It’s been 50 years since the Vietnam War ended and when Saigon fell to the Viet Cong and the U.S ”That took a very long time to deal with that and get over that.” Many Vietnam veterans don’t share much of what they went through because they were faced with a lot of backlash when they came home Gary Fender was a draftee and served a little over a year in the Vietnam War when he was 19 He remembers coming home and the people around him acted like nothing happened “But you didn’t get a lot of respect when you came back home.” the President Of The Grand Traverse Veterans Coalition He worked on heavy machinery used in combat He says he never wants veterans today to feel the same way they did the Vietnam veterans have made it our mission to make sure that doesn’t happen to future veterans And as far as the way we’re treated nowadays Lefler says most veterans find comfort in hanging out with each other Many Vietnam veterans suffered from mental health issues substance abuse disorders and side effects of Agent Orange A chemical that is used to kill the vegetation Pretty much the only people you’re really comfortable with and discussing what’s going on in southern Vietnam were veterans or ones that have been through the same type of situation that we were in at the same time.” Fender had a friend during combat named Joe who was injured in his face by a water buffalo Fender wasn’t able to see his friend because he was sent to Yokohama “He kind of took me in under his wing from what I’ve heard Fender went to Iowa and they still talk often to this day Both Lefler and Fender want other veterans to know they have each other and encourage them to ask for help That's how the founder of Single Momm describes the non-profit's new building in Traverse City the organization has supported single mothers and their families by hosting mentorships and events Single Momm has moved to different locations during that time the non-profit celebrated its first time landing in a permanent space With a ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday morning Single Momm officially opened the doors of its new headquarters at 1240 E The non-profit was able to buy the building debt free after raising $1.3 million in ten months "The underbelly of support that this community has given to Single Momm has made it possible for us the branch out across nine counties in the state of Michigan and offer our services to so many areas," said Jennifer Finnegan Pool the Founder and Executive Director of Single Momm "We are going to see the generational impact of this for years and years and years to come." you can check out the building Monday through Thursday And if you'd like to donate to Single Momm, you can do so here (WPBN/WGTU) -- Traverse City commissioners are expected to discuss amending a special land use permit for the city's only emergency overnight shelter to operate year-round at a public hearing on Monday this will allow city police to begin enforcing the no camping ordinance Traverse City officials announced plans to enforce the city's no camping ordinance starting May 6 a move that will impact those experiencing homelessness who have been camping in a city park referred to as "The Pines." has been a gathering place for people experiencing homelessness for the past five years city officials have expressed concerns about safety and sustainability Let your next vacation in 2025 be quaint and imaginative like Michigan's small and offbeat towns These eight charming communities provide the perfect escape from reality across time and space like the summertime Ultimate Cherry Celebration in Traverse City or a whole camping trip in Petoskey or Ludington State Park the fleeting moments will lighten your soul See Ludington's famed Big Sable Lighthouse and take a coal-fired steamer across one of the Great Lakes lining the deepest freshwater harbor in the Great Lakes features vivid colors through the Tunnel of Trees dinosaur egg-like stones can be found on various beaches stretching from Traverse City to Petoskey along Lake Michigan This storybook town on Lake Michigan's northeastern shore boasts a historic, crimson Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse and two incredible waterfronts. Between Michigan Beach Park and Ferry Beach Park on Lake Charlevoix The sprawling Fisherman's Island State Park offers island vibes and high dunes Charlevoix the Beautiful is popular among beachgoers and architecture fans alike thanks to the imaginative Earl Young's "mushroom huts," known far and wide as “Gnome Homes” or “Hobbit Houses,” that began "growing" in 1918 Their unique fungal shapes with stone frameworks and distinctive roofs fit organically in the forested landscape people from all over come to experience the fairytale scene on a self-guided tour with a free map from the Charlevoix Visitor Center Continue your ventures to the nearby Castle Farms this model dairy farm exudes romanticism and timelessness with spires and archways as a tourable venue with a landscaped garden Greetings from, or "willkommen" to, Frankenmuth this is a no-less-famous and easier-to-access Germantown Exuding warm sentiment in just three square miles Drawing over three million annual visitors like an evening bar-hopping tour for a group of friends or the narrated Take a stroll or a drawn carriage ride through historic streets and witness the illuminated Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower Just off Lake Michigan this Dutch-inspired village on Lake Macatawa emanates an inviting cultural essence Windmill Island Gardens centers around Holland's most iconic feature plus a carousel and costumed guides on site Nelis' Dutch Village transports you overseas to the 1800s Score a pair up the road at De Klomp Wooden Shoe & Delftware Factory Holland's culinary prowess is worth a side trip alone through the award-winning downtown with bakeries and restaurants using traditional recipes plus the Holland Farmers Market on 8th Street for local produce and crafts No need to venture far for nature: the "Window on the Waterfront" offers paved paths and Kollen Park has boat launch ramps and picnic areas The next-door Cappon House is a restored 1874 home of Holland's 1st mayor while the Holland Museum is an early 20th-century post office the active enjoy Stu Visser Trails or minutes down Resting its spirited downtown on Pere Marquette Lake Father Marquette Memorial Cross commands the hills above The Red Door Gallery is next to the Waterfront Park while Ludington South Breakwater Light is a white beacon at the end of a pier Let the kids go monkey at Sandcastles Children's Museum then enjoy a family meal of authentic Greek cuisine at the circa 1942 Old Hamlin Restaurant amid photo-covered walls Why not plan a trip aboard the historic S.S a coal-fired steamer across the Great Lake to Manitowoc Just up the shore from Charlevoix via a scenic lakefront highway this artsy enclave is a standout on the southern shore of Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay From a casino to local farm produce and crafts at the Old Town Emmet Farm Market a former industrial site with sports fields and a playground The radiant bay and the unique Petoskey emanate inviting vibes to enjoy the great outdoors year-round The Bear River Valley Recreation Area at its heart offers steep bluffs Bike or hike the 1.5-mile path along the Bear River or simply soak up the sun along one of the sandy beaches Whether you are in for kayaking around the harbor or the surrounding vineyards in splendid fall colors the historic Gaslight District welcomes you post-adventures This longtime hub for mingling and browsing plus entertainment at the Crooked Tree Arts Center for theater performances this seemingly typical resort town inspires an effortless escape on the north shore of Little Traverse Bay across from Petoskey Natural beauty and human creativity marry in Harbor Springs which attracts boating enthusiasts from all over Between the beach scene for swimming and sailing plus events like Taste of Harbor Springs and Great Lakes Glass Pumpkin Patch Named one of the top 10 best bike towns in America by Outside Magazine it offers mountain biking at The Highlands plus hiking and biking on the Little Traverse Wheelway a beautiful time to drive down through the vivid colors of the Tunnel of Trees along a canopied lakeshore of nature parks to Cross Village Winter birds enjoy the nearby Nubs Nob Ski Resort Some 60 miles southwest of Detroit Tecumseh was named after a prominent Shawnee chief Boasting hundreds of acres of parkland and green space there are plenty of outdoor pursuits near local landmarks Kick a ball around Aden Mead Park or hang out lakeside at the Pit at Tecumseh Park a beloved swimming hole that doesn't go a summer day without picnickers The huge downtown Redmill Pond is an extension of the Raisin River to the north perfect for navigating miles of waterways in a rented canoe or the trails winding through local wildlife Check out Indian Trails Crossing Standish Dam next to White Deer Grave a local memorial stone of the white deer buried in the park with a Native American leader Global Mill Pond is a favored fishing spot at Indian Crossing Trails Park with a network of hiking trails Drop by the epic Tecumseh Area Historical Museum All this nature offers its own falltime spectacle just in time for the unique Appleumpkin Festival There is more than meets the eye in the charming "Cherry Capital of the World." Even the airport which can compete with one in your home city Tourists from near and far come to traverse the city between fun pursuits It wouldn't be the same without a beach scene from the serene West End Beach to Clinch Park with a defining arch Charters Traverse City State Park provides the sun worshippers with all-season camping boasting one of the state's most unique settings at the bottom of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay where the two parallel East and West bays end The downtown is well worth traversing for priceless views Take a stroll along Boardman Lake through the heart of the World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan Starting at the Dennos Museum Center Art Gallery with interactive kids’ exhibits and a performing arts center which transitions right into Mari Vineyards a historic stone house tangled within lush vines and water views Several towns in the US mimic the background of original settlers revealing secrets through landmarks and treating visitors to traditional cuisine in 2025 while the fun vibes and unique sights immerse you in an offbeat world Each, bursting with whimsy, is a magical destination for couples, families, and anyone after something atypical in the Great Lakes State yet anywhere in Michigan is just a hop from the soft-sanded beaches and other long-beloved attractions photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com — Northern Michigan residents can expect a mix of weather conditions this week with rain showers early on and sunny skies later low pressure to the south will bring clouds and a few scattered showers to the region High temperatures are expected to range from 59 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit will see the lingering effects of the low pressure system and temperatures will range from 57 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit leaving behind some lingering clouds and possibly a brief the main story will be decreasing cloud cover Temperatures will range from 54 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit the remainder of the workweek promises abundant sunshine with no precipitation expected Temperatures will warm into the 60s and low 70s While a few passing showers are possible on Saturday the overall forecast remains sunny and warm Editor's note: This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length You can listen to this conversation by clicking the LISTEN button above Rick Brewer: A Traverse City folk school is teaching area residents about community connection by learning basic skills WCMU's Tina Sawyer talked recently with Green Door Folk School's Founder and Director Kristina Schnepf She started the discussion by explaining how their folk school differs from other adult education classes Kristina Schnepf: I did quite a bit of research to identify whether there was a need in our area truly for an additional educational environment and what I found was that the opportunity lied in kind of longer- form classes you spend a day or two focused on something you're not running and picking up the kids and dropping them off and getting dinner and whatever and squeezing a So there's a lot of practice gaining competence and confidence in that craft So would you say Christina in light of recent ice storms that had happened in Northern Michigan and in the UP that had forced many residents with power outages to face some old school issues.. that maybe some of your classes offered may benefit people if something like that should have ever happen again part of the intent of folk schools in general and green door folk school specifically is to teach youthful Really kind of getting people back from buying everything they consume and and being able to fix things that they own and take care of things and build things and not only for themselves but in reality it's very much whether we have ice storms or not It's very much what people are craving and you know as to to be in connection with their neighbor TS: Will there be any classes such As for that off the grid type learning Actually working on a survival skill type class for the summer So we're trying to get the right instructor and the right kind of environment for that We're also going to be doing a repair cafe Which is a a free community event that will happen at the Public Library and toys with the intent of helping teach them how to fix that short in your blender or toaster or whatever that you know makes you have to throw it away and buy a new one And having somebody show you like on your item like this wire goes right there You'll actually be going to the farm and getting some of the materials that will be used in the class Spend some time in a beautiful kitchen preparing Things and then complete the meal with a focus on the art of gathering just how you interact and create community around the table We actually have had such an amazing response We could not have expected how excited people are about what we're doing TS: Are you seeing more of older people or is there a mixture or are you hoping to make it more diverse KS: Diversity is absolutely a a goal in our initial classes we have found is this beautiful mix of generations Our first class is in carbon class and we had somebody that was 27 and somebody that was maybe 82 talk about housing and whatever and sharing perspectives But we may never have that interaction again TS: And is there anything else that I haven't asked a question about Christina that you'd like to add The only thing I might add is the the level of community that we've seen created in these classes has been really We've seen everything from one of our gardening classes The class has shared all their emails and is going to do a garden tour among themselves And it it proves our theory and all the research that you know you hear about in the world right now that people are just craving community and being part of something And bringing people together under a common craft or skill or capability and letting people be human Learn more about the Green Door Folk School HERE. Traverse City Commissioners voted 4 to 3 against an amendment to the city’s No-Camping Ordinance The new amendment to the No-Camping Ordinance would have added steps for the Traverse City Police Department to issue tickets or arrest people who continue to violate the ordinance A new amendment to the ordinance would have allowed police to ask a person to leave a city park for the rest of the day they could be charged and arrested for trespassing City Commissioner Mitchell Treadwell said there are laws in place that already give TCPD this ability “I thought that it could be unfairly punitive in some cases,” Treadwell said “A lot of the behavior that people might dislike that can happen in parks is subject to state law already if somebody is operating a motor vehicle recklessly is physically harassing or threatening other people All those things are already subject to local and state law and could be subject to arrest I felt that this new ordinance was unnecessary.” The amendment was another part of Chief Matt Richmond’s Public Safety Plan this vote did not have any effect on the no-camping enforcement date in the pines This is enforcing our camping ordinance throughout the city,” says Richmond “We have been enforcing camping everywhere but the pines This is to help those individuals get to a better place And I think a lot of these individuals knew that this day was coming.” Richmond says the amendment would have added another layer of enforcement when it comes to non-compliance issues “We continue to be in contact with the city attorney and the county prosecutor as we move forward to the day when we will begin to enforce our camping ordinance We want to make sure that we’re doing everything right.” Manufacturers meet in Traverse City to analyze impact of Trump's tariffs on businesses.(WPBN) (WPBN/WGTU)— Manufacturers gathered at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City for the Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit to discuss the potential impact of President Trump's tariffs on local businesses and industries Vice President of Government Affairs at the U.S emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs' outcomes Courtois says due to the unpredictable outcome of the tariffs local businesses should take inventory of their supply chain and where they sell goods to These are steps that can be taken until more answers are revealed (WPBN/WGTU) -- Traverse City Police Chief Matt Richmond said his department will begin enforcing the city’s no camping ordinance (ordinance 1064.05) starting May 6 there is an encampment at the corner of Eleventh and Division Street in the city where those experiencing homelessness unofficially camp The announcement comes after the city commission scheduled a public hearing for May 5 to consider amending the Special Land Use Permit that would allow Safe Harbor the city’s only overnight emergency shelter “The encampment is not being shut down overnight,” Richmond said “We are working alongside our [Quick Response Team] and service providers to approach this in a way that prioritizes engagement This phased approach will provide individuals time to transition into shelter or other needed services.” Richmond said his department is working with local partners to prioritize a “housing-focused” approach to homelessness He said encampments are not a long-term solution pointing out that those individuals are vulnerable to extreme weather TCPD will provide each individual currently in The Pines with the date of enforcement both verbally and in writing Individuals will have the opportunity to leave up to and on the day of enforcement Those individuals that continue to camp beyond the date of enforcement will be cited for a violation of ordinance 1064.05 and instructed to leave Richmond said failure to leave once cited and upon request may result in the subject's arrest He said strict enforcement of ordinance 1064.05 will be maintained throughout the year (WPBN/WGTU) — Traverse City officials announced plans to enforce the city's no camping ordinance starting May 6 "The Pines are inherently unsafe and we know that," expressed police social worker and Quick Response Team facilitator Jenn Holm "This is a new chapter in trying to get folks not just moved out of that but into something better." Police Chief Matt Richmond noted The Pines is not a safe environment for people to be living in He said his officers respond to incidents there daily "Just yesterday we had a fire in one of the tents and then that spread to a 20 by 20 foot area around the tent that's not our first fire out there," Richmond said City ordinances technically prohibit camping in any city park but enforcement has been delayed while community partners sought better alternatives for those living in The Pines Richmond emphasized the goal of identifying and addressing the needs of the individuals before enforcing the ordinance "We have things in place to help them on that day if they need help gathering some of their belongings with some short-term storage maybe they need a ride," Richmond said "We'll work with them to get them the help that they need to make this transition as easy and humane as possible." enforcement would look like a verbal and written warning that no camping is allowed and people need to leave the park they could be arrested for refusing to comply with instructions "Getting people to a better place is our goal," emphasized Richmond "And just because the date is May 6th doesn't mean that we're not gonna continue to help them find long-term sustainable housing options or other needs that they need." Holm explained the Quick Response Team is meeting weekly to find alternative housing solutions for those who cannot access shelters "Talking through everyone who's out there whether they plan to move along and what that looks like and how we can help," Holm said City commissioners have scheduled a public hearing for May 5 to discuss amending a special land use permit for the city's only emergency overnight shelter to operate year-round (WPBN/WGTU) -- The City of Traverse City is welcoming you to the grand opening of the newly rebuilt Senior Center tomorrow The open house event allows the public to tour the expanded facility learn about programming through the Senior Center Network and explore the new public park amenities Key Features of the New Senior Center With the expanded space the larger room sizes can accommodate for wellness and exercise programs The Grand Opening Celebration will be from 2 p.m (WPBN/WGTU) -- 11th Street in Traverse City is now open after it was temporarily closed Monday morning The Traverse City Fire Department said it took firefighters about 15 minutes to put out the fire No one was inside the tent at the time of the fire The Pines is an unofficial area where those experiencing homelessness camp TCFD said city workers nearby spotted the fire and came over to the area and took an extinguisher to help put it out Firefighters said the size of the fire was about a quarter acre Crews who were at the scene included Traverse City Fire Engines 1&2 Rescue 6 and Rescue 1 and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office passed away earlier this month at the age of 55 after battling cancer Bird began her tenure on the board in January 2023 and served on the curriculum (WPBN/WGTU) -- The Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education is mourning the loss of board member Holly T who passed away earlier this month at the age of 55 after battling cancer members took the opportunity to remember Bird "She was a wide-ranging person who had an ability to really talk to anyone regardless of belief and bring people into a better common place so she will be missed," Board President Scott Newman-Bale said Newman-Bale also announced plans to schedule a formal recognition for Bird at a later date A celebration of her life is set to take place at Milliken Auditorium in Traverse City on May 18 at 1 p.m a non-profit that creates housing solutions in Northwest Michigan Housing North hosted a panel discussion on accessory dwelling units and small homes "What the ADU's help provide to the community is choice and options," said Shawn Winter "We've been pretty strongly limited for a long time with just single family homes." Options such as an apartment above a garage or a backyard small home If you want to build an accessory dwelling unit like those one ADU owner said to make sure you study up What are the rules by my township or my city What can I build on this lot?" said Dave Durbin A builder said the price of an ADU varies just as the price of a regular home would "A lot of times I'll turn it right back around and say 'what do you wanna pay?'" said Uriah Petersen "Based on that I'll take some of my experiences as a builder for a number of years and try to analyze that and see 'where we can head with the expected budget?'" But the panel said smaller and cheaper homes offer the community more options and more housing something Housing North said is needed in Northern Michigan "Folks wanna buy," said Susan Leithauser-Yee with Housing North "But the inventory is just so limited that they end up renting because that's the option that's available to them." "We're providing more housing," said Durbin And a problem that Traverse City Planning Director Shawn Winter "We're really working on modifying the regulations to allow people to develop housing that gives them the choice of housing that they need for their phase of life right now," said Winter "We realize that everyone's in a different phase and our housing regulations should reflect that." (WPBN/WGTU) -- Traverse City residents will soon have the opportunity to voice their opinions on a proposal to expand the operating hours of the city's only overnight emergency shelter City commissioners voted to hold a public hearing on May 5 regarding a special land use permit that would allow the shelter to operate year-round The Traverse City Planning Commission approved the permit last month and it will proceed to the city commission for a final vote following the public hearing the city plans to enforce a camping ban in "The Pines," an encampment located off 11th Street City Manager Liz Vogel said there are approximately 20 people currently living there and there are people who have built a community who are living there and may not want to leave and it will be a challenging transition," said Vogel but we also need to balance empathy and health and welfare needs of this entire community including those living in the Pines." Vogel emphasized the risks associated with encampments encampments put individuals at risk and create significant public health and safety challenges This is just not an appropriate place for humans to live." The city manager indicated that an enforcement date for the no-camping policy in The Pines is expected to be announced next week Outreach and engagement efforts have been ongoing since last fall to assist individuals in transitioning out of the encampment (WPBN/WGTU) -- Traverse City commissioners voted Monday night to approve a pilot agreement for a new workforce housing complex the parking lot next to the Omelette Shoppe at the corner of State and Cass streets A city pilot agreement allows a developer to pay a percentage of rental income to the city instead of traditional taxes This arrangement is intended to offset the costs associated with offering below-market housing Plans for the complex show 44 residential units with rent ranging from approximately $430 to $1,500 per month said it plans to begin construction next year Samantha Brown’s “Places to Love” is the latest national travel media outlet to cast a spotlight on the popular Lake Michigan resort town which premiered locally at the City Opera House in February “We are always looking for the people who are changing and strengthening a destination,” said Brown the personable host of the well-regarded series and a well-known world traveler             “We are thrilled to see Traverse City and Pure Michigan back in the national spotlight,” said Kelly Wolgamott “Samantha’s personal approach to travel allows viewers to get to know the people and places in every destination she visits and this episode of ‘Places to Love’ will give Traverse City another opportunity to showcase their incredible story to travelers around the world.” the travel series strives to provide a mix of the known and unknown in destinations around the globe This season includes episodes on Costa Rica One of the German episodes features lesser-known Rhine cities The French Quarter is not featured in the New Orleans episode Traverse City came to the attention of the show’s producers at the International Media Marketplace in New York City public relations manager for Traverse City The PBS series had not focused on the Great Lakes region for a while and hadn’t filmed an episode in Michigan “We followed up a few weeks later and that ultimately led to us filming an episode there a few months after that I had heard Traverse City was a great place before but it takes sitting face to face sometimes to get a better understanding,” said Kevin O’Leary who is Brown’s husband and executive producer of “Places to Love.”             During the nearly 30-minute episode Brown visits Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Bonobo Winery on Old Mission Peninsula and the Village at Grand Traverse Commons the former state hospital that is now a shopping and dining destination She also sails on the Wind Dancer schooner with a tribal leader “Is there anything more delightful than cherries The store and restaurant truly celebrate one of the most delightful fruits on earth — a fruit that Michigan is known for” Brown said “But I also wanted to connect with the efforts of its founder Bob Sutherland who started the company on one product: the cherry chocolate chunk cookie president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism said the PBS episode offers a broader look at the region exploring beyond the scenic landscape and well-known attractions to include agriculture conservation and preservation efforts and sustainable business practices             “This one feels different to me,” Tkach said “It has felt very sincere as I’ve watched it — I’ve watched at least 10 times we do value agriculture … We've worked hard to maintain those things We want people to come visit here and share those same values.”             Agriculture was also highlighted with Brown’s stop at the Farm Club brewery and market on the Leelanau Peninsula the business exemplified the people “who are changing challenging and strengthening a destination.” “Not only do you have the farm (Loma Farm) and a farm is a strengthening part of any community but a restaurant brewery and market all directly connected to the farm that completes a food cycle I thought this connectivity was a game changer and the owners meet the challenge.” one of the owners and partners behind Farm Club said the PBS team was “very good at capturing the ethos of the area.” Agriculture is “a huge part of what’s special about this area and often gets overlooked.” Friends and family from across the country have reached out to him after seeing the show             “I had no idea the scale and draw Samantha Brown has,” he said that such national exposure prompts mixed emotions “But we also are bursting at the seams (both the business and the area in general)             Traverse City attracts more than 7 million visitors a year (the counties of Grand Traverse Tourism has grown as the region has matured in terms of infrastructure and amenities that industry accounts for only 1 in 10 jobs in Grand Traverse County the most populated of the three counties and home to Traverse City That number is 1 in 4 in the other two counties             Much of the city’s tourism marketing is aimed at other parts of Michigan (where most visitors come from) The region has benefited from its ongoing partnership with the Pure Michigan campaign             “Traverse City is a key partner in our efforts to market Michigan as America’s top four-season travel destination,” Wolgamott said her visit last summer to Traverse City was memorable             “My lasting impression on Traverse City was discovering a beautiful destination for the first time and yet feeling a part of the community,” Brown said “Traverse City gives you the warm travel fuzzies.” Check your local listings for the Traverse City episode May is National Wine Month and Traverse City is highlighting wineries and vintners for a week-long celebration Traverse City Uncorkedallows you to explore the northern Michigan wine scene with exclusive events and offers each day will have an "uncorked" theme Uncorked Themed Days Download the digital passport to access savings special offers and opportunities to win prizes While Welch retains an ownership stake at Marrow she’ll depart for Northern Michigan with plans to open a restaurant with her husband Chef Sarah Welch is leaving Eater Award-winning Marrow restaurant and butcher shop to move to Northern Michigan is opening a restaurant in Traverse City with her husband Cameron Rolka Welch’s last day at Marrow will be on Wednesday, April 30. Even after her departure, she’ll retain a small ownership share. She’ll continue to co-own the seafood-centric tasting menu eatery Mink in Corktown The Traverse City project will be independent of Marrow. Welch tells Eater she yearned for the days when she had more control of the restaurant. In an Instagram post Welch says that while she’s appreciative of the Marrow team she bluntly writes that Marrow “has become something I no longer want to be at the helm of.” I just wanted to reinvest myself in something that I have full control over because I feel like we’ve just done so much at Marrow and I kind of want to just leave on a high note,” Welch says in an interview with Eater A post shared by Sarah Welch (@chefwelch) Welch mentioned the restaurant in her social media post Welch was in 2022 was a contestant on the 19th season of the cooking reality show Top Chef in Houston. She hopes to be able to introduce Traverse City diners to a new option for intentionally-sourced oysters — a staple of the menu at Mink Welch says she gave notice to her team in October. Chefs Eddie Moreau and Emily Katz will continue to lead Marrow’s West Village kitchen, according to a statement from Marrow co-owner Ping Ho. Moreau and Katz have been driving menu development and execution since last year, while Welch focused on the December launch of the brand’s new casual restaurant in Birmingham Ownership also plans to add a group culinary director position and other roles to oversee operations thanks in large part to an increased demand for ethically sourced and locally raised meat a market it accelerated when it first opened Another avenue for growth: retail sales of Marrow’s line of packaged sausages available in 54 grocery stores and specialty markets across Michigan “I think that the goal is to grow because we’re growing the supply chain,” Welch says there’s the ambitious renovation of the 14,000-square-foot former Capital Poultry building at 2442 Riopelle Street that Marrow purchased in 2021 that will become Marrow in the Market and include a restaurant and bar with patio seating and a USDA-inspected meat processing facility Ho, a former music exec, continues to maintain ownership of Marrow, along with investors, the founders of Brand:Detroit — Roger Ehrenberg “Having our own processing facility and hub will allow us to ‘show how the sausage is made’ and ramp up our production and growth This is a long-term investment in supporting and growing the local ‘good meat’ food movement across the entire supply chain,” said Ho in a statement “I don’t want to be a sausage girl or a burger girl no shade to burgers and sausage,” says Welch For Detroiters wanting a chance to say goodbye before the move, Welch and Rolka are planning a multi-course pop-up dining event with two seatings on Sunday at the Marrow’s suburban location and the Host Utica event space The 2024-25 winter season saw more than 320 inches of snow in one Upper Peninsula region, topping Michigan's snowfall totals, the National Weather Service said The National Weather Service tracks snowfall throughout the state this season and will continue to do so into the early summer some areas in northern Michigan could see more snow into May particularly in the state's Upper Peninsula The Marquette National Weather Service office said the area received a trace of snow both April 28 and 29, and 11 inches for all of April The area is forecast to see rain and snow showers Friday Snowfall totals from the 2024-25 winter ranged from 28.7 inches in the Detroit area to 329.4 inches in the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula At Detroit Metropolitan Airport, this season's snowfall total was 28.7 inches, the NWS office in White Lake said The total is below the normal of 45 inches The record high was 94.9 inches of snow during the 2013-14 winter How much snow did west Michigan get?In Grand Rapids, this season brought 63.8 inches of snow, the NWS office in Grand Rapids said The record is 132 inches in the 1951-52 winter this season's snowfall total was 51.4 inches At the Gaylord NWS office this season's snowfall total was 204.6 inches The record total was 138% of the normal of 148 inches The previous record at the Gaylord NWS office is 185.6 inches in the 2006-7 winter the seasonal snowfall total was 152.2 inches The total was 151% of the normal of 100.9 inches but below the record of 191.2 inches during the 1995-96 winter this season's snowfall total is 50.6 inches The record was 95 inches during the 1951-52 winter This season's snowfall total at Houghton Lake was 80.8 inches The record is 124.1 inches in the 1970-71 winter the seasonal snowfall total is 73.1 inches The record is 166.3 inches in the 1970-71 winter The seasonal snowfall total in Petoskey stands at 154.7 inches The record is 184.8 inches in the 2013-14 winter How much did it snow in mid-Michigan?This season's snowfall total in Lansing was 37.7 inches The record was 97.2 inches during the 1880-81 winter the seasonal snowfall total is 39.7 inches The record was 85.3 inches in the 2017-18 winter More: Spring's annual hummingbird migration is reaching Michigan. Where the tiny birds are now the seasonal snowfall total was 32.2 inches The record is 87.2 inches during the 1966-67 winter How much did it snow in the Keweenaw, Upper Peninsula?So far in the northwest Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula has seen 329.4 inches of snow at Calumet-Tamarack, the NWS office in Marquette said this week remains incomplete as more snow could fall in May observation program leader at the NWS office in Marquette "We are extremely thankful for all our volunteers in the NWS Cooperative Program and CoCoRaHS who brave the elements and measure snowfall and snow depth throughout the winter season in Upper Michigan," Salzwedel said in a statement The Keweenaw County Road Commission said 315.25 inches of snow has fallen near Mount Horace Greeley in Keweenaw County. The county is so famous for its annual snowfall totals, that there is a "gauge" near Mohawk on U.S Houghton could see rain and snow showers Friday More: A 17-year cicada brood is set to emerge. Will Michigan hear the big-eyed insects? Marie has reported a seasonal snowfall total of 203.3 inches the Gaylord NWS office said; 119.4% of the normal of 170 inches The record is 222 inches in the 1995-96 winter Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com. GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — In celebration of Arbor Day, community members in Traverse City have embarked on a project to create an edible landscape, starting with the planting of a smooth serviceberry tree. Students from Greenspire High School participated in the event, held at the Grand Traverse Area Children's Garden, where they helped plant the tree donated by the Friendly Garden Club. The serviceberry tree, described as a keystone plant, is expected to play a crucial role in re-establishing healthy ecosystems by providing food and shelter for various species. It will produce berries that will feed birds and wildlife. Sarah Kuschell, Executive Director of the Grand Traverse Area Children's Garden, highlighted the mutual benefits of the project. "One of the most interesting things is that this smooth serviceberry tree that gives service to 100 different species and has edible berries is also going to allow us to provide a service to it. Right? So if we teach kids like at Greenspire to take good care of the earth, it will also take care of us," she said. Though small now, the serviceberry tree has the potential to grow up to 25 feet tall, contributing significantly to the local ecosystem. GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — Oakwood Cemetery, the resting place of at least 30,000 individuals, including many notable figures from Traverse City's history, is undergoing a significant transformation to make it more accessible to visitors. The cemetery, which dates back to the mid-1800s, has a complex layout that often confounds first-time visitors. Michelle Hunt, the Grand Traverse Parks and Recreation Superintendent, said, "It's Traverse City's history and you have people that you meet all over town and they know someone who's buried here." The project, initiated in December 2023, aims to modernize the cemetery's records and mapping system. "The cemetery is special to pretty much everyone that has roots here And we just want to make it that much more accessible to people so very happy that we started this project," said Hunt. "Our staff does a wonderful job because they have the knowledge of it, but it's important so that people know where their loved ones are buried and they're able to find that information much more quickly," said Hunt. The project, which started in December of 2023 was to bring this cemetery's records and mapping into the 21st century by not only identifying who is buried where, but also creating a user friendly electronic database that benefits visitors as well as cemetery employees Hunt explained, "We have paper maps that are old, they're hand-drawn. They've been scanned a million times and we determine where they are based on that information from the Word document." To address these challenges, the city has enlisted the Wightman Firm to create a digitized database and an accurate digital map of burial sites. Hunt noted, "It's an enormous amount of work. We will finish just these next three phases in 2026 and then we still have plat one and plat two and a couple other sections of the cemetery so we won't be complete with this project until almost 2028." Once completed, the digital system will allow visitors to easily search for a grave by last name and receive coordinates to locate it. Hunt said, "You'd be able to search the last name and it would take you to that plot and then you get coordinates and you can go walk to it." While the project is extensive and will take several years to complete, Hunt emphasized the importance of the effort, stating, "The cemetery is special to pretty much everyone that has roots here and we just want to make it that much more accessible to people." United StatesChevron MichiganChevron Traverse CityChevron AirbnbSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world We recognise you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot grant you access at this time e-mail us at webmaster@record-eagle.com or call us at 231-946-2000 (WPBN/WGTU) — More than 3,000 community members gathered at the Governmental Center in Traverse City Saturday as part of the Hands Off National Day of Action hosted by Traverse Indivisible and Leelanau Indivisible was one of over 1,300 rallies held nationwide The demonstration aimed to celebrate democracy while voicing opposition to proposed cuts to federal programs like Medicaid and Social Security Protestors also rallied against the Trump administration's immigration policies and recent tariffs including representatives from organizations such as Northern Michigan E-3 and local veterans John Despelder of Traverse Indivisible said And honestly it is people that believe a wide range of things on both sides of the political spectrum The only thing that we have in common is that we support democracy and that we believe in civility and respect." the White House's press secretary stated that President Trump will protect federal health programs The protests are happening nationwide and in Michigan the White House said in a statement that “President Trump’s position is clear: he will always protect Social Security the Democrats’ stance is giving Social Security which will bankrupt these programs and crush American seniors.” More information about the protests can be found on the event's website. GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan hosted a public hearing at the Senior Center in Traverse City to gather input on the fiscal year 2020-2026 annual implementation plan. More than a dozen people attended the meeting to discuss the development and funding of aging programs and services in the region. Key topics included the lack of guardians for older adults, continued funding to support programs, and the need for information and resources for caregivers. The agency is looking to implement caregiver case management to further support caregivers. "The caregiver case management where our support coordinators can walk alongside of them and help them get the services and support that they need like respite care or other types of resources," said Kandi Lannen, CEO and acting executive director for the Area Agency on Aging. For those with questions or who wish to stay updated on the plan, contact the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — The Traverse Area District Library is set to host a prom-swap event, offering teens the chance to acquire formal attire for prom or any formal event at no cost. The event will feature a variety of dresses, suits, and accessories, all donated by the community. Linda Smith, head of teen services, said, "We have a couple of staff restrooms that we use as changing rooms and we also have a meditation room that we use as a changing room. So we do have places for you to try the clothes on... and everyone has different tastes so we have all kinds of crazy styles and traditional styles both." The prom-swap will kick off on Saturday at 2 p.m., coinciding with a library surplus yard sale and a Friends of the Library book sale. Community members are also welcome to donate formalwear during the event. Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall. Traverse City mom's tip leads to son's arrest on car theft and other chargesby Alli Baxter (WPBN/WGTU) -- A 19-year-old Traverse City man is facing multiple charges after stealing a car from a Honda dealership Lieutenant Jon Morgan with the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office said the 19-year-old's mother called 911 around 7 a.m Monday to report she noticed her son at a gas station putting gas in a newer Honda vehicle the mother told the dispatcher she thought the situation was strange because her son doesn't have a job to afford that type of vehicle there was no license plate on the vehicle and he doesn't have a driver's license Morgan said a deputy decided to check the Honda dealership he noticed employees were investigating a broken window at the service center The employees told the deputy a vehicle and its keys were missing Morgan said surveillance video at the dealership showed the 19-year-old breaking in and stealing the vehicle an employee at the Honda dealership spotted the vehicle on McRae Hill Rd A deputy caught up to the vehicle and tried to get the 19-year-old to pull over near Hoosier Valley the 19-year-old wouldn't pull over and a short pursuit happened in Hoosier Valley before the 19-year-old was arrested The 19-year-old was arrested on charges of breaking and entering fleeing and eluding and resisting and obstructing police Michigan State Police were called for reports of a breaking and entering at an auto repair shop near Cass Rd Morgan said this $75 was used to buy the gas for the vehicle (WPBN/WGTU) - - Saturday was International Women's Day more than 1,000 people gathered and marched to celebrate Traverse Indivisible and Women's March Traverse City hosted the demonstration Saturday afternoon calling for the community to help celebrate and keep fighting for all women The march began and finished at Workshop Brewing The group spoke out about their disappointment in the Trump Administration so far Women's March Traverse City says it's important to them to help organize ways for the community to speak up and express concerns "My mom always taught me do something It doesn't matter what you do it can be big make a change because we all can change the situation And I think women will be a big factor in that," said Monica Evans the group enjoyed an afternoon of live music There are a handful of fun and memorable summer vacation destinations scattered across the U.S provides an endless amount of entertainment for the whole family and keeps tourists returning year after year This destination boasts historic tours and breathtaking scenery providing diverse adventures that cater to every traveler's interests for an unforgettable summer adventure According to a list compiled by AAA Travel Trip Canvas the best summer vacation destination in Michigan is Traverse City AAA Travel Trip Canvas suggested checking out the 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula the Sunset Sail from Traverse City with Food Here's what AAA Travel Trip Canvas had to say about the most popular summer vacation destination in the entire state: Check out AAA Travel Trip Canvas for a continued list of the most popular vacation destinations in the U.S Between expansive forests, picturesque parks filled with adventure opportunities, and the longest freshwater coastline in the world, the Great Lakes State is truly special On top of its incredible countryside scenery you can see fascinating cultural wonders seamlessly blending with Mother Nature’s finest creations in these captivating towns these are the 10 coolest Michigan towns for a summer vacation in 2025 Soak up the sun and expect to see stunning scenery as you fully explore these destinations Who says you have to wait until winter to experience Christmas magic? This Bavarian beauty is filled with treasures that will take you straight into a fairytale Feel the festive cheer in Bronner's Christmas Wonderland the largest Christmas store in the world with over 6,000 styles of ornaments in stock all year round make your way to Main Street to visit Frankenmuth Cheese Haus With the extraordinary exterior of the 74-foot Figurinespiel Tower plus 270 varieties of cheeses inside this architectural marvel is also a foodie's paradise Ponder the exquisite timber-framed buildings as you meander down the street listening to the tunes of The Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower with its magnificent 35-bell carillon imported from Germany Next up is a destination that will steal the hearts of wine lovers and nature fanatics. With over 40 local wineries and numerous breweries to choose from (like Mari Vineyards and Right Brain Brewery), combined with beautiful beaches and picturesque parks, Traverse City is one of the coolest Michigan towns for a summer vacation in 2025 Spend some time by the water at Clinch Park getting sun-kissed by the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay Capture amazing photos of Mission Point Lighthouse a restored 19th-century landmark iconic to Michigan Mission Point is accessible by a scenic drive through vineyards and cherry orchards Welcome to Saugatuck, a stunning city on the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan Get your steps in exploring the forested Mount Baldhead Park Challenge yourself to climb the 303 wooden steps to the observation deck; you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Kalamazoo River Valley and glimpses of the lake Known for its spectacular shoreline and backdrops Oval was recognized by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards as one of the best beaches in the U.S try mouthwatering dishes crafted with American South cooking traditions in the Southerner Dive into the city’s vibrant arts scene at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts See the fascinating exhibits or get inspired by a captivating performance Switch your watch to island time, as you transition to a slower pace of life in one of the coolest Michigan towns for a summer vacation in 2025. Between Victorian-era buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and streets that have been car-free for over 125 years, experience historic charm as you quickly find out why Mackinac Island was ranked the top summer travel destination in the U.S a legendary site that played a significant role in the War of 1812 The Fort is home to the Officers' Stone Quarters potentially the oldest surviving building in Michigan Over 80% of the island is actually within Mackinac Island State Park this is a destination that calls nature lovers and history buffs to come together If the name has not already caught your eye, a quick description will. Located on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, South Haven features spectacular sandy beaches and award-winning wineries that will make for a dreamy getaway Enjoy an exciting climb up the dune at Van Buren State Park; mesmerizing views await from the top and head on scenic wagon rides in the family-run Overhiser Orchards for a unique travel experience Soak in the scenery as you see why Deerlick Creek Beach was mentioned by the U.S News & World Report under Michigan’s Best Beaches in 2024 Cool off with a refreshing glass of wine at Cogdal Vineyards and dive into the area’s rich boating history at the Michigan Maritime Museum Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Keweenaw,” Houghton perfectly combines incredible natural wonders with historic small-town charm you will find plenty of exciting activities in one of the coolest Michigan towns for a summer vacation in 2025 Take the kids to the unique elevated adventure playground at Chutes and Ladders this is the perfect place to rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the waters See the captivating Portage Lake Lift Bridge This striking landmark is the widest and heaviest double-decked vertical-lift bridge in the world and was named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2022 If beautiful vistas and mesmerizing turquoise waters sound like your idea of the perfect getaway, then say hello to Empire. This quaint town of only 364 residents (as per World Population Review in 2025) is one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets. Prepare to grab a slice of paradise in the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Enjoy a lovely 1.5-mile hike through the Empire Bluff Trail meandering through the lush wildflower-filled forest and unraveling amazing views of the coast Grab a bite to eat at Joe's Friendly Tavern breathing in the fresh lakeside air as you cool off on their roofed patio Another quaint community of only 98 residents (as per World Population Review in 2025), Copper Harbor is an excellent place for a getaway. Discover the region’s incredible rugged wilderness in the state’s northernmost town, dubbed the “Crown Jewel” of the Upper Peninsula. See exquisite views of Lake Superior and a historical fort in Fort Wilkins Historic State Park Spend some time by the water at Hunter's Point Park; 4,800 feet of shoreline and one-of-a-kind rock formations await The cascading Manganese and Montreal Falls are two striking natural wonders worth capturing in one of the coolest Michigan towns for a summer vacation in 2025 Enjoy a lovely summer getaway by the coast in Leland Soak in the natural beauty of this captivating town perfectly situated between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau where you can see breathtaking views of the North and South Manitou Islands along the horizon Explore the city’s maritime culture in Historic Fishtown Hall Beach is a wonderful spot to lie back under the sun Just 70 miles from downtown Chicago This historic beach town features unique sites like the New Buffalo Railroad Museum Learn how the community was once a significant engine terminal for the Pere Marquette Railroad head outdoors to see the gorgeous greenery of Galien River County Park and see panoramic views of the river from the Canopy Walkway Uncover exquisite water views from New Buffalo Beach and fishing access to the Galien River Nature Preserve Between the wonderful wineries and breweries of Traverse City and the vibrant fishing opportunities of Leland get yourself ready for an escape you will never forget Choose from the 10 coolest Michigan towns for a summer vacation in 2025 today One of the "best small-town beer scenes" in the country is right here in Michigan according to USA TODAY readers and experts who voted in the recent 10Best Readers' Choice Awards Traverse City placed fourth among the top small-town beer scenes in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards Traverse City was among the top beer scene locations for the second straight year "The town features a sizable collection of breweries, taprooms, and brewpubs, including, Jolly Pumpkin, Brewery Terra Firma, Earthen Ales, and Right Brain Brewery," the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards noted in 2024 This year's description notes Traverse City has become a hotbed of craft beer action in the already beer-centric state of Michigan "The town features a sizable collection of breweries Here's a look at the 10Best award winners and Traverse City What US cities placed in the Best Small-Town Beer Scene category?Voting began with 20 U.S each with a population of less than 30,000 chosen by a panel of beer experts as having some of the best beer scenes in the nation That means each location has plenty of festivals Here is the complete list of winners in the best small-town beer scene category: Brewery Terra Firma has more than 1,000 original recipes of craft beer Located on 10 acres outside of the downtown area Terra Firma has a beer garden and a tap room for guests to tour Right Brain Brewery has a vibrant and playful atmosphere serving weekly events with 30-plus craft beers It is known for its unique ingredients like cucumber North Peak Brewery was once an old candy factory and offers a rotating selection of handcrafted brews The center point of Earthen Ales Brewery is to bring people together The owners opened a brewery from their shared passion for the craft so a small get together with friends evolved into a business They currently have 18 brews on tap and host taproom tours The Little Fleet is Traverse City's food truck and drinks destination that hosts breweries from the city all in one area, sprinkling in live music and its own menu from the Crocodile Palace The Traverse City tourism website offers more information on the city's beer scene The beer-centered 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards created by USA TODAY 10Best writers released a public poll to rank these ten categories: beer bar USA TODAY 10Best writers compile the best of anything from bungalows to protein and this time it was a nod to the growing brewery industry in the U.S and the votes were counted and released March 5