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.