Author Breesa Culver and her collaborators joined Kurt Hauswirth in the studio to discuss her new guidebook, “U.P. Dream Days,” which moves away from traditional travel lists to capture the spirit of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Culver curated the project by gathering personal itineraries and stories from a diverse mix of locals, ranging from a regional audio engineer to the Mackinac Island Lilac Queen. The book focuses heavily on the theme of slow living, offering readers a unique look at what constitutes a perfect day in the region based on the humble, idiosyncratic recommendations of the people who live there year-round.
The creation of the guidebook was a collaborative effort supported by a tight-knit team of contributors. Culver’s spouse/tour manager/audio engineer, Jason Powers, navigated the logistical hurdles of their self-funded research trips, which included a backpacking excursion to Isle Royale that inspired several book sections. Chatham correspondent Olivia Kingery contributed perspectives on the community-centered lifestyle of the peninsula's smaller towns, emphasizing that these quiet areas are very much alive. Meanwhile, illustrator and editor Emily Lanctot focused on translating the rugged aesthetic of the Northwoods into minimalist visual art, ensuring the book accurately reflected both the arduous nature and authentic beauty of the local lifestyle.
Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Culver, Powers, Lanctot, and Kingery about the book:
To celebrate the book's completion, a release party will take place at the U.P. Supply Co. in Marquette, hosted by unofficial Upper Peninsula ambassador Bugsy Sailor. Moving away from the traditionally quiet and rigid format of standard author readings, the gathering is designed to be a festive, maximalist community celebration featuring regional trivia, unique prizes, and a cookie potluck for attendees. Culver and her cohorts hope that U.P. Dream Days serves as a guide for ethical tourism that teaches visitors how to respect the region, while simultaneously inspiring locals to appreciate the magic of their own backyards.
Find more information at updreamdays.com.
