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Rise and shine, Traverse City!
In today’s planning-your-week edition: A former Macy’s revival, a pearl jewelry workshop, and a roaming Shakespeare festival + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Traverse City protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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📰 In the news
Multi-tenant makeover takes shape: Traverse City shoppers could soon see life return to the former Macy’s at Grand Traverse Mall. Construction is finished, with five exterior-entrance businesses expected to open soon despite management hurdles — get details on the revamp.
Citywide goals take shape: On March 2, Traverse City commissioners approved a multi-year work plan to guide roads, housing, childcare, and waterfront, with early steps including a Complete Streets committee and zoning rewrite — see priorities and next steps.
Demand, supply and production dip: On March 2, AAA said Michigan’s average gas price hit $2.99, up 14 cents from the prior week, while Grand Rapids, Marquette and Traverse City remained below the state average — learn what’s driving the change.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🏆 Gold and silver are heating up
Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold
Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.
While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.
If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.
It’s free and worth reading before the next move.
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🫶 We got your back
Your backyard nature crew: Grand Traverse Conservation District has cared for our backyard for 80 years, restoring natural areas, tending 3,000 acres along the Boardman River, and sparking curiosity through the Boardman River Nature Center. Every mile of trail and patch of habitat shows thoughtful stewardship… the kind that makes everyday steps feel a little lighter.
Carbs that give back: Common Good Bakery fuels both sides of TC with daily breads and pastries from the original bake shop, along with panini and proper coffee. When you want to linger, the newer café serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, plus pizza and a full bar to brighten any weekday.
Retro comfort, TC-style: When you crave no-fuss comfort with a side of nostalgia, Sparky’s Diner keeps the 50s vibe going, with Taqueria TC Latino in the mix, so breakfast, lunch, or dinner is easy. Think of it as your dependable weeknight “don’t cook” plan.
What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →
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📆 Our favorite events this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🐚 Pearl Jewelry Workshop @ The Workshop Brewing Company | Wednesday (3/11) at 6:00 PM – This hands-on Traverse City workshop lets you pick an oyster, shuck it, then drill and set the pearl into .925 sterling silver. Your ticket covers class, a pearl, and a drop pendant, with upgrade settings aplenty; chains start at $20, and yes, buy ahead.
🍝 Benefit Spaghetti Dinner @ Significant Strikes Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu & MMA | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – Craving carbs for a cause? Swing by Significant Strikes in Traverse City for spaghetti dinner benefiting the Avery family as Collin heads to Ann Arbor for a bone marrow transplant. Bring cash or checks only, enjoy no-frills plate of comfort, and chip in like neighbors.
🚤 Boat Show @ Civic Center | Friday (3/13) at 10:00 AM – Shake off the slush and wander the Traverse City Boat Show, where summer dreams, new pontoons, and shiny fishing rigs are legally up for daydreaming. Kick tires, price out impractical toys, and talk lake plans like it’s July already, no sunscreen required.
🛍 Spring Fling Artisan and Vendor Event @ Grand Traverse Mall | Friday (3/13) at 11:00 AM – Yes, the mall, and yes, it’s worth it. Meet me in the Grand Traverse Mall common area for a leisurely browse of local artisans, small businesses, and finds galore, the good kind of impulse buys. Stretch your legs, support neighbors, escape cabin fever.
🔥 Winter Warm Up @ TC Whiskey Co. – The Stillhouse | Saturday (3/14) at 1:00 PM – Warm up on the patio with live sets from Broom Closet Boys and Hot Flat Pop, hot cocktails by the fire, a food truck, yard games, and a cocoa bar for the kids. Free, family friendly, and refreshingly simple, like winter socializing should be.
🧀 Wine & Cheese Tasting Workshop @ Black Star Farms Old Mission | Saturday (3/14) at 6:30 PM – Think you know your cab from your camembert? This hands-on tasting pairs five wines with thoughtful cheeses, with a pro walking you through the why, not just the wow. Upgrade from fridge-door chardonnay to real pairings, linger, sip, and leave a little smug.
🎭 The Ides of March: Roaming Shakespeare Festival @ The Village at Grand Traverse Commons | Sunday (3/15) at 1:00 PM – Ides of March calls for roaming the Village at Grand Traverse Commons for a free, bite-sized Shakespeare fix with local wine, beer, and Sunday snacks in unexpected nooks. Scenes, songs, and soliloquies between sips. Historic ambiance, sly laughs, and a possible Et tu, Merlot.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Traverse City report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 60°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 5%
Mostly sunny. High near 60, with temperatures falling to around 58 in the afternoon. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Northeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 12%
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Rain showers between 8pm and 5am, then snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Access cash without selling your home 🏠
A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your house.
Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much tax-free cash your home equity’s worth, with no commitment required.
This house is wild
Set along the Boardman River in downtown Traverse City, this luxe residence pairs privacy with steps to restaurants, shops, and the waterfront. A private elevator, heated driveway, and curated finishes set an elegant tone. The chef’s kitchen stars Wolf appliances and an AGA range. Sunlit, open living frames tranquil water views, while a refined primary suite underscores craftsmanship throughout.
Take a peek inside →
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