Happy Tuesday, Traverse City. In today’s edition: Dennos Museum rebrand, a Christmas market, a kids’ matinee, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Fresh identity in progress: Dennos Museum Center is rebranding to better engage visitors and bolster finances, funded by a $40,000 anonymous gift. Leaders say the refresh could aid accreditation and grow membership — read the full story.

High-tech warnings show promise: An MSU study found flashing LED curve signs on M-32 near Gaylord slightly reduced speeds in winter. MDOT called the findings encouraging but plans limited, targeted use at problem locations — see what the study found.

Artisan breadmaker’s next chapter: Traverse City’s Stone House Bread sold a majority stake to the world’s largest baking company, reportedly tied to Grupo Bimbo. Local production stays as products scale nationwide through buyer’s network — learn what’s next for Stone House.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Explore the Jerry Gates collection supporting conservation
• Enjoy free TubaChristmas and carols
• Holiday jazz with Toys for Tots drive
• Celebrate Men’s Night in Downtown Traverse City
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Sustainability and scale in focus: A new housing plan is on deck for the former Traverse Bay United Methodist Church site: 18 townhomes and a four-story, 18-unit condo building stepping down along Ramsdell. Planning commissioners will review Tuesday at 6pm a request to waive the three-acre PUD minimum (the parcel is 2.31 acres) so the project can advance. See what’s planned for Ramsdell.

Festive after-work fundraiser: Head to TC Philharmonic for The Ticker’s Recess of Giving on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 5–7 pm. For $10, enjoy appetizers and beverages curated by Blue Goat Wine & Provisions, live harp by principal Sylvia Norris, and prize drawings. Bring a Toys for Tots donation. All proceeds benefit the TC Philharmonic. See event details and prizes.

Burrito cravings, answered: Whether you’re in a weeknight need-it-now mood or plotting tomorrow’s leftovers, Spanglish rolls from-scratch, flavor-packed burritos with the same care as their tamales and tostadas, fresh and local-minded, never fussy. Consider this your nudge to treat yourself.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🥂 Giving Tuesday Happy Hour for TART Trails @ Common Good Bakery | Tuesday (12/2) at 4:30pm – Giving Tuesday at Common Good on 8th means carbs with a cause. Grab slice night specials, with a buck per slice to TART Trails, and bring pantry staples for the food drive. Do your good deed between bites, call it holiday spirit, no spandex required.

🥣 Unbelieva-bowl Wednesdays @ 7 Monks Taproom | Wednesday (12/3) at 3:00pm – Midweek just got way more delicious with a new $10 bowl creation every Wednesday. From cozy comfort food to wild chef experiments, you never know what you’re walking into—but that’s half the fun. Dine in, dig in, and consider your Wednesday officially upgraded.

👠 Ladies’ Night @ Downtown Traverse | Thursday (12/4) at 5:00pm – Downtown TC’s Ladies’ Night is your annual excuse to shop local with specials, festive vibes, and zero guilt. Bring your framily, cross off the list, build your own, and sip something warm. Come for the deals, stay for the festive vibes—just call your favorite shops first to check their specials.

❄️ Iron Fish Heikki Lunta Party @ Iron Fish Distillery | Friday (12/5) at 3:00pm – Winter’s dragging its feet, so let’s bribe Heikki Lunta with a bonfire, drink specials, and live tunes at Iron Fish. Expect snow dancing, Chris Smith on the soundtrack, and a toast by the fire. Stillroom is first come, or reserve Basecamp.

📚 Holiday Book Fair at the Former Traverse City Asylum @ The Village at Grand Traverse Commons | Friday (12/5) at 3:00pm – Skip the mall and wander the Mercato at Grand Traverse Commons for a holiday book fair with a cozy historical vibe in Building Fifty, with its iconic architecture and rich local history. Holiday shopping, local history, bragging rights.

This weekend

🎄 Christmas Market @ Central United Methodist Church | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Central Church is turning into a festive bazaar with craft vendors, kid make-and-takes like mini gingerbread houses, and the United Women in Faith cookie walk. Free to wander, a few bucks for the fun, food for purchase, and cheer without the mall parking headache.

⭐ Wish – Kids’ Matinee @ State Theatre | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Need an easy win with the grandkids? The State is doing a $1 Kids’ Matinee of Wish, where a plucky heroine and her hyper little star buddy take on a power-hungry king, and you get a quiet hour in cushy seats while the kids enjoy the show. Cheap, cheerful, downtown.

🛍️ Traverse City Shop and Sip @ Grand Traverse Resort | Saturday (12/6) at 1:00pm – Feel like shopping local without elbowing through the big box aisles? Hit the Shop and Sip at Grand Traverse Resort for handmade jewelry, gourmet treats, and sippables, all from Michigan makers. Knock out gifts, catch up with neighbors, and pretend you don’t need another candle.

🎷 NMC Jazz Presents: Swingin’ for the Season & Toys for Tots @ Milliken Auditorium | Saturday (12/6) at 7:30pm – Nothing beats big-band sparkle to make the holidays feel right. The Lab Band and Big Band fill Milliken Auditorium with swing, vocalists Emily Kuschell and Scott Carter, and Ellington, Ella, Sinatra, and more. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, get in free.

🌿 Make Your Own Fresh Holiday Wreath Morning Session @ The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park | Sunday (12/7) at 10:00am – Take a break from chaos and roll up your sleeves for a morning wreath workshop with fresh evergreens, natural accents, and zero cleanup. All skill levels welcome, come solo or bring the crew. Leave with a wreath, bragging rights, and pine-scented hands. Tickets are limited.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/5 NMC Music Student Convocation @ Milliken Auditorium – 1 pm
• 12/5 Henry Herig @ North Bar – 7 pm
• 12/5 The Tweed Tones @ Gypsy Spirits – 8:30 pm
• 12/5 Chris Smith @ The Parlor – 9 pm
• 12/6 Scarkazm @ Fraternal Order of Eagles – 7 pm
• 12/6 Wink Solo @ The Parlor – 9 pm
• 12/12 The Timebombs @ Union Street Station – 6 pm
• 12/12 Mal & Mike @ North Bar – 7 pm
• 12/12 The Bergamot @ City Opera House – 7:30 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Kimberly Kamrow (Keller Williams, Home)

Riverfront condo that marries downtown energy with Boardman River calm. Offers 1,100 feet of shared frontage, two composite decks, and space to tie up a kayak or small boat. Timeless high-end finishes define a primary suite with an in-room jetted tub, in-floor radiant heat, river-view reading nook, large tiled shower, and an oversized closet.

Heated 1.5-car garage with workbench, storage, and driveway parking. Restaurants, shops, and West Bay beaches sit moments away, while mature landscaping keeps it private. Turnkey, cheeky, and unmistakably Traverse City.

Take a peek inside →