Marshall Motorfest, Crisp Country Acres, Stubborn BBQ and Sand Lake Microbrewery (July 25-26, 2026) — Behind the Mitten

In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman make stops in Marshall, Grand Rapids, National City and a fun U-Pick farm in Ottawa County.

Segment 1-Amy and Gonzo welcome Joe Caron, former mayor of Marshall, and current GM at Schuler's Restaurant & Pub, about the upcoming Classics & Cocktails event at Venue 19Zero9 (July 31) and the 3rd annual Marshall Motorfest (Aug. 1).
Segment 2-Amy takes us to Crisp Country Acres in Holland, where co-owner Lindsey Visser tells us about the U-Pick opportunities at their family farm. You can find Crisp Country Acres at the Muskegon Farmer's Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and at the Kalamazoo Farmer's Market on Saturdays. Learn more crispcountryacres.com.
Segment 3-Mark and Missy Stubbs, along with daughter, Tyler, operate Stubburn BBQ, a Texas-style BBQ joint that cooks with 100% apple wood in Walker (near Grand Rapids). They open one day week - noon Sundays. Brisket is the top seller (they sell 200 pounds on the weekend), but eveything is lip-smacking good. The sides, rubs and sauces are all made in house.
Segment 4- Sand Lake Microbrewery is a hidden gem just north of M-55 between East Tawas and Hale on Sand Lake Road in National City. They have about 7 beers on tap, and other offerings for those who like wine, cider, and hard iced teas. They also have a fun, tiki bar-theme on the patio heavily inspired by co-owners (Brandon and Tammy) and their trips to Key West. They recently celebrated their fifth anniversary. Learn more at sandlakemicrobrewery.com.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.