The filmic town of Munising recently welcomed Tom Daldin and his crew from the Emmy award-winning PBS television series “Under the Radar Michigan.” Known for exploring Michigan’s hidden gems, the show’s latest episode showcases Munising’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant local businesses, and rich history. The episode aired on Thursday, July 11th, and is currently streaming online through their YouTube channel.
Tom Daldin, the charismatic host of “Under the Radar Michigan,” has long admired Munising. “It’s one of my favorite little towns on the whole planet,” Daldin said. He praised Munising as an “iconic slice of Michigan Americana,” highlighting its scenic charm, friendly residents, and the town’s ability to evolve without losing its historical essence. According to Daldin, the last time he filmed in Munising was for a piece on the Roam Inn a couple of years ago. This visit marks a third return to the town after previously featuring it in season one of “Under the Radar Michigan.”
A standout segment of the episode is the rebranded Brownstone Inn, a Deployed Capital asset. Ana-Marija Dolaskie, a stakeholder in Deployed Capital, has played a significant role in its transformation. The Deployed team took over the Inn in October 2022 and has since revitalized it while preserving its historic charm. “We knew how historic it was and what it meant to the community. It wasn’t something we wanted to completely take away,” Dolaskie explained.
Tom Daldin shared his impressions of the Brownstone Inn, noting that he had visited it 14 years ago when it was a darker, colder place. “We were just looking for a place to eat, and I thought, oh, this is an interesting place. What they’ve done now, they’ve opened it up. They’ve kept the northern charm and historic feel of the place, but it’s brighter now. It just feels wonderful there, and they kept a lot of the iconic venue and staff,” Daldin said. He praised the long-standing staff, some of whom have worked there for 30-40 years, calling them the backbone of the establishment. “Visiting now is a more of a welcoming experience,” Daldin added.
The renovation included brightening up the space with new windows, updating the layout for efficiency, and completely overhauling the kitchen. Dolaskie emphasized the importance of maintaining the Inn’s northern cabin vibe and respecting longterm staff and community connections. “Changing the menu was huge for us,” she added, showcasing a balance between tradition and modernity.
Dolaskie praised the Under the Radar team for their professionalism and down-to-earth nature. “Tom is very adaptable and easy to work with,” she said. The filming day was filled with fun, and the team’s enthusiasm for Munising was palpable. “It’s clear they love showcasing what Munising and the surrounding community is all about,” she said.
Deidre Phillipson, General Manager and part-owner of Pictured Rocks Kayaking, also featured prominently in the episode. Phillipson guided Daldin and his crew through the stunning waters of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, providing an intimate look at the area’s natural wonders. They explored prime spots such as Lovers Leap and Limbo Cave, offering viewers breathtaking views and showcasing the unique geological features of the area.
“The boat setup allowed for quick pick-ups and drop-offs, making the filming process smooth and efficient,” Phillipson explained.
Phillipson highlighted the accessibility of their tours, which cater to people of all abilities. “We can get people with accessibility needs out there and those with mobility limitations into kayaks to experience something incredibly special,” she noted. This focus on accessibility was a key point in the episode, showcasing how everyone can enjoy Munising’s natural beauty.
“The Under the Radar crew were incredibly easy to work with. They saw how easy we make it for people and appreciated our approach,” she said. The crew’s enthusiasm for the area was evident, and Phillipson recognized their genuine interest in the community.
The Munising episode of Under the Radar Michigan also included a waterfall excursion with Angela Gerou, who filled in for Munising Visitors Bureau President, Cori-Ann Cearley, who was out of town on business. The segment captured the serene beauty of Munising’s waterfalls, emphasizing the calming effect of the natural landscape.
Daldin shared his awe at the reachability and beauty of Munising’s waterfalls. “It’s amazing how many waterfalls you can walk to and that are accessible to almost everybody,” he said. He was particularly impressed by the town’s efforts to make these natural wonders available to all visitors.
Another notable segment featured Katherine A. Reynolds, Ph.D., CEO of the Greater Munising Bay Partnership and Executive Director of the Munising Downtown Development Authority. This part of the show delved into the town’s history, vividly illustrated through murals that honor its past citizens. The interview was conducted in Maritime Alley, where artwork from local artists is exhibited. Reynolds expressed her enthusiasm about the episode, saying, “It’s exciting to have Under the Radar back in Munising and showcasing so many of our wonderful assets. We appreciate the opportunity to highlight the arts and culture of our community, the unique opportunities to enjoy the area, and our small business successes. Shows like this remind us not only what a beautiful place we live in, but how lucky we are to live here.”
The impact of the Under the Radar Michigan visit was immediate. According to Phillipson, the episode has already generated interest and bookings for Pictured Rocks Kayaking. “We have had several people already say they saw us on Under the Radar and are booking because of it,” she said. This exposure is invaluable for local businesses, showcasing the area to a wider audience and driving tourism.
Daldin hopes that viewers of the episode will be inspired to visit Munising and experience its magic firsthand. “People need to cross the bridge and spend time in Munising,” he said. His passion for the town and its offerings is clear, and the episode is sure to draw more visitors to this unique Upper Peninsula destination.
