Home/Tag: Downtown Traverse City

Downtown TC Artwalk Friday 9/17

traverse city community muralDowntown 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 imageBe 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 |2019-12-26T16:50:10-05:00September 17th, 2010|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Old Town Deck Ends Free Parking

Parkers in the new Old Town Parking Deck will have to pay to use that facility beginning Wednesday, August 25, 2010.  The City of Traverse City, who owns the parking structure, and the Traverse City DDA, the operator, were pleased to open the parking deck early in time for the Traverse City Film Festival.  The parking deck was opened prior to installation and activation of all of the pay and parking control systems. Parkers visiting Downtown Traverse City have had the opportunity to use the deck at no charge up to this point.

The 522-space parking structure includes 97 metered spaces on the ground level where parkers prepay at one of two meter pay stations.  The rate is $0.60 per hour for up to four hours.  Both hourly and permit parkers can use the other three levels.  Hourly parkers pull a ticket upon entering and can pay when leaving using either a credit card or cash.  A $0.50 hourly rate applies on the upper levels.  Just like with the on-street meters, hourly rates are in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  There is no charge for use at other times.

Open 24 hours, the first level is accessible from the alley that runs between Lake Street and East Eighth Street behind the AT&T store and Brady’s Bar.  The upper levels are accessible off of East Eighth Street.

The parking structure includes eighteen state of the art car-charging stations for smart cars and bike parking in the form of bike lockers and covered bike racks on the first floor.  Bike lockers may be rented on an hourly or extended period of time through the Auto Parking Services office, located in the Hardy Parking Deck.

Bryan Crough, Executive Director of the DDA, said; “We were pleased to open the parking deck early to help accommodate Traverse City Film Festival patrons.  We will have staff at the Old Town Deck on the 25th and 26th to help parkers get used to the two different pay systems.”  The pay stations on the first level are the first in Traverse City and allow for more efficient management and enforcement.
About the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority

The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a public agency responsible for economic development in Downtown Traverse City.  The DDA runs the City of Traverse City’s parking system, including the Old Town Deck.

www.downtowntc.com

 

By |2019-12-30T09:51:54-05:00August 23rd, 2010|Traverse City|0 Comments

Olde Town Parking Deck Opens Early

Downtown Traverse City mealtickets card imageDowntown Traverse City Opens the Olde Town Parking Deck in Time for Film Festival

 

The City broke ground for the Old Town Deck on October 20, 2009 and planned on it being substantially completed in mid September. They are happy to report that the Old Town Parking Deck will now open just in time for a busy August in Downtown Traverse City. The contractor, Colasanti Construction has come close to completion, approximately seven weeks ahead of schedule, and due to some extraordinary efforts, the first floor is set to open for the 6th Annual Traverse City Film Festival.

“We are pleased to at least have the first floor open for the Traverse City Film Festival. With the Old Town Playhouse and Lars Hockstad Auditorium in close proximity, the Old Town Deck will help take some parking pressure off neighborhood streets,” says Rob Bacigalupi, DDA Deputy Director.

CWS Architects are the local Architect and LEED consultant for the project and are pursuing Gold LEED certification. The four level parking deck features a solar panel array on the roof, which will provide all electricity needs for the facility on sunny days. Green roofs are located on the two stair towers and will reduce the volume of storm water entering the sewer system. “We expect that the Old Town Deck will be 40% more energy efficient than a conventional parking deck and are proud of the work that has taken place in the Old Town District,” says Ray Kendra, CWS Architects. The Old Town Deck will also include five car-charging stations and will be able to accommodate up to 20 electrical cars at once. These stations are state-of-the-art and can provide a full charge in two hours.

Planning for the Old Town Deck included parking options for the bike enthusiast. The northwest corner of the building will include eight bike storage lockers and five bikeracks will be located near the southeast corner. Long term or short term rental for the storage lockers are available and will be handled through the Parking Services Department located in the Hardy Parking Deck.

 

Full occupancy is expected by early August on the 522 space parking deck. Transient (hourly) parking will be provided on all levels. Vehicular entrances can be accessed from Lake and Eight Streets.

For more information, please call the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority at (231) 922-2050 or visit the Downtown website at www.downtowntc.com.

By |2019-12-30T10:04:09-05:00July 26th, 2010|Check This Out, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown TC Art Walk 5-7

Amy Kerr Hardin imageGet Your Art Fix at the Traverse City Art Walk

 

The Downtown Traverse City Association will host the spring Downtown Art Walk, sponsored by ABC 29&8 and WTCM on Friday, May 7, from 5 – 9 pm. 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 at exhibits throughout Downtown Traverse City. Visit participating locations and check out the amazing art scene from oil paintings and photography to glass bead making and fine wood furniture along Front St., Cass and the Warehouse District. New participant this year includes the artist co-op, Artisan Design Network where approximately 30 local artists have their work on display.

The DTCA will again offer an opportunity to create public art at the Downtown Art Walk. The public art project will be hosted by the Traverse City ArtCenter and feature small tiles to be painted by the public. The tiles will then create a large mural that will be installed on the side of Ace Hardware on W. Front St.

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.  For more information call 231.922.2050 or visit www.downtowntc.com.

 

Artwork shown here is “Franklinia” by Amy Kerr Hardin. You can find her work on display during the Art Walk at Gallery Fifty in Downtown Traverse City.

Uncorked Wine Bar, Mealtickets Latest Addition

Uncorked Wine Bar Mealtickets cardLove Michigan Wines, Then You’ll Love Uncorked!

 

Did you know that Downtown Traverse City has a wine bar dedicated to promoting Michigan wine, beer and spirits? Uncorked, a Northern Michigan Wine Bar is located on Front Street and you may not have known it was there. That’s because it’s inside The Cherry Stop. And it’s home to an amazing opportunity for you to unwind, unplug and sip on some fabulous cocktails.

 

There is no where else in Traverse City you can step up to the bar and order a flight of riesling for a side-by-side taste test, and be able to walk out the door with a bottle of your favorite label. Whether you want to order a wine sample, sip on a Michigan microbrew draft, or savor a cocktail made from local spirits, the options are endless at Uncorked.

The Cherry Stop has been with Mealtickets from the day we opened for business. And we’re very excited to welcome another great idea from Nick and Jamie Roster into Mealtickets service. Stop in for a glass, sign up for one of their Meet the Winemaker events or enjoy happy hour. And tell them we said hello!

Welcome Gallery Fifty

Gallery Fifty Mealtickets cardMealtickets Introduces Gallery Fifty to Traverse City Visitors

 

They started in a hallway at Building 50 in the Grand Traverse Commons, and have expanded to two beautiful art galleries in the heart of Traverse City. And now Gallery Fifty is one of the latest additions to the Mealtickets family of advertisers.

 

The art scene in thriving in Northern Michigan. So it’s no surprise that we have hundreds of local artisits and galleries to showcase their work. Gallery Fifty has managed to create two different collections — in two very unique locations — that represent not only local art but art from all fifty states. The original Gallery 50, housed in a 125 year old insane asylum, is fun, funky and eclectic. The new downtown location, formerly Belstone Gallery, rests along the Boardman river and could be described as contemporary and refined.

Both galleries carry the well-known Fordite jewelry by artist James Blanchard. These are one-of-a-kind pieces created from layers of automotive paint recycled from an old Ford plant in southern Michigan.

 

Each space is unique, as are the works of art you’ll find there. Stop in, say hi to Chrisitie and enjoy the beauty captured by artists from across the country. You can find more information, and a map to each of Gallery Fifty’s locations, on our Attractions page. Visit them online at www.galleryfifty.com.

Downtown TC Chili Cook-Off 1/16

Chili Cook-Off to Heat Up Downtown Traverse City

 

Warm up your winter at the 16th Annual Downtown Chili Cook-Off on January 16. 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.

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 also be feature two organic chilies!

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, the Halloween walk, the Downtown Art Walk, holiday activities and many other free downtown events throughout the year.

In an effort to reduce waste at community events, in 2009 the DTCA made an investment into trays for the Downtown Chili Cook-Off, eliminating cardboard pizza boxes. Previously, over 1,100 pizza boxes were disposed of and recycled when possible at the event. The plastic trays make for very little waste to be created at such a large event. All plastic bottles and soda cans are also recycled.

 

Here’s a peek at who will be competing:

Blue Tractor Cook Shop                                Oryana
Catch Island Grill                                           Red Ginger
Cherry Republic                                             Scalawags
Freshwater Lodge                                         Schelde’s Grille & Spirits
Lil Bo Pub & Grille                                         Serenity Tea Bar & Cafe
Minervas                                                        Slabtown Burgers & Cafe
Mt. Holiday                                                    Travino Wine & Grille
Omelette Shoppe

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 |2019-12-30T11:44:22-05:00January 12th, 2010|Attractions, Events, Restaurants, Traverse City|0 Comments

Shop Your Community Day, 11/14 Downtown TC

Downtown Merchants Give Back 15%

Downtown Traverse City will continue to give back to the community on Saturday, November 14, 2009 during Shop Your Community Day.  For every purchase made at the following stores, 15% of the sale will be donated to the participating 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 made 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 Sustainable Connections website, “non-profit organizations receive an average three times greater support from smaller locally-owned business owners than they do from large businesses.”  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 here in Traverse City. Tremendous impacts can be made in our local economy if local purchases were made throughout the holiday season. Shop local by shopping in Downtown Traverse City.

Support your favorite organization and your local economy on Saturday, November 14, 2009 just by shopping Downtown.  Look for the shopping bags with balloons to signify participating stores.

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. Visit their website at www.downtowntc.com

By |2019-12-30T12:21:26-05:00November 13th, 2009|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown TC Halloween Walk, 10/30

fall leaves imageTrick-or-Treat in Traverse City, October 30, 3:30- 5:00 p.m.

Nothing beats the Downtown Halloween Walk on a chilly autumn day! Vampires, witches, ghosts and goblins will fill Downtown Traverse City during the annual Downtown Halloween Walk, this Friday, October 30, from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Costume clad children are invited to trick-or-treat at participating Downtown merchants throughout the Downtown Traverse City including Old Town, Front St, and the Warehouse District.  Orange pumpkin flyers will be posted in the windows of all participating shops and businesses.

Open to all community children and their parents, the Downtown Halloween Walk is an annual event sponsored by the Downtown Traverse City Association. For more information, please call the DTCA office at 231.922.2050 or info@downtowntc.com

By |2019-12-30T12:33:32-05:00October 28th, 2009|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown TC Art Walk 9/18

Downtown Traverse City celebrates local artists

 

The Downtown Traverse City Association will host the fall Downtown Art Walk, sponsored by ABC 29&8 and WTCM on Friday, September 18, from 5 – 9 pm. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, refreshments, food and music. Artists from the region and beyond will feature their works at exhibits throughout Downtown Traverse City.

Visit participating locations and check out the art scene from oil paintings and photography from space to glass bead making and floral arrangements along Front St., Union and the Warehouse District. 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.

 

The public has an opportunity to participate in a Public Art project throughout the evening featuring a gold theme in conjunction with the upcoming Dennos Museum exhibit, A River of Gold. 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. For more details call 922.2050 or visit www.downtowntc.com.

By |2019-12-30T13:06:05-05:00September 15th, 2009|Art Scene, Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Traverse City Film Festival Opens with Street Party

Traverse City Film Festival imageTraverse City Film Festival Opens

Tuesday, July 28 from 5-9 PM there will be a Traverse City Film Festival Opening Kick Off Street Party on Front Street between Park and Union Street in Downtown Traverse City.

The event is free and features amazing balloon sculptures by New York artist Jason Hackenwerth, music by Charlie’s Root Fusion and Rojo Loco, and a 6 p.m. opening ceremony with Michael Moore, honoring 2009 Michigan Filmmaker Award Recipient Rich Brauer.

 

The 5th Annual Traverse City Film Festival runs from July 28th through August 2nd. There are still tickets available, click here to purchase online. And don’t forget about the free movies each night in the Open Space. For more details and information on the festival visit their website at www.traversecityfilmfest.org.

 

Looking for a break from the downtown action, check out Left Foot Charley & the Vino Factory in The Village on July 31st from 6-9pm. Tickets are $20 and include special food & wine pairings, exclusive winery tours and, of course, golden tickets. Call Left Foot Charley at 231.995.0500 to reserve a spot today.

Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair, Traverse City 6/28

Artists & Craftsmen Showcase Work Along Union Street

Arts and Crafts will fill the street this weekend when Downtown Traverse City hosts its annual Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair on Sunday, June 28.  Located along Union Street between Sixth and Eighth Streets, the annual juried fair will feature close to 90 Midwest and national artists and craftsmen.  Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., rain or shine.

The event is the first summer art fair hosted by the Downtown Traverse City Association.  The others included the National Cherry Festival Arts and Crafts Fair in July and the Downtown Art Fair in August.  All are open to the public free of charge. For more information, call the DTCA office at (231) 922-2050 or visit www.downtowntc.com.

By |2020-01-06T13:02:06-05:00June 23rd, 2009|Art Scene, Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown TC Farmers Market Opens Saturday

Celebrate Spring with a Trip to the Farmers Market

The 2009 Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market season begins on Saturday, May 9. The market will run on Saturdays through October, with a short break during the National Cherry Festival. The Wednesday market will begin on June 10. Hours of operation will run 8 am to Noon at the parking Lot B, across from Clinch Park on the Grandview Parkway.

Over 100 vendors and tens of thousands of patrons each year make the market the largest in Northwest Michigan and the best place to find locally-grown produce. Products available at the market include artisan bread, flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, honey and eggs including some organic products.

For more information on events in Downtown Traverse City click here to visit their website. For a map of the Downtown area visit our Attractions page.

 

 

By |2020-01-06T15:27:39-05:00May 8th, 2009|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown Art Walk Friday May 1st

Artists take to the streets and storefronts this Friday in Traverse City

The Downtown Traverse City Association will host the spring Downtown Art Walk, sponsored by ABC 29&8 and WTCM on Friday, May 1, from 5 – 9 pm. Downtown Traverse City invites the public to enjoy art, refreshments, food and music while supporting our local and regional artists. Visit participating locations and check out the art scene from oil paintings to glass bead making along Front St., Cass, Union and the Warehouse District.

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.  The public has an opportunity to participate in a Public Art project throughout the evening, featuring a water theme.

The Annual Downtown Art Walk is provided 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 |2020-01-06T15:29:11-05:00April 30th, 2009|Art Scene, Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown TC Celebrates Earth Day, Children & Chocolate

 Festivals, Parties and Parades, Oh My! Downtown Traverse City will be busy this weekend.

 

The fun begins on Saturday, April 25th with the 20th Annual Grand Traverse Earth Day Parade. It begins at noon starting at Central Grade School.  Everyone is encouraged to parade in costumes, or just sit back and watch.  After the parade, gather at Hannah Park for more festivities and a community potluck.

Along with the parade Downtown Traverse City is also hosting their Celebration for Young Children from 11am – 3pm on Saturday. Activities and events will be held at the City Opera House, Traverse City State Bank, Horizon Books and various locations downtown.

If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated check out the Traverse City Chocolate Festival. The inaugural event takes place Sunday, April 26th at the City Opera House in downtown Traverse City from 1-5pm. The proceeds  benefit the Michigan Community Action Agency’s food programs. It features area chocolatiers along with wine and other beverages. For more info check out this link: http://www.lpwines.com/wine/traverse-city-chocolate-festival-this-sunday/

 

By |2020-01-06T15:35:08-05:00April 23rd, 2009|Art Scene, Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown Bridal Show 1-4

 15th Annual Bridal Show in Traverse City

The Downtown Bridal Show returns on Sunday, January 4, 2009. Admission is free and the public is welcome to attend the Park Place Dome from noon – 4pm. Area vendors will feature reception facilities, photography, dj’s, wedding invitations, flowers, decoration and more. A bridal fashion show wil feature the latest trends in wedding attire from To Have & To Hold Bridal Boutique and Formal Wear, Captain’s Quarters and Bay Bridal Boutique.

 

By |2020-01-06T16:12:43-05:00December 29th, 2008|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Shop Men’s Night Downtown 12-18

Downtown Traverse City Features Men’s Night Shopping

Every year Downtown Traverse City hosts a special evening for all the men. The stores are open late and offer specials for all those last minute shoppers. With live entertainment, fashion shows, free hors d’oeuvres and drinks, who wouldn’t want to be there. I know my husband and his friends make it their annual tradition.

My advice to the ladies…make a wish list at Miner’s North, drop him off at Right Brain Brewery for a little pre-shopping libation, and don’t wait up! Guys, have fun tonight, and bring a designated driver.

 

For more information about events in Downtown Traverse City check out the Events calendar on their website.

By |2020-01-06T16:16:03-05:00December 18th, 2008|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Warehouse District Progressive 12-6

Holiday Open House in the Warehouse District, Traverse City

Saturday, December 6th from 5pm – 9pm

 

Check out the unique shops, restaurants, galleries and more during the Warehouse District Open House. Fourteen merchants will open their doors into the evening offering raffle prizes, food, music and of course Shopping.

Follow the merchant trail and enter for a chance to win a $140 gift certificate. Must be present to win.

Merchants include:

  • By Candlelight
  • Lighting Center
  • Waara Technologies
  • Handz on Art
  • The Red Dresser
  • Bay West Antiques
  • Boardman Paddle & Pedal
  • Rebecca’s Studio & Gallery
  • Salon/Saloon
  • Right Brain Brewery
  • Cuppa’ Joe
  • NM3
  • Vision Modern Salon
  • InsideOut Gallery
By |2020-01-06T16:19:07-05:00December 3rd, 2008|Art Scene, Check This Out, Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown Tree Lighting 11-28

 Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting in Downtown Traverse City

Friday November 28th the magic of the holiday season begins. Spend the day lingering over 150 downtown stores and restaurants, enjoy a serenade of holiday music and stay for the evening’s festivities.

 

Join the downtown community around 5:15pm for a sing-a-long of holiday carols lead by the Traverse City Central High School students around the Christmas tree.  The fun continues with the excitement of Santa’s arrival in a horse drawn sleigh.

Santa’s house will be open for children to visit from 6-8pm on the corner of Cass and E. Front Street. Horse & Carriage rides from Abraham Carriage Service will be available for an affordable price until 8pm.

 

For more information on Holiday events in Downtown Traverse City check out their website or call 231.922.2050.

By |2020-01-06T16:26:46-05:00November 26th, 2008|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments

Downtown TC Gives Back

Annual Shop Your Community Day in Downtown Traverse City is Saturday November 8th

In an effort to support the local community, Downtown Traverse City will be giving back on Saturday, November 8, 2008 during Shop Your Community Day.  For every purchase made at the enclosed stores, 15% of the sale will be donated to the participating 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 makes charitable donations with goods, services and sponsorship of events benefiting the local community all year long. Research has shown that charitable organizations receive greater support from smaller locally owned businesses that they do from large businesses. Downtown Traverse Cityencourages the support of our local economy by shopping Downtown.  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 here in Traverse City. Tremendous impacts can be made in our local economy if local purchases were made throughout the holiday season.

Support your favorite organization and your local economy on Saturday, November 8, 2008 just by shopping Downtown.  Look for the shopping bags with balloons to signify participating stores.

 

Shop Your Community Day is sponsored by the over 150 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 |2020-01-06T16:36:20-05:00November 6th, 2008|Events, Traverse City|0 Comments