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Rise and shine, Traverse City! In today’s edition: Historic landmarks revival, a latte art competition, a statewide rail survey, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Historic landmarks poised for revival: Traverse City is accepting proposals to repurpose the former Carnegie Building and the Bijou by the Bay, aiming to honor their history while bringing new activity and services downtown — get all the details.
Leadership shift signals growth: Plante Moran has named Chris Walski managing partner of its Traverse City office after B.J. Wolff’s retirement. The Jan. 1 change emphasizes healthcare consulting and could add local jobs — read the full story.
Prioritizing people and purpose: Traverse Area District Library has finalized a three-year strategic plan to boost community programming and reimagine spaces, from STEM kits to music streaming, 3D printing, and a French discussion group — get all the details.
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.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Future of statewide rail: Groundwork Center is gathering public input on the Michigan North+South Rail plan, which studies new passenger rail connecting southeast Michigan, mid-Michigan, and the northwest Lower Peninsula, including the Traverse City area. A survey is live now as part of the planning study. See how you can weigh in.
Brows that behave: Whether you’re overdue for a tidy-up or eyeing a fluffy, lifted look, Bare and Beautiful Aesthetics delivers precise shaping, tints, and laminations in a calm, private setting. Brooke refines arches with a light touch…low drama, high symmetry, and brows that actually behave.
Small act, big impact: Got a minute (and a few cans) to spare? The Father Fred Foundation helps local families with fresh food, clothing, and emergency assistance. They’re always welcoming volunteers and donations, an easy way to turn a midweek errand into something that actually matters.
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).
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📆 Around town this week
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🐸 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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📣 Own or manage a local business?
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How it works:
- Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Traverse City locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
We also regularly spotlight verified businesses just because we think they’re great.
Click here to get started (it’s free) →
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📻 Traverse City report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 34°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 31%
A chance of snow before 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 38°F – Low: 20°F – Precip: 82%
Rain showers after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: Rain showers likely before 1am, then rain and snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 20. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 3-bath Meadow Valley ranch delivers easy main-floor living with a bright, open layout anchored by a gas fireplace. The kitchen features stainless appliances, soft-close cabinetry, and ample counters. Two main-level bedrooms and baths join a dedicated office, main-floor laundry, and storage. A fully finished lower level adds flexible space for guests, workouts, or movie nights.
Part of the basement features vinyl flooring for a future wet bar. The HOA handles lawn care, sprinklers, and snow. Optional clubhouse perks include fitness, dining, theater, games, and pickleball. A private patio links to sidewalks and pond paths. It sits near Munson and minutes to downtown Traverse City.
Take a peek inside →
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