On this episode of Behind the Mitten we meet in the middle, and head to Mt. Pleasant. Fall is the perfect time of year to visit, as the entire state turns maroon and gold in honor of the Central Michigan University Chippewas, wink wink. We recorded at the famous Shepherd Bar, located just south of town, and you won't believe what they have planned for Halloween.

We start with our good friend Chris Rowley from Meet Mt. Pleasant, where she is the executive director and the local expert on all things Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County. She shares fall fun that can be found throughout the area, including those incredible fall colors that are just fantastic this year. We then get to meet the owner of the Shepherd Bar, and all around great guy, Kent Roth.

Kent has owned the bar for over thirty years and has built it into a gem of a spot, popular with locals and tourists alike. Shepherd is known for it's maple syrup festival, and many of the dishes on the menu get a little sweet enhancement from the local crop. From personal experience, the Maple Bacon Cheddar Burger here is excellent, as is the shaved ribeye hoagie. Please be sure to say hello to Kathy Dickman, she's been lighting up this place while waIting tables here for almost thirty years. 

Kent and his huge crew of community volunteers do a carved pumpkin display out behind the bar every year, and it is a pretty big deal. When we say a display, we mean a DISPLAY. This year, they are planning on carving 2,000 pumpkins. TWO THOUSAND. Then they'll light 'em up, and you can come walk through any time between October 26 and Halloween. Grab a beer and a burger and absorb a little local flavor.

Jordan Ensing then steps in. She is the Marketing Coordinator for the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and shares that the downtown construction in MP is finally complete, and the new town center is open. Saturday mornings it's the site of the local farmer's market, and now features a beautiful new space for community events. Jordan also shares some breaking news that everyone is very excited about: Santa Claus is coming back to downtown Mt. Pleasant this holiday season.


Cassandra Chippeway, content and communications coordinator for the Mount Pleasant Area Conventions and Visitors Bureau shares some ideas for indoor activities around town, including the new Valhalla axe-throwing bar, the always excitiing Soaring Eagle Casino, new indoor golf simulators to practice on, and a new restaurant to try, The Twisted Fork.

There is so much to experience in Mt. Pleasant this autumn, whether it's paddling down the Chippewa River on the perfect sunny day, or rolling large on the roulette wheel. It's always time to get Fired Up for Mt. Pleasant.