Brandy Wheeler, Author at Traverse Traveler

Traverse City, a Pure Michigan Destination

Pure Michigan debuts the new Traverse City “True North” ad today.

I’m excited to see my hometown featured on the Pure Michigan campaign, where millions of viewers can admire our beautiful community from a comfy cushion in their living room as Tim Allen’s voice lulls them into a state of utopia. With any luck they’ll be convinced that Traverse City is where they want to spend their next vacation.

And since planning the vacation is part of the fun, I hope the next step they take is to reach for their iPhone and download our handy mobile guide, the Traverse Traveler app. It’s a great resource for designing that trip to Traverse —whether you’re at home, abroad, at an airport or lying in bed watching TV.

Click here to download the app on your iPhone!

Traverse Traveler iPhone app

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T15:50:28-05:00June 14th, 2011|Check This Out, Traverse City|0 Comments

10 Tips to Enhance Your Easter Meal

Fustini's Traverse City image Add Flavor to your Easter Feast with Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars.

In honor of the opening of Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars expanded Traverse City location on Front Street, we’re sharing their Top 10 Tips for pumping up your Easter feast with a little Fustini’s flavor. Whether you’re a skilled chef or a fumbling amateur, the flavor infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars make kitchen creations come to life. So, stop in, pick up something new this season, and give your food some flavor!

10 Tips to Use Fustini’s this Easter

Fustinis Provencal Herbes image 1. Brush pork tenderloin in Provencal Olive Oil, roll in bread crumbs, parmesan and Seasonello and bake.

Fustini's Pineapple Balsamic image 2. Use Pineapple Balsamic to glaze ham.

fustini's blood orange oil image 3. Add Blood Orange Olive Oil to candied yams.

Fustini's Sage and Mushroom image 4. Substitute butter in mashed potatoes by using 1/2 Sage and Wild Mushroom Olive Oil and 1/2 chicken broth while mashing.

Fustini's Garlic oil image 5. Saute baby spinach in Garlic Olive Oil until soft, drain and fold spinach into sage and mushroom mashed potatoes.

Fustini's Lavendar Balsamic image 6. Use Lavendar Balsamic and Tarragon Olive Oil on lamb.

Fustini's Ginger and Honey image 7. Toss diced sweet potatoes in Blood Orange Olive Oil and roast at 350 degrees for 30 min. Carmelize onions in Ginger and Honey Balsamic. Toss with roasted potatoes and serve.

Fustini's Cinnamon Pear image 8. Drizzle easter ham with Cinnamon Pear Balsamic and cook with apples.

Fustini's Lemon balsamic 9. Egg salad sandwiches – dice up boiled eggs and green onions. Add Garlic Olive Oil, Lemon Balsamic and Seasonello and mix well.

Fustini's Cranberry Balsamic image 10. Drizzle green beans with Porcini Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a splash of Cranberry Balsamic. Top with slivered almonds.

Have fun playing with combinations of your own, then share your recipes with us on our Facebook page. Fustini’s also features customer recipes on their website: www.fustinis.com.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T15:56:01-05:00April 15th, 2011|local recipes, Traverse City|0 Comments

How to Enjoy a Spring Break Staycation Up North

hometown highlights spring break graphic

No travel plans for Spring Break this year? Chin up. We’ve got some great suggestions to help you enjoy a staycation in Traverse City. Here’s our 7 Ways for 7 Days: How to Enjoy Your Spring Break Staycation.

1. Spring Skiing

Spend a day on the slopes this spring break, it’s an unusual treat to have conditions this sweet. Our ‘six more weeks of winter’ should have been up by now, Mr. Goundhog. But for skiers the news couldn’t be better. A spring storm brought over 8 inches of fresh snow to the area, which is great news around Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. Thanks to a cold winter their base is in great condition, and the fresh powder is icing on the cake. If you’re interested in cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing the TART trails are a great in town option.

2. Explore an Exhibit

When is the last time you took a trip to a local musuem? This is the last weekend to enjoy the Jim Hay exhibit and video art by Lee Nam Lee at the Dennos Museum Center. Museums are a great place to introduce your children to other cultures, so don’t be afraid to take them along. But if they really need to burn off some steam, The Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a perfect option. Or check out the Vintage Toys and Miniatures Show at The History Center (formerly Grand Traverse Heritage Center) in Traverse City.

3. Take a Foodie Tour

Wander the streets of Downtown Traverse City and create your own Tasting Tour. Discover imported meats and cheeses at Folgarelli’s, salsas, snacks and all things cherry at The Cherry Stop, and delicious sweets at Morsels. One of my favorite stops is Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars where you an create your own flavor combinations from their huge selection of balsamic vinegars and flavor infused olive oils. Who knew a peach balsamic and garlic oil would make a great match? Our area is rich with locally made products. Find a new favorite and spread the word. As for me, I’m dying to try Simply Cupcakes. Their flavors sound soooo good.

4. Hunt for Antique Treasures

I grew up spending weekends at auctions and wandering flea markets with my parents. No matter where we went there was always a unique treasure to be discovered. While “antiquing” may not be as popular as it was in the ’70s and early ’80s, shabby chic and bargain hunting never goes out of style. You could spend an afternoon browsing through the Cherryland Antique Mall on Garfield Road in Traverse City. Or if you’re in Benzonia, stop by the Emporium on M-115.

5. Wine Not Try Something New

Spring break shouldn’t just be for kids. Parents need a little time out too. With more than 20 wineries in the area there’s always a new taste waiting for you on our lovely peninsulas. Newer tasting rooms include Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery on Leelanau Peninsula, and Northern Natural Wine Tasting in Benzonia. This time of year is a great time to catch the winemaker’s on site. They’re in between the harvest season, and the growing season, so they’re often available to chat or provide a tour. Also look for unusual specials and events at the wineries. Left Foot Charley is offering specials for Teachers and School Workers during spring break. Or how about checking out the upcoming Sushi School at 2 Lads Winery. So much fun, so little time.

6. Be Entertained

With half of the region’s population headed to warmer parts of the country you might think there’s nothing going on in Traverse City during spring break. But you’d be wrong. Old Town Playhouse has weekend showings of Fiddler on the Roof and Good On Paper for example. And don’t forget about Interlochen Center for the Arts. A handy bookmark to have on your desktop is this one for TREATickets.com. They are a local non-profit online ticketing resource specializing in arts and entertainment venues.

7. Start a Spring Project

We’ve got a week home with the kids, why not start early on some of those spring projects. Here’s a few starters from my to-do list:

Clear out the clutter in the basement and donate items to Goodwill or the Women’s Resource Center. You don’t want to know how many old cell phones I have that could be put back in service for someone in need.
Brighten the living room with a fresh coat of paint. I found some inspiring Northern Michigan themed paint colors at Northwoods Hardware in Glen Arbor that would perk up any room.
Put away the last of the winter decorations (yes, I still have white lights and pine boughs on my porch from Christmas) and haul out the spring branches and Easter decorations.
Start sowing seeds for a summer herb garden. I get great ideas from the folks at Garden Goods in Traverse City. And this time of year you’ll have the first pick of the hottest new pots and tools.

Well there you have it. My 7 Ways for 7 Days. Now get out there and enjoy the beauty in our own backyard on your spring break staycation. And if you’ve got some great staycation ideas to share, let us know.

Post your suggestions on our Facebook page. Or send us a tweet at @TraverseTravelr.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T15:57:52-05:00March 24th, 2011|Day Trips, Hometown Highlights, Traverse City|0 Comments

Proposed "Bed Tax" Increase to Boost CVB Marketing Efforts

hotel bed tax image Regional Convention & Visitors Bureaus throughout the state are faced with the question of whether or not to increase their room assessment, also known as a “Bed Tax” from 2% up to 5%.

What’s the impetus behind this proposal? And what do our local CVBs plan to do? Here’s what I discovered.

The facts on Bed Tax

If you’ve ever studied your bill after checking out of a hotel in other Michigan cities of a similiar size you’ll notice a 2% fee in addition to sales tax. This is the room assessment, casually referred to as a Bed Tax. This fee is collected by lodging properties with 10 rooms or more, throughout Michigan. The purpose is to create a source of income to be spent on tourism marketing efforts, which in turn benefit the travel and tourism industry.

So, what’s the difference between an assessment and a tax? A very important distinction: A tax is levied on the public as a whole, and therefore must benefit everyone. An assessment is imposed on a specific group, who in turn receive the benefits. In 1984 Michigan Public Act 59 set the room assessment rate at 2%. A figure which has been in place ever since. To change this rate requires an amendment to the legislation. Which is exactly what happened last autumn. This amendment passed into law on December 5, 2010.

Travel Michigan, the State department responsible for the program, issued a referrendum to allow districts the opportunity to increase their rates from 2% up to 5%.

Benefits of a rate increase

I first learned of this proposed increase at a recent meeting of the Grand Traverse Area Hotel Motel Association. Brad Van Dommelen, President of the Traverse City Conventions & Visitors Bureau, spoke to the members about the reason for the proposed increase and what the CVB would like to do with the funds.

Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau recommendion is to increase the assessment to the maximum amount allowed of 5%. Their goals for the increase include:

Enhance their group sales effort to attract more regional and national associations
Create a year-round marketing effort with ongoing campaigns in major focus cities
Partner with Travel Michigan to create a national “Pure Michigan” ad specifically promoting Traverse City

By law, the majority of the room assessment must be spent on marketing.

According to Van Dommelen, while some funds go to operational costs, and improving group sales may require additional staff, “the vast majority of the increase will be spent on ad buys.”

Five years ago, the TCCVB spent approximately $40,000 on advertising and promotion. Last year this number was $660,000 on ad buys alone. A 3% hike in room assessments would mean a huge increase in purchasing power for the region.

What does this mean for Traverse City travelers

If the proposal passes, guests staying in Traverse City hotels will pay a 5% room assessment, and 6% sales tax, for a total of 11% at the bottom of their bill. TC visitors currently pay 8% total. On a $100 room the increase amounts to less than the cost of a latte. And for these few dollars per room, they can strengthen the marketing initiative that puts diners in restaurants, cars at the pump, tasters in wineries and golfers on the greens. We all know this is a beautiful destination. Perhaps we just need to a louder voice to let everyone else know.

Hotel reactions

The Grand Traverse Area Hotel Motel Association announced their support of the proposed increase at the February meeting. According to Jonathan Pack, GTAHMA president, “The board is cautious of any assessment increase, but our focus is on national advertising that would show off Traverse City’s many new national awards, like Top Ten Beach Town (awarded by AOL Travel), Top Ten Fall Color Town (awarded by Tripadvisor.com), and Top Ten Wine Town (awarded by USA Today). Without the increase to the maximum amount of 5%, the capital needed to do a national campaign would take a many years, and the recent awards would be relatively old.”

Pack’s sentiment was echoed by many of the hoteliers I spoke with at the meeting, and since. When asked about their reactions to the proposal, so far, everyone’s response has been positive.

Bryan Moore of the Courtyard Marriott is in favor of the increase as a means for remaining competitive. “So many small communities have jumped on and increased rates. We don’t want to be lost or left behind.”

The travel and tourism industry is a competitive market. There’s a sense that the communities out spending money on advertising are the ones who reap the rewards with more visitor traffic.

Jeannie LaBonte, at the North Shore Inn is also in favor of the increase. “Whatever we can do to bring people up to Traverse City. It’s important.”

But in the end, it is up to each and every property in the district.

Approval process

In order to make the change each lodging property with 10 or more rooms, receives a ballot. The hotels must approve the referrendum by a simple majority. Each property receives one vote per room. The ballots are sent back to Travel Michigan, where they are counted and verified by a separate agency.

The Traverse City CVB began this process early this year. Ballots were due back to Travel Michigan on February 28th. The results of the proposed increase should be known by the middle of March.

If the proposal is approved the new rate will begin on April 1, 2011.

Where do other communities stand

Since I work with many businesses and properties in Benzie County I spoke with Mary Carroll, the Executive Director of the Benzie Area CVB, to find out about their plans.

Mary explained, “we are suppportive of the legislation that allows this to take place. But our board has decided not to increase at this time.” She explained their board is comfortable with the current assessment and the ways they are utilized for marketing. Even a two percent increase would double their budget. But they wonder, “if we had 50% more money, does that mean we can bring 50% more visitors to the area?”

The law passed on December 5, 2010 which allows each district the option to increase their room assessment up to 5%. Since that time several communities throughout the state have started this referrendum process, including Holland, Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette, some of which have completed their approvals.

By the end of the month we’ll know if Traverse City will have more funds to spend on marketing.

“We’re a four seasons destination. And we need marketing out there promoting us in all four seasons. Our product is gorgeous. I truly believe this is what we need to move us forward.”

— Brad Van Dommelen

Resources:

For more information on the history of this legislation and Michigan assessment districts click here to check out the Destination Marketing Organization Manual for Michigan Assessment Districts.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:00:47-05:00March 9th, 2011|Lodging, Traverse City|0 Comments

Welcome Back, Dennos Museum Center

Mealtickets is Proud to Welcome Back, the Dennos Museum Center

The Dennos Museum Center, located on the campus Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, is a great local destination for cultural events. Their permanent exhibits include a renowned Inuit Art Gallery, complete with one of the largest and most historically complete collections of its kind in the United States. But what I always find inspiring are the revolving exhibits in the Museums main galleries. The Dennos is small enough to explore in an hour or two, but large enough to present some of the most well known artist’s and exhibits of our time.

Also located on site is the 400-seat Milliken Auditorium. Utilized by the community for theatrical performances and concerts, the auditorium is also home to the Dennos Concert Series. Performances here are focused on World Music —performances you won’t find at any other destination in the area.

Looking for info about current Dennos Museum exhibitions? Check out the EVENTS tab on the Traverse Traveler iPhone app for all the details. Download the app for FREE for iPhone and iPod Touch.

So next time you’re in Traverse City, stop by the Dennos Museum for a tour. They’re open daily. Until then, you can find more information, and a map to their location, on our Attractions page.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:03:07-05:00March 1st, 2011|Attractions, Mealtickets News, Traverse City|0 Comments

Mealtickets eNews | What in the Q R we talking about

Are you receiving the Mealtickets email newsletter?

If not, you can click this link to view the February email newsletter online now.

Newsletter Highlights

Launch of Traverse Traveler iPhone app
Surprising fishing regulations in Michigan
How to use QR codes for Marketing
February events

Sign up to receive our free monthly newsletters featuring design and marketing tips, Did You Know facts and updates on local businesses and events in the Traverse Area. Register today!

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:07:29-05:00February 1st, 2011|newsletters|0 Comments

Traverse City Restaurant Week 2/27 – 3/5

First Annual Restaurant Week Highlights Traverse City Dining

The Downtown Traverse City Association will host the first Traverse City Restaurant Week in response to the many accolades regarding great restaurants and food offerings in the Grand Traverse Region. February 27 through March 5, 2011 promises to be the most delicious week of the winter where diners may perfect the art of dining by discovering new restaurants or enjoying their favorite at an affordable price.

Restaurant Weeks are quickly popping up in communities all over the country and have proved to be a success. The Traverse City region is a natural fit for our finest restaurants to offer multi-course meals that have been especially prepared for this gourmet event. Fifteen of Traverse City’s most reputable restaurants will offer special dinner menu choices of three courses for $25 per person.

“We are excited see Traverse City Restaurant Week grow and become not only a community favorite, but also a tourist attraction in an otherwise slow time of year. This is a great way to go that restaurant that you have been dying to try or go to your favorite,” says Colleen Paveglio, DDA/DTCA Marketing Director.
Enter to Win!

During Traverse City Restaurant Week, diners may enter to win a prize package that includes $50 gift cards to each participating restaurant.
Visit the downtowntc.com website for further information on participating restaurants and menus. Following is a peek at who will be participating:

Amical
Blue Tractor Cook Shop
The Boathouse
The Cook’s House
Hanna Bistro
Jolly Pumpkin
Lil Bo Pub & Grille
Minervas
Mission Table (Friday & Saturday Only)
Modes Bum Steer
North Peak Brewing Co.
Patisserie Amie/Chez Peres
Phil’s on Front
Red Ginger
Trattoria Stella

The First Annual Traverse City Restaurant Week is hosted by the over 200 merchants, restaurants and businesses who are members of the Downtown Traverse City Association. For more information or to volunteer, call the DTCA office at (231) 922-2050 or email colleen@downtowntc.com

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:09:23-05:00January 31st, 2011|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Chili Cook-Off Downtown Traverse City, Saturday 1-29

Restaurants compete for top chili awards

Warm up your taste buds this winter at the 17th Annual Downtown Chili Cook-Off presented by Pepsi Cola, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc, ABC 29&8 and WTCM on January 29th in Downtown Traverse City. Participants can sample the mild to the wild as the area’s top restaurants vie for awards in various categories.

Northern Michigan’s ultimate chili challenge takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Park Place Dome in Downtown Traverse City. Additional seating will be provided in the lower of the Park Place Hotel and feature a cash bar.

The Chili Cook-off attracted approximately 1,700 participants in 2010, who sampled the many chilies and voted for their favorites. Area restaurants will be cooking up their special recipes as they compete in eight different categories – 1, 2 and 3-alarm, white, vegetarian, no bean, seafood and ethnic as well as the coveted “people’s choice” award. The event will be featuring three organic chilies this year!

Chili lovers can choose a sampler of eight chilies for $8 or single bowls of their favorites for $4. Pepsi products will also be available. All proceeds from the event help support such Downtown community activities as Friday Night Live, Celebration for Young Children, the Downtown Art Walk, holiday activities and many other free downtown events throughout the year. “The Downtown Chili Cook-Off continues to be a community favorite. What a great way to spend a cold snowy Saturday sampling chili by local chefs,” says Marketing Director, Colleen Paveglio. Following is a peek at who will be competing:

Cherry Republic
The Dish Café
Hanna Bistro
Lil Bo Pub & Grille
Minervas
Mt. Holiday
Omelette Shoppe
Oryana Lake Street Café
Prime Time Pub
Scalawags Whitefish & Chips
The Soul Hole
Union Cantina

Morsels Bite Sized Bakery & Gourmet Coffee will be serving cornbread morsels to compliment the competing chilies.
The Annual Chili Cook-off is hosted by the over 200 merchants, restaurants and businesses who are members of the Downtown Traverse City Association. For more information or to volunteer, call the DTCA office at (231) 922-2050 or email colleen@downtowntc.com

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:14:15-05:00January 27th, 2011|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Weekender Tips for Ice Fishing Michigan’s Inland Lakes

hometown highlights ice fishing

ice fishing for pike In northwestern Michigan, January means more than New Years resolutions, slippery roads, bitter winds, and high heating bills. It’s also the long awaited onset of ice fishing season for thousands of Great Lakes anglers left twiddling their thumbs since the salmon swam upstream last fall.

But ice fishing isn’t just a sport for the seasoned veteran. Visitors come from miles around to catch their limit on the frozen lakes. Here are a few tips from a local for the casual weekender who wants to give ice fishing a try —from advice on equipment, to safety and a fish finder for area lakes. These tips won’t guarantee a prosperous catch, but they’ll set you up for a fun, safe angling adventure on Michigan’s frozen playgrounds.

Licensed to Catch

The first thing every angler needs is a license. And the MDNR offers a few new options.

You can now buy an e-license online anytime at mdnr-elicense.com.
There are three licensing options: one-day license, season license and a new 72-hour all species license. The last option is great for the weekender as it’s available to residents and non-residents for $21 ($9 for resident seniors).
Fish for free on one of Michigan’s free fishing weekends. Mark you calendars for February 19-20, 2011 for this winter’s free weekend.

Equipment

Here’s a list of the basic equipment and supplies you’d need for an afternoon out on the ice. And like most sports and hobbies, there are the necessities, and then there are thousands of variations, and upgrades that can expand the options, and empty your wallet. These are the nuts and bolts. You take it where you want to from here.

Valid Michigan fishing license, see above. Children under 17 can fish for free.
Ice Auger or spud, depending on the depth of the ice. More than four inches of ice and you’ll probably want an auger.
Sled to pull your gear, depending on how much you have
Portable shanty, foldable chair or bucket to sit on
Tip-ups or ice fishing rods
Bait: for tip-ups use minnows like golden shiners or blues. For rods use wax worms or artificial bait like jigs and spoons.

Tip: Don’t forget to keep the receipt from the bait shop if you buy live bait, like minnows. Live bait must be certified to prevent the spread of disease. DNRE officers may ask for proof of purchase.

Safety Tips

Safe ice is thick ice. Four inches is recommended for safely fishing on Michigan’s inland lakes. If you’re heading out with a snowmobile or ATV, err on the side of caution and wait for 5″-6″ of ice.
Watch for holes, cracks and open ice. Freshly abandoned ice fishing holes are a quick way to twist an ankle or worse. Anglers often leave branches or markers in their abandoned ice holes as a warning, so keep your eyes open.
Bring emergency gear. Safety spikes are a great solution, and can be worn around the neck. They look like a short jump-rope with handles on the end, each equipped with a spike. If you fell in the ice you could use the picks to pull you out. A lifejacket and some rope are a good back-up plan.
Don’t fish alone. It’s not as much fun anyway, so bring a buddy.

Tip: If you’re unsure about the safety of lake ice, get some advice from the bait shop or a local. Many small inland lakes are not ideal for ice fishing because they’re spring fed. The way the ice forms can also determine whether it’s strong enough to support additional weight. So if you don’t see any tracks, or evidence of activity on the surface, don’t venture out, especially alone.

Fish Finder
There are dozen of lakes in northwestern Michigan that could be great for fishing. And certain species thrive in specific lakes. Here’s a short guide to some of the most popular species, and where you can find them.

If your fishing for pike check out Portage Lake in Onekema and Green Lake in Interlochen.
For smelt try Crystal Lake in Benzie county, and Green Lake
For perch Crystal Lake and Glen Lake near Glen Arbor
For walleye visit Long Lake in Traverse City, and Lake Leelanau on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Tip: Know your limit, and stay within it. The DNRE limits the catch on each species, and limits vary. Check out the MDNR website for all the details.

fisherman with pike

Contributing author James Wheeler is an experienced northern Michigan angler, currently waiting anxiously for first ice, and the opportunity to catch another 33″ pike from one of Michigan’s frozen lakes.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:17:50-05:00January 1st, 2011|Day Trips, Hometown Highlights|0 Comments

Plan Your Trip to Traverse with New iPhone App from Mealtickets

Mealtickets & Unusual Ideas is proud to present a brand new iPhone app called Traverse Traveler.

The Traverse Traveler iPhone app is a handy mobile guide for the Traverse area visitor designed to promote local restaurants, wineries, attractions, shopping, events, services and more. And best of all…it’s a FREE download for iPhone and iTouch users.

Whether you’re planning a trip to northwest Michigan, or are lucky enough to live here, this app makes it much easier to find local businesses.

Today’s smart phone user is accustomed to finding everything they need right there in the app store. And now they can find information about Traverse City there too.

Want to plan a wine tour that includes a nearby restaurant stop for lunch? Our app can do that.

Need to find the quickest route from your hotel to the ski lodge to meet friends? Our app can do that.

You just arrived in town and wondered if there are any events to check out? Our app can show you that too.

Can’t wait? Download the Traverse Traveler iPhone app here

Traverse Traveler app icon What makes Traverse Traveler unique?

There are thousands of apps out there, many of which promote restaurants, movie theaters or general information about an area. So what makes Traverse Traveler unique?

Listings are ordered by proximity to the iPhone user. So if you’re hanging out Benzie county, the listings nearest to you come up first. This is helpful for finding a hotel or the closest bar.
Maps & directions make it easy to navigate from one location to the next. Great for planning a wine tour or discovering that off-the-beaten-path restaurant.
Social sharing from the app means you can post to Facebook or Twitter, or email info to your friends without leaving the app.
Events by date let you know what’s going on while you’re in town.
Near Me feature pinpoints the 25 listings closest to you, from within all categories. See exactly how close your hotel is ski lodge to plan your drive time.

Free for All

Not only is Traverse Traveler a FREE download, it’s also free for local businesses to get a listing.

The Traverse Traveler app offers three types of listings to accommodate any business that’s interested in joining:

Basic Listings
Enhanced Listings
Event Listings

Submit information to us and you can receive a FREE basic listing in the Traverse Traveler app. Basic listings are free, and we’re glad to give them. The enhanced listings will give you a lot more interactive options and visual presence in the app—if you’re into that kind of thing. You can link to your website and email, add photos to your listing, promote events and specials, and utilize social media. So if you have an active online presence, you might want to consider this valuable addition. And we’re selling them for only $99/year, so why not?

Visit the all new Traverse Traveler website to learn more about the app. List Your Business today!

Why develop an iPhone app for Mealtickets?

The Mealtickets & Unusual Ideas mission has always been to provide Traverse area visitors with useful information and directions to local restaurants and attractions, in a colorful, convenient and portable way. The number one reason our little cards are so popular among visitors is their size. Travelers love them because they fit in their pocket or purse. Right next to their phone.

An iPhone app is a perfect expansion of the services we provide as it fits our mission to a tee. We work hard to keep up with technology, and the needs of our customers. The app is a great way to do just that. We hope you’ll agree.

Mealtickets & Unusual Ideas also believes in keeping it local. Our card displays feature only distinctive, locally-owned restaurants and attractions because that’s what makes our area unique. And our Mealtickets advertisers benefit most of all. Card advertisers receive a fully-enhanced listing in the Traverse Traveler iPhone app as part of the service, at no additional cost. Now is the best time to become a Mealtickets advertiser and take advantage of this great new feature.

To advertise with Mealtickets & Unusual Ideas contact us at info@mealtickets.com.

To list your business on the Traverse Traveler app, click here for our easy online forms.

To download the Traverse Traveler iPhone app, click here.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:20:34-05:00December 17th, 2010|Check This Out, Mealtickets News, Traverse City|0 Comments

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide 2010

When the holidays roll around it’s no surprise that I like to spend time searching for unique regional gifts to share with friends and relatives who appreciate the Traverse City area from afar. Since I’m often a last minute shopper I thought I’d share a few local finds that will make last minute shopping a breeze. From food & beverages, to books and fashion, there’s plenty of ways to suprise your loved ones with a gift from Northern Michigan.

This year I’ve broken the gift guide into the followiong categories:

Foodie Favs
For Him
For Her
Recycled
Kid Friendly
Hostess Gifts

So if you’re still shopping, let’s get started. I’ve listed the item and the store where I discovered it, when possible.

Foodie Favs

Northern Michigan is a great place to live if you need to pick up a last minute gift for a foodie. Here are a couple of items I discovered that make great gifts for the foodie on your list.

Santa Bags | Murdicks Fudge Shoppe

These cute drawstring bags come in several sizes. Forget the stockings and fill a santa bag. Stop by the Murdick’s Fudge Shop in Suttons Bay to stock up right in the store with their great selection of sweet treats and locally made foods. I’m partial to the carmel corn and peanut butter fudge, but that’s the beauty of this gift: you make it your own. $4.50 – $8.50

Great Lakes Potato Chips | Olesons Market

I am in love with these chips. They come in three flavors: BBQ, Salt & Vinegar and Regular, but in my mind there’s only one way to describe them. YUMMY. Great Lakes Potato Chips are produced locally, by the owners of another great local business, Pangea’s Pizza. I’m not sure how one goes from making fabulous creative pizzas to delicious potato chips, but frankly I don’t mind. The chips are available at local grocery chains like Olesons. 2 bags for $7.00

Cherry Jam | The Cherry Stop

Cherry products are always a great gift. And I like the jam from The Cherry Stop for a couple of reasons. Number one, they make it in house, right there in the kitchen in Downtown Traverse City. Can’t beat that for freshness. And two, they’ve come up with a recipe that’s sweet enough, but is actually considered low in sugar by jam standards. So you can feel good about your gift. If you aren’t a fan of jam, I’m sure you’ll find something to love at The Cherry Stop.

What’s New Cupcake book

If there’s a creative mom on your list, or perhaps a baker, this book is one of my favorites. I picked it up this fall before my son’s birthday party. I needed to make Darth Vader cupcakes and the ideas I pulled from this book helped me accomplish that monumental task. And when we were snowed in this past weekend I pulled it out and made snowmen cupcakes for a holiday Christmas party. The ideas are simple, and the ingredients aren’t hard to find. While it’s not a local author, you can support a local bookstore like Horizon Books by picking it up there. $16.95

Oil & Vinegar Sampler Packs | Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars

Anyone who has been to my house notices the large collection of Fustini’s bottles on my kitchen counter. And they’re not just there for decoration. I’m a big fan of their flavor infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. I use them for everything from cooking vegetables, to salad dressings, marinades and even desserts. A bottle or two of Fustini’s, and some pour spouts also makes a great hostess gift. But I’ve listed them with the foodie gifts because of their new Sampler Packs. They have 5 different combinations, each including four 6.8oz bottles; 2 balsamics, 2 oils. They’ve done the pairings, so you don’t have to. $47.95

History of Michigan Wine | Local Bookstores, Some Wineries

From the authors of From the Vine comes another great read about the History of Michigan Wines. Lorri Hathaway and Sharon Kegerreis share their research into the interesting stories of how the Michigan wine industry began, the impact of prohibition, and the development of this agricultural success story. It’s a quick read, full of fun facts for foodies and oenophiles.

For Him

Growler Collar | Right Brain Brewery, Left Foot Charley

The must have gift of the season for the beer lover in your household. The Growler Collar is the invention of Staton Lorenz, Mealtickets founder. It’s the solution to the tricky problem of getting your growlers clean and dry. When your growler is empty, rinse it with hot water, then spin a Growler Collar on the neck, turn it upside down and rest on the counter to dry. This simple disk keeps it elevated so air can get in and water can get out. Customized Growler Collars are available at Left Foot Charley and Right Brain Brewery. It makes a great stocking stuffer as it’s under $10!

Sh*t my Dad Says book | Brilliant Books and other local bookstores

Ok, this might seem like an odd gift, but if the recipient has a sense of humor and they don’t mind a little cursing…ok, a LOT of cursing, then this book is worth checking out. I picked it up in the store and randomly flipped to a page in the middle, as I always do when evaluating the writing of a new author. I laughed outloud to the point of embarrasment. And everytime I glance at it I still can’t help cracking up to the witty, and sometimes vulgar, advice given from one crass father to his son.

Adlerblick “Eyes of an Eagle” Binoculars | Enerdyne

For the sports enthusiast or bird watcher, or the casual lakeshore viewer, there’s nothing better than a good pair of binoculars. And on a recent trip to Suttons Bay I discovered a fabulous pair on sale. These Adlerblick “Eyes of an Eagle” binoculars come in 7×50 or 10×50 magnifications. Binoculars this nice are rarely on sale, much less available at 25% off retail price. So if there’s a man on your list who could use an upgrade, these are the specs to get. $281-$295

For Her

Cherry wallet | The Cherry Stop

This is cherry country, but not everyone loves the delicious sweet fruit as much as we do. So if you’re looking for a TC themed gift for a girlfriend how about a wallet or change purse with cherries on it. These great Lavishy products are made vegan friendly, immitation leather. So you can feel good, and look good carrying them. Available in a range of styles and colors for passport covers, wallets, change purses and cosmetic pouches. $5.99 – $18.99

Graphic Pendant necklaces | Gallery Fifty

I loved these the moment I saw them. Graphic is my middle name, but the variety is what make them such a great gift. These necklaces, by artist Marilyn Gum, come in dozens of designs. The pendant is colorful glass infused with color and imagery. And you get to choose your cord as well. Talk about a custom gift for the women on your list. It’s arty, it’s fun, and it’s affordable. Cords or ribbon are $5 and pendants are $16. Gallery Fifty is the perfect place to expand your jewelry collection. (Fordite…need I say more?). Love them!

Grand Traverse Distillery chocolate vodka Chocolate Vodka | Grand Traverse Distillery

Usually I’m touting local wines as the perfect Michigan gift, but this time it’s vodka’s turn. Grand Traverse Distillery has been turning heads with their True North vodkas in competitions around the world. And lucky us, their production facility is tucked away in an industrial park right here in Traverse City. And that’s the only place that I’ve found their newest concoction: chocolate vodka! Can you say Chocolate martini anyone? Happy hour time. If you’ve never been to the Distillery check out our map on the Attractions page and we’ll get you to the door.

Lipstick | Venus

I’m a sucker for a new shade of lipstick. What girl isn’t always on the hunt for that perfect new shade. On Ladies Night I stopped by Venus and noticed these selections from Paul & Joe. A little sparkle, a little bit sheer, great for the holidays. Their shades are numbered instead of named, so make sure you pick up the right box. With New Years Eve on the holiday horizon there’s bound to be a girl who needs a little something new to ring in the New Year.

Pouchee purse insert image Pouchee | Venus

I’m loving the convenience of the purse insert they sell at Venus in Traverse City called Pouchee. If someone on your list has a purse for every outfit, they’ll love this idea. It’s a purse insert that acts as a wallet, but also holds everything else. Slip it in and out of whatever bag you’ve got. It will hold your cell phone, lipstick, checkbooks, tissues or whatever you like to tote around. One of the hottest gifts in the store this season.

Recycled

Flower Scarf | Pretty Stinkin’ Green

I can’t go anywhere, honestly, without someone coming up to me and complimenting my scarf from Pretty Stinkin’ Green. If you haven’t heard of these girls yet, you will. They’re making skirts, scarfs and bags from recycled clothing. You can have custom skirts made from your old college t-shirts or your favorite colors. But from the moment I saw them, I loved the flowered scarfs made of recycled wool and other soft, non-shedding fabrics. No two are alike, which makes them even better gifts. Check out their website as they aren’t available in too many local stores.

PriorLIFE Bags | Britten Banner

This is a great concept, from start to finish. Take a used banner that’s been hanging at a NASCAR race, or temporarily promoting an event somewhere in the US, and turn it into a functional piece of art, instead of trash. A few years ago Britten Banner launched this idea, and it’s been growing ever since. Now you can pick up laptop cases, tote bags, messenger bags and wallets under the PriorLIFE product line. Available online and in several downtown Traverse City stores. $13.00 – $35.00

869 New Uses For Old Things book | Brilliant Books or local bookstores

If there’s a junk junky in your family, or someone who appreciates a good tip for finding old things new again, this book is sure to inspire. By the authors of Real Simple magazine this book is filled with suggestions for new uses to household items. Did you know you can use aluminum foil to help get wrinkles out of delicate fabrics? Or that antacid tablets will help you clean a vase or ease a bug bite? Stop by your favorite book nook and take a look. $27.95

Kid Friendly

Chemistry Set | Enerdyne

I love Enerdyne for kids gifts in general because they have a great selection of educational gifts, crafty projects and gifts for the hard-to-buy-for children on your list. Sometimes you just don’t want to add another video game under the tree. These chemestry sets from Thames & Kosmos are great tools for getting kids excited about science. And they come in a range of age-appropriate options. $13 – $89

Harry Potter Film Wizardry book | Local Bookstores

Yes, I like to shop for books. They make a great gift for anyone on your list. Even kids. But this Harry Potter book is geared for the movie buff on your shopping list, kid or not. It’s a beautiful guide to the Harry Potter movie series, with details on scenes, characters and movie techniques that have all entranced us for years. $39.99

Dylans Candy Bar Sweet Treats | Dylan’s Candy Bar

There’s a new shop in town that specializes in candy. It’s Dylan’s Candy Bar and it’s at the Grand Traverse Resort. You can’t help but be drawn in by the colorful displays that span the walls and lure you in through the windows. I stopped by after the Traverse City Chamber Business Expo and picked up a few treats for myself, and for the kids. If you’re planning to make a gingerbread house this season and are looking for unique decorations, this is the place to go. Amazing.

Hostess Gifts

Mini bottles of Bubbly | Black Star Farms

Sparkling wine is a great gift to bring along to a holiday party. Presented as a hostess gift it can be opened at the party, or saved for later. These split bottles of Black Star Farms Be Dazzled sparkling wine are wrapped with festive labels which means you don’t even need the gift wrap. Very eco-conscious I think, don’t you? Pick them up at all three of their tasting rooms. $8.50

Wine bottle candleabra | Left Foot Charley

Holiday parties need ambiance. And what’s better than candles for setting the mood? On a trip to Left Foot Charley in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons I discovered this candleabra that sits atop an empty wine bottle. It holds 5 tea lights for a glowing presentation. Pair it with a nice bottle of riesling and you’re good to go. $16.00 (15% off all LFC merchandise through the end of December!)

Happy shopping everyone!

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:24:03-05:00December 14th, 2010|Benzie, Hometown Highlights, Leelanau, Traverse City|0 Comments

Race to Nowhere Film

Race To Nowhere: The Dark Side of America’s Achievement Culture

On December 15th at 4:45PM & 7:15PM The State Theatre in downtown Traverse City will feature a special showing of the film Race to Nowhere.

A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children’s lives. Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace; students are disengaged; stress-related illness and depression are rampant; and many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.

Race to Nowhere is a call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.
Tickets: $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit Learn and Serve projects throughout the TBAISD.

For each General Admission ticket purchased, you will receive one complimentary student ticket.

Visit www.tcaps.net/racetonowhere for more tickets and details

Director Q&A to follow both screenings

“Another inconvenient truth” -George Lucas Educational Foundation
“Must-see documentary” -Patrick Bassett, President, National Association of Independent Schools

For information about the film visit www.RaceToNowhere.com

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:26:27-05:00December 3rd, 2010|Check This Out, Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Wellington Inn at Christmastime

Wellington Inn at Christmastime Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Wellington Inn in Traverse City

Step back in time for a turn-of-the-century glimpse into Christmas past at the Wellington Inn this Holiday season. Experience an old fashioned Christmas at this beautifully restored 1905 neoclassical mansion in Traverse City’s historic Boardman neighborhood.

New this year, holiday tours will be held on the three Sunday afternoons preceding Christmas: December 5th, 12th & 19th. Hours will be 2:00pm – 6:00pm.

Local designers have ‘decked the halls’ with a spectacular display of holiday designs and decorations. Following your tour of the entire mansion, enjoy complimentary holiday sweets and hot mulled cider in the third floor ballroom.

Tickets are $10 at the door.

For more information call 231-922-9900 or visit www.WellingtonInn.com

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:29:47-05:00November 23rd, 2010|Check This Out, Lodging, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown TC Holidays Kick-off on 12-3

Celebrate the Spirit of the Season in Downtown Traverse City

There’s nothing like strolling the streets of Downtown, popping in and out of shops while snowflakes drift to the ground. With Thanksgiving around the corner you know that Christmas shopping is next. Downtown Traverse City wants to make sure you enjoy the holidays, so they’re getting ready to kick-off the season with the Arrival of Santa on December 3rd, followed by special shopping nights for the Ladies and the ever popular Men’s Night. If you’re coming in from out-of-town consider a Shop-n-Stay package at local hotels including a $50 Downtown gift card! Here’s all the details you’ll need to throughly enjoy a local shopping experience in Downtown Traverse City.

Santa’s Arrival, Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House
Friday, December 3
Downtown’s seasonal magic lights up on the first Friday in December with the excitement of Santa’s Arrival. Spend the evening with Santa and shopping throughout the unique shops in Downtown Traverse City. At 5 pm, shoppers will be serenaded with holiday music and can gather at the community trees at the corner of Cass and E. Front St. Attendees can join in a community sing-a-long of their favorite holiday carols accompanied by the Interlochen Arts Academy Chamber Choir. The excitement continues with Santa’s arrival in bright red antique fire engine! Santa will join the carols, receive the Key to the City from the Traverse City Mayor, Chris Bzdok and then light the tree at 6 pm, before spending the rest of the evening (6-8 p.m.) visiting with little ones at his holiday house at Cass and E. Front Street. While Santa is in his house, Horse & Carriage Rides from Abraham Carriage Service will be available at an affordable price until 8 pm.

Bringing a little bit of the islands to the blustery winter in Downtown Traverse City, the 21st Century Steel Band will be performing at the corner of Cass and E. Front from 6:15 – 9 pm. You won’t want to miss the amazing sounds that this troupe will bring to the north.

Share the spirit of the season with family and friends while merchants throughout the Downtown district host open houses and in-store specials. Participating stores will have extended evening hours and offer store specials, free gift wrapping, food, refreshments and more!

Ladies’ Night
Thursday, December 9
Downtown Traverse City will be hosting Ladies Night, Thursday, December 9 from 5 to 9 pm. Visit participating stores for specials, refreshments, prize drawings, free gift wrapping and more! Caroling throughout the evening with the Sweet Adelines.

Men’s Night Downtown
Thursday, December 16
Gentlemen, the evening is yours, finally! Celebrate and shop with friends during Men’s Night Downtown on Thursday, December 16. The gents can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and specials at many restaurants and merchants will be offering in-store specials, gift wrapping and drawings. Caroling throughout the evening with the Sweet Adelines.
Downtown Holiday Lights
Downtown Traverse City shines during the holiday season due to Traverse City Light & Power. A special thank you goes out to Traverse City Light & Power for making possible the purchase of over 133,000 new LED lights in 2008. Traverse City Light & Power begins installation of the lights in early November. The process of installing lights on over 300 trees in Downtown Traverse City takes about three weeks.

Shop Downtown and Win!
Spend $200 in Downtown Traverse City between December 1-10, 2010 and enter to win a $250 Downtown Shopping Spree. It’s easy to enter. Visit the Downtown Office no later than December 13, 2010, show your receipts totaling $200 in purchases between December 1-10, 2010 and enter to win. The drawing will take place on Tuesday, December 14, 2010. And don’t forget to keep your dollars local this holiday shopping season, Downtown Gift Certificates Make the Perfect Gift!
Holiday Hotel Packages-Stay in TC and Shop Downtown
Make reservations at one of the following hotels for December 3 & 4, 2010 and you will receive a $50 Downtown Gift Certificate at check-in for your holiday shopping needs during the annual Santa’s Arrival and Holiday Open House.

December 3 & 4
$50 Gift Certificate at Check-In
Holiday Inn West Bay: $220
Park Place Hotel: $240
Tamarack Lodge: $451

Santa’s Hours
Santa will be visiting with little ones in his house at the corner of Cass and E. Front throughout the holiday season.

Friday: 12/3 6 – 8 pm
Fridays: 12/10, 12/17 5 – 8 pm
Saturdays: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 11 am – 4 pm
Sundays: 12/5, 12/12, 12/19 1 – 4 pm
Extended hours:
12/22: 3 – 7 pm
12/23: Noon – 3 pm
12/24: Noon – 3 pm

A big thank you goes out to the Traverse City Elks Club Volunteer Committee for providing renovations to Santa’s House for the 2010 season. Improvements included, new paint, carpet doors and repairs to the roof and siding. The committee donated all of their time, expertise, supplies and equipment.

Parking – Free and Easy!
The price is right for downtown parking this holiday season. Parking is free at the Larry C. Hardy and Old Town Parking Decks after 5 pm, Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday.

Downtown Holidays are hosted by the over 200 merchants, restaurants and businesses who are members of the Downtown Traverse City Association. Please contact the Downtown Traverse City Association at 922-2050 or e-mail colleen@downtowntc.com for further information.

www.downtowntc.com

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:32:56-05:00November 23rd, 2010|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Shop Your Community Day 11-13

Downtown Traverse City Merchants Give Back 15%

Downtown Traverse City will continue to give back to the community on Saturday, November 13, 2010 during Shop Your Community Day. For every purchase made at participating stores, 15% of the sale will be donated to the registered organization of the customer’s choice! It’s that easy to support your favorite non-profit, and get a jump start on holiday shopping.

Downtown Traverse City has always put charitable donations high on the priority list. Donations including goods, services and sponsorship of events benefit the local community all year long. According to the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies website, “A modest change in consumer behavior – a mere 10 percent shift in market share to independent businesses from chain stores – would result in 1,600 new jobs, $53 million in wages, and a $137 million economic impact to the area.” When making local purchases, the business keeps three times more dollars in our community, supports and strengthens local jobs and preserves and enhances our unique neighborhoods, parks and public services here in Traverse City. The “The health of our economy is based upon the support of local shops and businesses. Imagine if everyone chose to shop local for the holiday season, a truly tremendous impact would be made, “ says Brian Kluzak, DTCA President.

Support your favorite organization and your local economy on Saturday, November 13, 2010 just by shopping Downtown. Look for the shopping bags with balloons to signify participating stores. Following is a list of participating Downtown merchants and non-profit organizations.

Shop Your Community Day is sponsored by the over 200 merchants, restaurants and businesses who are members of the Downtown Traverse City Association. Please contact the Downtown Traverse City Association at 922-2050 or e-mail colleen@downtowntc.com for further information.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:34:35-05:00November 10th, 2010|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Daylight Savings Clean Up and Green Up

Turn back your clocks…or just turn them in.

Daylight Savings Clean Up and Green Up, a free community-wide recycle, repurpose and reuse event put on by Michigan Green Consortium, will be held from 10am until 3pm on Sunday, November 7, 2010 on Parking Lot B in downtown Traverse City. The event encourages residents to use the hour gained from the time change to participate, personally, in helping to preserve the environment.

The list of items that will be accepted is broad-ranged from #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 plastics to wine bottles and pumpkins; from bubble wrap to wrought iron; from lawn mower and edgers to Styrofoam and plastic grocery bags. More than a dozen businesses will be on-site accepting a variety of difficult-to-recycle items. For a comprehensive list of what is acceptable and the sponsor partner that will accept it, please consult our event website, www.cleanupgreenup.com.
The Michigan Green Consortium, established in 2008, is a non-profit organization of member companies, all businesses with sustainability as a core initiative, either as a product or service offered, or as their corporate culture. Its mission is to develop, expand and grow the Michigan economy through encouraging the development of and promoting growth for green and sustainable business.

To learn out more about Michigan Green Consortium and their Daylight Savings Clean Up and Green Up event, visit the event website at www.cleanupgreenup.com or Michigan Green Consortium’s website at www.mgconline.org, or call (231) 947-1688.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:38:02-05:00November 2nd, 2010|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Mealtickets October Newsletter

Are you receiving the Mealtickets email newsletter?

If not, you can click this link to view the October 2010 email newsletter online now.

Newsletter Highlights

A trip to ArtPrize in Grand Rapids
How area hotels can help Clean the World
The Jeff Foxworthy Approach to Graphic Design
Recent press featuring Traverse City

Sign up to receive our free monthly newsletters featuring design and marketing tips, Did You Know facts and updates on local businesses and events in the Traverse Area. Register today!

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:40:21-05:00October 13th, 2010|Check This Out, Mealtickets News|0 Comments

Welcome, Scott’s Harbor Grill

The latest member of the Mealtickets family of advertisers is Scott’s Harbor Grill.

I’m pleased to welcome Scott’s Harbor Grill, one of my favorite restaurants in Traverse City. Scott’s sit’s a top a beautiful West bay harbor in Traverse City, just off-the-beaten-path on M-22. Located at the light at Cherry Bend Road it’s not far from town, but you feel miles away from a stressful day when you can gaze out over the water and enjoy a meal.

If you’re looking for a great place for seafood and margaritas, Scott’s should be on your list. In the warm months you can dine outside on the patio overlooking the sailboats tucked in slips. It’s a great place for families too, as their children’s menu has healthy kid-friendly options.

Planning a meeting or need to find a place for that group birthday party or family reunion dinner? Scott’s has a dining room that can be reserved for groups, with the same great menu and service.

So next time you’re in Traverse City, and you’re debating where to eat or grab a happy hour drink, think of Scott’s. And tell them we said hi! For more info about Scott’s, and a map to their location, check out their card on our Dining & Wineries page.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:42:47-05:00October 7th, 2010|Check This Out, Restaurants, Traverse City|0 Comments

Interlochen Performing Arts Series Begins 9/30

Interlochen Center for the Arts card image The fall-winter season at Interlochen is just warming up

Interlochen Center for the Arts has a fabulous line-up of performances, concerts and entertainment by International artists and Interlochen students. If the summer slipped past without a trip to Interlochen, don’t let this next season disappear without attending a performance or two. Grab your planner and make a date with Interlochen.

Here’s what’s in store:

2010-11 Performing Arts Series

Sept 30: Jason Mraz
Oct 7-8: “Interlochen Arts Academy “Collage”
Oct 21: Project Trio
Nov 4: Benny Green, solo piano
Nov 8: Ballet Hispanico
Nov 19-20, Dec 3-5: “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: The Musical”
Arts Academy Musical Theatre Co.
Dec 10-12: “Sleeping Beauty”
Interlochen Dance Company and Orchestra
Jan 15: Jaleel Shaw, saxophone
with Arts Academy Jazz Ensemble
Jan 22: Joshua Roman, cello
with Arts Academy Orchestra
Feb 17: Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
Feb 20: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Apr 8: In the Mood
May 13-14: Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”
Arts Academy Musical Theatre Co.

Schedule subject to change.

Interlochen Website: tickets.interlochen.org

Phone: 800.681.5920

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:48:33-05:00September 20th, 2010|Art Scene, Attractions, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown TC Artwalk Friday 9/17

Downtown Stores Open their Doors to Regional Artists

The Downtown Traverse City Association will host the fall Downtown Art Walk, sponsored by ABC 29&8 and WTCM on Friday, September 17, from 5 – 9 pm. The Downtown Art Walk is local favorite and will showcase 18 art exhibits along Front St. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, refreshments, food and music. Artists from the Traverse City region and beyond will feature their works. Visit participating locations and check out the truly amazing art from drawings and paintings to the rare art form of Polaroid transfers. The Downtown Art Walk offers a little something for everyone’s liking.

The DTCA will collaborate with the Traverse City ArtCenter on a public art project throughout the evening. Attendees may contribute by painting small tiles that will eventually create a large mosaic to display on the side of Ace Hardware on W. Front St. (image shown here).

Don Strzynski painting image Be sure to stop by Gallery Fifty along the Boardman river to see artist Don Strzynski’s abstract muted northern Michigan landscapes in oil on canvas.

Refreshments will be offered at various locations throughout the evening. Purchase a commemorative wine glass and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Downtown Public Art projects. Participating galleries will also be offering prize drawings throughout the evening. Walking maps will be available at each participating gallery and the Downtown Traverse City office.

Strzynski image provided by Gallery Fifty.

By Brandy Wheeler|2019-12-26T16:50:10-05:00September 17th, 2010|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

About Brandy Wheeler

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide 2010

2010-11 Performing Arts Series