Features

Born to Be Wild: Motorcycle club is all about adventure, companionship, and good food

Meet the Little Traverse Touring Club

By Geri Dietze | Oct. 31, 2026

Okay, so they’re not that wild, but this family-friendly motorcycle club has been sharing rides, friendship, great meals, and more since 1973, when it was originally called the Little Traverse 750 Club, a nod to the Suzuki water-cooled, two cycle (a gas and oil mix) motorcycles that they rode at the time. The Little Traverse 750 Club was formed by Bill Cole, owner of Petosky’s Road & Trail, a motorcycle and snowmobile … Read More >>

Stay Young, Go Dancing

The northern Michigan ballroom dance scene is on the upswing

By Eric Cox | Oct. 31, 2026

The late celebrated actor and dancer Gene Kelly summed it up perfectly: “You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams.” Aside from mere physical movement, Kelly viewed dance as a kind of transcendental activity that provides another way of expressing love and happiness. Such lofty goals aren’t shared by every dancer, but some affiliated with Petoskey-based Ballroom Dance of Northern Michigan (BDNM) believe dance offers all that and more. … Read More >>

Reaching the Boiling Point

Traverse City’s International Affairs Forum welcomes author Stephen Kinzer to discuss the Russia/Ukraine war

By Art Bukowski | Oct. 31, 2026

“Unprovoked.” There was that word again. Over and over and over. It was enough to drive Stephen Kinzer nuts. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022, the focus was on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s display of (as it was widely referred to) unprovoked aggression. Much of the world condemned the action at the time and still views it primarily as a war of Russian hostility. Stephen Kinzer knows better. The former … Read More >>

Your Holiday Art Market Guide

20+ markets to explore this holiday season

By Ross Boissoneau | Oct. 31, 2026

It’s (almost) here. The hap-hap-happiest season, filled with trees, tinsel, trimmings, and plenty of ho-ho-hos. Yes, Christmas is still almost two months away, but the holiday markets have already begun, enticing shoppers to schools, churches, halls, and other venues. They are an opportunity for local artists, makers, and creatives of all kinds to showcase their wares. For shoppers, it’s a chance to shop small, finding one-of-a-kind items that aren’t available at retail … Read More >>

Physical Therapy Insider

How increased mobility can assist with aging

By Lourin Sprenger | Oct. 31, 2026

In your fifties and beyond, every passing day can bring new creaks, stiffness, and the urge to grab the elevator rather than take the stairs. Some of these changes are a natural part of aging, but experts say we can slow down the process with a little movement. More often than not, not being active enough is keeping us from living the lives we want. For adults 55 and older, physical therapy … Read More >>

A Slow Spell of Grace

Oct. 31, 2026

If the time change is telling us anything, it’s that it’s time to slow down after a busy summer and fall. But don’t go into hibernation mode just yet, because you’ll want to catch the team-up of TC-based quartet Slow Spell with Jack M. Senff & the Heartland Mission at the Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay on Nov. 7. The show doubles as a hometown album release for Senff’s newest record, Grace … Read More >>

Artists Who Look to the Skies

Stuff We Love

By Ross Boissoneau | Oct. 31, 2026

For Willie Jones Jr., the sky’s the limit. That’s because his artistic inspirations are primarily aircraft, particularly World War II planes. “They had so much character,” he says. The retired U.S. Air Force veteran researches his subjects before he ever gets out his pencil. “You have to know the aircraft,” Jones says. He painstakingly renders the details, making sure every panel and rivet is in exactly the right place. His fascination with … Read More >>

Shopping for a Cause in TC

Oct. 31, 2026

Yes, believe it or not, we’re inching closer to the holidays. Save your future self from Black Friday madness or last-minute shopping and head to downtown Traverse City on Saturday, Nov. 7, for Shop Your Community Day. This annual tradition brings out the best in stores and customers alike, as 15 percent of every purchase from participating retailers is donated to a nonprofit. Best of all, you get to choose where your … Read More >>

Traverse City Children’s Book Festival 2026

By Jamie Kauffold | Oct. 31, 2026

Need something fun and bookish to do with the kiddos this weekend? Head to City Opera House for the return of the Traverse City Children’s Book Festival (presented by Jenkins Group) on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10am-2pm. Along with 30+ award winning children’s and young adult authors are performances by the Old Town Playhouse Young Company, kids activities, and crafts… all for free! See more at moonbeamawards.com/traverse-city-childrens-book-festival.   Read More >>

Inside Manistee’s Ghost Ship

Ghosts, ghouls and gore await

By Ross Boissoneau | Oct. 24, 2026

Each October, the City of Milwaukee is overrun by the dead and the undead, from vampires and werewolves to zombies and mummies. Visitors find their nightmares have come to life. Sounds like a movie set in the largest city in Wisconsin, but A) it really happens, and B) it’s not in Milwaukee but on board the ship S.S. City of Milwaukee. The retired railroad ferry car docked in Manistee now serves as … Read More >>