Traverse City, MI — INDEPENDENCE CHRONICLES

We make the 8:00AM opening of the bascule bridge leaving Lake Charlevoix and five smooth hours later we arrive at Traverse City (38NM). This a great town with a college feel to it. First inhabited by native populations and then French traders, who named it ‘La Grand Traverse’ due to the long crossing they had to make by canoe across the mouth of the bay. Eventually, it became a logging and railroad town, now the economy is primarily based on tourism. The area is the largest producer of tart cherries in the U.S. and has a huge festival in July attracting 500,000 visitors. Front Street is the hot spot with something for everyone; shops, restaurants, bars and a movie theater. A bit further down from the marina is Old Town which has some great gathering places, as well. We do our standard walk, jog, bike about town and even a rideshare to play mini golf. Traverse City is an awesome town which looks like it is only getting better.

First-things-first, a cold one at The Parlor in Old Town

Food trucks, beer, kids and dogs…all at Little Fleet at the eastern end of Front Street

Hugo the Pug’s food truck is where we should have eaten…the Mexican food looked great

The Grand Traverse County Courthouse built in 1854

The U & I Lounge on Front Street…Chelsea is a great bartender

Sweet old Schwinns in front of the smoke shop on Front Street

My favorite old city clocks on Front Street

The Old City Opera House was built in 1892. Known today as ‘The Grand Old Lady’, it is still in use. In the 19th-20th centuries 48 Opera Houses were built in Michigan. Now only 7 of the historic Victorian structures remain open and in use today.

The grand Victorian homes of Sixth Street on an original brick lined road

The Traverse City State Hospital built in 1895 is a decommissioned psychiatric hospital built on 135 acres. It is now one of the largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse redevelopments in the country. Currently, it offers housing, shopping a… — The Traverse City State Hospital built in 1895 is a decommissioned psychiatric hospital built on 135 acres. It is now one of the largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse redevelopments in the country. Currently, it offers housing, shopping and dining in the old underground tunnels in addition to a summer farmers’ market

Nice sunset clouds at the Duncan Clinch Marina. The tents are for this weekends Ironman competition

…followed by a craft beer (and dog-hug) at The Filling Station Brewery. By the way, Traverse City has 12 craft breweries…I love this town!