Writing Samples
Explore the diverse and engaging writing portfolio of Frances Eugenia Collazo. As the former Entertainment Content Producer at the Gaylord Herald Times, Frances brought the region’s arts and culture to life—from sharp restaurant reviews and exclusive artist interviews to behind-the-scenes features.
Resolve to be better ... yesterday is dead and gone
The reality isn’t that my failures are someone else’s fault, but my own. How did I ruin everything? What damage did I cause to get me to this moment? What actions did I take to get me here? From the good to the bad, I find myself taking responsibility for my current position.
Art For Art's Sake: Downtown Gaylord steps up
We’ve all come to know Gaylord as a town of varied interests. Golf Mecca, growing foodie village and hub for a burgeoning music scene, but is Gaylord a breeding ground for a nascent underground art scene? All sign are pointing to yes. This week we hit the streets to dig a little deeper, and we found that our gorgeous downtown offers up more than just cocktails, fine dining and great shopping.
From gobble to wobble: Gaylord's Thanksgiving bar crawl
Thanksgiving is upon us. Gaylord’s sons, daughters, brothers and sisters return from their respective locations for tryptophan-laced celebrations with family... and a tsunami of feelings. Your mother sneak-dissing your weight, your dad just not getting it, your sisters openly, and aggressively hate your partner, your auntie asking when you're getting married, and grandpa's slightly problematic undercover racist comments all come together to create a perfect storm of potentially wild fury. But, here at Extra, we got you. Before you fling a handful of stuffing at your little brother let us help you plan your pre and post-meal escape. Here is Gaylord's ultimate guide to taking the edge off this holiday season so you can stay calm and party on.
Kindness, Community, Mindfullness: Better living comes through gratitude
As November comes to a close and we enter deeper into the holiday season, gratitude is something we all explore. This past month, Yoga-45 invited the members of the Gaylord community to participate in a gratitude challenge. When researching the challenge, Yoga-45 found a Harvard University study that revealed a daily gratitude practice had physical, spiritual, and social benefits. Surprising, no?! These benefits include stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, better sleep, general alertness, positivity, and happiness, as well as, increasing compassion, generosity, and creating more forgiving natures.
Sleigh bells ring...
Winter activities are the best activities. Maybe it is because I grew up in warm weather climates, but there is something untouchably magical about snow-covered sceneries. For an experience that is stunning, relaxing, and potentially romantic consider taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through some of Northern Michigan’s enchanting landscape. Here is a list:
Gaylord is a cheese lover's paradise
Hot, gooey, cheese and crisp bread solve a lot of life’s problems. This childhood treat is seeing a renaissance with adult renditions popping up at trendy restaurants. Gaylord’s culinary elite are proving to be masters in the game. Here are some of our favorite picks.
The Farm Haus gets the Bnb treatment
The Farm Haus becomes a bnb. The demand for affordable vacation rentals in Gaylord is high. Airbnb is the best way to supplement one's income.
Plan your fall color tour daycation
Fall foliage is coming! Week by week, billions of leaves will change color painting Northern Michigan's already spectacular scenery into something even more breathtaking. It happens every single year, but natural wonder never fails to please and draw crowds. Projected peak color for 2018 is Oct. 14-21. Let us help you plan the perfect trip. Here is the ultimate guide to taking in the fall colors without straying too far from home.
Nacho average dish: Local ways to enjoy a popular and versatile meal
From omnivore to vegan from spicy to mild there is a plate of nachos out there waiting for you.
Local trivia nights increase in popularity
Downtown Gaylord is no stranger to regular crowds filled with tourists and locals alike. Each venue offers its unique brand of entertainment year round. In such a competitive climate where decent crowds are essential, a couple of places are standing out from the crowd with their signature trivia nights.
This dumb old farmhouse gets smart
Hey, Google where is...? Hey, Siri what is...? Alexa, can you...?
A couple of months ago I visited my mother. I found her fluttering about the kitchen in her particular way. Suddenly, she said” Hey Google, play Meghan Trainor,” in her endearing accented English. To my great surprise, the kitchen filled with the singer’s signature swagginess. The sound was shockingly rich for a device the circumference of a large drink.
Summer's last swings: A guide to Gaylord golf
Summer may be nearing its end, but the hot sunny days aren't over yet. There is still plenty of time for that last-minute getaway before Gaylord goes into deep freeze.
Yoga: Relaxing the body to heal the mind
Over the years Yoga has become a go-to work out with a cultlike following. Yoga has become synonymous with tight abs, firm butts and tight stretchy pants. We hear the term yoga and instantly increased flexibility and strength comes to mind. But, yoga has a little secret — sometimes it makes you cry.
Fatherhood, dreams and the road less traveled
This week we sat down with local comedian, Jr Williams, to discuss fatherhood, and his swiftly thriving career as a stand-up comic. Williams saunters casually into the Blind Squirrel in flip-flops and a big easy grin that just instantly sets you at ease.
Heritage, homecoming and overcoming theme Lewiston Timberfest
Farmfest 2018: The purest of Michigan events
Fanning the flames: Gaylord restaurants reignite our passion for the grill
It is summer in Gaylord. It's hot. It's humid. You're hungry. While we'd argue that most foods are made better by the sear of flames, the last thing you want to do is fire up your grill. Luckily, this up and coming foodie town is blessed with an assortment of air-conditioned restaurants replete with mouth-watering treats to satisfy the pickiest eater.
Happy to be home, Duski does Alpenfest
The emotions will be true when Gaylord's rising country-pop star Lauren Duski returns home to perform on the Alpenfest stage Friday, July 13.
Sounds and setting: Experience beauty at Sojourn Summer series
City Guide - Cleveland - 6/6/14
One of the largest cities in the US, Cleveland is a city full of surprises. Both, gritty and sophisticated it welcomes the seasoned traveler with plenty to see. From the historical homes of Cleveland Heights to the aggressive dilapidation of East Cleveland the city has a culture and charm all it’s own.