Good morning, Traverse City! In today’s edition: Waterfront campus sale, how Michigan became Michigan talk, sips & soups, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

New chapter for waterfront campus: Northwestern Michigan College agreed to sell its Boardman Lake campus to the Grand Traverse Band under an agreement barring gaming, and the deal could be finalized by spring — see what’s planned for campus.

A milestone new arrival: A baby girl born at 12:51 a.m. became Northern Michigan’s first birth of 2026, a joyful arrival celebrated by parents Matthew Molloseau and Corey Payberg — read the full story.

Debate over road funding: On January 1, Michigan ended the 6% sales tax on gasoline and raised the fuel tax to about 52.4 cents per gallon, which officials say will barely affect pump prices — see how drivers are reacting.

Snow Days Day Pass @ Delamar Traverse City | Sunday (1/11) at 10:00 AM – Think winter cabin fever has won? Grab the Delamar Snow Days Day Pass, escape the deep freeze, and enjoy a warm, low-stress day of cozy spaces, treats, and simple fun. Better than pacing the living room, and absolutely qualifies as getting out, Northern Michigan style — see the event listing.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs @ State Theatre and Bijou by the Bay | Today (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats a $1 kids matinee at the State when cabin fever hits. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs keeps the littles glued to Manny, Sid, and Diego, and you get popcorn, a dark room, and ninety blessed minutes of relative peace — see the event listing.

Snowy escapes worth the trip: From Detroit museums and Frankenmuth shopping to Traverse City trails and Marquette adventures, ten Michigan destinations show winter’s charm with ski resorts, snowmobiling, frozen waterfalls, and the DeZwaan Windmill Explore all ten destinations.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🐸 Winter Peepers Program @ Boardman River Nature Center | Tuesday (1/13) at 10:00 AM – Winter Peepers is getting the littles, ages 3 to 5, outside with you in tow for low-key nature exploring. It is entirely outdoors, so layer up, bring snacks, mittens, and a thermos, and expect pinecone treasures, tiny scientists, and pleasantly tired kids. No experience needed.

🗺 How Michigan Became Michigan @ McGuire Community Room | Tuesday (1/13) at 6:00 PM – Curious how our mitten snagged the U.P., Isle Royale, and a centuries-old grudge with Ohio? Drop in for a lively history talk on a 1755 map, the mostly bloodless Toledo War, and the cartographic chaos that made Michigan, Michigan. Bring your inner map nerd.

🤝 Meet the Makers @ The Little Fleet | Wednesday (1/14) at 5:30 PM – Skip the guessing at the wine aisle and meet the people who actually make the good stuff at The Little Fleet. Local winemakers pouring samples, chatting about their craft, and special by-the-glass pours, plus a DJ to keep things lively without drowning conversation.

🗣 Expand Storytelling #10 @ The Alluvion | Wednesday (1/14) at 6:30 PM – Trade your to-do list for The Alluvion, where NoMi neighbors like Ella Skrocki, Dana Falconberry, and friends share what makes them come alive. No gurus required, think presence over hustle, joy over noise. $15 online, $18 at the door, limited seating.

🍝 Taste of Italy Wine Dinner @ Aerie Restaurant & Lounge | Thursday (1/15) at 6:00 PM – Skip the flight and let Aerie and Folgarelli’s take you to Italy, one pour at a time. An indulgent multi-course wine dinner, regional pairings, and those sky-high bay views, because carbs, conversation, and a good Barolo beat winter any day.

🍲 Sips & Soups @ Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail | Friday (1/16) at 12:00 PM – Sips & Soups is back, pairing 2oz pours with 3oz warm-ups at wineries all over, plus $10 in cork cash. A $40 weekend ticket. It’s basically winter cardio, but for your taste buds. Bring friends, make a few reservations, and pretend this counts as dinner.

🎤 Joan Shelley @ Dennos Museum Center | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 PM – Kentucky folk gem Joan Shelley brings a warm, mellifluous voice to songs that are quiet, dramatic, and bittersweet. Expect Real Warmth tunes born of a move north, a Canadian crew, Nathan Salsburg on guitar, and a room so quiet you grin.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Traverse City report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 33°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 95%

Snow after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Later: Snow. Mostly cloudy. Low around 25, with temperatures rising to around 27 overnight. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 30°F – Low: 24°F – Precip: 85%

Snow before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Later: A slight chance of snow showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Most popular house this week

At 9th and Union in Old Town, this 1915 bungalow is a historic mixed-use icon with flexibility. Maple floors, original trim, and 9-foot coffered ceilings shine around a wood-burning fireplace. The main level runs as offices and can convert to residence. Upstairs has a private entrance, a second kitchen, and two or three bedrooms for a separate unit.

The finished lower level adds flexible space for media, fitness, or storage. Three city lots include a massive 2-plus-car garage with an oversized door sized for four vehicles or an RV or boat, plus porch, patio, and mature trees. The property is large enough to be split by right.

Take a peek inside →