Amy Lynch

Local artists have decorated 250 fiberglass birthday cakes strategically positioned all around town.

Studded with charming eateries, roadside farm stands, lovely orchards, and postcard-perfect wineries, Traverse City packs a big foodie punch.

The transformation of a famous brewery into a boutique hotel makes this lakefront hotspot our new draft pick.

Weekend dinners offer a short list of precision-plated entrees in addition to a well-vetted selection of charcuterie and cheeses.

These restaurants do the cooking for you.

The Joseph Decuis operation began as a way for owners Pete and Alice Eshelman to entertain business clients out of a downtown-Roanoke bank building they had converted into a private dining facility. In 2000, they opened their doors to the public as well.

Since opening in 2005, clubby Seviche in the high-energy Highlands district has been racking up raves for a menu that fuses Latin flavors and Bluegrass ingredients with mouthwatering results.

Hometown boy Andy Richmer cut his teeth as a chef at the nearby Belterra Casino before venturing into his own restaurant two years ago, situated in a historic home at the western end of Madison’s main drag.

In the midst of Richmond’s emerging historic Depot District, Firehouse BBQ & Blues boasts a smoking backstory.

When Late Harvest Kitchen chef-owner Ryan Nelson saw his chance to snag the 4,000-square-foot former Cafe Nora, he pounced on it, hatching plans to launch a barbecue joint celebrating different regions and styles.

One of the city’s top custom-kitchen designers opens a sister store with sophisticated, glam appointments for the rest of the home.

From bourbon-drenched cherries to lychee shrubs, cocktail garnishes go the handcrafted way.

Pacers, Colts, executives, and other notable residents give Geist Reservoir a reputation for excess.

[1] Cruise
The biking craze goes old school at National Moto+ Cycle Co., where owners Matty Bennett and Brendan Fox pay homage to Indy’s days of racing gone by with re-created vintage motorbikes, including an exclusive collection for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Accessories include aviator-style helmets and goggles. 5206 N. College Ave., 698-2418, nationalmoto.com.

1470 E. Schacht Rd., Bloomington

812-824-6425