the commons traverse city tour

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

A Place for Experiences

Welcome to the village at grand traverse commons.

We invite you to come experience The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, w here one of the largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse redevelopments in the country is underway. A beautiful solution to urban sprawl, The Village is the unique renovation of dozens of historic buildings formerly known as the Traverse City State Hospital.

Events For All Ages

Special events and social gatherings are an integral part of life in The Village. We play host to several unique festivals, farm markets, concerts, celebrations and more!

Wednesday, June 19

Transforming a Community through Trails

Join the Fun

Plan Your Day

Browse Itinerary Ideas at The Village

3 Shocking Grand Traverse Commons Tours | Traverse City Historical Tours

Looking for one of the most fun and exciting things to do in Traverse City ? A historical tour of the former Traverse City State Hospital and Village at Grand Traverse Commons tours is a must-experience when visiting the Northern Michigan area.

About the Village at Grand Traverse Commons

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is also known as the former Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane. This area is a fascinating mix of abandoned buildings, spacious park areas, winding paths, renovated shops, office spaces, condos, and restaurants.  

Totaling almost a million square feet, the former hospital housing and administration buildings are considered one of the largest historic restoration and adaptive re-use projects in the United States.

History of Traverse City State Hospital

The Traverse City “insane asylum” hospital operated between 1885 – 1989. During its peak, it housed 3,500 residents.

Care at the facility was very progressive for its time. It operated on the philosophy that exposure to nature, socialization opportunities, and being productive were the best treatments for mentally ill patients.

The design of the hospital buildings and grounds reflects those views. Thousands of windows allowed for natural light as well as the presence of garden areas, pathways, and open-design buildings.

After the facility closed in 1989, it sat vacant until 2000. Then, a local preservation group and design company began working together to begin renovations.

Today, the renovated areas house shops, office space, condos, wineries, restaurants, and art galleries. Plans are in the works to continue renovations on the remaining buildings over the next several years.

The former grounds also have a new lease on life and regularly host a local farmer’s market, festivals, concerts, and other community events. Miles of groomed trails offer hiking, biking, jogging, and cross-country skiing opportunities.

Related: New Study Says Michigan is One of the Five Spookiest States in the U.S.

3 Shocking Grand Traverse Commons Tours

There are several Grand Traverse Commons tour options . The most popular tour is the Guided Historic Walking Tour .  

Visitors will walk through three former asylum cottages, restored shops, and finally, through the 1885 underground steam tunnels.  This tour focuses on the history of the hospital and the ongoing preservation efforts.

The Tripod Photography Tour  allows photographers of all abilities to capture unique images of the former hospital and grounds.

This tour allows for additional time to explore attics, basements, and abandoned buildings not included on the Guided Historic Walking Tour. This tour also includes a walk through the 1885 underground steam tunnels.

Looking for a bit of spooky fun? Book the Twilight Tour and hear fascinating stories about life at the hospital while touring an abandoned ‘cottage’ by flashlight. This includes a walk through the 1885 underground steam tunnels.

The average distance for all tours is approximately one mile. Be aware that age guidelines apply for all tours. VIP/private tours are also available.

Village at Grand Traverse Commons tours can be booked on their website.

Traverse City Asylum Tour Tips

• Be sure to wear a closed-toe, rubber-soled shoe. The tours cover a lot of ground, some of it is slippery and uneven.
• Even during the summer, the basement/tunnel areas are chilly. Dress in light layers, such as a t-shirt and jacket. Consider wearing pants and long sleeves, to protect arms and legs in the tunnels and abandoned buildings.
• Check the age guidelines for all tours prior to booking.
• Use the restroom before the tour begins – there won’t be an opportunity after you leave.
• Consider the conditions prior to booking your tour. Anyone who has difficulty walking, has a fear of smaller, enclosed spaces (tunnel areas), or is unable to climb stairs should consider these factors prior to booking.
• Be sure to book in advance. These tours fill quickly, especially during the busy summer months.
• Plan some extra time to visit the shops and the unique Traverse City restaurants in the Commons area. Grab a sweet treat from the Pleasanton Brick Oven Bakery  or Underground Cheesecake Company. Stop by  Spanglish  for authentic Mexican cuisine or enjoy a wine tasting at Left Foot Charley .

Have you had a chance to tour the former Traverse City State Hospital? Tell us about your Grand Traverse Commons tours experience in the comments below.

Hello, I'm Christine Snow. I've lived in Michigan my entire life and love everything about the Mitten State! I've served as an assistant editor, writer, photographer and columnist for a variety of publications and am currently working as a freelance writer and travel blogger based in northwestern Michigan. In my free time, I love camping, snowshoeing, hiking, traveling, and finding great new places to visit.

Was there 6-29-2021. Vanessa was a great tour guide. Funny and gave a lot of interesting informarion.

We went on the twilight tour on august 27, 2021. Our tour guide Vanesa was incredible. Knowledgable, entertaining, sassy , and smart. Would go again just for her. Great stories to connect with what you are seeing on the grounds and gave a great history lesson. She seems to love her job and had a great appreciation for the place. Well deserved respect to her for making the tour fantastic and adding personal touches.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Top ways to experience The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Price & Hours

• Food Scene 3.0
• Atmosphere 4.0

Traverse City knows how to repurpose history. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons – originally built in the late 1800s to serve as an asylum – is now a complex that houses local boutiques, restaurants, exercise studios, beauty salons and offices for local businesses. What's more, the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area is easily accessible from The Village and offers visitors 140 acres of trails to traverse.

What visitors will notice pretty quickly about The Village is its striking architecture. The Victorian-Italianate complex served as a resource for healing for its patients. The founding medical superintendent strongly believed that a beautiful environment would help his patients mentally and physically. In addition to beautiful interiors, patients were served meals on china, fresh flowers were placed in common areas and artwork, some featuring inspirational quotes, were hung throughout the former asylum. Plus, each patient's room had a window that allowed plenty of natural light as well as views of the lush grounds. 

That uplifting spirit still remains, as many travelers come through The Village and leave happy.  So much so that the attraction is often ranked as a must-do when visiting Traverse City.  Many decide to take in the grounds via a walking tour, which past visitors said was full of fascinating history, complimenting the tour guides for their abundance of knowledge. Those who also shopped and dined enjoyed their experience. However, some reviewers who didn't opt for a tour said aside from The Village's amenities, there isn't much to do here. 

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons can be found a little more than 2 1/2 miles southwest of the center of town. Hours vary by business. There is no fee to enter the complex, however, tours require tickets (cost depends on the desired tour).

Popular Tours

5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

(1515 reviews)

from $ 99.00

Sunset Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine & Cocktails

(138 reviews)

from $ 199.00

4-Hour Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

(79 reviews)

from $ 89.00

More Best Things To Do in Traverse City

#1 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the few places in the world that visitors can see perched dunes. The lakeshore's towering dunes, which stretch 35 miles long Michigan 's eastern coast, were formed by glaciers. The slopes left behind by the glaciers turned into dunes as a result of Lake Michigan's tide pushing sand up onto the shore overtime. It's this unique phenomenon that garnered the park National Lakeshore status in 1970. 

Today, Sleeping Bear Dunes is enjoyed by more than a million visitors per year, who flock to the park to experience the dunes and enjoy an eyeful of the lakeshore's vibrantly colored waters, forested hiking trails, beaches and bevy of outdoors activities. First-time visitors won't go wrong starting their journey with the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7 1/2-mile drive that takes travelers through forested landscapes and along sand dunes to various overlook points. For hiking, you're spoiled with more than 100 miles of trails. For an easy trek, check out the Empire Bluff trail, a 1 1/2-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors directly to the edge of the dunes. The Pyramid Point trail is a more moderate, hilly option, while the 9-mile Alligator Hill trail takes hikers away from the dunes and higher up to provide sweeping views of the lake and the forests that flank it. If you're looking to do more than just hike, know that you can also bike, kayak, canoe and even scuba dive here. During the winter, the park is open to visitors for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and more. 

Explore More of Traverse City

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

# 2 in  Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

# 2 in  Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

# 1 in  Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Top ways to experience The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Traverse City
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Traverse City Commons Tour - The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

• United States    
• Michigan (MI)    
• Grand Traverse County    
• Traverse City    
• Traverse City - Things to Do    
• The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Traverse City Commons Tour

Very informative and a lot new information and sites that I did not see on the tour 4 years ago . More Historical information this time

We went to the Mercato and the farmers market was happening. Nothing special if you've been to one. The shops were nothing outstanding. Walked out of Stella, the Italian restaurant, since we didn't want to pay that much for lunch. The brunch place sounded promising but it was full, 30 minute wait. We ended up at Spanglish, basically a taco place that sells tacos and tamales. It's a small place that you can end up tablesharing or taking your food to go. I envisioned that this place was shopping mall. It's not.

This place is a gem! We were lucky enough to go on a day where the farmers market was going on. We purchased lots of goodies from local folks.

Tour guide had a rich background of the site. Mixed in local tales and facts and figures. Family ties to past employees made it more real.

If your in TC you have to visit this place! So many cute shops inside. You will learn so much as you walk around and look at the pictures and read about what happened here. It used to be an insane asylum. There is so much history here. The one building was renovated. Then there are the surrounding bindings that are still abandoned. You will not regret this trip here!

We recently went on The Taste of The Village Walking Tour at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. We didn't have time to take a full 4 hour wine tour in TC. This one, 2 hours long, was absolutely perfect and full of historical information as well. Our tour guide, Joe, as great, knowledgeable and super entertaining. I highly recommend this tour. Fun!

• International
• Submit A News Tip
• Latest Forecast
• Weather Cams
• School Closings
• Interactive Radar
• Weather Stations
• Local River Levels
• Sports Coverage
• Fish & Game
• Video Series
• Virtual Buck Pole
• Original Programming
• 9&10 News
• Good Day Northern Michigan
• Viewer Photos
• Expert Tips
• Contests & Events
• Veterans Resource Station
• Adopt A Pet
• Law Help Line
• Community Sponsorship Request
• As Seen On The Four

MTM On The Road: New Asylum Flashlight Tour Opens at Grand Traverse Commons

If you’ve ever wondered what a night was like at the former Northern Michigan Asylum, you can learn all about it through a brand new tour.

is a 90 minute guided tour that lets you explore one of the most popular cottages.

You will tour from the attic to the basement and hear about the stories and people that once lived there.

This tour is one of many that is offered at the Grand Traverse Commons that allows you to dig into the abundant history of the former Traverse City State Hospital.

If you do plan to book a tour, be sure to keep in mind they schedule four to six weeks out.

Our On The Road Crew, Gabriella and Stephanie, are giving us a glimpse of what the new flashlight tour will show you.

© 2023 - 910 Media Group

Local Trending News

Bear caught on camera breaking into home in Whitefish Point area

Hook & Hunting: Record-breaking white perch caught on Lake St. Clair

U.P. man arrested in Cheboygan Co. on charges of using fake money to buy gold

36 Hours in Traverse City, Mich.

By Stacey Nield Brugeman May 23, 2024

• Share full article

By Stacey Nield Brugeman Photographs by Michelle Litvin

Stacey Nield Brugeman writes about food and travel from a 19th-century farmhouse north of Traverse City.

The tranquil beauty of northern Michigan — turquoise freshwater lakes bordered by thousands of miles of sandy, dune-grass-studded coastline and towering white pines — has lured visitors Up North, as the region is known, since the late 19th century. Many flock to Traverse City, at the head of Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, for the city’s annual cherry festival , vistas that have inspired artists and writers for generations and a seasonally driven culinary scene. Lately, some visitors are staying. Pandemic-era transplants are bringing a new, creative energy: renovating cafes and hotels, selling prints of watercolors at area markets and championing biodynamic winemaking. Thanks to a runway expansion, visitors can now fly nonstop into Cherry Capital Airport from 20 U.S. cities during the summer, when this still blissfully unspoiled and laid-back destination shimmers.

Recommendations

• Compass Rose Sailing Co. takes visitors for an elegant sail on Grand Traverse Bay aboard its historic yacht, Althea.
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers protected, unencumbered vistas of Lake Michigan, facing west.
• Farm Club , a market, restaurant and brewery, shows the close relationships between farms and kitchens in this region. (It’s also a scenic bike ride from town.)
• Paddle TC rents kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to take out onto Grand Traverse Bay.
• Glen Haven Village , within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, features historic buildings, a dune hike and access to Lake Michigan.
• Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) is a paved path for walking, running, biking and skating throughout Traverse City and beyond.
• Brick Wheels Bike Shop rents road bikes, electric bikes and accessories such as trailers.
• Dennos Museum Center is a small museum that houses contemporary Inuit art and rotating works by Great Lakes artists.
• Modern Bird is an informal but elevated restaurant where a husband-and-wife team, recently relocated from Chicago, scours area farmers’ markets to cook with the seasons.
• The Little Fleet is an open-air spot with multiple food trucks, seasonal cocktails and late hours.
• Bubbie’s Bagels not only boils and bakes its own bagels in-house, it also makes its own seasonal cream cheese.
• The Mill is a recently restored grist mill in Glen Arbor that houses a cafe and restaurant, and displays local art and antiques.
• Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate sells ethically sourced Ecuadorean chocolate and, in the summer, small-batch gelato.
• The Cooks’ House serves five- and seven-course tasting menus that showcase northern Michigan’s agricultural diversity.
• Crocodile Palace offers Sichuan takeout dishes like lip-numbing chicken wings and dan dan noodles.
• NoBo Mrkt serves breakfast sandwiches and coffee in a community cooperative overlooking the Boardman River.
• M22 inks apparel and home goods with the logo of the highway that traces the waterside edges of Leelanau County, a peninsula.
• Becky Thatcher Designs sells jewelry made with a local treasure known as Leland bluestones.
• Sara Hardy Farmers Market gathers farmers and ranchers from all over the region on Saturday mornings.
• Lake District Wine Co offers a thoughtful selection of the best bottles from the Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau County wine regions.
• Delamar Traverse City , a waterside hotel, recently changed hands and benefited from an impressive remodel. It offers both an indoor and outdoor pool, and its restaurant, Artisan, open for dinner and Sunday brunch, has a sprawling patio overlooking the boat traffic on the west side of Grand Traverse Bay. Rooms start at $290 in June.
• Hotel Indigo Traverse City set off a lodging boom in the area when it opened in 2016. In the Warehouse District and just across Route 31 from the water, the property has 107 rooms, many facing West Bay. In the summer, a rooftop patio is open to all and can be a great place to catch the sunset, which happens late this far north. Rooms start at $270 in June.
• Alexandra Inn , run by second- and third-generation members of a Traverse City hotelier family, is a new property with Nantucket-meets-northern-Michigan vibes. A welcome respite from the hustle of the East Bay Beach District, the hotel offers elevated views of the bay’s ombré blues and convenient beach access at an affordable price point. Rooms start at $175 in June.
• For short-term rentals , Traverse City and its surrounding area are home to many Airbnbs that provide a modern Up North vibe. Many such rentals, however, require a three-night minimum stay (or more) during peak season.
• A rental car is the easiest way to explore the region. While you can take taxis and use ride-hailing apps like Uber at the airport and within Traverse City proper, both can be spotty farther afield. In town, you can ride the BATA bus ($4.50 daily, city loop routes) or rent bicycles to get around.

Kayak rentals from Paddle TC.

Many first-time visitors marvel at how clean and clear the water is in Grand Traverse Bay, which is split into East Bay and West Bay by Old Mission Peninsula. Take a two-hour sunset sail with Compass Rose Sailing Co. aboard a 46-foot racing yacht built by the decorated yachtsman and naval architect Ted Hood in 1963. Once you’re under sail power, listen as the crystalline West Bay waves slap against the navy hull and exhale as the sun sets behind Leelanau County, another peninsula to the west. The private sail costs $430 and accommodates up to six guests. Looking for something that burns more calories and less cash? Rent kayaks ($30, one hour) from Paddle TC and paddle around the sailboats moored in front of the Grand Traverse Yacht Club.

For dinner, reserve seats at the bar at Modern Bird , an informal but elevated restaurant open since 2022 on Traverse City’s west side. Its chefs and owners, a husband-and-wife team, represent a talented new cohort pushing the culinary traditions of the Great Lakes region beyond its fried-fish roots. Try dishes like cold-smoked local carrots with arugula, labneh and spiced almond crunch ($16), and trout crudo with Suttons Bay Shiro plums, pickled serrano chiles and smoked soy sauce ($18). In season, don’t miss the dark chocolate cake served with whipped almond mascarpone and cherry jam ($13), akin to Black Forest gâteau, which is also a nod to the area’s cherry production. (Michigan produces some 70 percent of the country’s tart cherries.)

Locals love the open-air spot the Little Fleet not only for its food trucks (like Juicy Oistre , a traveling fish shack from Ann Arbor), but also for staying open until midnight on weekends. Have a nightcap at the indoor bar, where the drinks change with the seasons. Order whatever sounds as if it was conceived at a roadside farm stand: The All Good, Sweet Pea ($12) is as bright and fresh as snap-pea tendrils, while the dusty purple Concord Negroni ($13) is infused with local grapes. There’s live music on Fridays, so it can be crowded as people first roll into town that evening, but as things cool down, huddle around the outdoor fire pit and see which constellations you can spot this close to the 45th parallel, where you are as close to the North Pole as you are to the Equator.

Lining up at Farm Club’s outside bar on a sunny Sunday.

The Midwest isn’t exactly known for banner bagels, but the ones at Bubbie’s Bagels are the real deal: fermented over two days, boiled and baked in an unassuming strip mall at the foot of Old Mission Peninsula across from Civic Center park. Skip the lines and place an online order for pickup. This summer, select the caraway rye or whole wheat bagel, both of which are now made with locally grown and milled flour. Be sure to ask for a schmear of seasonal cream cheese, which is appropriately generous and made with foraged ramps or area-grown strawberries, depending on the week ($6).

Hit Front Street, Traverse City’s main drag and home to the State Theater , programmed by the filmmaker Michael Moore. Join the crowds at M22 , a store that sells hoodies, water bottles, even candles inked with the name of the highway that nearly circumnavigates the pinkie finger of Michigan’s mitten-like shape. Seek out a more artisanal keepsake at Becky Thatcher Designs , a jeweler known for using Leland bluestones (a byproduct of the iron ore furnaces that operated in the nearby fishing village of Leland until the mid-1880s, which can still be found on area beaches). Ogle a bluestone necklace, bracelet or ring (from $75 to $800). Those who prefer edible purchases can wander over to the Sara Hardy Farmers Market , a few blocks away. You betcha you can grab a pint of wild black raspberries or other micro-seasonal treasures there.

Hop in the car and head northwest toward Glen Arbor, a small resort community of fewer than 1,000 residents when the snow flies. Bob up and down the region’s drumlins (rolling glacial hills), meander past cherry farms and vineyards, and see the boat tie-ups beginning to swell on Leelanau County’s inland lakes. Stop in at the cafe within the Mill , a former grist mill from 1879 on the Crystal River. It reopened last year after a painstaking restoration and features behemoth oak posts and beams and original milling equipment, as well as artwork (check out the giant gherkin pickles painted onto local coffee bags by the Northport artist Jesse Hickman). Order a simple lunch of panzanella salad ($12) and wander out to the back deck, seemingly suspended above the river.

Continue west to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , a 70,000-acre stretch of protected forests, sand dunes and shoreline named for a legend of the Anishinaabek (a collective of Native American peoples that live in the Great Lakes region, and beyond); one-day pass, $25. Many tourists flock to the steepest sand dune, known as the Dune Climb, and a seven-mile auto loop called Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. But Glen Haven , a restored 1920s village north of both, offers history, dune hiking and vistas of Mama Lake, as some locals call the open waters of Lake Michigan, all in one stop. See Glen Haven’s vintage cannery building, boat museum, blacksmith shop and general store before proceeding to the Sleeping Bear Point trailhead to hike about 15 minutes across rolling dunes to the water’s edge. Spot Petoskey stones, fossilized coral unique to the region; take a quick (brisk!) dip; and skip stones toward North and South Manitou Islands in the distance.

Instead of doubling back to Traverse City the way you came, make a loop by continuing south to the town of Empire, stopping in at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate , a confectionary shop in a Granny Smith green building that hugs the side of the road. The co-owner Jody Hayden, who sells ethically sourced chocolate that is molded into bars, barks and even sleeping bears, added a gelato shop next door in 2022 (opens for the summer on May 25). Ask for a scoop of Ecuadorean milk chocolate or the olive-oil gelato that is made with oil from Fustini’s , a Traverse City importer ($5.50, one scoop). Those who are dairy-free should try the seasonal sorbets, like peach or saskatoon (also known as serviceberry).

The Cooks' House

Back in town, settle into the good care of the hospitality wizards at the Cooks’ House , a 26-seat gem. Respect for ingredients shines in each dish by the chefs, Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson, who have unmatched relationships with regional farmers and winemakers. The two tasting menus (five or seven courses, $87 or $104) change daily and have inventive, globally inspired touches: A recent asparagus dish came with lentils, smoked whitefish, chive and an aioli made using fried eggs. Didn’t score a seat? Place a to-go order of lip-numbing Sichuan chicken wings ($12) from Crocodile Palace . Grab a bottle of any of the area wines sold at Lake District Wine Co (ask about BOS , by a biodynamic winemaker who recently moved to Michigan from Napa) and throw down a picnic blanket near, but not too near, the beach volleyball nets at Clinch Park.

Music lovers and locals don’t let summer pass without catching a recital or performance at Interlochen Center for the Arts , a boarding school and performance campus 15 miles southwest of Traverse City that attracts teenage prodigies from all over the globe. Travelers tight on time can find world-class music in Traverse City proper as well. Inside Commongrounds Cooperative, a new community-owned development , see a show at the Alluvion , an intimate 150-person performance space with stellar acoustics that hosts funk acts, jazz bands, piano trios, guitar ensembles and more, from Interlochen and well beyond. This summer, its Alluvial Nights series brings together D.J. sets and projections to guarantee dancing well after the late northern Michigan sunset.

Members of a cold-water swim club gathering in Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Commongrounds Cooperative

Revisit the Commongrounds building for a completely different experience during daylight hours. Inside is a coffee bar and market in one, NoBo Mrkt , a gathering place where the community conversation is as exciting as the food. Order a cortado and an eggy breakfast sandwich made with 9 Bean Rows ciabatta ($12), settle into a plush stool that overlooks the Boardman River and the north end of Boardman Lake, and eavesdrop as Michiganders compare notes on everything from kitesurfing and freshwater fishing to regenerative farming and Line 5 (the oil and gas pipeline, opposed by environmentalists and tribal nations , that runs under the Straits of Mackinac).

Benjamin Maier Ceramics at Farm Club

Rent a bike from Brick Wheels ($35, four hours) and ride north on the Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) . Pedal past the Leelanau Conservancy ’s 191-acre DeYoung Natural Area, a historic farmstead. At Lake Leelanau Drive, take a right on the boardwalk, downshift and push up the gravel path to Farm Club , equal parts produce market, restaurant and brewery, to be first in line for lunch at noon. Hit the onsite market for ceramic tableware by the area artist Benjamin Maier before cruising back to town. A 14-mile round-trip bike ride not in your wheelhouse? Stop at the Dennos Museum Center , which has a permanent collection of contemporary Inuit art, as well as rotating installations: See the colorful, often-floral paintings of the Detroit-based Chinese American painter Louise Jones, also known as Ouizi , from June 21 through Sept. 1.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this article misstated the name of a trail. It is the Traverse Area Recreation Trail, not the Traverse City Recreation Trail.

Have a weekend to explore a destination? We’ve got the perfect travel itinerary.

Colorado Springs: ​​Colorado’s second-largest city, which brims with outdoor activities , is enticing visitors with a new museum and revamped hotels.

Minneapolis: Springtime is best for exploring this Midwestern city’s lakeside trails, robust arts scene and top-notch restaurants .

Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art in this city with stunning views in every direction .

Advertisement

Bias of MLive.com

• Balanced News
• Story of the Week
• News Curation Principles
• Newsletters
• Balanced Search

Book a tour bus, shuttle or bikes for Traverse City’s Uncorked wine celebration

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - Traverse City’s special Uncorked promotion celebrating all things wine and vineyards is still going strong through the entire month of May. And while locals and visitors alike have been driving to the wineries and tasting rooms on Old Mission and the Leelanau peninsulas to take advantage of all the deals this month, tourism officials want to remind everyone that tour buses and shuttles are also available for those who want to enjoy the special savings without getting behind the wheel. The book-ahead tour option is a...

Related Coverage

AllSides Picks

May 24th, 2024

May 23rd, 2024

More News about Culture from the Left , Center and Right

From the left, from the center, from the right.

Community invited to tour new fire station in Grand Traverse County

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- Blair Township is celebrating its new EMS/Fire station. 

A ribbon cutting and station tours will take place Wednesday, May 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The new station is located at: 1702 S. M-37. 

The 14,000 square foot building has been many years in the making.

In 2019 discussions began with Traverse City Area Public Schools Administration and Board of Education with the Oleson Family, Blair Township, TART trails, and Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy regarding 208 acres of TCAPS property, located behind Blair Elementary School.

Along with expanding and developing non-motorized trails on the land, Blair Township leaders also wanted to use the property to build a new fire hall. 

After a review of the plans for the Township Fire Hall and future trails October 25, 2021, TCAPS Board of Education moved to officially transfer 130.44 acres of the land to Blair Township.

A groundbreaking for the new building took place in November, 2022 after voters approved a more than $6 million bond to fund the project in August, 2022. 

Department staff moved into the fire station in February, 2024.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he’s sorry, calls his actions ‘inexcusable’

Sean “Diddy” Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was “truly sorry” and his actions were “inexcusable.” (May 19)

FILE - Sean “Diddy” Combs arrives at the LA Premiere of “The Four: Battle For Stardom” at the CBS Radford Studio Center on May 30, 2018, in Los Angeles. Newly released video Friday, May 17, 2024, appears to show Combs beating his former singing protege and girlfriend Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)

• Copy Link copied

This frame grab taken from hotel security camera video and aired by CNN appears to show Sean “Diddy” Combs attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in March 2016. (Hotel Security Camera Video/CNN via AP)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs admitted that he beat his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was “truly sorry” and his actions were “inexcusable.”

“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” the music mogul said in a video statement posted Sunday to Instagram and Facebook.

The security video aired Friday shows Combs, wearing only a white towel, punching and kicking Cassie, an R&B singer who was his protege and longtime girlfriend at the time. The footage also shows Combs shoving and dragging Cassie, and throwing a vase in her direction.

Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, sued Combs in November over what she said was years of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The suit was settled the next day, but spurred intense scrutiny of Combs , with several more lawsuits filed in the following months, along with a federal criminal sex-trafficking investigation that led authorities to raid Combs’ mansions in Los Angeles and Miami.

He had denied the allegations in the lawsuits, but neither he nor his representatives had responded to the newly emerged video until Sunday.

“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Diddy says on the video. He adds, “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”

Combs is looking somber and wearing a T-shirt in the selfie-style apology video, and appears to be on a patio. It is the hip-hop mogul’s most direct response and first apology after six months of allegations that have threatened his reputation and career.

Meredith Firetog, who represents Ventura and other women who have sued Combs, said the apology was “more about himself than the many people he has hurt.

“When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday,” the lawyer said in a statement. “That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Ventura has done.

In December, after Ventura and at least three other women had filed lawsuits against him, Combs posted a statement on Instagram broadly denying the truth of all of them.

“Let me absolutely clear. I did not do any of the awful things being alleged,” that post said.

The security camera video, dated March 5, 2016, closely resembles the description of an incident at an InterContinental Hotel in the Century City area of Los Angeles described in Ventura’ lawsuit.

The suit alleges that Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the security video immediately after the incident. Neither he or his representatives have addressed that specific allegation. CNN did not say how it obtained the footage.

The suit said Ventura had been trying to get away from a sleeping Combs, who had already punched her in the face before the video began.

Combs is not in danger of being criminally prosecuted for the beating. The statutes of limitations for the assault and battery charges he would be likely to face expired years ago.

The same is true of many of the allegations in the lawsuits, but the federal investigators following Combs are likely looking for potential crimes they can bring under the law.

Ventura signed to Diddy’s label in 2005. The two had an on-again-off-again romantic relationship for more than a decade starting in 2007.

• Entertainment
• Rex Reed Reviews
• Awards Shows
• Climate Change
• Restaurants
• Gift Guides
• Business of Art
• Nightlife & Dining
• About Observer
• Advertise With Us

The Best Weekend Escapes from Chicago

Whether your idea of unwinding involves wine tasting, hopping onto a boat, wandering antique stores or strolling art galleries, we’ve got you covered.

While there’s plenty to do in Chicago , sometimes you need a weekend away from the hustle and bustle. Whether your idea of unwinding involves wine tasting, hopping onto a boat, wandering antique stores or strolling art galleries, there are plenty of getaways surrounding Chicago where you can do just that—and they’re all within a five-hour drive. Blessed with the Great Lakes and many smaller, inland lakes, as well as rivers, chances are you will wake up by the water.

Getting away from the city, however, doesn’t mean losing access to culture. In fact, many of these small towns near Chicago thrive on fine dining, art and natural parks that will make you want to whip out your phone to capture the striking images. Be sure to pack hiking boots, too, to explore gorgeous trails, and sandals to walk on the beach or stroll around town. That this part of the Midwest isn’t super spread out also means you don’t need to drive very far for a weekend escape, which translates to spending less time in the car and more time enjoying your vacation.

Here are five destinations to check out, ensuring you come back to the city relaxed and reinvigorated. If a road trip is calling and you’re not sure where to go, this cheat sheet will help.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

1.5-Hour Drive

Architecture geeks and The Gilded Age fans will love the grand, historic estates dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s that surround Geneva Lake, accessible via a stroll around a section of the 26-mile Lake Shore Path or aboard a narrated Geneva Cruise Line boat tour . Dine with a lake view on the patio at Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar or linger over Italian-American food like wild-boar Bolognese pasta at Sopra Bistro on Main Street. Shop downtown for cheese curds and cheddars flavored with whiskey, dill and more at Hill Valley Dairy’s storefront , and poke into the Lake Geneva Public Library , designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé James Dresser and featuring stained-glass windows from Wright’s now-demolished Lake Geneva Hotel. For whimsical décor finds and entertaining frills, head to the other side of the lake to Fontana Home . The best design-oriented spot for a beer is at Topsy Turvy Brewery , within a 1910 former church.

Where to Stay

Featuring an outdoor pool with striped umbrellas and a speakeasy-style bar, Maxwell Mansion ’s 28 rooms are divided between the main house and former horse stables. For a full-service experience that includes a spa, steakhouse, Italian restaurant and outdoor pool, try the  Grand Geneva Resort & Spa , whose interconnected buildings were once home to the Playboy Club. Today, you can sip cocktails in the lobby’s sunken lounge.

Saugatuck, Michigan

2.5-Hour Drive

Hugging Lake Michigan’s western shoreline, Saugatuck, fittingly known as “The Art Coast,” is home to dozens of galleries. Most are sprinkled downtown near shops and restaurants, although the two-story, 12,000-square-foot J. Petter Galleries just outside of town is worth a trip, and hosts a wine bar within. In nearby Douglas, one of the nation’s oldest artist residencies— Ox-Bow , affiliated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, also a destination for art and writing classes—hosts an art gallery and boutique (Ox-Bow House) in an adorable white church dating back 152 years. Modales Wines in Fennville pours wines crafted by its Napa Valley-born winemaker, formerly of Duckhorn. Explore further on a vertical hike down sand dunes at Opal Beach, or rent a 1950s electric boat from Retro Boat Rentals to cruise along the Kalamazoo River to live our your IRL Emily Henry novel dreams.

Owned by Chicago design firm Soucie Horner , the 11-room Wickwood Inn  is a new, modern revamp of The Silver Palate Cookbook author Julee Rosso ’s inn. Rosso also owned a gourmet-foods shop of the same name in New York City. Antiques and artwork tie into a clear coastal vibe that includes outdoor s’mores and French bistro chairs on the patio.

Kohler, Wisconsin

This company village town—nearly everyone works for the luxury plumbing manufacturer—also excels at hospitality. The Immigrant Restaurant has long been considered one of Wisconsin’s best fine-dining restaurants; it embraces early-American art and décor while serving a five-course tasting menu, plus delicacies like caviar and 16 artisan Wisconsin cheeses. At the three-level, 36,000-square-foot Kohler Design Center , rooms by celebrity designers can be toured and the design staff is available to chat. Then, at Kohler Waters Spa, hydrotherapy treatments incorporate Kohler’s Vichy shower. On your way into town, swing by Art Preserve , a museum dedicated to artist-built environments by folk artists. Tours of the Kohler factory across the street from the hotel are led by retired employees.

The American Club is the most luxurious of the three Kohler properties, with 241 rooms. Built in 1918 for single male immigrant employees, it’s now one of Wisconsin’s most coveted properties, with a spa, yoga studio, multiple restaurants, golf courses and shops all within a short walk and managed by the resort.

Galena, Illinois

3-Hour Drive

Situated along the Mississippi River, Galena boasts an adorable downtown dotted with antiques stores (like the 200-some vendors at Elizabeth’s Grand Antique Co. in a former school) and unique boutiques along Main Street. That includes Galena Apothecary (formerly of Chicago, the owner opened the shop in her favorite weekend-getaway town), Galena Book & Paper (books and stationery) and Galena River Goods (candles, skincare products, barware and clothing). Sip bubbles in Champagne on Main ’s outdoor courtyard and choose your dinner spot after a walking tour with Galena Foodie Adventures , visiting five different eateries.

Tuck in at night at Goldmoor Inn , a castle-like structure just outside of town with 13 suites and breakfast included. Massages are also available on-site, in the inn’s dedicated spa room, including a hot-stone massage to work out the kinks.

Traverse City, Michigan

5-Hour Drive

This emerging wine region is also a great spot to hike; make sure to take in the soaring bluffs at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and to sail. The Wind Dancer , offers sunset sails nearly daily as well as Champagne Sails on Sunday afternoons. Short on time but still want to experience a local winery? Head to the 155-acre Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery , where the vineyard views from an elevated deck are nothing short of picturesque, with vistas of a lavender field and gardens blooming with flowers and herbs. The winery also serves frosé, plus cheese and charcuterie boards. Perusing downtown Traverse City’s shops, including two bookstores, can easily fill an afternoon. History buffs will love Trattoria Stella ’s cave-like environment, located at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons , a former state-run mental hospital with a philosophy that a beautiful environment is healing.

 Delamar Traverse City ’s perch above the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay means water views for days and the on-site yoga studio puts wellness within easy reach, plus a restaurant wildly popular with locals. Or, wake up next to the grapes at the 10-room Inn at Black Star Farms , which also hosts private yoga classes in its vineyard.

We noticed you're using an ad blocker.

We get it: you like to have control of your own internet experience. But advertising revenue helps support our journalism. To read our full stories, please turn off your ad blocker. We'd really appreciate it.

How Do I Whitelist Observer?

Below are steps you can take in order to whitelist Observer.com on your browser:

For Adblock:

Click the AdBlock button on your browser and select Don't run on pages on this domain .

For Adblock Plus on Google Chrome:

Click the AdBlock Plus button on your browser and select Enabled on this site.

For Adblock Plus on Firefox:

Click the AdBlock Plus button on your browser and select Disable on Observer.com.

• Top Things To Do
• Art Galleries
• Historic Movie Theatres
• Interlochen Center for the Arts
• Free Things to Do
• Historical Sites
• Lighthouses
• Scavenger Hunt
• Spring Break
• Downtown Traverse City
• Farmer's Markets & U-Picks
• Grand Traverse Commons
• Malls & Shopping Centers
• Spa & Salon
• Cherry Blossom Tours
• Fall Color Tour
• Scenic Drives
• Tours & Exhibits
• Dog Beaches/Pet Friendly
• Beaches Around the Region
• Golf Courses
• Golf Packages
• State Parks
• Trails & Nature Walks
• Green For Good Challenge
• Kayak, Canoe & SUP
• Jet Skiing & Rentals
• Ice Skating Hockey
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Tubing & Sledding
• Serendipitous Adventure
• Annual Events
• Traverse City Events This Weekend
• Pride Week in Traverse City
• Winter Events
• Traverse City Uncorked
• National Cherry Festival
• Traverse City Film Festival
• International Fireworks Championship
• Holiday Events
• Concerts & Live Music
• Sporting Events & Races
• Wine Events
• Add Your Event
• Places to Eat
• Outdoor Dining
• Eat Like a Local
• Farm to Fork
• Food Trucks
• Kid Friendly
• Restaurant Guide
• Waterfront Dining
• Traverse Wine Coast
• Distilleries
• Traverse City Beer Week
• Man Vs. Draft
• Taprooms & Taverns
• Bed & Breakfast
• Cabins & Cottages
• Condominiums
• Downtown Locations
• Historical Places to Stay
• Hotels & Motels
• Hotels on the Water
• Winter Accommodation Special Offers
• Traverse City Uncorked Lodging Packages
• Pet Friendly
• Vacation Rentals
• Digital Guide Request
• Enewsletter Signup
• Destination Autism Certification
• A Very Cherry Passport
• Climate & Weather
• Driving Distances
• General Information
• Benzie County
• Leelanau County
• Gift Certificates
• Ask-a-Nurse
• Virtual Urgent Care
• Local Chambers
• Local News Outlets
• Places of Worship
• Public Safety
• Relocation Information
• Traverse City Pride Week
• Dog-Friendly Activities
• Pet-Friendly Hotels
• Beer & Wine Weekend
• Grand Traverse County
• Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes
• Outdoor Adventure
• Family Time
• Girlfriend Getaway
• Guy's Weekend
• Lighthouse Tour
• Romantic Getaway
• Personal Wine Tour
• Airport Info
• Printable Maps
• Visitor Center
• Wedding Venues & Lodging
• Wedding Resources
• Getting a License
• Request a Wedding Guide
• Economic Impact
• Hospitality Awards
• Staff Directory
• Full Service Venues
• Unique Venues
• Submit an RFP
• Meetings Resources
• Request Photos
• Meeting Planners Guide Request
• Spouse & Guest Programs
• Connecting & Team Building
• A Meeting in Vacation's Clothing
• Suggested Itineraries
• Group Tour Planner Request
• Tour Planner Assistance Form
• Tour Support & Services
• Media Photo Library
• Press Release Room
• Request Our Assistance
• Traverse City Accolades
• Sign Up for the Meetings Newsletter
• Sports Events
• Wedding Venues
• Wedding Lodging Requests
• FAM On Demand

The Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area

• Address: Gray Drive, Traverse City, MI, 49684

The Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area is a network of nine scenic trails that criss-cross the 480 acres of preserved parkland surrounding Traverse City's former mental asylum. Most are relatively short (the longest is less than a mile), but they offer a wide range of terrain experiences: wetlands, hardwood forests, steep hillsides, and upland meadows with fine views of the city. There are several trail heads, but a good place to start is on North Long Lake Road where there is a parking lot.

Virtual Tour

• © 2024 Traverse City Tourism
• 101 West Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684
• T: 231-947-1120 or 1-800-872-8377 
• [email protected]
• Privacy Policy
• Members Login

Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. By continuing to use our site you agree to our  privacy policy .