Insider Guide: Brandon Jensen

Brandon Jensen was born and raised in Manistee. He attended Lawrence Technological University where he studied architecture, but now does a lot of small business branding, website development and graphic design under his company Right Side Design Studio. “[Building] a business’s brand is similar to building a house,” he says. “It’s kind of fascinating when you break both down into its components.”
 
Brandon recently developed the 2012 visitor's guide for Manistee County and is a huge proponent of tourism in Manistee. He serves on the Downtown Development Authority board and on the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce board, and also does a lot of work with small businesses in town as part of his profession. “I started my business here because I want to stay here and I want Manistee to grow,” he states.
 
As an avid kayaker himself, Brandon argues, “We have some of the most accessible waterways in the state,” which makes the area perfect for those who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. He also says, “I would argue that we have some of the biggest and cleanest beaches in Michigan – and I would know because I’ve been to them all!”
 
Manistee is truly the ideal location for active outdoor types. The Shoreline Cycling Club has worked hard to develop and maintain some of the best cycling trails in northern Michigan. “It’s an elaborate network,” Brandon states. “We also have great roads for road riding. If you’re a cyclist it’s a great place to be!” Golfers are also in luck; there are nine golf courses in and around Manistee County.
 
Downtown Manistee is filled with preserved historic architecture and is very committed to adaptive reuse. Brandon, channeling his architecture background, says, “We have the best architecture stock of any downtown in Michigan.” There are a lot of independently-owned specialty stores in Manistee and not a lot of large corporate chains; visitors enjoy the small-town charm and the unique local businesses.
 
For dining, Brandon swears by TJ’s Pub on the ground floor of the Ramsdell Inn. “There’s a happening bar and restaurant scene here. This is the main hangout spot and they have a great manager who is bringing in fresh local food from local farmers.” He also recommends the Boathouse Grill, specifically to sit out on the deck overlooking the river. 
 
Manistee is known as the Victorian Port city, and every year they celebrate this with the Victorian Country Christmas Festival every December. “All the merchants are decked out in turn-of-the-century garb,” he says. “It’s a very nostalgic event.” There is a gingerbread house contest, a sleighbell parade, Victorian shops, a huge Christmas tree, a Christmas carousel and animated displays, chestnut roasting and so much more. It is one of the only fully-themed events of its kind in the country. “It’s like walking back in time for a weekend.” 
 
Another major festival is the Manistee National Forest Festival held over Fourth of July weekend. There are art fairs, art markets, boat shows, fireworks and a parade. “This is the festival that celebrates our culture and heritage as it relates to the area,” Brandon says. “[Both festivals] are a huge draw to the city.”
 
In the summer there is now a Roots on the River Summer Concert Series of four free outdoor concerts ranging from everything from blues to bluegrass. “There is a really cool emerging creative art and culture network on the rise here.”