Happy weekend, Traverse City! In today’s happening-today edition: Downtown funding overhaul, kitten yoga class, and quilted kicks + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, 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.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Downtown funding overhaul: Traverse City’s DDA was set to vote Friday on a new TIF plan replacing TIF 97, focused on infrastructure, upkeep, and revenue sharing, potentially headed for the November 3 ballot -- see the TIF plan details.
Downtown walkability improves: A new accessible crosswalk on Cass Street in downtown Traverse City was completed, funded by the DDA. It is wider, improves driver visibility, and removes the dip pedestrians often encounter -- see the new crosswalk.
Northern Michigan expansion grows: Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford Health opened a Traverse City office, giving access to eight Northern Michigan hospitals and 700-plus physicians after its name change marking 40 years -- explore the new office.
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The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
In-town camp fix: Craving a low-fuss reset without leaving town? Northwestern Michigan Campground Entrance sits right at the fairgrounds, a no-frills, in-town base with room to set up, quick access to your usual haunts, and micro-getaway vibes that still let you make that Tuesday meeting.
Date-night upgrade, unlocked: The Cooks’ House keeps it small and soulful, with chef-owners turning Northern Michigan’s farms and foragers into plates that feel special without the fuss. Book a table this week, then keep an eye out for their occasional cooking classes if you want the magic to follow you home.
Smarter practice, less guesswork: Traverse City Golf Performance Center turns range time into progress with TrackMan Range on the grass, seven indoor bays for rainy days, four covered outdoor bays, and The Rooster short course plus a legit short-game area… perfect for dialing things in before your next league night.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚣 Unsalted Flotilla @ CenterPoint Marina | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Trade yard work for a Jeanneau from Great Lakes Sailing Co, then join the flotilla shoving off from Traverse City. It hops port to port, hitting harbor towns, sandy beaches, and quiet anchorages on our unsalted, shark-free seas. Friendly captains, low stress, and actual fun.
🎨 GTB Father's Day Art & Craft Show @ Grand Traverse County Civic Center | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – The 4th annual Father’s Day weekend art and craft show is popping up at the Civic Center for two days, with artists, makers, and dreamers selling the real deal. Grab a last-minute gift that isn’t a novelty tie, then hit Old Mission’s wine trail, obviously.
🐾 Kick of Summer with Pets Naturally @ Pets Naturally | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to spoil the dog more than yourself, here it is at Pets Naturally. Pup Bone Broth Slushies, play-to-win prizes, and huge spring clearance deals, plus swap a seen-better-days collar or leash for 25% off.
🍷 Tasting: Birdy the Drink @ Oryana West | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Swing by the shop to meet Callie Furste, co-founder of Birdy the Drink, and taste their Traverse City-born canned wine spritzer, a low proof, slow-sipping charmer. Michigan fruit, easy bubbles, and you still remember your errands.
👟 Quilted kicks @ Boyd's Sewing Center Inc. | Saturday (6/20) – Take a break from the grind and stitch up your own quilted sneakers, kits included. Bring your machine and fabric, they handle the fiddly bits, and you walk out with bragging rights, comfy kicks, and a new party trick. $169.
🧘 Kitten Yoga Class @ Contigo Dogs | Sunday (6/21) at 3:30 AM – Trade your workout for kitten-assisted yoga with Modus+, featuring adoptable cuties from TC Paws. All levels welcome, bring your mat and water, and know a portion of tickets supports their care. Kitten count may vary, the rare shortage that actually makes you happy.
🎨 9th Annual Paint Grand Traverse Plein Air Festival @ Crooked Tree Arts Center | Sunday (6/21) – Traverse City gets its annual plein air glow as the 9th Annual Paint Grand Traverse brings top artists to set up easels across bays, vines, and village streets. Stroll, sip, and watch your everyday view become art, then claim bragging rights, not paint stains. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Traverse City report Weather forecastToday — High: 70°F — Low: 51°F — Precip: 40%
A chance of rain showers before 2pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm. Partly sunny. High near 70, with temperatures falling to around 67 in the afternoon. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 71°F — Low: 53°F — Precip: 2%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. North wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. This house is wildThis 1925 estate on 12 scenic acres blends historic charm with polished modern upgrades. The main home offers a renovated kitchen and living spaces, a primary retreat with spa bath and private deck, plus three more bedrooms upstairs. Outside, a pool, pond, chicken coop, heated 3-car garage, and 40 by 80 pole barn bring serious lifestyle appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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