(upbeat rock music) - [Tom] On this episode of UTR, its another one of our patented road trip adventure.

Only this time we wind our way west on US Route 12.

We'll start off with dueling dogs, find out what unicorns eat, and meet a mural man.

Then we ride a classic railroad, shoot an arrow straight and true, and see who's crafting potent potables for you.

Get ready to explore the cool people, places and things that make US 12 worth wandering.

(gentle music) - [Announcer] 14 clubs.

That's what they tell us a legal golf bag can hold.

And while that leaves a little room for balls and tees, it doesnt leave room for much else.

There's no room left for deadlines or conference call.

Not a single pocket to hold the stress of the day, or the to-do list of tomorrow.

Only 14 clubs, pick out the right one and drive it right down the middle, of Pure Michigan.

Your golf trip begins at Michigan.org.

- [Announcer 2] A visit to the Stahls auto collection will take you back to a time when cars were more than just way to get around.

A fantastic assortment of gas pumps, neon signs, and automated music machines, dating back 150 years, that must be seen and heard.

Info at StahlsAuto.com.

(upbeat rock music) - I've been around the world but its one place I keep coming back to.

And the more I explore, the more I realize it's the place to be.

I'm Tom Daldin, and this is Under The Radar, Michigan.

(drum roll) (upbeat rock music) Now our US 12 road trip adventure begins right here, in Campus Martius Park, downtown Detroit, Only here its called Michigan Avenue.

And the road heads west here all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

But since my name is not Lewis or Clark, I don't think we'll be going that far.

- [Tom] Well you heard right, US Route 12 is a 2,500 mile long U.S. Highway that runs from the Motor City, across the great plains, over the rugged Rockies and ends up in of all places, Aberdeen, Washington.

But lets face it, its only one great state that concerns us, so lets get back to business.

Well, as you might expect, with UTR's legendary and almost endless appetite, we literally made it only about 300 feet west on Michigan Avenue before we decided to stop at connected yet separate iconic eateries, who've been slugging it out for supremacy for over a century.

Yep, our first stop is a tale of two Coney Islands, Lafayette and American.

Now they both think they were the first and they both think they're the best.

What do I think?

Well, I think I'm gonna go eat a couple of coneys.

Yum.

For as long as anyone around here can remember, Lafayette Coney Island has been an icon that serves up Detroit style coneys.

The place is raw, real, and full of both character and characters.

But what makes them supposedly the best?

Lets find out.

How long have you been making coneys?

- 40 years.

- 40 years?

- 40 years working here, yeah.

- Wow.

- Serving coneys.

- That's back when I had a full head of hair.

- Yeah me too, same thing.

(Tom laughs) - What's the secret of a good coney?

- The chili sauce.

- The chili sauce, we got Lafayette homemade chili.

Lafayette homemade chili, I've been making that for 40 years too, also.

- Well, you do something for 40 years you get good at it.

- [Abdi] Oh yeah, it's better be good.

(Tom chuckles) - Now in the olden days, if you asked for ketchup, they'd give you a little bit of a hard time.

I remember that.

- [Abdi] Yeah.

- Does that still happen, or?

- Still happen to the some people we say no ketchup, but kind of not on the coneys.

No we got the fries, we put it in the fries.

- [Tom] Oh so you fries, not a coney?

- [Abdi] Not on a coneys, not on a coney.

But people they still do it but not supposed to on coney.

- You guys are right next to American Coney Island.

- [Abdi] Yeah.

- Who was here first- Were you guys here first?

And who's the best?

- We are first, and we are the best.

- You are the- - 1914, yeah.

- Since 1914?

- Yes.

- So you were first, and you guys are the best?

- [Abdi] Yeah, the best.

- Okay.

Truth be told, I've had your coneys before, but I'm gonna try one- What kind of hotdog is this?

- Dearborn sausage.

- Oh, Dearborn.

I eat it with a fork, 'cause of my mustache.

- Yeah.

(Tom laughs) - Dearborn sausage, and your buns are so soft.

And the onions.

That's a coney.

- Thank you, thank you for choosing Lafayette.

- Well that was both interesting, and I'll admit, tasty.

Now it's time quietly and carefully head next door to another icon, American Coney Island, for a bit of a rebuttal on bun.

I have to tell you.

- Yes.

- The atmosphere in here is- - Isn't it cool?

- Oh my gosh, when you first walk in, you don't realize how big it is and then you walk to the end, and I wanna own that table at the end.

- That's the best table in the house.

- Oh my gosh, with the panoramic view of the city, it's amazing.

- [Grace] Yeah, isn't it beautiful?

- Now, I was next door.

And I have to tell you, that they claim that they are the best.

- Yeah, of course.

- And that they were first.

- Well yeah, they've been doing that for years, but I mean- - But you guys- - Anyone can print a piece of paper and say, I started in 1924.

Just google it.

- Right.

But you guys have been here, you guys were- - 197- Yes.

My grandpa invented the coney, that's him right ther.

- You know, was going to say, Coney Island is out East, but this is- - No, out east the Coney Island's an amusement park that sells hotdogs.

- [Tom] Oh okay.

But this is a- - In Detroit it's an actual food, it's a thing.

- Gotcha.

- Here it's this, chili, mustard, onions.

- Which by the way, all 17 of the food groups are right here.

- Yeah, you know, everything.

Yeah exactly.

- So what's the secret to a great coney?

- So the hotdogs are proprietary recipe made for us by Dearborn sausage.

- [Tom] Okay.

- [Grace] The chili's our own chili company.

We have our own factory, we make specifically for us.

- [Tom] Right.

- And then a tangy mustard.

And that's what makes this combination great.

When you bite into it, it's the natural casing.

- [Tom] Right.

- [Grace] 90 percent beef, 10 percent pork with a lambskin casing.

- And won't yell at me if I put some ketchup on?

- That is not good.

- Ugh, darn it, I was- - The ketchup is for the fries.

- Okay, all right, okay.

- I mean, if you really want to, that's fine, but not recommended.

- Right, right.

- [Grace] So.

- My true coney officiant, darn it.

- And you're not supposed to use your fork and knife, but hey, just lift it up and eat it.

And according to what my brother says, the more napkins you use, shows you how better the coney's gonna be.

- Right, speaking of food, excuse me I- - No, no, yes.

Don't let it get cold.

We'll get you another one if it does.

How many napkins you using?

Don't be scared to use some napkins.

- I'm sorry.

(Tom laughs) - Yeah, there you go.

(Tom chuckles) Well, you heard it from both sides.

They were both first, and they're both the best.

But if you don't know who to believe, believe you me, both Lafayette and American serve up a great coney.

So try one of each and make up your own mind.

It's a fun and filling way to discover a true Detroit classic.

And if you'll excuse me, I think I need another napkin.

(upbeat music) So, with a couple of tums tucked under our tongues, we continued our road trip adventure west on US 12.

When suddenly somewhere near Ypsilanti we heard the call of a magical, mystical and storied steed.

Now, remember when unicorns roamed the earth free and unencumbered, and left magic dust everywhere?

I think I still have some on my shoes.

Well, now thanks to a magical person and a really cool place, they're back.

But what the heck do you feed them?

Well, that's an easy fix because at Unicorn Feed and Supply in Ypsilanti you can get all your unicorn needs, and then some.

Jen Eastridge had a dream, woke up, threw glitter all over it and voila, she's turning heads, creating smiles, and feeding unicorns across the country.

- I don't even know where to begin with this place.

First of all, I dare anybody to walk in here and not smil.

- Yes.

- What an amazing collection of wonderful.

- Thank you!

- And I have to ask, what's your friend's name here?

- Our unicorn is Reginald Peppercorn, but we call him Reggie, for short.

- [Tom] Right.

- Named by the community.

- [Tom] Oh?

- Yeah, every body voted, got us nicknames, we narrowed it down, so, this is Reg.

- What inspired you?

Did somebody sneak like magic dust in your coffee one morning?

(Jennifer laughs) What inspired this store?

- That would be a good story, but in all honesty, what inspired this store was my childhood sticker album.

And I was just talking with friends at their kitchen table one day, and mentioned my sticker album.

- They're the ones that put the magic dust in you coffee- - Yes, that's exactly.

(Tom laughs) And just say, "Why the sticker collection?"

And it was that fast of an answer, and it was, because it feeds my happy place.

And that's when it was an epiphany.

And I was like, that is what I have to do.

I want a store that focuses on sparking joy.

- Yeah, well I mean, this totally is a happy place.

No matter what you're into, you walk in here and it's eye candy times 12.

- Yeah thanks!

(Jennifer laughs) - Yeah, it really is.

And not only can you get stuff for your unicorn.

I'm assuming they eat uni-corn.

- Well, you know, feeding your unicorn is feeding your happy place.

- [Tom] Right, okay.

- So, you know, we have lots of unicorn feed here.

(Jennifer chuckles) - Plus you have all kinds of happy stuff.

I mean, you've got happy socks, you've got happy clocks.

- [Jennifer] Yes.

- I mean, I sound like Doctor Seuss.

(Jennifer laughs) - Yeah exactly.

- But you do, I mean, just for people who aren't here right now, like us, just explain the depth and breadth of what you have her.

- So yes, it's things that somebody can find to spark jy or to bring a smile to their face.

That's really our goal, is that everyone leaves happier than they were when they walked in, for whatever reason.

And that, they know that we're here for them.

So any guests that comes in is truly welcome to be exactly who they are in that moment and they are welcomed.

And we have everything from beautiful plush to a wonderful selection of cards.

We have an awesome pride section.

We a fairy garden section.

And puzzles, and a pet sectin because 4 legged friends are dear to my heart too.

And of course, we have stickers.

(Tom chuckles) Because that is what started it.

And so, yeah, so lots of things to bring joy.

- Well, if you've ever wondered what's at the end of of the rainbow, we found all of it at the Unicorn Feed & Supply Store in Ypsilanti.

It's literally a unicornucopia of fun and creative things that you can take home.

Even if you donut have a unicorn.

Heck, I even found some stuff for my pet rock.

His name is Steve.

Bonus!

Now, the guy you're about to meet has a heart as big as his art, and he's helping make Ypsilanti and the whole world for that matter, a much better place.

Curtis Wallace is an artist, a teacher, a philosopher, a yoga master and dare I say, a downright cosmic soul.

He invented Be Creative Studio, where he uses his artistic gifts and wisdom to help people of all ages learn how to let go of their doubts, explore their talents, and lean into their own creativity.

I caught up with Curtis at the corner of Washington and Michigan Avenue, in downtown Ypsilanti, where he and some very special kids created a mammoth and moving masterpiece.

Curtis, the more I read about you, the more I respect you.

- Amen.

- Because you are a renaissance man.

I mean, you're teacher in regular school system, right?

- Uh, used to be.

- [Tom] Used to be.

- Used to be.

And I created this studio to sort of culminate other creative minds.

That's what this is really all about.

- Yep, and speaking of kids, we're standing in front of something that you created with some kids.

- Yes.

Well, this created in collaboration with Educated Youth, and students of Educated Youth.

And so I wanted to really play on that concept of us having this community, this high, or these happy, kids, girls, that represent just a small piece of the rainbow.

The hope is to create this big hive of these creative minds.

- Well that's what I love about what you're doing is you're creating a safe space for people to be creative, to think, to learn.

We need more Curtis's.

(Tom laughs) - We're starting to see these children who, at least for me, who did not have a creative outlet, who didn't even like it.

Evidence for me, that love it.

To me I just need one bee, because I know that person can inspire so many people.

You know, I'm trying to just be that person I wish I could of had.

- Yeah.

- It gives me hope, and I always talk about it.

Like that is what keeps me going, this sense of hope.

- And I love what you tell your students, it's what, be creative- (Curtis laughs) - I tell them to be safe, to be kind and to be creative.

If you'd like to know more about Curtis Wallace and his quest to make all of us be more creative, go to thebecreativestudio.com.

And if you'd like to know more about the exceptional students who created this incredible mural go to educateyouthypsi.org.

You will be amazed and inspired.

(gentle upbeat music) Well, after a quick stop to vacuum the fairy dust out on the car, we once again headed west on US-12 to explore more Michigan.

And this time we decided to put some miles behind us, so we forged ahead for about an hour and a half until we found something really cool to do in Coldwater.

All aboard!

I've always wanted to do that.

Sorry, I'll get in my seat.

Yep, were going on a train ride.

And not just on any train, this is the Little River Railroad, where you can take a ride on a real hundred and something-year-od steam powered locomotive.

It's also a fun and fascinating way to learn a little bit of history.

So, before we safely stowed our stuff I thought I'd better check in with Travis Bloom.

- I gotta tell you Travis, every time I'm around a locomotive like this, I feel like a little kid.

But, these things are serious business to keep running, aren't they?

- Mm hm.

Yeah constant.

- [Tom] Constant work?

- [Travis] Constant work.

- Well what's the history, what's so special about this particular locomotive?

- This one's a stock engine, if you will.

So you could order this from the manufacturer.

It was like going to a dealer lot and picking out what you wanted.

- About in the thirties?

- Yeah, ah 1908 actually.

- Oh 1908.

- The one on the other end is the special one.

That was built one-of-a-kind in 1911.

- [Tom] Yeah.

- [Travis] For the railroad, Little River Railroad, which is where we get our name from.

The original "Little River Railroad" in Townsend Tennessee, is where it was built for in 191 and ran there until 1940.

- [Tom] It was a logging train?

- It was a logging engine.

Yep, they went up in what is now The Smoky Mountain National Park.

It held mainly passengers, 'cause they did a lot of tourist stuff down there, even way back then.

Tourism was a big thing.

- [Tom] Yeah.

- [Travis] But it would help do logging and stuff like that.

And after the park was formed the logging business went away, it was sold to the Smoky Mountain Railroad, in Maxville- - [Tom] Yeah.

- And Sevierville, Tennessee, which is where it ran until we got it in '72, and it's been running for us since '75.

- So it's been here since 1975 doing these trips?

- It's been running with the current Little River Railroad since 9175.

- This is such an iconic experience, when you pull up in the old train station, which you guys have restored to mint condition, it's beautiful.

And to bring your family here, and ride on this train.

I mean, it's a piece of American history.

- [Curtis] Oh yeah, yeah.

- But this has gotta be rewarding for you, I mean, because you're helping keep a piece of history alive.

- Yeah.

- You're bringing it to generation after generation.

So what's that mean to you?

I mean- - It's worth to see the smiles.

- I'm still amazed by this.

Because back in, when was, te original one was built when?

- 1911.

And this was 1908.

- 1908, and this was state of the art back then.

- Right.

- You know.

- Right, this is what you did, yeah.

- And the fact that it's still working.

- Yeah.

- Thanks to guys like you.

But we're gonna ride your train today.

I'll be good, I promise.

There's no bar car, right?

- No, I'm afraid not.

Not on this one.

- Good then I'll be okay.

(Curtis and Tom laugh) The day we rode the rails it was pretty close to Christma, so all the kids on board got to hobnob with the jolly gent himself, Santa Claus.

I donut think I've ever seen so many smiles.

I've something so awesome, and dare I say romantic, about train travel.

It's big, loud, powerful, and somehow makes you feel more connected to the land.

It also gives you a new appreciation for the fired-up folks who work so hard to keep these monsters mobile.

If you're looking for a fun family outing, get out of your car and onto the Little River Railroad's big number 10.

We had so much fun, you might still find us there.

Well, after our railroad trip adventure, it was time for us to resume our regular road trip adventure, so we once again headed west on US-12.

Now this time we only drove about a half hour when we rolled into the town of Sturgis.

It's there where we found Sir Robin Hood, or should I say Sir Tomin Hood practicing his archery in yon forest.

I shot an arrow into the air; it fell to earth I know not where.

- [Man Off Camera] Hey that's my car!

- Oh boy.

Larry Murry and his wife Janice own and operate Lost Nation Archery, a place steeped in the traditions of this ancient art.

It's old school archery, and since I'm old and I need to be schooled, I found the perfect place.

First of all, Larry, I gotta tell you I love the name, Lost Nation Archery.

I mean, where did that come from?

- Well, actually it dates back to Ray.

- Ray nation?

(Tom chuckles) - No Ray Griener, he had shot his first bear at the Lost Nation, whatever place in New Hampshire.

- [Tom] Yeah.

- He said, if I ever go into business, I gotta name it Lost Nation.

So he started an archery shop called, Lost Nation.

I took over and I kept the name even though we're not in New Hampshire anymore.

But because Lost Nation Archery is about creating memories.

And the Lost Nation name was memories for him and we create memories still today.

- And I also love the fact, that you are in your house.

Your shop is, you've reconditioned your garage.

But you have customers all over the world.

- [Larry] Yes we do.

It took a few years, but we developed a reputation for our expertise.

- Janice, your wife, even you guys make your own arrows, correct?

- That's true, that's true.

Arrows can be made out of wood, carbon, aluminum, and even some other things, like bamboo.

I've seen people that have made them out of weeds.

There's also competitions that require you to shoot wood arrows.

Just sent two dozen out to somebody that shoots competition in Florida and he was told that our arrows were the best, so he needed a dozen for him, a dozen for his wife.

So they can could shoot Lost Nation arrows.

- Well, do you feel brave enough to let me do a little target practice with ya?

- I think we can do it, Tom.

- And I promise you will not be the target.

- Okay.

- As far as you know.

So, with conversation complete, it was time for Larry to demonstrate his inner archer and for me to well, give it the old UTR try.

Okay so- - Grab your arrow.

- I grab an arrow.

- Okay, put it on there with the odd colored feather up.

- Odd colored feather up, okay.

- And then put it right underneath that brass point.

- Underneath the brass point.

- Okay.

- I've got it- - Now you've got the odd colored feather pointing dow.

- Okay.

- So let's try it again.

- Oh.

Oh, okay.

- See the blue one should be up.

- Well but, when I put the thing- - Okay away from the risers is what I mean by up.

- Oh okay.

- Oh, I see what you mean.

Up this way.

- Yeah.

- Okay, okay.

Now I don't put my finger there, do I?

- I'd rather you didn't.

- Oh okay.

- One over and two underneath there.

- Okay.

- Pull it through to where it touches the corner of your mouth.

- Now am I shooting at the mountain lion, the turkey, the target, or the alligator?

(Tom laughs) - We'll see where your arrow goes.

- Right.

Okay here we go.

So I pull back, til I touch my mouth.

- The corner of your mouth, aim a little lower than you think you should.

And let her go.

- [Tom] Oh my, at least I hit the- - We did not lose the arrow.

That's good.

- Yeah, 'cause, well you can make more.

(Larry and Tom laugh) Awesome man.

I can't believe I actually got it on the red part.

- Yay!

- I got a bullseye.

How often do you think that's gonna happen?

- That's awesome.

- You rock.

This is great, this is awesome.

I'm gonna take this up as like a hobby.

- I'll let ya.

- I collect wine and do this, but I won't do them together.

- Okay, that's what I would recommend.

(Tom laughs) - I'm telling ya, I had so much fun learning to long bow I decided to go ahead buy one for myself.

Of course, Larry recommended I start with a bow that matched my actual skill level.

This is gonna be fun!

I had the kind of day I absolutely love.

I learned something and no one got hurt, bonus!

And I broadened my scope of experiences.

Because they say that the older the more often you should do something for the very first time.

(upbeat music) Now for the last stop on our US-12 road trip adventure, we pushed westward to the town of Niles, where if you remember we featured Veni's Sweet Shop in our holiday special.

Well this time it's not the holiday spirit that's brought us to town, it's the adult kind.

So, we pulled into Iron Shoe Distillery, a family-owned distillery and restaurant that's getting rave reviews.

And Howard & Laura, Tuthill are the proud potent potable preparing proprietors who are about to show me, my new happy place.

I'll be completely honest with you guys, the only reason we're here is because I saw the picture of your burger on your website.

- All right!

- Who took that picture, and who makes the burger?

- I take the pictures, I don't make the burgers.

- Oh yeah, you even did the pictures- - I did the pictures on the wall too, yeah.

- I mean, it's when you look at a picture of a hamburger and it can get you to drive across the State of Michigan that must be a good burger.

- That's what we're hoping, so.

- Well you don't know yet?

(Tom laughs) - No, no!

I meant that, no, that the picture, that people will look at the picture and the picture will entice them to come and try.

- Everybody in Niles must just be thrilled that you're here.

- We were very well received, it was really nice.

Niles has embraced us, they're excited and we're happy to be here.

- Now Laura, it's like, sometimes when couples own a place, somebody's front of the house, and somebody's back of the house.

But you're kind of like the food guru, and Howard, you're like the super, your superpower is distilling, right?

- Sometimes yep, yeah.

About back in Colorado we were kind of at a point were looking to start something and obviously really enamored with the industry.

And craft distilling was in it's infancy, so read a lot and figured it out from there.

- Yeah, research is fun too.

(Tom laughs) - I mean, yeah.

- Who's in charge of the craft cocktails?

- So that's kind of been a collaborative effort.

We have a couple staples, so The Sweet Jesus, and The Hayride, those have been two cocktails that have been on our menu since we opened.

Those are fan favorites.

So those will probably live on the menu for quite a whil.

- Well I plan on trying your burger and letting the good spirits in.

- [Laura] Oh exactly.

- Is that okay?

Cheers.

That is good.

Sweet Jesus, that's good.

- Sweet Jesus.

(Tom laughs) - That really is good, oh my gosh.

Well, as you've come to expect from us, we ate, we drank, we laughed and made a ton of new friend.

What an exceptional way to wind up our US-12 road trip adventure, with a spirited evening full of fun and great food at Iron Shoe Distillery, in Niles.

So next time you want to have this much fun, do what we do on UTR, pick a Michigan road and wander down it like Cane in Kung Fu.

And last time I checked Michigan has about elevendy billion miles of pavement to peruse, so you should be good for a while.

Well see ya on down the road.

Hey, by chance would you guys be hungry?

- [Man In Car] Always.

- Bonus.

(gentle music) - [Announcer] 14 clubs, that's what they tell us a legal golf bag can hold.

And while that leaves a litte room for balls and tees, it doesn't leave room for much else.

There's no room left for deadlines or conference call.

Not a single pocket to hold the stress of the day, or the to-do list of tomorrow.

Only 14 clubs, pick out the right one, and drive it right down the middle, of Pure Michigan.

Your golf trip begins, at Michigan.org.

- [Announcer 2] A visit to the Stahls Auto Collection, will take you back to a time when cars were more than just a way to get around.

A fantastic assortment of gas pumps, neon signs, and automated music machines, dating back 150 years, that must be seen and heard.

Info at StahlsAuto.com.

(upbeat rock music) (musical tones)