Lake Leelanau
FOOD & DRINK
Sculptures Removed From Boardman Trail After More Damage; Witnesses Share Account of Seeing First Accidentally Destroyed
After a third sculpture was badly damaged along the Boardman Lake Loop Trail and the fourth and final sculpture showed signs of minor vandalism, the Traverse City Arts Commission removed the Spirit of the Forest installation from the trail near Oryana this week. The last remaining sculpture in good condition will potentially be moved to another location for display, while a different art installation will be explored for the trail system in the future. Meanwhile, two witnesses have shared their account with The Ticker - and the Traverse City Police Department - of seeing the first sculpture accidentally destroyed by individuals trying to take a photo with the artwork.
Celebration of Life Planned for Marty Reay
The Boursaws and the Reays have been connected through several generations on the Old Mission Peninsula. Both families are foundational pillars of the Peninsula dating back to the 1800s. My husband Tim’s dad, Tug Boursaw, and Marty Reay’s dad, Chum Reay, were cousins. When Tim was a youngster, his family rented a place from Chum in the village of Old Mission.
Storied Two Hearted River gets 21st century update in new book
For Traverse City’s Bob Otwell, part of Michigan’s allure is its abundance of special places, and primary among them is the Upper Peninsula’s “wild and isolated” Two Hearted River watershed. That’s where Otwell and family have had a cabin called “Boggy’s Camp” for over 30...
Vacation! Northern Michigan - The Front Porch
Since 1977, The Front Porch has been bringing Northern Michigan the best houseware items, kitchen utensils, souvenirs, and unique charming finds. Located right downtown darling Suttons Bay, you’re sure to find something you can’t live without after walking through The Front Porch. They pride themselves in selling the...
All Call Music Festival returns to Traverse City with Michigan and national talent
The All Call Music Festival returns to The Little Fleet in Traverse City for a third year. Michigan-born artist Andrew Dost is in the lineup; he was formerly a member of the band Fun. Dost will be performing with his new band 'Metal Bubble Trio' mixing Bossa Nova, doo-wop, exotica,...
Michigan summer camp for LGBTQ+ youths offers sanctuary, life lessons
Standing on a beach in Traverse City, 16-year-old Naja Nile chose not to swim despite the brutal summer sun, but saw them: kids with colorful hair splashing in the sparkling water. Wearing bathing suits and chest binders, the kids were a burst of joy on an idyllic shoreline more than...
Old Mission Distilling's Soggy Dollar
Only good vibes are allowed at Old Mission Distilling on Old Mission Peninsula thanks to their newly-released craft cocktail menu. While you’re drinking in those last days of summer, the Soggy Dollar ($13) makes the perfect pairing. Inspired by the tropical flavors of a swim-up bar, this tiki-style treat combines OMD’s signature Caribbean Rum (a bold and velvety blend of Jamaican and U.S. Virgin Island varieties) with fresh lime and pineapple juices, scratch coconut syrup, and a splash of local cream for a frothy finish. Topped off with toasted coconut, it’s the perfect cap to a summer night in northern Michigan. Psst—don’t miss La Calendula’s Mexican street food menu once the sun goes down! Find Old Mission Distilling at 13795 Seven Hills Rd in Traverse City. oldmissiondistilling.com.
A Tale Of Two Theaters: Elk Rapids Cinema Seeks Tax-Exempt Status, Bijou By The Bay Remains Closed
The futures of two northern Michigan arthouse movie theaters are up in the air. The Chalfonte Foundation, the Detroit-based nonprofit that acquired the Elk Rapids Cinema last year, announced earlier this month that the Elk Rapids Township Assessor’s Office had denied its request for a property tax exemption. The foundation says the exemption is crucial to keep the cinema’s doors open, and has appealed the matter to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
Back to School for Grown-ups
Remember that feeling of getting No. 2 pencils, crisp notebooks, and bright folders before the start of a new school year? (We miss you, Lisa Frank!) Well, most of us grown-ups aren’t headed back to the classroom, but that doesn’t mean we have to skip the shopping spree. We’re obsessed with the journals from Leelanau Trading Co. ($31-$62 depending on size and details), with a variety of closure designs including snaps, buttons, pencils, and ties. Each journal comes stocked with loose-leaf paper in a hidden three-ring binder, with paper refills available at $9 for an 80-page refill. The covers are made from full top grain leather and bound with cherry wood for a lasting look and feel. As their website says, these beauties are better for “sitting under a tree than at a desk.” Find yours at leelanautradingco.com.
The Chef's In's Vegetarian Sandwich
The Chef’s In has been a lunchtime staple in Traverse City for almost 40 years. (And no, “In” with one “n” is not a typo…the chef is in the kitchen, but the chef does not have an inn!) This downtown deli is all about the sammies, with more than 20 options on their “hot” sandwich side and nearly endless options on the build-your-own “cold” side. Our pick is the Vegetarian ($10.99), with mushrooms, cucumber, and tomato all gooey-glued together with swiss and provolone cheeses. And don’t forget the secret ingredient—sunflower seeds! Add on one of their daily soups, take a stroll down the salad bar to complete the meal, or treat yourself with a chocolate chunk cookie. Pop in for lunch at 519 W. Front St. in Traverse City. chefsindeli.com.
Elk Rapids library offers books and fresh produce under one roof
ANTRIM COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- If you are looking for a good read, a library is a great place to go. If you’re looking for fresh locally grown produce, you may think of heading elsewhere. But in one northern Michigan community, you can get both in the same place.
Michigan’s Best Travel Deals: Fireworks championship, new waterfront hotel, 90 holes of golf
We’ve got a delightful buffet of deals for you. There’s a resort Up North playing host to a big hot air balloon event this weekend and they’re inviting people to come and watch for free. Tickets are still available for a two-day fireworks championship that draws teams from around the world. And a newly-expanded hotel in the U.P. had an amazing glow-up and is offering sweet deals on its waterfront rooms.
Glen Arbor Arts Center features Allie on front porch
Traverse City singer-songwriter Allie Kessel performs on the Glen Arbor Arts Center front porch on Friday, Aug. 23, from 5-7 pm. This Manitou Music concert is free, and open air. Concertgoers should bring a chair, and refreshments. Kessell possesses a unique musical style that blends folk and soul influences. With...
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.