”
This area is built on sand and the original French explorers called it the city of gritty stone. This is appropriate because sand is the sign of beaches and fun and there is plenty of that today. Located on the shores of Lake Huron this little town offers everything that the vacationer could want. From nature hikes to unique cabins. Spend a couple of days close to home.
Episode #2009-001 | week of November 16, 2023
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Michigan State Parks of the Upper Peninsula”
It wasn't until the onset of the twentieth century that things like admiring nature became fashionable in the United States. People like president Theodore Roosevelt, and author John Muir, helped to popularize setting aside public lands for the preservation of wildlife and other natural resources. Because of this foresight, Michigan's residents and visitors can enjoy one of the nation's premier park systems.
Episode #1503-003 | week of November 23, 2023
St. Ignace to Manistique, Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Top of the Lake Scenic Byway”
Michigan’s newest Scenic Byway and maybe its most beautiful starts in St. Ignace and travels west to Thompson all along the top of Lake Michigan.
Episode #1807-003 | week of November 30, 2023
Roscommon County, Michigan
“Up North Discovery”
From canoeing the mighty AuSable, kayaking Lake St. Helen and riding ATVs with a little shopping thrown in, this show has something for everyone.
December 2023
Episode #2003-001 | week of December 7, 2023
Houghton Lake, Michigan
“Winter Trails”
Snowmobiling is not the only way to hit the trails in winter. Today we will jump on ATVs and discover the famous 222 ATV trail in St. Helen, then it’s on to snowshoeing, ice fishing and a lot more including the big winter carnival, Tip Up Town USA. Today’s show is all about winter!
Episode #1603-003 | week of December 14, 2023
Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region
“Winter on Tires and Shoes”
Fat tire biking and snowshoeing that is. We will enjoy everything winter has to offer from winter biking through a city forest to snowshoes in a nature center. We will mix in some ice fishing and a special snow dance that you won’t want to miss.
Episode #1801-003 | week of December 21, 2023
Manistique, Michigan area
“A U.P. Snowshoeing Adventure”
Deep, deep snow everywhere. This trip sees more of the white stuff than you can imagine, and we take you to some of the best trails to experience a snowshoe adventure like no other.
Episode #1604-003 | week of December 28, 2023
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Where Winter Is King”
It's back to the U.P. as we snowmobile to Lake Superior, Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point. This is an adventure to remember.