A Cozy Analog Weekend Up North in Cadillac, MI

The latest trend right now is analog, and honestly… I’m fully here for it. There’s something refreshing about stepping away from the phone and the whirlwind that comes with social media. Lately it feels like everything online leans toward doom-and-gloom news, though when the algorithm gets it right and sends a wave of journaling videos or cozy desk content, it feels like a tiny gift from the universe.

Winter feels like the perfect season to slow down and start planning little analog weekends. Partly because unplugging is good for the soul, and partly because it’s nice to do things for yourself instead of watching everyone else live their lives. Also… staying ahead of the winter blues takes strategy. Having small, intentional things to look forward to makes the darker months feel a little softer.

Here’s the loose plan for this weekend:

– Stop in at GT Vinyl.
It’s the perfect spot to browse records slowly and maybe discover something unexpected. The shop has such a relaxed vibe, the kind where you wander without rushing. There is also a shop pup that sometimes makes an appearance, which automatically makes any day better. Their selection is great, and if you’re hunting for something specific, they’ll happily order it.

– Get outside.
Even when it’s cold, moving a little helps. Snowshoeing, taking a small hike, or honestly just wandering downtown sounds peaceful. There was a moment where snowboarding was on the tentative bucket list, but… wow, it is expensive. Between passes and gear rentals, travel suddenly feels like the wiser investment. Skiing as a kid was magical, but maybe this year the budget goes toward exploring somewhere new instead.

– Read at least one or two books from the TBR pile.
Two are currently calling my name: The Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida and I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee. They came highly recommended in a Facebook group and have been sitting on my list ever since. Fun fact: in Michigan (and probably many other states), if your library doesn’t carry a book, they can borrow it from another one and ship it to your local branch. It’s such an underrated perk.

– Work on an embroidery project.
Depending on how much time I have this weekend, spending some quiet time stitching sounds perfect. If you’re hunting for patterns, Etsy has great ones, or sometimes clip art from Canva printed onto fabric transfer paper works perfectly.

The bigger goal? To keep this going throughout 2026. To step away from constant scrolling and start enjoying real moments again — not just watching life happen through other people’s highlight reels. Getting out, trying new things, being social locally… all things that feel a little intimidating but important. And honestly, probably overdue.

So here’s the plan: treat this like a tiny series. A little experiment in slowing down, reconnecting, and finding pockets of joy.