Michigan’s food scene is blowing up online, with local restaurants going viral on TikTok and beyond. And there’s a reason these restaurants are getting so much attention, from the great food, to great stories, and more.

Today, The ’Gander’s Dorothy Scott is rounding up seven Michigan restaurants that the internet can’t stop talking about.

Plus: It’s that time of year again. I’ve already pulled several ticks off of myself and my dog. So, read on for a refresher on the ticks you can find in Michigan, which ones you should be extra cautious around, and how to avoid them.

Michigan House approves $76B budget (Bridge Michigan): Michigan House Republicans approved a $76 billion budget proposal this week with broad spending cuts, including major reductions to higher education, setting up a clash with Democrats and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Significant differences are likely to be ironed out before a final budget is reached.

Lawmakers announce plans for snow day relief in Northern MI (The Sault News): Northern Michigan schools are exceeding allowed snow days after a harsh winter and spring flooding, with some districts forced to extend the school year. Lawmakers are now proposing to grant additional forgiven days to ease the burden on affected districts and families.

Tom Leonard withdraws from governor’s race (WOOD-TV): Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard has dropped out of the governor’s race. His exit comes as he trailed other Republican candidates in early polling.

Restaurants go viral all the time on their own or thanks to influencers. Check out these Michigan restaurants that received the red-carpet treatment online. (Getty Images/Unsplash)

By Dorothy Scott

Michigan’s food scene is ever evolving, with cities like Dearborn making our beautiful state a bona fide destination for foodies. Of course, social media has helped with this. TikTok influencers and everyday users alike create ample content about restaurants around the globe, and that rings true in Michigan, too. Some are free promos, while others are reviews that the restaurants may wish were never posted. In any case, many restaurants have been widely featured online.

The Michigan restaurants that have received any level of online virality, whether of their own making or not, include a variety of cuisines. For example, you’ll find social media-famous ice cream across the state, beloved tacos in Taylor, and fine-dining ingenuity in Farmington Hills. That’s just a taste of what’s to come, though. Now, let’s break down seven restaurants that have received a fair bit of social media attention.

Blacklegged ticks can pass Lyme disease to its bite victims, posing a serious health risk. (Erik Karits/Unsplash)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

Ticks are out this season and if you spot one on you or yourself or your pet, it’s likely one of Michigan’s most populous species.

When you’re on your next hike, or even out in your yard, be sure to dress appropriately, use insect repellent and avoid tall grass to avoid a tick bite, the the Cleveland Clinic and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say.

Lyme disease cases in Michigan nearly quadrupled between 2022 and 2025, according to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services — jumping from 553 in 2022 to 2,167 confirmed cases in 2025.

Michigan is home to more than 20 tick species and many can pass dangerous bacteria, viruses, or parasites, including the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, to people and pets, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services warns.

There are five common species in Michigan, and two, American dog ticks and blacklegged or deer ticks, account for over 90% of the state’s tick population, according to Holland Hospital.

If you’ve been bitten, remove the tick as quickly as you can and watch for symptoms or consult a health care provider.

Here’s what to know about Michigan’s most common ticks.

In light of recent news that business owners Up North were scrambling to find seasonal summer workers ahead of the upcoming uptick in visitors, earlier this week I asked readers:

Is the uptick in Michigan tourism making “classic” summer destinations worse? What hidden gems would you recommend?

We heard back from less folks than usual, but we did get this great reader response:

“The first question to be answered is yes, more people, big crowds make visiting tourist destinations more stressful. Not everyone is so nice. Traffic is heavy, beaches full, restaurants have lines, you get the picture. Second question, Marquette is a hidden gem!  It’s a beautiful small city, with small town friendly. Lots to explore there. Shopping, restaurants, breweries, and festivals in the summer.  You can swim in Lake Superior if you dare!  You may be surprised at how warm it can get! I lived there for over 20 years, and I miss the area.  Plus, you’re close to other spots to visit such as Munising, Ishpeming, the Copper Country, all fun. And it’s beautiful all four seasons!” — Mary, Michigan

I also have to highlight this comment that was more critical:

“I find it quite astonishingly that you are talking about tourism when the northern lower part of Michigan is under water. You could use the ‘Gander media as a platform to reach out to help the Michigan communities. Thank you for your time” — Colleen, Dearborn

I absolutely see where you’re coming from, Colleen. We’ve covered the flooding in the newsletter, but perhaps I didn’t give it the attention it deserves. Michigan is a big state and there’s a lot of news to cover. Regardless, I want to take moment to address it now.

State officials are still trying to get a full picture of the damage that flooding caused in the northern Lower Peninsula and are asking resident to self-report damage using this online portal.

If you are in need of any assistance, the best place to reach out for help is Michigan 211. The good folks there can connect you with whatever resources you may need, from food to shelter, and more.

Lastly, if you want to help the ongoing recovery efforts, please consider making a contribution to the Red Cross.

Thank you, Colleen, for keeping me accountable.

And if you have a question you’d like me to ask our community, send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

*Responses may be edited for conciseness or clarity.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from  Dorothy Scott and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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