Episode Archives: 2025
January 2025
Episode #1603-003 | week of January 2, 2025
Great Lakes Bay Region, Michigan
“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 visit a winter festival along the way.
Episode #2201-001 | week of January 9, 2025
Schoolcraft County, Michigan
“A U.P. Winter Classic”
We take a trip back in time to see winter in the U.P. 25 years ago. Featuring segments on Cross-Country Skiing at Indian Lake State Park, Snowshoeing at Rainey Wildlife Area, Ice Fishing on Indian Lake, Kitch-iti-kipi at Palms Book State Park, Snowmobiling in Schoolcraft County and the Thunder Bowl.
Episode #2002-001 | week of January 16, 2025
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 #1901-001 | week of January 23, 2025
Michigan / Ontario
“The Best of Winter”
We have seen some incredible winter scenery and experienced some exciting winter fun and thought let’s share some of our favorites with our viewers. It’s all here today on the Best of Winter.
Episode #2202-001 | week of January 30, 2025
Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“Spring in the Central Upper Peninsula”
We geocache our way through some of the most scenic spots to find hidden treasure, then we are going to check out a historic bar.
February 2025
Episode #2102-001 | week of February 6, 2025
Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“Wilderness Trails on E-Bikes”
We love the wilderness and want to try a new way to explore it. We test our skills on electric bikes. Sound easy? Maybe not. Watch and find out.
Episode #2203-001 | week of February 13, 2025
Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“A Trip Down the Escanaba River”
There is so much wilderness to explore in the U.P. that it will take a lifetime to discover it all. On today’s show our good friend from Northern Michigan, Tod Poirier and his wife, Donna take us on a wilderness canoe trip down the Escanaba River. Then we are going to take a pasty taste test.
Episode #2112-001 | week of February 20, 2025
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“Road Trip in the U.P.”
We travel the back roads of the wilderness called the Upper Peninsula in search of more Great Getaways. We find lost lakes, beautiful streams and waterfalls to explore.
Episode #1804-003 | week of February 27, 2025
Michigan / Ontario
“Where the Water Has Taken Us”
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.
March 2025
Episode #2103-001 | week of March 6, 2025
Michigan / Ontario
“Our Favorite Hikes” part 1
We have hiked in so many great places that we couldn’t bring them all to you in one show. Today we will concentrate on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and Canada including the Huron Manistee National Forest.
Episode #2104-001 | week of March 13, 2025
Michigan's Upper Peninsula
“Our Favorite Hikes” part 2
This is part 2 of our favorite hikes and it takes us to the Upper Peninsula and beyond. So, grab your boots and watch as we head into the back country with part 2 of our favorite hikes.
Episode #1908-002 | week of March 20, 2025
Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region
“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 #2109-001 | week of March 27, 2025
Roscommon County, Michigan
“Roscommon County Circle Tour”
We picked out some new hot spots in Roscommon County that we felt needed the attention of tourists like us. From the all-new Copper Kettle Distillery and an old favorite that needs an update, the legendary CCC Camp. Come with us to start our journey around the county.
April 2025
Episode #2008-002 | week of April 3, 2025
Wisconsin / Minnesota / Michigan / Ontario
“A Look Back: 20 Years of Making Memories”
2023 marked 20 years of bringing you Great Getaways and today we want to highlight some of the best.
Episode #2204-001 | week of April 10, 2025
Roscommon County, Michigan
“Catch Us If You Can”
Tom has been emceeing the Houghton Lake Area fishing contest called Catch Us If You Can for the last 19 years. April 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the contest with Tom hosting the drawing to pick the winners. We thought we would look back at the highlights from those years.
Episode #2112-001 | week of April 17, 2025
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“Road Trip in the U.P.”
We travel the back roads of the wilderness called the Upper Peninsula in search of more Great Getaways. We find lost lakes, beautiful streams and waterfalls to explore.
Episode #2205-001 | week of April 24, 2025
Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“ATV Fun” part I
Riding an ATV in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an exhilarating adventure, with miles of rugged trails weaving through dense forests, over rolling dunes, and past breathtaking rivers. We travel a hundred miles on ATVs in the back woods.
May 2025
Episode #1510-001 | week of May 1, 2025
Schoolcraft County, Michigan
“Top of the Lake Circle Tour”
Join Host Tom O’Boyle as he takes us on a tour at the most northern edge of Lake Michigan in the place we fondly call the Upper Peninsula. Our tour will take us to Fayette historic site all the way to the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse at the other end. In between we will be stopping at the Seney Wildlife Sanctuary, the Thompson Fish Hatchery and many more.
Episode #2206-001 | week of May 8, 2025
Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan
“Montreal River Hike”
Hiking to the mouth of the Montreal River as it tumbles into Lake Superior. Montreal Falls is a rugged, beautiful cascade over blocky volcanic rocks. The views over the lake are incredible.
Episode #2203-001 | week of May 15, 2025
Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“A Trip Down the Escanaba River”
There is so much wilderness to explore in the U.P. that it will take a lifetime to discover it all. On today’s show our good friend from Northern Michigan, Tod Poirier and his wife, Donna take us on a wilderness canoe trip down the Escanaba River. Then we are going to take a pasty taste test.
Episode #2207-001 | week of May 22, 2025
Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“Fun Times in the Hiawatha”
We enjoy the Hiawatha National Forest so much that today we are going to bring you some of the highlights of our trips.
Episode #2208-001 | week of May 29, 2025
Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan
“Our FIrst Keweenaw Adventure”
We take a look back when life was nothing but fun and every trip was new. This time we go back to the Keweenaw before it was the crowded place that it has become today. I think you will enjoy these tales from the past.
June 2025
Episode #1812-002 | week of June 5, 2025
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 #1802-003 | week of June 12, 2025
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“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 U.P., 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 June 19, 2025
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“Wilderness Waterfalls part 1”
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 June 26, 2025
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“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.
July 2025
Episode #1606-002 | week of July 3, 2025
Manistique to Iron Mountain, Michigan
“Scenic Byway 2”
Our tour of the U.S. 2 Scenic Byway continues as we leave Manistique and continue west to Iron Mountain. Stops along the way include Fayette State Park, Big Bay De Noc and a trip to the top of Michigan’s oldest ski hill.
Episode #8021-003 | week of July 10, 2025
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 tree tops 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 #1204-003 | week of July 17, 2025
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 #1610-002 | week of July 24, 2025
Michigan's Upper Peninsula / Grey County, 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 #1701-003 | week of July 31, 2025
Michigan's Sunrise Coast
“Huron Shores Circle Tour”
Our tour starts on the beautiful beach in Tawas then heads north to Sturgeon Point Light, back east to Reid Lake Foot Travel area and over to River Road Scenic Byway before ending at the Negwegon State Park. There are so many stops along the way that you will need to watch to enjoy them all.
August 2025
Episode #1511-002 | week of August 7, 2025
Bruce County, Ontario
“Lighthouse Kayak Trip”
A lighthouse situated on a shoreline or an island symbolizes both romance and exploration. This trip we will visit 8 different lighthouses, all located on Lake Huron.
Episode #1913-001 | week of August 14, 2025
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 #2209-001 | week of August 21, 2025
Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“ATV Fun” part 2
We continue our historic journey up the Haywire Grade Trail. This old railroad grade from the late 1800s is now a trail for fun and education. Historical kiosks are placed throughout the trail to provide information on its past significance.
Episode #1703-003 | week of August 28, 2025
Ludington, Michigan
“Time To Go West”
We will travel up Michigan’s western shore with stops at lighthouses, historic museums and state parks. It was nothing but fun on this trip.
September 2025
Episode #2210-001 | week of September 4, 2025
Flint, Michigan
“A Celebration of the First Automobiles”
Over 100 years ago the first Chevrolet was built in Flint, Michigan and ever since there has been a love of the automobile. This is a tribute to the lifestyle and the impression the auto made on everyone’s life, making many more things popular from bikes to strawberry shakes. We also look back at the now defunct Warrior Dash.
Episode #2110-001 | week of September 11, 2025
Marquette County, Michigan
“The Beauty of Fall in the U.P.”
Our good friend and exciting adventurer Tod Poirier takes us on a color tour to remember. From the Dead River Basin to unbelievable overlooks, we see it all today.
Episode #1809-001 | week of September 18, 2025
Michigan / Ontario
“Our Favorite Hiking Trails”
If you like to hike, today’s show is for you. We have picked our favorite trails across the Midwest and Canada and put them together for your hiking enjoyment.
Episode #2211-001 | week of September 25, 2025
Algoma District, Ontario
“Fall Fantasy”
We take a trip back in time to ride the Agawa Canyon Railroad for an incredible fall color tour through mountains and forest. Step back in time for a railroad adventure to remember.
October 2025
Episode #1512-002 | week of October 2, 2025
Sunrise Coast, Michigan
“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 #2204-001 | week of October 9, 2025
Roscommon County, Michigan
“Catch Us If You Can”
Tom has been emceeing the Houghton Lake Area fishing contest called Catch Us If You Can for the last 19 years. April 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the contest with Tom hosting the drawing to pick the winners. We thought we would look back at the highlights from those years.
Episode #2205-001 | week of October 16, 2025
Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“ATV Fun” part I
Riding an ATV in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an exhilarating adventure, with miles of rugged trails weaving through dense forests, over rolling dunes, and past breathtaking rivers. We travel a hundred miles on ATVs in the back woods.
Episode #2209-001 | week of October 23, 2025
Central Upper Peninsula, Michigan
“ATV Fun” part 2
We continue our historic journey up the Haywire Grade Trail. This old railroad grade from the late 1800s is now a trail for fun and education. Historical kiosks are placed throughout the trail to provide information on its past significance.
Episode #2011-001 | week of October 30, 2025
Paradise, Michigan
“A Fall Fantastic”
Join Tom as he kayaks down the Tahquamenon River, discovers a long abandoned cemetery at Whitefish Point along with a stop at the only cranberry farm in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Plus, a couple more surprises.