r/traversecity

Car wash plan falls apart

Car wash plan falls apart

https://www.traverseticker.com/news/tommys-express-withdraws-car-wash-plans-whats-next-for-east-front-street/

Everyone hated this idea except the people making money off of it. Endres clearly doesn't have the community's interests in mind, which is scary because he's on GT County’s Economic Development Corporation board. Don't worry Kevin, you'll get your money when a project comes along that makes sense for those parcels. Stop trying to ram through bad projects then get pissy when they don't work out. Jeesch.

u/TVCity- — 3 days ago

To my “Aunt Mary” and “Uncle Herbert”

I got married this past weekend in the Grand Traverse Commons. While opening cards, we found one from our “Aunt Mary” and “Uncle Herbert” along with a $5 bill.

We were quite confused, as we do not have an aunt Mary or uncle Herbert.

However, if either of you see this, please know you gave us a big laugh. Something about the phrase “you make lovin’ fun” followed by these two unknown names had us both keeled over laughing for a good 10 minutes.

Thank you for the $5, and I hope you enjoyed a few fun drinks (we have so much booze leftover so we are happy to have shared).

u/kelseyojo — 4 days ago

Commongrounds Apts. Update

City Commissioners to Consider Eighth Street PILOT, Budget Approval, Paramedic Program | The Ticker

A couple questions:

  • Didn't the State of Michigan pitch in a few million to help finish building this property?
  • What was the purchase price of the apartments bought by the in-house nonprofit?
  • Who else and how many run the newly formed apt. nonprofit?
  • Who determines what is/what isn't an affordable rate?
  • I also thought this was a community cooperative project? Does that coop money get returned now?
u/Previous-Shirt-9256 — 4 days ago

Still looking for Taz

We are still looking for Taz. We believe he was in the engine bay of our car and jumped/fell out around Gene's Auto Parts on M-37 on Saturday, May 9. He is a young, neutered male, indoor cat who ran out of an open door and evidently hid in the engine of our car. We believe that a car pulling out from Manor Wood Dr. stopped and may have picked him up. When we circled back to look, the cat and car were gone. We have dropped off flyers at local vets and rescues, as well as pet supply stores. If you have seen him or have any information, please get in touch with me. He is white and dark grey, with a little bit of light striping on his tail. We very much want to bring him home.

https://preview.redd.it/eoli7nx0aq1h1.jpg?width=2310&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=192ecc6186ee4b143e2ae424fc62850615c6a173

https://preview.redd.it/cl6wgav0aq1h1.jpg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ee7ca40377640b5196983c808b223e5268e6ffb

https://preview.redd.it/7awenbv0aq1h1.jpg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=13be30fd91a45059699a7dd2f0ad7f342b50e876

reddit.com
u/Knitwit_17 — 4 days ago

House painting?

My house is about 1550 square feet. I planned on painting it this spring but have recently experienced health problems and the doctor won't let me. Anybody know anybody that paints exteriors for a reasonable price?

reddit.com
u/SuggestionNo3506 — 5 days ago

Leelanau Montessori - free montessori school in the area

The advertising for this school is terrible, so I figured I would let people know about it as time to enroll/pick schools for next year is upon us and I know they still have openings for several ages. If you're looking at, waitlisted at, or can't afford, any of the other "alternative education" choices in town (TCAPS montessori, children's house, pathfinder, woodland), you should consider it.

We've had our kids there for 3 years and have been very happy with the school overall. We were looking at Children's House and Pathfinder initially, but really couldn't afford either and discovered this school luckily. Leelanau montessori is a public charter that split from Children's House many years ago, has a similar high quality montessori approach, and is free for anyone 5 and up. Starts at 18 months through 6th grade I believe.

Significant focus on whole child education, social/emotional skills, practical skills like cooking/cleaning, in addition to the traditional book skills of a normal school. Kids are given freedom to be kids, and have a lot of choice and freedom in their own life and education. Play areas are mostly in nature or natural settings (there is a huge cut down tree that kids climb on in the playground, a zen garden for them to rake, woods to play in, a creek, things like that).

Both staff and students have been very compassionate and understanding with one of our kids who had ADHD behavioral issues for a few years. I've never met such a kind, gentle, sweet group of children anywhere else.

reddit.com
u/Minnie_moused — 7 days ago

Dripping with cops but plenty of road rage and speeding?

Just watched a road rage incident. Some lady had their phone and both hands out their driver window while speeding (we were all 5-10mph over posted limit) and hard braking and screaming out their window at another car. Rusty back gate Blue Honda Pilot was in a hurry though so she cut off two or more vehicles to hurry downtown past 14th street and I stopped with traffic.

We all drove past 3 state boys and one city boy. Not a single weewoo.

Just anything goes out here I guess.

reddit.com
u/Clause-and-Reflect — 9 days ago

Downtown Businesses on the Move, Plus More Retail & Restaurant News

By Beth Milligan | May 14, 2026

Several downtown Traverse City businesses are on the move – including swapping locations, preparing for summer relaunches, or getting ready to open their doors for the first time. The Ticker has the latest on those and other restaurant and retail updates from across the region.

Downtown Moves
The recent sale of the building at 122 Cass Street to a new owner means popular downtown retail store My Secret Stash is on the move after 12 years. Owner Karen Roofe is planning to relocate the store to 124 South Union Street, a space she holds the lease to and formerly had her store I'm Planty AF within before consolidating it with My Secret Stash on Cass.

Roofe says she's planning a “rolling transition” starting in the first week of June to move My Secret Stash over to Union, which should be up and running by mid-June featuring the “top sellers, original favorites, and a few newbies.” The Cass store will remain open during the transition with “rolling discounts on overstocks, one-off items, odds and ends, and fixture sales," Roofe says, staying in operation through July 4 for final sales. I'm Planty AF “will be taking a mini pause with an edited selection for the summer due to space constraints,” Roofe says.

My Secret Stash’s move to Union Street is made possible by intimi owner Carolyn Greenman volunteering to move her intimate wear boutique – which is currently located in that space – to a new location inside Warehouse MRKT on Hall Street. The store’s last day on Union will likely be May 30, after which Greenman will close for a few days before reopening intimi in the Evil Queen candle shop space in Warehouse MRKT. Greenman says she’s friends with many of the entrepreneurs in the building and is excited to be in a “community hub” that has both public restrooms and ample surrounding parking.

“There’s a lot of potential there, and I’m very motivated to help make sure there’s continual growth in the foot traffic,” she says. Evil Queen, meanwhile, will have its last day in Warehouse MRKT on May 24 before moving to a new home at 322 East Front Street (formerly Queen Bee Limited). Evil Queen will have a grand reopening party on May 29 with a photo booth and walk-in candle-making classes.

“We’re excited to be on Front Street for more exposure and foot traffic and to be in the heart of downtown during summer especially,” says owner Ida-Sofia Koivuniemi. “Our new store space has some extra room, and the space is going to be the perfect layout for our candle-making experience. We’re going to be taking more walk-ins at our new location.”

Also in Warehouse MRKT, new bookstore Artemis Books & Goods is planning a grand opening on May 30 after a soft launch in February. The store has gradually been building out its inventory and layout, with the owners inviting the public to come “check out our new shelves, new books, and new goods, share your hopes for the store's future, and enjoy everything your new local bookstore has to offer.”

Across the street from Warehouse MRKT, Hotel Indigo is planning to kick off its summer season by reopening the H&L Social rooftop bar this Friday at 3pm. “Your favorite bartenders are back behind the bar, the cocktails are flowing, the fire tables are glowing, and the views over West Bay are as incredible as ever,” the hotel posted this week. The Delamar will also soon open its waterfront patio bar, with the East Front Street hotel listing a targeted launch date of May 22.

Just down the street, new restaurant Umbo is planning to open its doors this weekend at 430 East Front Street. Detroit restaurant veterans Cameron Rolka and Sarah Welch (a Top Chef finalist) relocated to northern Michigan and have been preparing for the last year to open the space, making extensive renovations and hosting a series of local pop-ups. Umbo is still waiting on its liquor license from the state, so the owners are holding off on launching dinner service until their beverage program is ready to go. In the meantime, Umbo will open for lunch service – starting this Saturday and Sunday and then operating Friday-Monday 11am-3pm beginning May 22.

“You can expect the usual cast of characters on the menu (oysters, tinned fish, lobster roll) plus a lunch pre-fixe AND a couple daily specials if Cameron Rolka is feeling frisky,” the owners posted. “We are taking our Michigan wine excitement and funneling the same energy into a really playful non-alcoholic beverage program at lunch. Think tepache, amaro spritzes, a roster of cool bubbly stuff, and iced coffee.” Umbo will have indoor bar seating only (no tables), with plans to expand into outdoor patio service by July 1. To-go orders will be available on a case-by-case basis. Umbo is accepting phone-only reservations now at 231-944-2797. Fifty percent of seats will be held back for walk-in business with an in-person waitlist available.

Nearby at 441 East Front Street Suite #2 (next to Peace, Love, and Little Donuts), new retail boutique Obscura Jewelry and Curiosities is opening May 30. The store from Ansel and Caitlin Bowden – who also own Sanctuary Goods and Underground Toys in the Mercato at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons – will offer “uncommon gifts, distinctive home décor, handcrafted jewelry, and other artisan-made items.” While a few customer favorites from Sanctuary Goods will appear at Obscura, most of the inventory will be unique to the new store, according to the Bowdens.

Finally, at 516 East Front Suite B, private gym Uki Gym has been building a following as “Traverse City’s first gym on Front Street.” The business specializes in sessions with 1-4 clients at a time with a private trainer, as well as open gym sessions for visitors. “Uki is comprised of highly experienced trainers,” according to the company’s website. “Strength is the focus, with roots of yoga. Clients pay top dollar and receive top service. Results are maximized.” Uki Gym also highlights its unique workout setting featuring abundant plants and an “upscale Japanese punk rock” aesthetic.

Other local restaurant/retail news…
After initially planning a summer 2025 launch, new restaurant The Hammered Heifer is now planning to open this Friday at 15273 Honor Highway in the space formerly held by Rich’s Roadside Café and Paige’s Roadside Market & Pizza. Mogen McCallister – son of Hofbrau owner Brian McCallister and a Hofbrau employee for over a decade – is planning to serve up smash burgers, empanadas, and “many other sides and fried goodies” at the restaurant, which will have “a large patio and outdoor area with fire pits, lawn games, and other indoor games like pinball,” he says. Eventual planned hours are seven days a week from 11am to midnight, though the restaurant will close a little earlier in the near term until its liquor license comes through, according to McCallister.

Michigan furniture and mattress retailer Gardner White is planning a May 21 grand opening of its new Traverse City store at 1775 Oak Hollow Drive (formerly Value City Furniture). The company will offer both designer brands and budget-friendly options in the 63,400-square-foot space, according to a company release, and will provide same-day and nighttime delivery.

Cherry Country Café and Gift Shop has unveiled a newly renovated space inside Cherry Capital Airport. The café recently underwent major upgrades that will offer more room, better customer flow, new fixtures and amenities, and improved display cases for it’s a variety of Michigan products and souvenirs. The business posted that more offerings – like seating – are on the way, but the café is open and ready for the public in the meantime.

Finally, De Food Truck has reopened for the season – but this time in a new location due to the road construction in Interlochen. The popular food truck, which focuses on organic, 100 percent gluten-free ingredients, will be located at the Mesick roundabout at 4554 M-37. Chef Jake Elsenheimer, who purchased the truck last fall from original owner Toby Dunne, posted that he’ll be maintaining hours of Thursday-Monday 11am-8pm, staying open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday.

traverseticker.com
u/BluWake — 8 days ago

Tell us all your favorite Morel sites

😂 Just kidding, happy hunting! Browns and Blacks are out today, anyone find white ones yet?

reddit.com
u/TC_Talks — 11 days ago

PLEASE help a big chested woman find a swim top in TC!

I’m looking for a swim top in TC that has support for my chest. My best bet is probably bra sizing so I need a 44DD. I’m hesitant to buy anything online because of the trouble I’ve been having in person but if there’s an online option that you KNOW has the support then that’s fine. Please give me your suggestions.

I’ve tried Target and their swim tops don’t go up to that size. Target’s Plus sizing is 0X-3X and for some reason those ones don’t have support on the bottom and it feels like my girls are going to fall out the bottom of it. I looked at Torrid too and the ones I found there were either too small or too big.

I looked at Kohl’s online and couldn’t find any bra sizing there but I haven’t been in person yet.

TL;DR I’m looking for a SUPPORTIVE swim top that I can get in TC. Preferably in bra sizing but don’t care as long as it actually holds my boobs where they’re supposed to be. WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR A FAT GIRL TO FIND A SWIM TOP EVEN AT FAT GIRL STORES?

reddit.com
u/pendragoneliza977 — 11 days ago

Traffic update

Don't take Silver Lake home, it's backed up and congested from the light at Fransicos until the YMCA. It may go up further than the light at Franny's, but haven't made it that far yet.

By backed up I mean I've been here for 15 minutes and have moved 4 houses.

reddit.com
u/todaysdowncast — 10 days ago

Missing cat

Earlier today around 11:00am, we believe our young cat (see photos) climbed up into the engine bay of our vehicle without us knowing. We believe he may have fallen or jumped out on highway 37 near Gene's Auto parts, between the round-a-bouts. My husband saw a cat in our review mirror on the side of the road but didn't notice it when we went by that spot. A vehicle pulled over at that time. We went back to see what had happened, but the vehicle was gone and we didn't see any signs of the cat. If anyone knows of this please message me.

u/Knitwit_17 — 12 days ago

Sign derrangement syndrome

I guess givem a brake or the city's DPW wants you to get a ticket detour sign is wrong can't make a left onto division. Unless signs are not informal or just a suggestion. 🤣

u/Redbook54 — 11 days ago

Old Cherryland Mall pictures?

I no longer live there, but I am working on a personal project right now where I am basing a location off of the Cherryland Mall as it was in the 90s. Enclosed, before "Cherryland Centre."

I just remember alotta brown.

Does anybody have pictures they could share of (especially the inside of) the old mall?

reddit.com
u/Sexweed42069 — 9 days ago

This really burns my biscuits…

Why?!? Same hospital system. Same out of pocket. No clue why TC Munson thinks they do it $500 worth better than Cadillac Munson. Does it come with Dom Pérignon? Are the results gold plated? Do you get a mani/pedi while you wait? Make it make sense….

Sorry, just venting. I fully understand that I’m still paying the same price no matter which location. It just annoys the sh*t out of me.

u/alt-Requirement-321 — 10 days ago