From the slopes to the greens, fnd local deals for skiing, overnights, and even indoor golf
Recently, Enbridge oil announced that it spilled 70,000 gallons of oil in the Wisconsin area west of Milwaukee and then announced that it excavated most of the oil that was spilled. Wisconsin was very lucky that it was not spilled into a major waterway.
Line 5 crosses the Straits of Mackinac, and if a spill occurred there, it could not be excavated. It could not be removed. It would be an economic and environmental disaster. Line 5 needs to be closed now. We have dodged this bullet of a disaster for far too long.
George Robson | Petoskey
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this week’s
top ten
Day of Service and Song
Each year, Building Bridges with Music—a local nonprofit that has connected students through music for 30 years—puts on a special event in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. On Jan. 20, the day starts off at The Alluvion in Traverse City at 10am, with Miriam Picó and a program for littles age four and under, followed by a free community lunch provided by NoBo Riverside Food & Drink. An arts and crafts session for ages 5-13, led by art therapist Laura Adams, runs from 2-2:45pm on the 2nd floor of the Commongrounds building, and a Human Rights Poetry hour from 3-4pm at The Alluvion showcases students from West Middle School and The Leelanau School. Last, a free concert will be held at 6:30pm at City Opera House, featuring Detroit’s Brazeal Dennard Chorale and NMC Choirs. Get tickets and learn more at thealluvion.
Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny come to life at Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor on Saturday, Jan. 18. Presented by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, known for their captivating puppetry and storytelling, the show combines the magic of bedtime and the comfort of a mother’s love in these performances at 11am and 2pm. (A “relaxed performance” takes place at 2pm and will be sensory friendly with no flashing lights, loud noises, or added narration.) Tickets range from $5-$35 with a Pay What You Can option for certain seating. greatlakescfa.org
Hey, watch It! No Good Deed 4
Do you have any skeletons in your closet? Cobwebs in the attic? Secrets buried in the backyard? Like…maybe literally? If you’re about to put your house on the market, you might want to clean those up, stat. Lesson learned from Paul and Lydia Morgan, an L.A. couple played by Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow in Netflix’s dramedy No Good Deed. (The star-studded cast also includes Denis Leary, Luke Wilson, Poppy Liu, O-T Fagbenle, and Linda Cardellini.) When the Morgans list their beautiful 1920s home, they aren’t prepared for family secrets, blackmail, and hyper-competitive buyers to start swirling around them. Every potential buyer is ready to kill for a chance to buy the house, especially as the bids and the stakes get higher. We definitely recommend an inspection: All eight episodes are now streaming on Netflix.
We’re starting our New Year’s resolutions right this year with top-notch breakfast, and the cult favorite Cinnamon Roll Pancakes at The Bistro in Petoskey might just take the cake! Each made-to-order stack (three pillowy pancakes come in a full order) starts with the café’s buttermilk batter swirled with gooey cinnamon, butter, and sugar griddled to golden perfection. Topped off with a vanilla syrup and accompanied by bacon or sausage, these breakfast treats also come in short and side stacks to pair with The Bistro’s other homemade selections. Keep in mind, this special flapjack flavor isn’t on the daily menu, so be sure to watch the weekly features board for the right time to roll in! Find The Bistro at 1900 U.S. 31 N in Petoskey. thebistropetoskey.com
Wanna Go Ice Fishing?
The waters may not be very icy at the moment, but we can always hope the cold weather will keep doing its work. In the meantime, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is hosting a series of free youth ice fishing events, with the first Saturday, Jan. 18 (plus Jan. 25, Feb. 1, and Feb. 22.) Take the kiddos and head to the Dune Center at the Dune Climb from 1-4pm to learn essential ice fishing skills, safety tips, and fishing regulations from park rangers. At the end of the program, kids will get a “Junior Angler” certification and a fishing pole of their own to bring home. If conditions are right, attendees may even get the opportunity to try out their skills with an ice fishing field trip to North Bar Lake. No registration required. Head to nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/calendar.htm for details.
A Habitat Legacy
Did you ever participate in building a home with Habitat for Humanity? Are you a fan of the work they do in our communities? Following the passing of Jimmy Carter—who was known for his own work with Habitat and other humanitarian efforts—Habitat organizations around the country are creating memorials to honor the late president and his wife, Rosalynn Carter. Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity has put up a memorial framed wall at their ReStore location (9385 N Straits Highway, Cheboygan) and invites you to come pay tribute by signing the wall and leaving personal messages. The memorial will be open to the public through Jan. 22. There is also an online memory book available at habitat.org/honoringcarter/memorybook, where you can learn about the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
We have entered the White Witch’s version of Narnia, where it’s always winter, never Christmas. (At least until spring starts to appear in March. Or April. Definitely by May. We hope.) So even though the weeks of celebrating are behind us, let’s lean into the colder season with something cozy and comforting. (And no, we’re not trying to sell you on Turkish delight.) Pop into Great Lakes Bath & Body in downtown Traverse City and grab one of their Vanilla Spice products. Choose from a bath fizz, soaking salts, or our favorite, the face and body lotion ($28). This scent is soothing, not too sweet, and smells like holiday spirit—in the best possible way. Find a bottle at 110 E. Front Street in TC or head to greatlakesbathandbody.com to order online.
Dry January doesn’t mean you’re stuck drinking soda water all month, at least not if you head to Malted Vinyl in Petoskey. On their winter cocktail menu are several non-alcoholic choices that are crafted with just as much care and creativity as their boozy counterparts. Take, for example, the NA Winter Tiki, which starts with a spiced rum alternative from CleanCo—a line of alcohol-free spirits—and a wine aperitif from Martini & Rossi that is also sans booze. From there, bartenders add coconut cream and cinnamon before finishing it all off with a dollop of salted maple whipped cream. Best of all, you can listen to your favorite record while you sip—choose from hundreds of albums lining the bar. Drink up and rock out at 316 E. Mitchell St. in Petoskey. maltedvinyl.com
Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
spectator
By steven Tuttle
Solar is gaining traction as panels become more affordable and battery storage becomes more efficient. According to Statista.com., the U.S. now gets 5.6 percent of its electrical power from solar energy, three times more than just two decades ago. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, solar will expand another 75 percent over the next two years.
There are still troubling issues with solar, both in creating panels at the beginning of their useful lifespan and disposing of them years later. It isn’t helpful that China controls fully 80 percent of the world’s solar panel manufacturing capacity, and our Department of Energy expects that number to increase to 95 percent in the coming years. In 2023, China
size to provide power to tens or hundreds of thousands of users. The world’s largest solar array, in China, produces 5 gigawatts of power, enough to power a small country for an entire year, but it occupies a stunning 484,000 acres.
It is not at all clear that is the best future for solar. Which brings us to something being called agrivoltaics and agritecture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has discovered that solar panels and agriculture can be symbiotic partners. In Maine, solar panels have successfully been placed over blueberry patches; in Italy over wine grapes; and outside of Boulder, Colorado, farmers have found crops like tomatoes, turnips,
made more solar panels than the rest of the world combined, and the top 10 companies manufacturing solar panel parts are all in China.
Additionally, until very recently, we believed China and Russia contained most of the world’s rare earth metals needed for the inner workings of solar panels and their storage batteries (not to mention computers and phones). There is also an environmental cost, as materials used in solar panels must be mined and transported and the actual construction and assembly processes create more toxic waste.
But solar is still a far superior option to the continued burning of fossil fuels. The panels and batteries are more affordable and efficient, producing more energy with smaller footprints and making solar a more reliable 24-hour option.
The most recent good news is the discovery of enormous stores of lithium under the Salton Sea in the Imperial Valley of California. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates there are at least 3,400 kilotons of lithium, enough to provide car batteries for 375 million electric vehicles, in the brine buried deep beneath the Salton Sea. It won’t be easy to extract, but it will be a step up from depending entirely on imports from elsewhere.
We’ve also discovered significant deposits of needed rare earth metals in old mines in both California and Wyoming. (They aren’t kidding with the use of the word “rare.” Those most commonly used in computer components are lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, samarium, europium, terbium, and dysprosium.)
The biggest issue with solar is no longer cost; all aspects of solar are now cheaper than the costs of fossil fuels. The problem has been space. In order to make a serious impact, solar arrays have previously been created in massive
carrots, squash, beets, lettuce, kale, chard, and most peppers not only survive under solar panels but thrive. Since the panels can be sited as much as six to eight feet above ground, there is room underneath for crops and even tractors and other farm equipment.
The panels protect the plants from excessive sun and heat, wind, hail, and other adverse weather while allowing enough room for pollinators and other ground critters. The panels and the crops cool each other. The improved growing conditions reduce the needs for fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides and improves soil health.
A multi-year study on three solar farms in Minnesota conducted jointly by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Minnesota, Temple University, and Minnesota Native Landscapes found the solar farms could actually help restore lost prairie grasses.
This all comes to mind as debate heats up over a proposal by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to allow clearcutting on the still forested section of 420 acres of state land in Otsego County so a solar array can be installed.
Solar arrays are not a bad idea, and the DNR already leases some 50,000 acres of Michigan forests to be lumbered annually, so the debate over part of a 420-acre tract is more than a little specious. Saving or losing those trees likely won’t matter in the big picture in a state with an estimated 14 billion trees on 20 million acres of forest. The hysterical reaction of some Republican legislators is rich, and their clamoring for everyone at the DNR to be fired is just ludicrous.
At the same time, protecting our precious resources with chainsaws and bulldozers isn’t such a good idea; a partnership between solar and agriculture is.
SIGNPOSTS ON THE WAY TO FASCISM
Guest opinion
by Karen Mulvahill
“…Fascism can come back under the most innocent of disguises. Our duty is to uncover it and to point our finger at any of its new instances—every day, in every part of the world.” (Umberto Eco)
The word “fascism” has been bandied about of late to the point that some people dismiss it as just another meaningless political accusation. But it is crucial to understand what fascism is so that we can identify it and squelch it before it takes hold.
Notorious examples of fascist leaders include Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, and, more recently, Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, and Viktor Orbán (Hungary). Fascism is not a specific or consistent ideology, but an authoritarian way of ruling—the leader makes the rules and people must follow.
Aspects of fascism include: increasing control/tenure of the leader, lying and propagandizing, repression of the press and free speech, the cult of tradition—especially in regards to the role of women—the demand for absolute loyalty, militarism, and territorial expansion.
The fascist ruler has charisma that inspires people to follow him. (I will be using the male pronoun, because all the leaders considered herein are male.) People who are resentful of the government, who believe they’ve been left behind, who fear difference, and who think life was better in the good old days, fall for someone who promises to fix things, regardless of the truth or possibility of those promises.
Trump’s brand of fascism is “bubbling up from below in very worrisome ways, and that’s very much like the original fascisms,” when Mussolini and Hitler leveraged mass discontent to gather support. (Robert Paxton, The Anatomy of Fascism)
A fascist leader claims infallibility. “Often, I would like to be wrong,” Mussolini told a reporter, “but so far it has never happened.” “What the Fuhrer does is always right,” proclaimed the National Socialist Party newspaper in 1936. “I will absolutely apologize sometime in the distant future if I’m ever wrong,” Trump declared.
Fascists seek to consolidate and extend power. Hitler bypassed the constitution, governed by decree, then abolished all other political parties. Hugo Chavez developed a new constitution that lengthened his tenure and increased his military authority. Victor Orbán rewrote Hungary’s constitution to expand the powers of the prime minister while diminishing those of parliament.
Trump violated the Constitution by actively working to overturn a free and fair election. Republicans and their allies are currently angling for a constitutional convention that would allow a total rewrite of the Constitution.
Fascists have no regard for the truth. “Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth,” according to Joseph Goebbels,
Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda. Hitler bragged about telling “colossal untruths.” Trump made more than 30,000 false or misleading claims during his presidential tenure. (Washington Post Fact Checker)
Fascists control the media. The Nazi party shut down the free press in Germany. Trump has called the press “the enemy of the people.” Stalin and Chairman Mao both used this phrase to denigrate dissenters, most of whom ended up in prison. Trump now has the owners of Fox News, X (formerly Twitter), and The Washington Post in his pocket.
Fascists consider the proper role of women to be wives, homemakers, and mothers. In Hungary, Orbán urged women to have more babies. Mussolini rewarded families based on their number of children (he considered 12 to be appropriate), outlawed birth control, and barred women from most sources of employment. Hitler removed women from administrative positions and said he would emancipate them from emancipation.
Eerily echoing that declaration, Trump promised women that “You will no longer have anxiety from all of the problems our country has today. You will be protected, and I will be your protector.” A Supreme Court stacked with his nominees took away women’s rights to govern their own bodies. Fascists create their own loyal militant groups. Hitler had the brownshirts; Mussolini, the blackshirts. Trump has the Proud Boys and militias and may soon have the National Guard and the Armed Services.
Fascists always want more. Hitler took over many countries. Mussolini took over Ethiopia. Putin took Crimea and invaded Ukraine. Trump has spoken numerous times of wanting Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even Canada.
Complacency in the face of fascism is lethal because fascists use the singleminded loyalty of their followers to act fast.
According to Hitler, “Our great opportunity lies in acting before they do. We have no scruples, no bourgeois hesitations.” Often the opposition is busy fighting among its own factions and cannot achieve a united front to fight back.
In a mere four years, Mussolini “abolished all competing political parties, eliminated freedom of the press, neutered the labor movement…took control of the national police.” (Madeleine Albright, Fascism: A Warning )
Is Trump a fascist? He will soon be in a position to put into place the building blocks of fascism. His actions and remarks suggest that this is his agenda. That’s why those who love democracy must be vigilant to work together and protect our Constitution and our democratic government.
Karen Mulvahill is a writer living in northern Michigan.
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Unclear on the Concept
Sam, 22, is an assistant manager at a frozen yogurt shop in Florida, Newsweek reported on Dec. 26, but even at his young age, he is able to recognize cash that might be counterfeit. Unlike his employees, that is, who flagged a $10 bill and a $5 bill as FAKE. "I shed a tear because of the sharpie they scrawled onto the bills," he wrote on Reddit. Sam said he had to explain that the bills were "just old, not counterfeit." He admitted that people his age and younger might rarely use cash: "It's a digital world nowadays, so I would suspect that to be one reason (they flagged the bills)."
Questionable Judgment
On Dec. 17, California Highway Patrol officers in Madera County shared a photo on Facebook of a Honda Ridgeline truck they had pulled over, Carscoops reported. With an unintentional nod to "The Grapes of Wrath," the truck was piled to at least twice its height with random items, some of which were flying off into traffic, officers said. "It is important to always secure your load/cargo and not exceed your vehicle's load capacity," CHP cautioned. "Flying debris can make motorists take evasive action and potentially be involved in a traffic crash."
Saw That Coming
The Rockwall County Herald-Banner in Texas reported that Valencia Smith, mother of a former football player for RockwallHeath High School, filed a suit on Dec. 23 against the team's former coach, John Harrell, and 12 other coaches. Smith's suit stems from an incident in January 2023, in which the coaches allegedly used excessive exercise as punishment for wearing the wrong uniform or failing to show enough "hustle." Students were forced to perform more than 400 pushups within an hour, which led to at least 26 players being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes muscle to break down and enter the bloodstream. Smith said her son spent seven days in a hospital. The lawsuit seeks compensation for his medical expenses. Harrell resigned in March 2023; he settled two other lawsuits, but this is the first that names the assistant coaches as defendants.
Bright Idea
Canadian business student Javeria Wasim, 19, was with a friend in Toronto when she hatched the brilliant idea to try to bite into a 3-inch jawbreaker, the Daily Mail reported on Dec. 24. Immediately, Wasim's jaw began to hurt, and a tooth became loose. X-rays revealed that she had suffered two fractures in her jaw. The following day, she underwent surgery and had her jaw wired shut for six weeks. She said she would "probably never try a jawbreaker again. It hurt really bad, I was crying a lot when the ambulance came," she said. "All my bottom teeth are messed up. I lost seven pounds in two weeks. It was a dumb idea."
The Foreign Press
Belarusian retailer ZNWR, sometimes called the "Balenciaga of Belarus," is making headlines with its newest line of dresses and jackets, starting at about $116, fashioned from bubble wrap. The Times of India reported on Dec. 30 that the air-filled pockets provide a satisfying, quirky popping experience. The brand hyped the dresses as
perfect for those who want to stand out on New Year's Eve (rather than wear the tired old velvet and satin). At least when you fall down drunk, you'll be cushioned!
Least Competent Criminal
In Haines City, Florida, on Dec. 29, Jervin Omar Mendieto Romero, 40, arrived at the home of his former partner, ClickOrlando reported. Romero wanted to speak with her, but when no one answered the door, he crawled into the house through a window, police said. "Once inside," police said, Romero "confronted ... his exdomestic partner and her new boyfriend." The boyfriend was shot five times; in the process, Romero managed to shoot off his own ring finger. "This caused (him) to drop the firearm and flee the residence on foot," police reported. They tracked him down less than a mile away, and he was charged with attempted first-degree murder and armed burglary with assault or battery, along with other offenses. The boyfriend is expected to survive.
Inappropriate Behavior
Jude Hill of Plymouth, England, traveled to Thailand a few months ago after a fire at her home in September, Metro News reported. Around 3 a.m. on Christmas, Hill and her boyfriend were seen in the lobby of the Flipper Lodge Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand, consummating their relationship on a sofa. Witnesses said the pair then tried to move to a glass table, but it shattered. "We approached them and discovered they were not hotel customers, so we ushered them out," an anonymous worker said. Hill ran away but was detained by an armed officer near the beach. The hotel plans to press charges.
That Rule Doesn't Apply to Me
Magnus Carlsen, 34, the No. 1 chess player in the world, dropped out of the Fide World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship in New York on Dec. 27 because he didn't want to change out of his blue jeans, Sky News reported. Officials said he had broken the dress code; Carlsen wasn't moved. "I didn't even think about it. ... They said I could (change) after the third round today. I said, 'I'll change tomorrow if that's OK' ... but they said, 'Well you have to change now.' At that point it became a matter of principle for me." Carlsen said he'd head somewhere with better weather.
Reunited
A Florida family got just what they wanted for Christmas when they answered a 2:30 a.m. doorbell ring on Christmas Eve to find their missing dog. Brooke Comer, a Green Cove Springs resident whose 4-yearold German shepherd, Athena, went missing on Dec. 15, spent the ensuing nine days receiving tips from neighbors and people in nearby towns about Athena sightings, but the frustrated family would always arrive too late, NEWS10 ABC reported. After several heartbreaking near-misses and with Christmas just one day away, Comer received an early morning notification from her Ring doorbell. "I was kind of like in a daze, and the dog was barking, and as soon as I heard that ring, I looked at my phone and you could see in the video it was Athena and she was jumping at the door, ringing the doorbell," Comer said. Athena seemed no worse for the wear after her journey, but will receive a full exam (and a microchip) soon.
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Staycation’s Where I Wanna Be
Eight local getaways (and deals!) to explore this winter
By Geri Dietze
How lucky are we to live in a region enjoyed by travelers from near and far? We’re missing out if we don’t take advantage of the same opportunities, so let’s plan a little staycation. Below is a sampling of what’s available in January and February, including some great deals at properties around the North.
After 75-plus years, family-owned Boyne Mountain remains a premier winter resort. Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire bikes, sleigh rides, and everything in between is on-site for guests. Avalanche Bay water park brings fun for all, regardless of the weather, and the SkyBridge, the world’s longest timber frame suspension bridge, will leave you breathless, but in a good way.
Visitors will find attractive deals starting in January with the Midweek Three (book two nights and get the third half off, plus up to 20 percent off already discounted opento-close lift tickets) or the Stay and Save (book five nights and get fifth night free). Bonus for families: Kids age five and under sleep, ski, and ride free.
Look for discounts on Avalanche Bay and Sky Bridge, and remember—current passholders have their own perks.
SHANTY CREEK RESORT
5780 Shanty Creek Rd, Bellaire | (866) 695-5010, shantycreek.com
They call it daring, we call it smart business and something that is sure to become a hospitality standard: the Ski + Stay build-your-own package. Do what you like; skip what you don’t. Choose your lodging, from standard rooms to ski-in/ski-out chalets across all four Shanty Creek villages. Score discounted lift tickets by day and age. Then add breakfast and dinner tickets. And what you see is what you get, because as any skier knows, hidden runs are the bomb, but hidden fees, not so much. Within its 5,500 acres, there is an activity for everyone at Shanty, from tubing and fat tire biking to ice fishing and snowmobiling.
What began as a Benzonia High School geography project in 1956 is now a four-season resort with over $200 million invested over the past three decades. Choose from a standard guest room or loft, condo or townhome, or woodland cottage in a variety of locations. Go for privacy, or stay in the village with restaurants, shops, spa, and fitness center close by. No one will go hungry with almost a dozen venues for fine dining, family fare, snacks and hot drinks, indoors and out, located across the property.
Winter weekday rates and specials make a sleepover at Crystal a sure thing and run all winter through March. Save up to 25 percent on lodging, plus lift tickets, and ski free upon arrival day. Kiddos age six and under sleep, ski, and eat breakfast for free, while those age 7-17 ski free Sunday through Thursday. Lodging guests can also save 10 percent on lessons.
This is basecamp for your personalized adventure. Bring a pal, a significant other, the family, or your group of choice. Stay and Ski deals include one night lodging with lift ticket or two nights lodging with lift ticket, plus breakfast and dinner vouchers. Midweek Stay and Ski is just $65 for lodging and lift ticket. The Cool School Bundles include lodging, winter activity pass, and breakfast and dinner vouchers. And like all the fine winter retreats, there are free activities for all ages, plus extreme tubing, crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides on scheduled dates. Go big with an added spa service.
Founded in 1939 as the private Otsego Ski Club for business magnates and their families, the resort embraced the Alpine architecture inspired by club members’ experiences skiing in Austria and Switzerland. (It also inspired downtown Gaylord’s Alpine theme, and you’d never know it’s just a mile from Main Street.) In 2017, the renamed Otsego Resort opened to the public, and its vintage beauty is something to see, as are the ski runs—plus over 8.5 miles for cross-country and snowshoeing—coursing through its vast Sturgeon River Valley property. January and February offer Thursday and Friday Bump Days with $15 ski/board/tubing, plus $15 rentals and meal deals, from 3:30-8:30pm. Book midweek, save buckets on skiing and riding, and then enjoy Saturday evening entertainment, plus dining at the Duck Blind Grille, recipient of numerous Wine Spectator Awards.
In 1959, famed Charlevoix architect and visionary Earl A. Young—he, of the Mushroom Houses—created the Weathervane Lodge, with sleek James Bond/Mad Men style and panache, for four-season visitors including skiers. In 2019, the place was thoughtfully expanded and updated, including the addition of a third story, to reflect a new clientele and a new century, and christened The Earl in Young’s honor. His signature stone and timber details, including the lobby fireplace, make this a style-forward destination, with contemporary elegance, knowing service, and top-tier amenities.
The Earl is an easy drive to area resorts, as well as Charlevoix’s own Mt. McSauba Recreation Area, a family favorite. With 20 percent off weekday rates (prepayment required), it’s the perfect staycation. While in Charlevoix, enjoy restaurants, wine bars, brewpubs, and boutique shopping, and much more.
Petoskey’s Bay Inn is fresh, tasteful, and light-filled thanks to its perch 110 feet above Little Traverse Bay. This view goes on for, well, miles, and there is nothing so awesome as the Bay in winter, whether open water or shrouded in ice. Choose from king or queen rooms in the main building, the separate Bay Inn Cabin, or the twobedroom Bay Inn house. The Inn is a short distance from gorgeous Bay Harbor, with its superb shopping and restaurants, and the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, and it’s just a short drive to historic downtown Petoskey. Plus, miles of trails, ski resorts, wineries, distilleries, and microbreweries are not far.
Imagine this: A historic Civil War-era inn, the oldest in any national park, and miles upon miles of stunning beach and dunes as part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, near Glen Arbor. The Sleeping Bear Inn, on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, reopened in early 2024 after a $1.7 million restoration, almost a half-century since it closed its doors in the 1970’s. The place has been lovingly restored and refurbished, with up-to-date amenities, connectivity, and safety features. Choose from eight guest rooms, plus enjoy a full breakfast made from scratch. If windswept dunes and vast expanses sound like a romantic idea, you will love this getaway. Check for off-season discounts.
BRACING FOR WINTER
Northern Michigan hospitality leaders talk blizzards and visitors
By Kierstin Gunsberg
November and December had northern Michigan’s tourism and hospitality leaders watching the skies.
“We have hundreds of miles of great snowmobile trails,” says Kathy Morin, executive director of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau. “Of course that’s weather dependent, [but] for decades and decades, it’s been a mainstay of Cadillac and the Cadillac area.”
Outdoor recreation, including snowmobiling, is vital to Cadillac’s winter tourism, just as it is across the rest of northern Michigan. Though the down months are quieter, they help bridge the revenue gap between fall’s wine and golf enthusiasts and the rush of spring breakers angling for Lake Michigan’s views.
This year, Mother Nature delivered (if unevenly). As Thanksgiving pies came out of ovens, northern Michigan was greeted by frosty temps and a hefty lake-effect snowstorm that blanketed the region over the holiday weekend. Early December storms left another several feet on the ground…which melted as we headed into the holidays.
Another blast hit before Christmas, followed by 50 degrees and rain, and then the New Year rang in with flurries and cold temps that seem likely to stick around…for now at least.
Snow, Slopes, and Strategy
But having any snow at all still offered hope.
For Morin, the early snowfall was a welcome sight after last winter’s lackluster weather. “Last year was the first year that pretty much anybody can remember that we weren’t able to have an ice fishing season because the weather was too warm and the ice was really not safe for a majority of the season,” she says.
And when folks skip out on outdoor recreation, they’re also less apt to be out and about grabbing a hot meal and shopping in town. Thankfully, activities like ice fishing on Lake Mitchell and fat tire biking are back in the spotlight for winter 2024-25,
but as anyone Up North has learned over the last few winters, a good snowstorm can quickly melt into a muddy mess. Adapting to unpredictable winters has become a key part of Morin’s marketing strategy.
With national advertising campaigns out of reach—“We’re such a small market,” she notes—the bureau has focused on local initiatives, like targeting nearby off-road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts to Cadillac’s winding trail systems. “[We’re] trying to create a new activity that helps balance more things year-round” she says.
Neighboring ski resorts like Crystal Mountain, which sees 50 percent of its annual revenue during the winter season, have also learned to adapt to fickle flurries.
“While no one has a crystal ball, we do have the NOAA forecast, which has been pretty spot on,” says their director of communications, Brittney Primeau. The ski resort uses the weather monitoring agency to help them get a feel for how to strategize for each season. “They were correct with the prediction of a warmer winter last year, and so far, their forecast of above normal precipitation seems to be coming to fruition this season.”
Meanwhile, the crew over at Caberfae Peaks opened right on time this year after spending the off-season upgrading their snow machines and electric grid, which struggled to keep up with last year’s mild temperatures.
If temps hover near the 28 degrees that snow machines need to operate smoothly, that above normal precipitation is a sign that places like Caberfae Peaks and Crystal Mountain will be bustling. In that case, Morin is shifting her focus to positioning Cadillac as not only a destination but also a convenient stop or stay on the way to NoMi’s ski resorts.
“Cadillac has always been, you know, a little more blue jeans and beer,” but, she says, it’s also a great place to stretch traveled-out legs while perusing the downtown district’s growing boutique and cafe offerings. Their placement between downstate and the wine coast makes them a prime “drive market,” explains Morin, and an accessible weekend getaway for nearby metro areas like Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. “We tend to
draw a lot from the 131 corridor,” she adds. A Year-Round Visitor Economy
Beyond that corridor, Trevor Tkach, the president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism (TCT), says the importance of a sparkly winter isn’t just about outdoor activities. “It sets a backdrop…it’s a very romantic setting.”
But even a picture-perfect snow season Up North can falter if feeder markets like Chicagoland (which represents 10 percent of Traverse City’s inbound flights) don’t share in the winter spirit. “If they’re still golfing or not even thinking about hitting the slopes, that’s negative marketing for us,” Tkach notes.
While crowd-weary locals might welcome a break, Tkach emphasizes the need to recruit visitors year-round. “A number of our businesses depend on the visitor economy. You have to have yearround business, and it cannot all come in a three- or four-month window.”
To entice winter travelers, TCT narrows its digital marketing to the rest of Michigan, the Midwest, and some southern border states where people are more likely to brave snowy roads and busy airports for a wintery getaway. While slopes and trails are definitely the main attraction, off-season concerts and events also draw people looking to shake off the winter blues.
“Consumers seem ready to spend on experiences again,” Tkach says. Lower room rates are another pull to the north,
with overnights having a major impact on northern Michigan’s annual revenue.
While TCT didn’t share exact stats for the winter season, overall, lodging generates $423.7 million, or 41 percent, of all annual visitor spending to the area, with short-term rentals (STRs) playing a surprising role in shaping Traverse City’s lodging numbers. STRs cast a larger net by appealing to a more diverse group of visitors, like bunny-hill bound families looking for a full-kitchen setup or couples who want to escape to a private cottage after snowshoeing the shoreline.
And while Tkach acknowledges “we’re still working out the kinks in some ways as to how communities deal with short term rental challenges,” several STRs are members of TCT, meaning their revenue contributes to the tourism budget just like membership hotels do.
And with “a ton of pent-up demand for outdoor snow activities,” this year, Tkach is hoping people will indeed take advantage of northern Michigan’s wintery landscape. “We’re off to a much better start for a winter sports season than we were last year,” he says. “To have Mother Nature cooperating so early is very promising.”
If (and when) the milder temps creep back in, Primeau says Crystal Mountain is now offering flex passes because: “One trend we have noticed is that the booking window has become shorter, meaning people are waiting longer to see what the weather forecast looks like before they plan a trip.”
Primeau
Morin Tkach
FORE!
THREE WAYS TO ENJOY WINTER GOLF
By Drew VanDrie
From indoor simulators to heated outdoor bays, you can still polish your game in the cold months
The long northern Michigan winter may soon have you feeling pent up and pining for warmer days. And if you’re an avid golfer, there’s a good chance that the swirling arctic wind and mounting piles of snow will have you checking flights to tropical climes with open fairways.
But fret not! Though the winter may be long and the snow deep (sometimes), northern Michigan still abounds in options to work on that swing in the “off-season.” From indoor ranges to driving a few balls into the driven snow, here are a few places you can shoot for the virtual greens to stave off the winter blues.
X-Golf
3480 W South Airport Rd Suite B, Traverse City | playxgolf.com/locations/traverse-city
Owned by Scott and Bobby Hart of Traverse City, X-Golf is part of a national brand and the only of the chain in northern Michigan (currently). Boasting six PGAcertified indoor simulators that also allow
for chipping and putting, X-Golf focuses on delivering an accurate and realistic experience to golfers looking to keep the season going into the winter.
Open seven days a week, rates start at $45 per hour Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm with an increase to $55 ($65 on Fridays) until close at 10pm. Saturday and Sunday rates are $65/hour for the full day and remain open until 11pm. Rental clubs are available for $15 and players are encouraged to call ahead to reserve a set.
In addition to per-hour use, X-Golf also has a full slate of options for participants seeking to play for fun, improve their game, or be part of a weekly league. “We offer golf instruction, training aides, leagues, tournaments, short game options, national challenges [with prizes], driving range, practice shot options and custom clubfittings,” according to Hart.
And beyond the backswing, X-Golf offers plenty of amenities to make it a fun hangout and communal experience.
“We have a full bar and food options along with 11 big-screen TVs,” Hart tells
us. “We have Golden Tee, video trivia, and Touchtunes for those that are not as golf-oriented.” Offering up pub fare like Bavarian pretzels, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, pizza, and more, X-Golf is geared toward those looking to have a good time between rounds.
“We pride ourselves on providing a great golfing and fun experience,” Hart concludes. “Customers have stated this is the best ‘man cave’ or ‘she shed’ option around northern Michigan, especially for golfers.”
24/7 Golf
6455 N U. S. Hwy 31 N, Williamsburg and 1712 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City | 247golf.com
24/7 Golf is catered to the golf fanatic who could pick up a round at any time of the day. Quite literally.
“What I offer is the ability to play golf 24 hours a day,” says owner Mike Granger. Also a multi-location enterprise, 24/7 Golf has three facilities throughout West Michigan, with another anticipated to open in Traverse City at the Cherryland Center in 2025.
Their first location can be found on U.S. 31 in Williamsburg, where 24/7 Golf operates as an employee-less enterprise. Golfers can sign up, select a time, pay, and then receive a confirmation message with a key code that is used for entry at the facility. With four aboutGOLF simulators, guests can select from a variety of playing modes.
“You can go to the driving range, you can play 85 courses,” says Granger. “There’s multiple games you can play, but it’s all based around golf.” Users are encouraged to download and utilize the aG Locker App, which coordinates with the simulators to track shots, scores, handicap settings, and more.
Fees start at $35/hour until 5pm on weekdays, with 5pm-12am costing $50/hour. Weekends are $50/hour until midnight on Sunday. Granger notes that this is the fee per simulator, not per person, but recommends no more than four to five individuals per bay to allow ample playing time. Granger also notes that there are monthly memberships available starting at $175/month (allowing up to 1.5 hours of play per day), with
The Trackman indoor golf simulator at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa keeps players busy all winter.
reduced rates during the summer season. And while there are no concessions (nor employees), guests can bring in their own food and beverage.
While other centers may focus on a communal atmosphere, 24/7 is geared toward the golfer that may prefer a private round or a more quiet setting. “What really stands out is the 24 ability to come in anytime and play,” Granger says. “There’s no one there. It gives you exclusivity, I would say, unlike any other place.”
But that’s not to say there’s a lack of golf community available. In addition to playing solo, 24/7 also offers leagues in a variety of configurations. “We also have golf leagues that will be in the wintertime,” says Granger. “We offer an open league, which will compete against everybody from all locations. You also have the ability, with eight or more people, to set up your own league.”
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme | grandtraverseresort.com/golf/golf-academy
Though the fairways may be blanketed in fallen snow, there is still the opportunity to crush a drive into the frigid air. Along with indoor golf options, those looking to drill some range balls outside can seek out the Golf Academy at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
“We’ve always had options for golf yearround,” says Caroline Rizzo, the resort’s communications manager. “Our golf academy has simulator play, clinics, a heated hitting bay that you hit balls on outdoors
into the snowy fairway of the driving range.” Rizzo also notes that those looking toward the upcoming season can partake in private lessons, get clubs refitted and gripped, and more.
For those looking to let off some steam, take in some cool winter air, but still keep their fingers frostbite free, the resort has an indoor/outdoor bay. “You’re inside, under a giant heat lamp, but you open up a garagestyle door, and that’s where you’re hitting outside,” says Rizzo. Golfers can hit a bucket of balls and watch them disappear amongst the snow-laden hills, where they’ll remain until springtime. “It’s a cool view,” she says, “and it’s really fun.”
Availability for the indoor/outdoor bay is Tuesday through Thursday, 10am-4pm, and those interested are encouraged to contact the Golf Academy at (231) 534-6550 for pricing and availability.
Want to avoid the frigid air and enjoy a more social atmosphere? The Golf Academy also offers inside options with two Trackman golf simulators. Rates are $60 for 55 minutes ($45 for resort members) and are available Sunday and Monday 10am-4pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-7pm, and Thursday through Saturday 10am-8pm. Those looking to book a slot are encouraged to call the pro shop or book via the Trackman app.
And much like other indoor facilities, the resort also offers league play. “If you’re looking to still play a round of golf, we offer a winter golf league on the Trackman simulators,” Rizzo says. “Those are for a much more fun, social, kind of laid-back atmosphere in the club house.”
Mid-Century Meets Modern Luxury
The Otis Harbor Springs blends history, comfort, and high-end touches
By Anna Faller
We’ve heard history repeats itself, but when it comes to the Otis Harbor Springs, a boutique hotel whose 10-acre grounds have been occupied for more than a century, everything from ambiance to on-site amenities are brand spanking new.
“We love to delight and inspire people, because [The Otis] is very different,” coowner and founder Ty Humpert says. “You can’t really compare us to any other property in Michigan, and we’re trying to embrace the authentic brand we’re developing.”
Opened in May 2024, The Otis is tucked along scenic M-119 in the building that once housed the Birchwood Inn. With its proximity to seasonal hot spots like Little Traverse Bay and the Tunnel of Trees and a refined-meets-restful ambiance, the hotel’s become a destination for overnight travelers and locals alike.
And it all started with a fireplace.
A Space to Linger
Or rather, three fireplaces, which is how many the hotel complex contains.
It was while huddled around one of these at a pre-construction brainstorming retreat that The Otis design team—including cofounders Humpert and Israel Hernandez; former Shinola Detroit creative director and Olean’s dispensary owner, Daniel Caudill; and Texas-based architectural experts David Hocker (landscape) and Michael Hsu— locked in their vision for the property.
“One of the words that came about [during that conversation] was ‘lingering.’ We wanted to center attention on the fireplace and for the space to be welcoming and cozy,” says Humpert.
They also locked in a finish line of summer 2024, which Humpert stresses was a make-or-break factor in determining the hotel’s success.
What followed was a breakneck year of studs-to-ceiling renovation, wherein the crew
purged the building’s interior (with a few notable exceptions, like the solid red pine beam ceiling details and the vaulted guest room architecture) and redesigned the layout from scratch, with a focus on melding Up North charm with elements of high-class comfort.
This included a host of structural updates from roof and plumbing replacements, to up-to-date wiring and modern climate control, as well as a few functional tweaks, like leveling several lobby walls to open the space and highlight its construction.
A Property with History
That framework also came with some great “bones,” says Humpert—in particular, well-built features like steel framing and a subterranean basement—as well as a uniquely mid-century aesthetic that the Otis team fought to preserve. In fact, the reconstructed footprint is almost unchanged from the original.
As the story goes, the property, which has been up and running for nearly a century, got its start as a farm when Chicago banker Joseph E. Otis, also the hotel’s namesake, purchased about a thousand acres of land in the first half of the 20th century. That farm saw a few iterations, including both livestock and potatoes, and in the late 1950s, it was bought by the New Era snack company (now part of Frito-Lay) as a corporate retreat location.
As part of that purchase, the group built a conference center, which was eventually sold to a hotelier. From there, it was converted into a lodge, which, per Humpert, changed hands multiple times, eventually opening as the Birchwood Inn, which served northern Michigan travelers for years. Humpert even stayed there a few times in his youth.
“Even then, I remember envisioning what it could be, because it had been loved and celebrated by so many,” he says.
A Top-to-Bottom Renovation
So, when the opportunity arose to renovate the place, he and Hernandez
immediately got to work. Here’s the layout: Inside, the hotel houses 31 guest rooms (down from the original 43), which range in size and configuration from studios for solo travelers to classic queen rooms and a few family suites. Most are also “pass-through” style, meaning guests enter from the outside and can access a central courtyard out back.
Other room amenities include custom beds and nightstands, courtesy of Britten, Inc. in Traverse City, as well as a smattering of little luxe touches, like Frette’s sumptuous Italian sheets and top-of-the line toiletries from Flamingo Estate.
“I think of it as a high-low balance,” says Humpert. “We’re still a mid-century motel buildout, but it’s that attention to details like the fabrics and furnishings and that wonderful Americana structure that really do make the experience.”
Authenticity was also a focus, he says, which the team managed through a “painter’s approach” of layering restoration with era-appropriate décor curated from all
over the country.
Notable pieces here include a series of Frederic Weinberg barstool bases (acquired in “onesies and twosies,” says Humpert), complete with custom swivel seats; as well as a selection of Milo Baughman seating options, a custom 14-foot credenza designed by Kenneth Blasingame (Fort Worth, Texas), and even a vintage tuxedo sofa refurbished from the hotel’s basement.
A purely mid-century aesthetic, however, often features harsher lines and materials than the Otis team had imagined. To up the indulgence factor a bit, the finished space also incorporates nods to more contemporary colors and textures, headlined by plush velvet upholstery, nickel gap siding, and a collection of modern art.
“[The goal] was to be timeless, not timebound,” notes Humpert. “We wanted it to feel like a collected extension of a living room; so, while we were mindful of midcentury, we also elevated it to bring it to relevance today.”
The custom credenza is an anchor piece of the "living room" feel of The Otis.
A Community Gem
That uniting “living room” concept, one of gathering and collaboration, also extends to The Otis’s public spaces, which are open to both guests and community members.
For starters, there’s the retail area, which is accessible through the lodge’s main lobby. Here, guests and community members can read or work at the Otis Café, while sipping a La Colombe coffee or espresso alongside a local pastry. At the opposite end of the entrance, the Birchwood General store features everything from curated souvenirs, headlined by vintage barware, to take-away snacks and drinks, select books, and outdoor gadgetry.
Beyond the lobby, there’s the Fireplace Lounge, where the vibes are den-meetsswanky-hangout. Inside, the leather-touch marble bar offers an array of craft cocktails—
don’t miss the signature Otis Fashioned— and a menu of small plates and other nibbles. “It’s just a restful and inviting space right when you walk in,” Humpert adds.
Outside, communal spaces include a landscaped courtyard, complete with seating and fire pits, and wrapped around the hotel’s entry, a 2,500-square-foot ash deck, where guests can sip cocktails and nosh on appetizers while lounging in mid-century Russell Woodard furniture.
Per Humpert, there was barely an empty seat on the patio during their inaugural summer, a pleasant surprise for the Otis crew, who had no precedent for how a frontfacing addition like a deck might go over. In fact, many of the hotel’s services—notably, in-house eats and a liquor license—posed a challenge at first, as they came with no
historical blueprint as to the options that might be most successful.
“We opened with an entirely new offering beyond just hotel rooms,” Humpert explains, “so it [feels] like we’re in the middle of rewriting a new history for the property!”
A Busy Future
As for the next six months of that history? The Otis team is just getting started.
Learning curve aside, Humpert highlights local collaboration, which the hotel plans to emphasize with Nub’s Nob Ski Resort packages this winter alongside on-site offerings like wine tasting, guides to regional landmarks, and other Mittencentric provisions.
Beyond that, says Humpert, the goal is expansion, with a focus on adding amenities
in response to community demand. Plans here include a refurbished pool and developing a fully-fledged kitchen for meal services and prix fixe functions. A small gym and steam room are also on the docket (and maybe even an accompanying membership), as is an additional space for hosting parties and other private events.
“We’re really doing our best to be mindful of our community and support other people who love northern Michigan,” Humpert concludes. “We’re leaning into that curation of offerings to help guide our guests and ensure that they’re mindful of everything this area has to offer.”
Find the Otis Harbor Springs at 7291 S. Lakeshore Dr. in Harbor Springs. (231) 2706090. otisharborsprings.com
COMPASSION IS AT OUR CORE
At Munson, expert hands are aided by leading-edge technology to uncover and treat what ails you. But the core of our commitment comes from within. It’s the call to serve. With listening ears and determined hearts. Committed to answers. To your healing. And to you.
Learn more at: munsonhealthcare.org/commitment
Try an Otis Old Fashioned, featuring local Traverse City cherry liqueur, on your next visit.
Justine Pearl, MD Neurosurgery
Cherry Capital Airport in its Growth Era
How TVC is juggling flights, terminals, and passengers
By Molly Cox
If you’re tired of layering up for another icy-cold day, your hands frozen—even inside those bulky wool mittens—chances are you might be dreaming of lying on a sunbaked beach. A little vacation might be just the thing to escape the Midwest’s coldest, darkest months for a while.
So let’s hop on a plane.
The Local Push
Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) has experienced record growth in recent years, ranking in the top 25 percent of U.S. airports for growth since 2017. It also recently became the third largest airport in Michigan, with Detroit (DTW) in first and Grand Rapids (GRR) in second.
TVC was originally built to accommodate around 350,000 annual passengers, but their final count for 2024 totaled more than 787,000. Because of this growth, in 2026 TVC will break ground on a massive, two-year expansion project. The terminal expansion will add more gates, restrooms, concessions, and increase the baggage and security areas. (Hopefully, this will also mean more flight options for locals.)
“The terminal addition is focused on serving the current passengers. FAA funding formulas do not allow for forecasted growth but to focus on building for the current demand,” says Kevin Klein, CEO of TVC.
But if you’re thinking all of this growth means thousands more tourists have been pouring into TC…think again.
Only about 3 percent of tourists reach their destinations in northern Michigan
by plane; the vast majority drive. Though tourism to our area has remained steady— or even decreased slightly in recent years, though it sure doesn’t feel like it in July— business travel is growing in the 35-55 age group of residents for whom TVC is their home airport. In fact, local air travel has doubled and tripled since the 1990s, meaning our local northwest Michigan community has been the driving force behind the TVC’s record-setting numbers.
The type of passengers traveling through TVC remains relatively steady throughout the year, with 60 percent traveling for leisure and 40 percent for business. Business and leisure travel are increasingly combined, with travelers adding extra days to maximize their time at the destination.
Traverse City resident Karla Carrender flies often for work and to visit family. She says, “I truly appreciate the direct flights from Traverse City to Florida, especially during the winter months when I visit my parents on Marco Island. The nonstop flight to Punta Gorda is my lifeline to escape the winter blues. As a frequent traveler, I’ve experienced the stress of weather-related delays and cancellations across the Midwest, so having a direct route is a game changer. It not only makes my trips more convenient, but it also offers peace of mind knowing I can get away from the cold on the weekends with just one easy flight.”
Nonstop Flights & Winter Travel
In addition to its year-round nonstop flights to Chicago (ORD), Detroit (DTW), and Charlotte (CLT), TVC offers four nonstop winter flights to Florida on Allegiant
Airlines including Fort Lauderdale, Punta Gorda, Orlando, and Tampa. Nonstop service to Mesa/Phoenix on Allegiant is expected to begin in March—just in time for spring break getaways.
For your late winter/spring break travel, Klein says “the time to book your ticket is now to get the best options and prices.”
What about the danger of a winter storm delaying your flight to warmer shores?
“Although it’s always possible that the weather can impact flight schedules, last year TVC added a new instrument landing system for increased safety and reliability,” says Klein. The technology gives pilots precise navigational guidance, especially in snowy weather or low visibility conditions.
“The runway 10 ILS went into operation December of 2023,” Klein explains. “Since the installation, we have sent zero flight cancellations due to east winds—typical east winds are snowstorms, major thunderstorms etc. Prior to the runway 10 ILS being installed, we saw about 100 cancellations a year. A major improvement.”
Weather related delays and cancellations are, however, still a big challenge for major airports like Chicago’s ORD, so if you’re not able to swing a nonstop flight, allow for extra time in your layover. (Unless you enjoy a Home Alone-style sprint through the airport, of course.)
In the summer months, you can also fly nonstop to Boston, New Haven, New York, Newark, Washington, D.C. (DCA and IAD), Philadelphia, Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, and Phoenix. For those keeping count, that’s a grand total of 20 nonstop flights. Check the
airlines’ websites for exact dates, as the flight schedules are fluid.
“The most popular nonstop destinations for summer are Denver and Dallas, so book those tickets early if you can, before the flights fill up,” Klein tells us. “East Coast destinations like New York are also extremely popular in summer.”
How Do We Get More Flights?
Want more nonstop options? The answer, says Klein, is to fly out of TVC, and encourage more visitors to explore our region. “Summer success carries year-round. Bringing more people to Traverse City in the summer ensures there are good flights for us in January; if airlines have full flights in July, they’re more likely to add January flights and take a little bit of a loss.”
According to Klein, there is frequent strategizing happening between different airports on how to get more people traveling to and from their cities. TVC works with the marketing teams at other airports across the country to encourage travelers to fly into Traverse City, and in turn, they promote the northern Michigan region.
To convince airlines to offer new/more flights, TVC researches the target market and presents a case to the target airline on how the proposed flights could fit into their timelines and customers’ demand. The airline’s planners then do a study of their own to make a final decision on the feasibility of adding the new flight.
Klein adds that TVC continuously looks for ways to entice the airlines to offer new, nonstop flights based on feedback from passengers. Sometimes, this is successful;
for example, American Airlines added yearround, nonstop, daily flights from Traverse City to Charlotte this year, largely due to the demand from local business travelers.
Looking Ahead
In addition to the new terminal coming in 2026, another update for TVC passengers is that Avelo Airlines will be back at TVC in 2025 with weekly nonstop flights to New Haven, Connecticut. Avelo is the sixth airline operating out of TVC—the others are Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country, and United. Klein notes that TVC would also
and other highly-requested destinations like Las Vegas.
“It’s important for the public to understand that the airlines set flight schedules, not airports. In fact, airports must compete for the most desirable flights,” Klein says.
If and when that day comes, Klein tells us TVC is equipped to handle larger aircraft that make those longer West Coast flights— or even ones abroad.
“Cherry Capital Airport’s main runway is 7,016 feet,” he explains. “This length is sufficient for the aircraft that serve TVC to reach the West Coast and Europe. TVC
TVC Travel Tips
One burning question we had for Klein—how early do people really need to get to Cherry Capital Airport (including parking time) to make their flight?
“I recommend 90 minutes during off-peak times, and two hours during peak times. Baggage check cutoff is 45 minutes before your flight. Even in winter, TVC is bustling with business travelers at peak times, like 6am-7:15am on weekdays,” he says.
When it comes to the actual booking of your flights, Klein suggests planning your trip as far in advance as possible, but notes that you can also score last minute deals on flights if you’re willing to take the risk and be flexible.
Another important travel detail: Airline websites have the most up to date information on which flights are offered, not online travel agencies like Expedia, Kayak, Travelocity, etc. (And rebooking can be a pain through a third party!) The airlines often change their flight schedules to ensure every plane is as full as possible.
Finally, Klein says to make sure you sign up for text or email alerts for your flight to get notified of any changes or delays. Bon voyage!
Saturday
PARADISE LAKE ASSOCIATION ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT: 8am-5pm. Headquarters & registration at Chubbs Marina & Market, Carp Lake. Cash payouts each division. 1st, 2nd, 3rd: walleye, panfish, pike, mystery weight. Adult pre-registration: $25; day of: $30. 12 & under: $20. Everyone wins a prize! 231-626-1035. mackinawchamber. com/event/paradise-lake-association-icefishing-tournament
DIGGING THE PAST: EXPLORING ARCHAEOLOGY: 10am, Kingsley Branch Library. Join Steven Veatch and Friends from the Benzie Area Historical Society for a youth program about archaeology. Discover the history & culture of the Indigenous peoples of northern Michigan. Participate in hands-on activities, interactive lessons, & engaging discussions. Free. tadl.org/event/ digging-past-exploring-archaeology-19915
FAT & FLURRIOUS FAT BIKE RACE: 10am, Avalanche Mountain Preserve, Boyne City. You’ll meet in downtown Boyne City & get a police escort to Avalanche. Choose from Sport Class (1 lap around Avalanche) or Open Class (2 laps around Avalanche). An awards & after party will follow at Stiggs Brewery. Register. $70. fatandflurrious.com
FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ART, TC: 10amnoon, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Cornwell Gallery, TC. Open to all ages. crookedtree. org/class/ctac-traverse-city/free-familydrop-art-jan-11
GETTING UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH YOUR APPLE IPAD: 10am-1pm, Interlochen Public Library. See how iPads & iPhones can interact & increase your access to work, entertainment, information, & family. Featuring Steve Stanton, owner & operator of Leelanau Computer Repair. Learn about the camera, using gestures to move around the screen & access different functions, printing, backing up to iCloud, Siri, & much more. Arrive with your iPad fully charged. Free. Register: 231-276-6767.
SNOWSHOE HIKE: 10am, Ingraham Preserve, Cedar. This hike will explore the glacial history of Leelanau County while viewing the glacial landforms through the leaf-off forest. You will focus on the last three advances & retreats of the Glacier ice & how the present landforms you walk through were created. If there is enough snow you will snowshoe; just hike, if not. Free. leelanauconservancy.org/events/ snowshoe-hike-at-ingraham-preserve
LITTLE WAVES: Dive into the world of music with Little Waves, a children’s program presented by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra (GLCO). Designed for ages 4 to 10, young explorers can discover the wonders of music & instruments in a relaxed & informal setting. Led by GLCO percussionist Tim Mocny. Each session features different GLCO musicians. Held at Petoskey District Library, Children’s Program Room at 10:30am & at Charlevoix Public Library at 1pm. Free. petoskey.librarycalendar.com/ event/little-waves-86
ESCAPE THE ICE!: 11am, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Teens & pre-teens, join staff member Anais to crack the code to the lock box & solve a winter mystery for a prize. Afterward, learn to make slime & pizza too! 231-223-7700.
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HARRY POTTER 5 SCREENING - COLLECTIVE SELF CINEMA SERIES: 1pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Enjoy the movie, followed by a workshop with CareO-Van & Tearwater T. Choose between two
workshops: one in expressive arts (for all ages) or one focused on self-awareness & personal growth (for adults & young adults). Take home resources & activities. Pay what you wish. events.humanitix.com/collectiveself-cinema?utm_source=cision&utm_ medium=email&utm_campaign=dmc-winter-2025-exhibits-programs
WINTER TRAILS DAY: 1-3pm, Crystal Mountain, Cross Country Center, Thompsonville. Children & adults new to snow sports can try cross-country skiing for free. This free clinic includes a lesson, day pass & rental equipment. Demonstrations will be held at the top of each hour: 1pm, 2pm & 3pm & will be about 15 minutes. Limited availability. Advanced reservations required. crystalmountain.com/event/winter-trails-day ----------------------
HOT COCOA HUSTLE RELAY RACE: 2pm, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, on Hill. Gather your team of three for skiing, running & tubing in a lighthearted race for all skill levels. $30/team. highlandsharborsprings. com/events/hot-cocoa-hustle-relay-race
BAYSIDE TRAVELERS CONTRA DANCE: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, TC. Beginner Dance Workshop at 7pm; dances from 7:30-10:30pm. Music provided by The Johns Dances. Called by Pat Reeser. Donations only. dancetc.com
GOPHERWOOD CONCERTS PRESENTS: STEPPIN’ IN IT WSG ZAK BUNCE: 7-9:30pm, Cadillac Elks Lodge. This traditional American folk & blues band has been performing for more than 20 years. $30 + fees. mynorthtickets.com/events/steppinin-it-wsg-zak-bunce-1-11-2025
Sunday
BENZONIA AREA COMMUNITY EMERGENCY FUND CONCERT: 2-4pm, Upriver Pizza, Benzonia. Featuring Ron Harrison & Friends. Free concert. Donations will go towards the Benzonia Area Community Emergency Fund. millscommhouse.org/ upcoming-public-events.html ----------------------
CADILLAC FOOTLITERS AUDITIONS: First Presbyterian Church, Cadillac. For “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” There are opportunities for a large adult cast & a children’s choir. Jan. 12, 2-3pm: Auditions for ages 10-14 (youth choir only); Jan. 12, 3-6pm: For ages 15+; Jan. 13, 5:30-6:30: For ages 10-14 (youth choir only); Jan. 13, 6:30-8:30pm: For ages 15+. You only need to attend one session! sites.google.com/cadillacfootliters.com/joseph-dreamcoat
INSTRUMENTAL RECITAL: 4pm, First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey. Featuring GLCO orchestra members in a Clarinet Quartet & a Horn, Oboe, Piano Trio. Free. glcorchestra.org/sundayseries
monday
CADILLAC FOOTLITERS AUDITIONS: (See Sun., Jan. 12)
tuesday
QUILTS FOR KIDS: 10amnoon, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Transform
The OTP Young Company performs a story of love, faith, courage and giving, trumping good over evil in C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” at Old Town Playhouse, Jan. 17-25. See the story of Aslan, the great lion, and four children who wander into Narnia. For show times and tickets, visit: oldtownplayhouse.com/young-company/performances/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe.html
fabrics into patchwork quilts for kids facing serious trauma. Materials provided. RSVP: 231-223-7700.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library, lower level Community Meeting Room. Preschool children of all ages & their caregivers are invited to join each Tues. for stories, songs & more. Free. sbbdl.org
TALKS WITH TIM: 2pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Local History chat with OMP resident Tim Carroll. 231-223-7700. ----------------------
PWR! MOVES: MICHIGAN PARKINSON FOUNDATION EXERCISE CLASS: 4pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. An exercise class based on the PWR! moves for people with or suspected Parkinson’s Disease & their caregivers. It will be run by a PWR! certified physical therapist. Free. tadl.org/event/pwr-moves-michiganparkinson-foundation-exercise-class-16565
wednesday
HONEYBEE IMMUNITY POTLUCK: Grow Benzie, Benzonia. Join the Benzie Bee Guild for a winter potluck & guild business meeting. Rick Dimanin will be presenting on honeybee immunity, specifically lowering viral loads with mushroom extracts & blue green algae. Potluck will begin at 5:30pm with presentation to follow. Free. facebook. com/share/1A5gXSNDY8/
TWEENS: BAD ART: 3:30pm, Petoskey District Library, Children’s Program Room. Wildly creative & creatively wild! Use all the supplies & see what happens! Free. petoskey.librarycalendar.com/event/tweens-badart-1781
“THE FISH THIEF”: 6pm, Elk Rapids Cinema. Join Green Elk Rapids for a screening of this award winning documentary, followed by discussion & updates on sea lamprey & aquatic invasive species. Suggested $10 donation. greenelkrapids.org
HERE:SAY PRESENTS: DOWN TO THE WIRE: 7pm, The Alluvion, TC. Scheduled
performers take the stage to tell true, firstperson stories about a time in their lives where it all came down to a last-minute decision. $10 at door. heresaystorytelling. com/storytelling-events
AN EVENING WITH JACQUES J. RANCOURT: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, The Writing House. Join the Interlochen Arts Academy Creative Writing Division as they host an event with acclaimed guest author Jacques J. Rancourt. Jacques’ acclaimed works include “Novena,” which won the Lena-Miles Wever Todd prize, the chapbook “In the Time of PrEP,” & “Brocken Spectre,” published in 2021. Free. interlochen.org/events/evening-jacques-j-rancourt-2025-01-15
thursday
FRIENDS OF ALDEN DISTRICT LIBRARY MONTHLY MEETING: Helena Township Community Center, Alden. 9:30am social time; 10am meeting. 231-223-7700.
COFFEE @ 10, PETOSKEY: 10-11am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. Art & Artists in Northern Michigan - A Listening Session. CTAC would like to hear from you! They’d like to learn more about how to further engage artists & art enthusiasts at all levels - through programming & classes. Free. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/coffee-10-art-andartists-northern-michigan-listening-session
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TREASURES OF THE DIA: 4-5:30pm, Benzonia Public Library. This program discusses just a few of the wonderful pieces of art that are in our own Detroit Institute of Art. Designated as a world class museum, it contains many hidden treasures. Hear stories of the art, artists & time periods that illuminate these great works of art. Free.
PAGETURNERS: 6:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Enjoy this adult book club. 231-223-7700.
SHELF-AWARE READERS: WELLNESS BOOK GROUP: 6:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Join quarterly
to discuss nonfiction books concerning mental & physical wellness. Facilitators for the discussions will be professional mental health providers courtesy of Head and Heart Therapeutic Services and Open Space Counseling. This quarter’s book is “Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth about Your Weight” by Lindo Bacon. Free. tadl.org/event/shelfaware-readers-wellness-book-group-17144
friday
“ONE HIT WONDERS”: 7pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Radio hits from the ‘50s through the ‘90s with Dale Rieger & Friends. This is a benefit concert for kids & educational programming at the Cheboygan Opera House. $25-$40; $10 students 18 & under. theoperahouse.org
“THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE”: 7pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Performed by the Young Company, this is C.S. Lewis’ classic work of magic & the mystery of Aslan, the great lion, & the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from a wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. $12-$21 + service charge. oldtownplayhouse.com/ young-company/performances/the-lionthe-witch-and-the-wardrobe.html
STONEFOLK CONCERT: 7-9pm, AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center, Grayling. Enjoy this all-Americana swamp rock band. $20. artisanvillage.org/event
saturday
FROZEN FOOT RACE: 9am, Eastern Elementary School, TC. Choose from the 5 Mile Frozen Foot Race (9:30am) or 1 Mile Fun Run for 12 & under (9am). $5-$30. runsignup.com/Race/MI/ TraverseCity/FrozenFootRace
DROP-IN STEM: 10am, Petoskey District Library, Children’s Program Room. It’s a STEM showcase! Try robots, marble tracks, LEGO, & Makedo, to name a few things. Free. petoskey.librarycalendar.com/ event/drop-stem-1779
MACKINAW CITY’S WINTER FESTIVAL: Featuring a free Big Freeze Obstacle Course, Chili Cook Off at Mama Mia’s Pizza from 11:30am-1:30pm, Pepsi International Outhouse Races at Shepler’s Parking Lot, & Afterglow Parties at both O’Reilly’s Irish Pub & Dixie Saloon. northernmichiganguides. com/mackinaw-city-winterfest-celebration
SPANISH MEETUP: 10:30am, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Practice Spanish. RSVP: lstarsoneck47@gmail.com.
GOODNIGHT MOON & THE RUNAWAY
BUNNY: 11am & 2pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s staged adaptation brings a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations. Suggested for grades pre-k to third. A relaxed performance is offered at 2pm. Specially designed for children with sensory sensitivities & their families, this performance brings these tales to life in a calm & welcoming environment. There are no flashing lights, loud noises, or sudden changes in volume. Enjoy the show with the Pay What You Can option, available for select seating sections. Asking a minimum contribution of $5 per ticket. $5-$35. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/goodnight-moon
THE PEOPLE’S MARCH: WOMEN’S MARCH TC: Noon, The Workshop Brew ing Co., TC. In conjunction with National Women’s March Day of Action, march through downtown TC & end up lining the Parkway at Union & Parkway streets. Call Monica at 231-871-0777 with any ques tions or see the Facebook page. Keep it peaceful, respectful & safe.
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YOUTH ICE FISHING PROGRAM:
Dune Center building, 6748 S Dune Hwy., Glen Arbor. Join park rangers to learn es sential ice fishing skills, safety measures, & fishing regulations, culminating in a “Junior Angler” certification & a fishing pole to take home (while supplies last). If ice conditions permit, attendees will have the opportunity to ice fish at North Bar Lake. No registration is required. Organized groups may register at 231-326-4700, ext. 5005. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire & cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, or other op tions are available. nps.gov/slbe/planyour visit/calendar.htm
“THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE”: today’s times are 2pm & 7pm.)
FAMILY NIGHT HIKES:
Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Families with elementary & middle school-aged chil dren can participate in family focused night hikes. Rangers will guide families through nocturnal landscapes, educating them about animal adaptations & the wonders of the night sky. Reservations required: 231326-4700, ext. 5005. Dress in layers & wear waterproof boots to be most comfortable. All programs are free with a valid park en trance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, & cost is $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, $45 for an annual Sleeping Bear Dunes pass, or $80 (or less) for the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Rec reational Lands pass series. nps.gov/slbe/ planyourvisit/calendar.htm
18 jan 19
DOWNTOWN SOUND: BASIC COM FORT: Center, Theater, Petoskey. Kalamazoo’s alternative pop band, Basic Comfort, touches on feelings of love, letting go, & the confusion of internal needs. They were awarded a grant from the Kalamazoo Arts Council to help fund the production & pro motion of their album “Dimensions.” $10$40. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ downtown-sound-basic-comfort-january-18
YES! (YOUTH ENTERTAINMENT SHOW CASE):
Suttons Bay. Featuring the jazz ensembles of TC Central High School & TC West High School. $10 online; $15 door. thebaythe atre.com
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. FREE DOM WALK & CELEBRATION: by Northern Michigan E3 & The Alluvion. The march begins at Rotary Square, TC at 1:30pm & continues to The Alluvion. The celebration runs from 2-3pm & features guest performer Crystal Turner & speaker Marshall Collins Jr. Following will be so cialization at NoBo Riverside Food & Drink from 3-3:30pm. thealluvion.org/tickets/drmartin-luther-king-jr-celebration-e3
WORLD MUSIC SERIES
sunday
FLYING SQUIRREL
FREESTYLE JUNIOR
RACE: Crystal Mountain, Cross Country Center, Thompsonville. Open to middle & high school students. Choose classic or skate technique.
Sweet songwriter, picker, and master of the dobro, joined by friends Justin Advek (bass) Dutcher Snedeker (keys), and Loren Kranz (drums)
to
Facilitators for the discussions will be professional mental health providers courtesy of Head and Heart Therapeutic Services and Open Space Counseling. This quarter’s book is “Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth about Your Weight” by Lindo Bacon. Free. tadl.org/event/shelfaware-readers-wellness-book-group-17144
friday
“ONE HIT WONDERS”: 7pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Radio hits from the ‘50s through the ‘90s with Dale Rieger & Friends. This is a benefit concert for kids & educational programming at the Cheboygan Opera House. $25-$40; $10 students 18 & under. theoperahouse.org
“THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE”: 7pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Performed by the Young Company, this is C.S. Lewis’ classic work of magic & the mystery of Aslan, the great lion, & the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from a wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. $12-$21 + service charge. oldtownplayhouse.com/ young-company/performances/the-lionthe-witch-and-the-wardrobe.html
STONEFOLK CONCERT: 7-9pm, AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center, Grayling. Enjoy this all-Americana swamp rock band. $20. artisanvillage.org/event
saturday
THE PEOPLE’S MARCH: WOMEN’S MARCH TC: Noon, The Workshop Brewing Co., TC. In conjunction with National Women’s March Day of Action, march through downtown TC & end up lining the Parkway at Union & Parkway streets. Call Monica at 231-871-0777 with any questions or see the Facebook page. Keep it peaceful, respectful & safe.
Middle School Race: 11am, 3.5K. High School Race: 12:30pm, 5K. $10. crystalmountain.com/event/flying-squirrel ----------------------
“THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE”: (See Fri., Jan. 17, except today’s time is 2pm.)
YOUTH ICE FISHING PROGRAM: 1pm, Dune Center building, 6748 S Dune Hwy., Glen Arbor. Join park rangers to learn essential ice fishing skills, safety measures, & fishing regulations, culminating in a “Junior Angler” certification & a fishing pole to take home (while supplies last). If ice conditions permit, attendees will have the opportunity to ice fish at North Bar Lake. No registration is required. Organized groups may register at 231-326-4700, ext. 5005. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire & cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, or other options are available. nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
FROZEN FOOT RACE: 9am, Eastern Elementary School, TC. Choose from the 5 Mile Frozen Foot Race (9:30am) or 1 Mile Fun Run for 12 & under (9am). $5-$30. runsignup.com/Race/MI/ TraverseCity/FrozenFootRace
DROP-IN STEM: 10am, Petoskey District Library, Children’s Program Room. It’s a STEM showcase! Try robots, marble tracks, LEGO, & Makedo, to name a few things. Free. petoskey.librarycalendar.com/ event/drop-stem-1779
MACKINAW CITY’S WINTER FESTIVAL: Featuring a free Big Freeze Obstacle Course, Chili Cook Off at Mama Mia’s Pizza from 11:30am-1:30pm, Pepsi International Outhouse Races at Shepler’s Parking Lot, & Afterglow Parties at both O’Reilly’s Irish Pub & Dixie Saloon. northernmichiganguides. com/mackinaw-city-winterfest-celebration
SPANISH MEETUP: 10:30am, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Practice Spanish. RSVP: lstarsoneck47@gmail.com.
“THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE”: (See Fri., Jan. 17, except today’s times are 2pm & 7pm.)
FAMILY NIGHT HIKES: 6pm, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Families with elementary & middle school-aged children can participate in family focused night hikes. Rangers will guide families through nocturnal landscapes, educating them about animal adaptations & the wonders of the night sky. Reservations required: 231326-4700, ext. 5005. Dress in layers & wear waterproof boots to be most comfortable. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, & cost is $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, $45 for an annual Sleeping Bear Dunes pass, or $80 (or less) for the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass series. nps.gov/slbe/ planyourvisit/calendar.htm
DOWNTOWN SOUND: BASIC COMFORT: 7:30-9:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Kalamazoo’s alternative pop band, Basic Comfort, touches on feelings of love, letting go, & the confusion of internal needs. They were awarded a grant from the Kalamazoo Arts Council to help fund the production & promotion of their album “Dimensions.” $10$40. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ downtown-sound-basic-comfort-january-18
VIOLIN VIRTUOSITY WITH JEREMY COHEN: 3pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Enjoy violinist Jeremy Cohen & the TC Jazz in a concert with every imaginable genre from jazz & tango, to swing, & more. Cohen has had seven Grammy nominations, & has worked alongside music legends like Linda Ronstadt, Ray Charles, Aaron Neville, & John Williams. Students & first-time attendees are eligible to receive 50% off single ticket purchases. $27-$65. tcphil.org/concerts/violinvirtuosity-with-jeremy-cohen ----------------------
WORLD SNOW DAY: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Take part in a variety of activities geared to introduce first timers to the world of snow. Noon-4pm: View a snow gun & groomer up close. Located on the slopes behind the Crystal Center. Noon: Ice Skating Presentation. Meet at the ice skating rink. 1pm: Cross County Presentation. Meet at the Cross Country Learning Center. 2pm: Snowshoeing Presentation. Meet at Park at Water’s Edge. 3pm: Adults & Kids Ski & Snowboard Presentation. Meet at the Learning Area outside the Mountain Adventure Zone. Free to join! crystalmountain.com/ event/world-snow-day/
YES! (YOUTH ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASE): 3pm, The Bay Community Theatre, Suttons Bay. Featuring the jazz ensembles of Kingsley High School & St. Francis High School. $10 online; $15 door. thebaytheatre.com
“DRAWN HERE”: An exhibit at Higher Art Gallery, TC featuring the student visual artists of Interlochen Arts Academy. Thirty-one student artists practicing a variety of mediums: clay, metalwork, painting, & print making. The show runs for in-person viewing from Jan. 10 - Feb. 8 with an open house/meet & greet on Jan. 11 from noon-2pm. The exhibit will also be online for viewing in an online-collector preview beginning Jan. 9. Check web site for gallery hours. higherartgallery.com
PHANTASMAGORIA ART EXHIBITION: Right Brain Brewery, TC. This show engages creative discussion, supports local art, music, & performance, & more. An Opening Night Showcase & DJ dance party will be held on Sat., Jan. 11. A second reception where you can peruse & shop drawings, paintings, photos & crafts from over 40 local artists will be held on Sat., Feb. 8. Also enjoy live music & performances all day.
TACTILITY: Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. This exhibition highlighting the design principle of texture in art will open with a public opening reception on Fri., Jan. 10 from 5-7pm. It will run through Feb. 14. The show will feature 2D & 3D artwork provided by four headlining artists: Detroit contemporary multi-media artist Robert Mirek, Bay City fiber artist Susan Pack, & two local artists, Jessica Kovan (mixed media) & Austin Garno (repurposed metal sculpture & mixed assemblage). The exhibition will also have on display work from a variety of other regional artists who are participating through a curated open call. OAC’s hours are Tues.-Sat., 10am-4pm & Sun., noon4pm. oliverart.org
YES! (YOUTH ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASE): 7pm, The Bay Community Theatre, Suttons Bay. Featuring the jazz ensembles of TC Central High School & TC West High School. $10 online; $15 door. thebaytheatre.com
GOODNIGHT MOON & THE RUNAWAY
BUNNY: 11am & 2pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s staged adaptation brings a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations. Suggested for grades pre-k to third. A relaxed performance is offered at 2pm. Specially designed for children with sensory sensitivities & their families, this performance brings these tales to life in a calm & welcoming environment. There are no flashing lights, loud noises, or sudden changes in volume. Enjoy the show with the Pay What You Can option, available for select seating sections. Asking a minimum contribution of $5 per ticket. $5-$35. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/goodnight-moon
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. FREEDOM WALK & CELEBRATION: Presented by Northern Michigan E3 & The Alluvion. The march begins at Rotary Square, TC at 1:30pm & continues to The Alluvion. The celebration runs from 2-3pm & features guest performer Crystal Turner & speaker Marshall Collins Jr. Following will be socialization at NoBo Riverside Food & Drink from 3-3:30pm. thealluvion.org/tickets/drmartin-luther-king-jr-celebration-e3
sunday
19
FLYING SQUIRREL FREESTYLE JUNIOR RACE: Crystal Mountain, Cross Country Center, Thompsonville. Open to middle & high school students. Choose classic or skate technique.
by JOSEPH BEYER
A Complete Unknown
With lifetime record sales approaching over 150 million albums, writer and musician Bob Dylan is one of America’s greatest artistic exports. From the beginning, he wanted the music to be remembered even as he dodged the almost-instant fame and attention it brought. In 2016, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature: an honor he declined to accept. With a reclusiveness often hidden behind dark sunglasses, Dylan is a mysterious artistic enigma.
Director James Mangold and his biopic star Timothée Chalamet (himself a modern version of an enigma) have teamed up to give you the closest version yet of Dylan’s inner life in A Complete Unknown. It’s a much-anticipated collaboration years in the works, and it pays off beautifully in one of my favorite films of the past year.
One of the keys to this moving experience is the framework, as Mangold and his screenwriters choose not to tell the musician’s full life story but instead to focus on one epic chapter. The film begins in New York City, with a kid getting off the bus carrying only a guitar, seeking out his idol Woody Guthrie.
With quiet, gentle steps, Dylan begins to share his music with the world while it rapidly expands his own notion of what music is and who he should become. To call Chalamet’s portrayal a performance would be to diminish what is instead an uncanny and full transformation. He not only embodies the icon, but effortlessly sings and plays his songs on screen as well (something he spent five years training for).
In the film, Dylan’s big break was his friendship with musician Pete Seeger, who did in fact champion him and loved his music (even though much of their relationship in A Complete Unknown has been tweaked into fiction). Ed Norton plays Seeger with such ease and with so much feeling that it’s hard
not to be heartbroken watching as Dylan’s fame both helps and hurts the one-time mentor.
Most notably, they clash over Dylan’s decision to defy his friend and play electric guitar at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, a celebrated platform Seeger helped found. What sounds trivial now was epic at the time, as Dylan moved from his Americana roots to a rock ’n’ roll sound more suited to the counterculture of the time. The festival audience is so enraged they scream “Judas!” to the singer and many walk out. A Complete Unknown was based in part on the 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald, who is also a screenwriter on the project.
Mangold’s vision of Dylan is poetic, but never hero worship. The artist’s moodiness, impatience, and ego are laid bare. As is the now-famous manipulation he maintained between his romantic relationships. More allegorical than historical, the director creates those tensions in a love-triangle between Dylan, his first wife, and his later involvement with singer Joan Baez.
Actress Elle Fanning (playing Dylan’s first lover Sylvie Ruzzo, a disguised version of the real-life Suze Rotolo), has the perfect chemistry with Chalamet and the perfect jealousy of Baez, who she admires but can’t become. Playing Baez is actress Monica Barbaro, herself a victim of Dylan’s mysteries and a love that can’t be fully returned. Both performances are moving and memorable and add to a chorus of what makes the film feel special.
A Complete Unknown was a collaboration with Bob Dylan himself, who had script approval over this quasi-magical interpretation of his life, but no final say in the movie. “Dylanologists” are torn over the creative liberties, but the star has said he likes it. So did I.
OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS, 6: 1/11 -- Chris Smith 1/17 – Weston Buchan 1/18 – Mike Moran
SORELLINA'S, TC SLATE RESTAURANT: Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8 Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9
THE ALLUVION, TC 1/11 -- The Anthony Stanco Quintet - Live Album Recording, 7:30-9:30 1/12 -- The Decibelz Dance Party & Live Video Shoot, 7-9 1/13 -- Big Fun - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30 1/14 -- Building Bridges w/ Music: Community Art Night; DJ Ras Marco, 6-8:30 1/15 -- Here:Say StorytellingDown to the Wire, 7-9 1/16 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30 1/17 -- Joan Shelley w/ Nathan Salsburg, 7-9:30 1/18 -- Laura Rain & the Caesars
Antrim & Charlevoix
FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE 1/11 -- Matt Mansfield, 6:30-9:30 1/17 -- DJ Bingo, 7-9 1/18 -- Nick Vasquez, 6:30-9:3
1/17 -- Steve Pichan, 5-8 1/18 -- Jesse Jefferson, 5-8
SWEET’S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Mon. – Music Bingo, 7 Fri. – Music Bingo, 8; Karaoke, 10 Sat. – Karaoke, 8
Otsego, Crawford & Central
TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD 1/17 -- Pete Fetters, 6-9
Leelanau & Benzie
ALPINE
C.R.A.V.E., GAYLORD 1/17 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6
SNOWBELT BREWING CO., GAYLORD 1/17 -- Jeff Greif, 6-9
lOGY
JAN 13 - JAN 19
BY ROB BREZSNY
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): During the next three weeks, doing the same old things and thinking the same old thoughts are strongly discouraged. For the sake of your spiritual and physical health, please do not automatically rely on methods and actions that have worked before. I beg you not to imitate your past self or indulge in worn-out traditions. Sorry to be so extreme, but I really must insist that being bored or boring will be forbidden. Stated more poetically: Shed all weak-heart conceptions and weak-soul intentions. Be of strong heart and robust soul.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Congratulations on all the subtle and private work you’ve been doing to make yourself a better candidate for optimal togetherness. Admitting to your need for improvement was brave! Learning more about unselfish cooperation was hard work, and so was boosting your listening skills. (I speak from personal experience, having labored diligently to enhance my own relationship skills!) Very soon now, I expect that you will begin harvesting the results of your artful efforts.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Construction on the Great Wall of China began in the 7th century BCE and lasted until 1878. Let’s make this monumental accomplishment your symbol of power for the next 10 months, Virgo! May it inspire you to work tirelessly to forge your own monumental accomplishment. Take pride in the gradual progress you’re making. Be ingeniously persistent in engaging the support of those who share your grand vision. Your steady determination, skill at collaborating, and ability to plan will be your superpowers as you create a labor of love that will have enduring power.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): We are all accustomed to dealing with complications and complexities— so much so that we may be tempted to imagine there’s never a simple solution to any dilemma. Copious nuance and mystifying paradox surround us on all sides, tempting us to think that every important decision must inevitably be taxing and time-consuming. As someone who specializes in trying to see all sides to every story, I am especially susceptible to these perspectives. (I have three planets in Libra.) But now here’s the unexpected news: In the coming weeks, you will enjoy the luxury of quickly settling on definitive, straightforward solutions. You will get a sweet respite from relentless fuzziness and ambiguity.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): When my daughter Zoe was 11 years old, she published her first collection of poems. The chapbook’s title was Secret Freedom. That’s a good theme for you to meditate on in the coming weeks. You are currently communing with a fertile mystery that could ultimately liberate you from some of your suffering and limitations. However, it’s important to be private and covert about your playful work with this fertile mystery—at least for now. Eventually, when it ripens, there will come a time to fully unleash your beautiful thing and reveal it to the world. But until then, safeguard it with silence and discretion.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): From a distance, Brazil’s Rio Negro looks black. The water of Rio Solimões, also in Brazil, is yellowishbrown. Near the city of Manaus, these two rivers converge, flowing eastward. But they don’t blend at first. For a few miles, they move side-by-side, as if still autonomous. Eventually, they fuse into a single flow and become the mighty Amazon River. I suspect the behavior of Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes could serve as a useful metaphor for you in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. Consider the possibility of allowing, even encouraging, two separate streams to merge. Or would you prefer them to remain discrete for a while longer? Make a conscious decision about this matter.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Wilderness campers have developed humorous terms to gently mock their fears and anxieties. The theory is that this alleviates some of the stress. So a "bear burrito" refers to a hammock. It addresses the worry that one might get an unwanted visit from a bear while sleeping. A "bear fortune cookie" is another name for a tent. "Danger noodle" is an apparent stick that turns out to
be a snake. "Mountain money" is also known as toilet paper. approve of this joking approach to dealing with agitation and unease. (And scientific research confirms it’s effective.) Now is an excellent time to be creative in finding ways to diminish your mostly needless angst.
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): If you were producing the movie of your life, what actor or actress would you want to portray you? Who would play your friends and loved ones? How about the role of God or Goddess? Who would you choose to perform the role of the Supreme Being? These will be fun meditations for you in the coming weeks. Why? Because it’s an excellent time to think big about your life story—to visualize the vast, sweeping panorama of your beautiful destiny. I would also love it if during your exploration of your history, you would arrive at interesting new interpretations of the meanings of your epic themes.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Abdulrazak Gurnah is a Tanzanian writer who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2021. He has also been shortlisted for four other prestigious awards. I find it odd that his acclaimed novels have received mediocre scores on the prominent book-rating website, Goodreads, which has 150 million members. Why is there such a marked difference between expert critics and average readers? I speculate that those in the latter category are less likely to appreciate bold, innovative work. They don’t have the breadth and depth to properly evaluate genius. All this is my way of encouraging you to be extra discerning about whose opinions you listen to in the coming weeks, Aries— especially in regard to your true value. Trust intelligent people who specialize in thoughtful integrity. You are in a phase when your ripening uniqueness needs to be nurtured and protected.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Every joke is a tiny revolution,” said author George Orwell. I agree, which is why I hope you will unleash an unruly abundance of humor and playfulness in the coming days. I hope you will also engage in benevolent mischief that jostles the status quo and gently shakes people out of their trances. Why? Because your world and everyone in it need a sweet, raucous revolution. And the best way to accomplish that with minimum chaos and maximum healing is to: 1. do so with kindness and compassion; 2. be amusing and joyful and full of joie de vivre.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Research suggests that if you’re typical, you would have to howl with maximum fury for a month straight just to produce enough energy to toast a piece of bread. But you are not at all typical right now. Your wrath is high quality. It’s more likely than usual to generate constructive changes. And it’s more prone to energize you rather than deplete you. But don’t get overconfident in your ability to harness your rage for good causes. Be respectful of its holy potency, and don’t squander it on trivial matters. Use it only for crucial prods that would significantly change things for the better.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): I invite you to write a message to the person you will be in one year. Inform this Future You that you are taking a vow to achieve three specific goals by January 15, 2026. Name these goals. Say why they are so important to you. Describe what actions you will take to fulfill them. Compose collages or draw pictures that convey your excitement about them. When you’ve done all that, write the words, “I pledge to devote all my powers to accomplish these wonderful feats.” Sign your name. Place your document in an envelope, write “MY VOWS” on the front, and tape the envelope in a prominent place in your home or workplace.
“Jonesin”
Crosswords
"The Best of 2024" --let's look back, one more time. by Matt Jones
ACROSS
1. It comes to mind
5. Presidential nickname
8. About to run out
11. Sonnet division
13. Reaction to some memes
14. Additional
15. Rodeos and Axioms, e.g.
16. Miranda July novel that made The New Yorker's "The Essential Reads 2024" list
18. Netflix "true story" miniseries that was #2 on The Guardian's "50 Best TV Shows of 2024"
20. Quaff made with honey
21. Build up
25. Jason who's one half of Jay & Silent Bob
28. Screw up
30. Andean wool source
31. Wood-chopping tools
32. Iconic toy store ___ Schwarz
33. Onetime office note-takers
34. Dinghy propeller
35. Poker-themed roguelike deck-builder nominated for The Game Awards' 2024 Game of the Year
37. "___ Been Everywhere"
38. Marvel mutant with cold powers
40. "___ Meninas" (Velazquez painting)
41. "Slumdog Millionaire" actor Kapoor
42. Reserved
43. Attached document, sometimes
44. Super Bowl XLIV MVP Drew
45. Tailless breed
47. Growing business?
49. Country crossover album that made many "Best of 2024" lists
54. Character paired with Wolverine in a 2024 title, the highest-grossing R-rated film ever
57. ___ del Fuego
58. Where eye color comes from
59. Penn who's not opposite Teller
60. Pants length measurement
61. ___ see ew
62. Greek letter found within other Greek letters
63. "Don't change that," to an editor
DOWN
1. "___ little too late for that"
2. Paint badly
3. Organic catalysts
4. Sky blue shades
5. Permanent "QI" panelist Davies
6. Not as shy
7. "Grey's Anatomy" star Pompeo
8. "Skip To My ___"
9. Hockey star Bobby
10. "Isle of Dogs" director Anderson
11. Member of the fam
12. Out sailing
14. Personnel concern
17. Was defeated by
19. Best possible
22. Froglike, to biologists
23. Film appropriate for all ages
24. Art studio props
25. "Little Red Book" ideology
26. Bet at Churchill Downs
27. "___ American Band" (1973 Grand Funk Railroad album)
29. Author Dahl
32. Season ticket holder
33. School elders, for short
35. Half a stereotypical interrogation team
36. Confection that gets pulled
39. Shared albums around the 2000s?
41. Seat adjunct
43. JFK's craft in WWII
44. Zombie chant
46. Got up
48. Play's opener
50. Mexican earthenware vessel
51. Elm, palm, or maple
52. Part of QED
53. L.A. football player
54. Part of a party spread
55. Period of history
56. Financial help
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TRAVERSE CITY COTTAGE FOR RENT: TC 1 BR Cottage, Very Nice, Utilities Included, Well Furnished, All New Appliances Including W/D, Patio, BBQ, No Pets, Month to Month to 1 Year; $1,600 per month, (231) 631-7512.
CLASSES BEING HELD AT THE BEE
HIVE CAFE: Get Creative at The Bee Hive Café! Kalkaska hands-on classes including sourdough baking, focaccia artwork, cowgirl hat making, Cricut crafting, and seasonal crafts Limited spots available! Call (231)492-5260 to reserve your spot!
ATTENTION HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE:
Learn a 4-Pillar System for Thriving as an Empath |Tuesdays 7-7:45pm Feb 4-Mar 4 at NMC | gtreiki.com/services#classes
SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248.
GREAT LAKES INCUBATOR FARM
-TRAINING STUDENTS: The Great Lakes Incubator Farm is recruiting students for their Experiential Farm Training Program. Learn to manage a regenerative farm. Apply @ https://natureiscalling.org/glif Chakra Balance Class at NMC: Each session of this 7-week course will focus on the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual duties of a chakra. These energy
points in your body affect your physical and emotional well-being and are the key to healing. | Tuesdays 7-7:45pm 3/11-4/29 | gtreiki.com/services#classes
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Vacation or Staycation
Bayview Unit: 3 BR, 2 BA • Riverside Unit: 2 BR, 2 BA Can accommodate up to 16 guests between the two units • Both units sit on the Boardman River with beautiful views of West Grand Traverse Bay
