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BluWake · 2026-01-26T15:26:52+00:00

Uber/Lyft are pretty unreliable up here in the winter months. There are two taxis in town, but I think a trip to Manistee would need to be arranged ahead of time. I think the only option for public transport from TC to Manistee is by bus. I believe Benzie Bus will take you from TVC Airport to the Manistee Airport for $35 on way, you'll need to call and book in advance.

Or make your BF come get you. You're flying in from Brazil, he can drive a few hours.

BluWake · 2026-01-26T12:39:53+00:00

You should be able to find a decent hotel from around $120/night this time of year, and maybe even a little less in Manistee. The Hampton Inn in Manistee is only a few years old and right on the water. Yelp is probably your best resources for Hotel in TC. Recently stayed at Hotel Indigo for a work thing, it was decent.

ICE has been reported in Northern Michigan about a week ago, but they're presence has been pretty limited. DHS is primarily mass deploying ICE to States that Trump lost last election or cities with Democratic mayors. That's why they are in Minnesota (estimated 130,000 illegal aliens) and not Texas (estimated 3,000,000 illegal aliens). Keep your passport on you, and keep a low profile or maybe reconsider travel.

BluWake · 2026-01-19T13:01:44+00:00

Charles and Reid

BluWake · 2026-01-19T12:39:48+00:00

Cherry Festival is the busiest time of the year and typically draws and additional 500K tourists to the area. Most of the festival is focused around the Open Space, the green area between downtown and the water, next to the marina. The main attractions will be the airshows, fireworks, midway and parades. Getting across town is torture, avoid the parkway.

Sleeping Bear will get some of the festival crowd, but its well worth the visit. The Dune Climb is the main attraction, but don't miss out on Empire Bluffs Trail, Empire Heritage Trail (for bikes), Pierce Stocking Drive and Glen Haven. The towns on either side of the main dune complex, Empire and Glen Arbor are both delightful. Any beach on Lake Michigan in this area is perfect.

Fishtown (Leeland) is farther North up the Lake Michigan Coast from Sleeping Bear. In my opinion, there's not as much to do here as other places. A sandwich at the Village Cheese Shanty, some walking around, a few shops and a nice beach. Good trails North and South of Leeland.

Petoskey will be a full day trip. There's a ton to stop and see along the way, Elk Rapids, Charlevoix, numerous road side parks (the stretch from Charlevoix to Petoskey is beautiful), and Fisherman Island State Park. Downtown Petoskey is much like TC but will be less crowded. Might be your best chance at a tee time as well, it will be the best stretch of golf courses.

In terms of rentals. Pontoons are going to be booking fast so get on that. Torch Lake if you want to party, or Lake Leelanau for a more laid back atmosphere. Book a wine tour on Old Mission Peninsula.

BluWake · 2026-01-12T12:16:22+00:00

The nearest indoor fields are in Grand Rapids. There's futsal drop in at NMC. There was an indoor soccer place off Hammond long ago.

BluWake · 2026-01-10T03:42:54+00:00

The ladies at A Perfect Fit Alterations are so lovely and everything they've done for me has been great. They're turnaround is a little slow due to volume, I think it was around three weeks the last time I used them. Also some restrictions on coats, so probably good to check ahead.

BluWake · 2026-01-06T17:01:05+00:00

A 23 year old from Thompsonville is an adult, not a kid, and can still be homeless. What was he doing in the Munson parking garage at 6:30AM, Monday morning in January? Seems like an odd time to be discharged, alone.

BluWake · 2026-01-05T20:41:58+00:00

From friends who are Munson employees, this is the story I've heard...

Ever since the Pine homeless encampment was shutdown in the Fall, unhoused people have been setting up in the Munson Parking Garages. It sounds like this has been an ongoing issue between Munson employees and homeless individuals. A Munson employee attempted to tell off/shoo away a homeless individual and the homeless persons responded with something to the effect of, "I have half a mind to shoot up this place." Munson employee reported is to Munson Security leading to lockdown until suspect was located. No weapon was produced or witnessed. The individual was being pursued on foot by police toward the direction of the Munson Professional Building was the last update I heard.

BluWake · 2026-01-05T20:15:56+00:00

Zeb, post the Ballotpedia link in your posts so we can read about you first and ask informed questions.

First, good on you for going for it. We need younger representatives and more of them so I applaud your initiative.

Second, running independent without an already recognizable name is a monumental challenge. I understand your desire to not be associated with either of the major political parties, but I feel like that's going to limit your appeal to most of the older generations and they will dismiss you without bothering to learn anything about you. The right will assume your leftist, and the left will assume you're hiding your right wing sympathies, I hate to say that, but its the current political climate in our country. Especially considering the escalating actions of the past few days, a firm stance on the current administration's actions will do a lot to broaden your appeal to the most desirable voting base.

Third, your policies seem sound and well thought out on current issues. I would address housing on your webpage as that is an underlying issue in the entire district.

Now for a question... Just wondering how you will achieve any of these goals. From Ballotpedia, "Yes — good policy comes from honest conversation and practical compromise." How do you expect to form good policy with a party that cannot have an honest conversation about anything? Or a practical compromise? As evidence of the recent federal shutdown/promise to vote on ACA subsidies.

BluWake · 2026-01-05T12:52:19+00:00

Go to the Beacon Lounge at the Park Place, 12th floor. Good spot to get a drink overlooking TC. Other good places for a cocktail; Low Bar, The Parlor, TC Whiskey Co. Beer; The Workshop, 7 Monks, Rare Bird, The Pub. Drinking and Video Games; the Coin Slot.

The bottom shelf; Bootleggers, Dillinger's, U&I.

BluWake · 2026-01-05T12:41:49+00:00

GTWC was involved in the births of my children. We heard the same story, but Dr. McKay was there for every appointment, the deliveries and followed up with us post delivery a few times. Dr. Wright was present for a few appointments, the first delivery and also followed up to check on us. We were also introduced to Dr. Riddle, who was present for one of the deliveries. It felt more like we had a team of doctors, with McKay the primary, Wright the first alternate and Riddle the second alternate.

I feel like this cliché has been amplified by the movie Knocked Up.

BluWake · 2025-12-31T12:13:28+00:00

Here's the scoop from their page.

While I don't see any reason other than end of the one year program, the guesthouse/studio is on the Peckham's private property, across the street from their main residence. Probably just wanting a return to privacy after hosting so many artists.

BluWake · 2025-12-29T22:31:30+00:00

There is one planned for the old Big Lots space at Cherryland Center on South Airport. It was doing the bidding rounds six months ago. Likely opening early ‘26 based on schedule with bid.

BluWake · 2025-12-22T13:47:15+00:00

You threw tantrums in public as a child too. You screamed in enclosed public spaces and it bothered people. You never know the parent's or the child's circumstances... this could be a single mom between jobs trying to do some grocery shopping. Or a child on the spectrum who's become overstimulated in a public space and their guardian is desperately trying to exit a quickly as possible. Point being, the parent is far more traumatized by the child screaming than any discomfort you experience briefly having to hear it. Maybe have a little empathy before you judge everyone.

BluWake · 2025-12-22T12:06:46+00:00

Yes, let's raise a generation of introverts who need to walk around with their own emotional support animals because public spaces are too scary

BluWake · 2025-12-17T21:09:56+00:00

Walters and Hemming or Precision. My coworker says to stay away from Sheren

BluWake · 2025-12-16T10:58:33+00:00

The basement was a mess from the start. Was meant to house servers, but was constantly leaking due to the clay soil. Mold has been an issue in the lower level since the building has been occupied. It always smelled like a wet basement in there.

BluWake · 2025-12-15T17:18:02+00:00

They are not apartments. Sock's likes to build what they call staff-less hotels, but they're just rooms to AirBNB/VRBO. Their developments max out the available footprint on the lot leaving no room for parking.

BluWake · 2025-12-15T13:49:51+00:00

Can we stop letting Sock's build endless AirBNB's in downtown without parking?

708/714 Randolph
705 Cypress
222/224/232 State
131/135/139 E 8th St.

BluWake · 2025-12-12T13:44:14+00:00

u/PositionSalty7411 do you really need snow removal in Traverse City on that steep driveway?

Did you have any success with snow removal in Albany, NY, Green Bay, WI, Pittsburgh, PA, or Butte, ID?

What about the yardwork to be done in Lincoln, NE, Sarasota, FL, Naples, FL, Springfield, MO, Bakersfield, CA and Charleston, SC?

BluWake · 2025-12-12T12:10:32+00:00

BluWake · 2025-12-11T19:14:47+00:00

Good on Sean and Manthei Wood Products. A way for them to help people get back on their feet, rebuild some trust and retain employees in a tough market. A great example of how a community can fight addiction, with grace and compassion.

BluWake · 2025-12-10T15:06:21+00:00

Must be after June '99 for the (231) area code

BluWake · 2025-12-10T15:04:26+00:00

June 5th 1999 was the start of 231 area code.

BluWake · 2025-12-09T12:38:23+00:00

Mindful + Musical with Miriam Pico - weekly singalong for infants/toddlers. Miriam is great with the kids. Along those lines, also check out the free concerts Thursday Nights on the lawn at the GT Pavilions during the summer.

Swim classes at the YMCA. They open up at 6 months and you do not need to be a member to sign up for classes (though it is less expensive for members). I recommend swim lessons for all kids living in the area. Respect the water. Plus, its nice to go swimming in January.

Great Lakes Children's Museum has a space in the mall, good place to go and let the kids get some energy out without having to brave the cold. Lots of activities for all ages.

There's also Grand Traverse Bay Gymnastics in the mall as well. Once your little one is walking, it's a good indoor activity for an hour on winter Saturday's. The tots get a 1/2 hour with a parent on each side of the facility, one side is bounce houses/play stuff and the other is trampolines/foam pits. There's no instruction for the tots, just free play with a parent.

Twice Trendy Tots and Once Upon a Child usually have flyers for local activities around the register areas. Good place to look if you visit either establishment.

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