It’s Friday, July 18, 2025

What’s better than finding a new favorite restaurant with amazing food? How about when that restaurant includes a killer view of the water?

From fresh walleye on the dock in Charlevoix to fried chicken on the Kalamazoo River, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie dishes up the scenic spots worth the drive—and the food.

Plus: With the launch of signature gathering for the ranked choice voting initiative, a young Michigan voter makes the case for why it’s the ideal voting system.

MI loses semiconductor plant deal (Bridge MI): A $63 billion plan to build a massive semiconductor factory near Flint has been scrapped, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer blaming national economic instability for the loss. The project, backed by $260 million in taxpayer funding and years of planning, was expected to create thousands of jobs in Genesee County.

DNR raises camping, lodging fees (WNEM): The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will raise overnight camping and lodging fees at state parks to help cover rising operational costs and improve amenities. The DNR says the added revenue will support cleaner facilities, upgraded campgrounds, and long-term sustainability—with most funding coming directly from park users. The new rates start Aug. 1.

UM faces investigation following arrest of Chinese scientists (AP): The University of Michigan is facing a federal investigation over foreign funding and research ties after two Chinese scientists linked to the school were charged with smuggling biological materials into the US. The Education Department cited national security concerns and accused the university of underreporting foreign gifts and downplaying the risks associated with Chinese partnerships.

Red Thai curry with a view of the sunset over Lake Michigan at Freshwater Tavern restaurant in Gladstone. (Freshwater Tavern)

By Chaunie Brusie

Living in Michigan offers plenty of opportunities to get near the water. And what better way to experience the beautiful water views that our state has than by combining the two best things in life: delicious Michigan restaurants and spectacular water views.

Sometimes, the most popular waterfront dining venue isn’t always where you’ll find the locals, which is telling if it’s the best food you’re after. If you prefer to go where the locals are, we did some digging, based on research, ratings, reviews, and our own experience, to create this list of the 15 best waterfront restaurants in Michigan, including:

1. Freshwater Tavern

Located just a few miles North of Escanaba, the Upper Peninsula’s Freshwater Tavern features such a stunning panoramic view of Lake Michigan that every seat in the house is a good one. Along with modern American food, all made from scratch, the restaurant serves up craft cocktails, local wines, and a dozen craft beers on tap, all brewed right in the Upper Peninsula.

2. The Deck BBQ & Beer

Muskegon’s only beachfront restaurant, located in Pere Marquette Park, provides expansive views of the sea and the park’s famous lighthouse. The entire theme of the restaurant is laid back, with beachgoers encouraged to come as they are and enjoy finger-licking barbecue. The Deck is pet-friendly with nightly live music and two tiers: The Upper Deck features full-service dining with seating, while the Below Deck is more relaxed with a seat-and-serve yourself model by ordering food from the takeout window or drinks directly from the bar.

3. Boathouse Restaurant

The meals here aren’t cheap (a salmon dinner entree will run you over $50 while an 8-ounce steak is $75), but the entire atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. Dining at the Old Mission Peninsula restaurant means being treated to a view of the West Grand Traverse Bay, and even strolling through the property to the cottage-inspired venue makes it feel like you’re on vacation.

(Image via LPETTET/Getty Images Signature)

Signature gathering is officially underway in Michigan for a new initiative that could reshape the way we vote. The campaign, led by Rank MI Vote, aims to put ranked choice voting on the 2026 ballot for state and federal elections. Organizers say the reform would give voters more voice and power—especially in races crowded with candidates where winners often take office without majority support.

So what exactly is ranked choice voting, and why does it matter for Michigan voters right now? As Stella Camerlengo of the Michigan College Democrats explains, adopting ranked choice voting is a step toward restoring young voters’ faith in elections and ensuring every vote truly counts.

With the recent release of the second season of the Netflix docuseries “Quarterback,” which heavily centers on Lions QB Jared Goff’s last season, we asked  ’Ganders about their favorite moments from the Lions’ last season.

My inbox was quieter this week (I think most of us are still heartbroken after that loss to the Commanders) but I did get this response from a reader:

“The best part for me, from last season was the 2024 Lions reminded me of the 1984 Tigers season. We went into every game that season feeling confident we could and did win most of them.” — Keith Johnson

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Feel free to send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

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This email is written by Karel Vega, newsletter editor at The ’Gander. Have a question or comment? Reply back to this email!