Features

Old Mission Inn: Then & Now (and Now For Sale)

156 years of history, four dedicated owners, a new book, and a question mark for the future

By Ellen Miller | Aug. 9, 2025

The Old Mission Inn has seen a lot in its years on the peninsula. Established in 1869, the inn has only had four owners over the course of its life and is the oldest continually-operating hotel in Michigan. Current owners Angie and Bruce Jensen bought the inn in 1998; they had been living downstate but had visited the area to see Angie’s father, who had retired Up North. When they saw an … Read More >>

Last Stop for Antiques Roadshow?

Funding cuts loom after the popular PBS show visits Charlevoix

By Todd VanSickle | Aug. 9, 2025

On July 1, Antiques Roadshow made its last stop of the season at Charlevoix, but recent cuts to federal funding for public broadcasting have some worried it might be the end of the road for many PBS programs. For almost 30 years, Antiques Roadshow has featured guests bringing their cherished belongings to the event to be appraised by a variety of experts. “I think that’s just so appealing,” says executive producer Marsha … Read More >>

On the Ground with SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers

Behind the programs, partnerships, and funding that fuel this 25-year-old nonprofit

By Matt Dursum | Aug. 9, 2025

Near the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, the crew at SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers shows local students the beauty of composting. Children and adults dig for earthworms in the compost petting zoo and learn about compost’s role in a healthy garden. Next door in the workshop, woodworkers turn fallen trees into pieces of furniture ready to sell. These are just a few of the programs SEEDS has worked on over … Read More >>

Antique Treasure Hunting Up North

What’s popular, pro tips, and more from antique store owners

By Molly Cox | Aug. 9, 2025

Whether you long for the nostalgia for days gone by, you’re increasing your eco-consciousness, or you’re seeking the thrill of hunting hidden treasure, antique shopping is becoming more popular than ever. The biggest draw is finding high quality items at lower prices, as antique furniture and homegoods are often more durable and better made than comparably priced new pieces. From an aesthetic perspective, vintage art makes your home stand out, and one-of-a-kind … Read More >>

Brit Floyd Is Ready to Put on a Show

Shine on, you crazy tribute band diamond

By Ross Boissoneau | Aug. 9, 2025

“There’s someone in my head, but it’s not me,” sang David Gilmour on “Brain Damage.” Now there’s someone on stage, but it’s not Pink Floyd. But boy, it sure sounds like it. Say hello to Brit Floyd, the British tribute band that recreates a concert experience with the songs, sounds, and all the panache of the original Pink Floyd. “It’s timeless,” says Brit Floyd founder Damian Darlington of the music of Pink … Read More >>

2025 Pets Issue Photo Contest

Aug. 9, 2025

Our annual Pets issue is coming soon! As part of that issue, we create a collage of pet photos from readers. We invite you to send us photos of your best bud—cat, dog, horse, parrot, you name it—for a chance to see them featured in our Sept. 15 paper. You can be in the shot with your pet, or they can be the star of the show. Your submission must meet the … Read More >>

Eagletown on Boardman Lake Loop

Stuff We Love

Aug. 9, 2025

Last week, a new mural joined the Art on the TART collection, which runs along the Boardman Lake Loop in downtown Traverse City. Eagletown, created by local artist Rik Yannott in memory of his late grandparents, Catherine Baldwin and George Yannott Sr., stretches across the GT Profile Building near the NMC University Center trail access. Rik Yannott is an indigenous artist living in Peshawbestown, and his mural is inspired by his family’s … Read More >>

Winery Adventures in August

Aug. 9, 2025

Who else needs a glass of wine this week? Check out one of these winery events, and pair it with a bottle of the good stuff. Monday, Aug. 11: Take a guided tour at Chateau Chantal and sample six small bites (like whitefish crostini or a peach lemon popsicle) and wine pairings on a Tapas Tour from 12-1:15pm. Tickets are $48; chateauchantal.com. Friday, Aug. 15: “Sail to Sicily” with a special dinner … Read More >>

Farmers Get Together at Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference

Aug. 9, 2025

The Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference brings together farmers from across the region for two days of education, tours, workshops, and knowledge sharing at the Leelanau School in Glen Arbor. The conference, which has been around since 2000, is presented by Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology. If you’re working in the agriculture industry, snag a last-minute ticket for the Aug. 18 and 19 conference, which boast more than 30 sessions tackling … Read More >>

Ready, Set, Jam with TC Roller Derby!

Fresh Coast Frenzy Tournament this week

By Jamie Kauffold | Aug. 9, 2025

TC Roller Derby gears up for the Fresh Coast Frenzy Tournament, Aug. 15-17, at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. Teams from four other states will join them in a round-robin style tournament; there will be eight games over three days between the likes of Chicago Style Roller Derby (Illinois), North Star Roller Derby (Minnesota), Free State Roller Derby (Maryland), Harrisburg Area Roller Derby (Pennsylvania), and TC Roller Derby. For a schedule … Read More >>