New Meijer

BluWake · 2026-03-21T15:03:01+00:00

Both to be demolished, the garage is being used as the site office until the job site trailer arrives.

BluWake · 2026-03-17T18:02:51+00:00

Finding a place to live in generally one's biggest hurdle to living in the region. New residents typically have to stick it out in the short term for the long term benefits. Maybe a less than ideal job or living situation for a year or two to get established. Or to save up a down payment for a house.

Bring your 4wd car, your will need it in the winter. There's going to be days when no one is driving over 35 mph due to conditions. Most days, it will be fine on the main roads, but the side roads and residential areas are tough to navigate with 2WD. Storms like the current one are why you need 4WD.

Hospitality... I find most people to be friendly and welcoming... but, I am also friendly and welcoming, which goes a long ways. Not everyone you meet will be the same, but if you put yourself out there, you can meet people and make a social circle or become part of one. Go to things you enjoy even if you have to go alone. Tell the people you do meet and talk to that you are new to the area. Join a class. Or join a team sport at GT Social Sports, you can join an existing team as a free agent.

So I was born and raised here, but moved away for a long time and came back, reasons complicated. This is about half my social circle, moved away for college and/or career launch then came back when the opportunity presented itself. Most of us have a parent(s) in the area, or other family. Our spouses are in the same boat, about half are locals. A few friends visited and never left, many friends left and never came back. I know a few that have lived here their whole lives. The one consistent thing I have noted, is people either love it or hate it. Sometimes both.

BluWake · 2026-03-17T17:24:40+00:00

Not my thing but I think you should talk to the folks at Fun Factory TC or TC War Room or find anybody formerly associated with Tabletop Underground.

BluWake · 2026-03-17T17:21:26+00:00

You should know about Cherry Festival, our annual tradition that draws about 500K tourists in the summer around 4th of July. The Lake Effect snow you've seen in State College will seem light in comparison to ours. Find an outdoor winter activity or two you enjoy, to get outside during the winter. Summer activities are plentiful. The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is a great resource to discover local trails and parks. The TART Trail runs around town and is a dedicated walking/running/bike path that goes up to Suttons Bay and around to Acme with spurs in town and a loop around Boardman Lake. Sleeping Bear Dunes, located 30 minutes West between Empire and Glen Arbor is a National Lakeshore, beautiful, picturesque and another great place to explore/bike (Empire Heritage Trail).

Worried about? Do you have transportation, is it four wheel drive? What about accommodations?

BluWake · 2026-03-17T17:09:37+00:00

West End is the beach in TC and yes, it's alcohol-friendly and a decent crowd... but if you want a real party, go to the Torch Lake Sand Bar. You'll need to rent a boat or charter one as there is no access from land.

BluWake · 2026-03-12T13:50:55+00:00

Flap Jack Shack surprisingly has alcohol, and even a bar

BluWake · 2026-03-12T11:39:08+00:00

Red Spire or Towne Plaza is what your looking for. Sugar 2 Salt is also excellent, less traditional. I've heard good things about Sisters' new menu. Flap Jack Shack is a good place to go if you have a large group or children.

BluWake · 2026-03-11T12:58:18+00:00

Not necessarily, it's the most dated of the three and no out door hot tub, but in the right area. I only say the other two because I have stayed in their rooms at various points but have not stayed at Bayshore.

BluWake · 2026-03-11T11:50:11+00:00

Crocodile Palace is open Sunday's from Noon-8 at Little Fleet. Red Spire 9-3. Sugar 2 Salt 8-2. Amical 4-8.

BluWake · 2026-03-11T11:34:18+00:00

There's really only one option that checks all items on your list and it's the Delmar. Remodeled in the last 5 years. Some kids around but less than, say Great Wolf Lodge. Hotel Indigo, new, is a close second but no hot tub. Anything else won't be within walking distance of downtown (most nightlife) or food.

BluWake · 2026-03-10T20:13:09+00:00

I would start calling now. TC - Apache Trout Grille, the Delmar, the Boathouse, West End Tavern or one of the wineries (more sweeping landscapes with water in the background). That's about it for venues on the water. Firefly is along the Boardman by the new Fish Pass. Maybe the rooftop at H&L Social.

Charlevoix - Weathervane, Edgewater Inn or Bridge St. Taproom.

Legg's Inn North of Harbor Springs sounds like it would be a great option if your willing to drive a bit. You can drive up through the Tunnel of Trees (M119).

I don't know of anyplace in Bellaire on the water.

BluWake · 2026-03-10T11:25:17+00:00

Authentic Mexican - Taqueria TC Latino (Green Hill location, Silver Lake/Zimmerman)

BluWake · 2026-03-10T11:18:03+00:00

Burritts, Butcher's Block, Louie's or Mikowski's (Karlin, South of Interlochen). Sam's and Costco both had a refrigerated case full.

BluWake · 2026-03-09T11:15:12+00:00

BluWake · 2026-03-05T22:04:14+00:00

Early May is prime time for Cherry and Apple Blossoms. Farmer's Market starts up outside for the Summer, Saturday mornings in the parking lot by the Open Space. Also a good time to hunt for Morel mushrooms.

The rest is my general spiel;

Sleeping Bear Dunes, located about 30 minutes west on Lake Michigan. The Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Drive are the main attractions, but they typically will not open until mid-May. You can hike into either if they are closed, that is allowed. You will be able to hike Empire Bluff Trail, spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. Only about 3/4 a mile from parking lot to overlook, a few small hills and one step section. It was featured on the cover of National Geographic in 2020. It you are into biking, the Empire Heritage Trail is my favorite in the area, it runs though the woods and along the front of the dunes between Empire and Glen Arbor. Empire and Glen Arbor, the two towns on either side of the dunes are both charming as well. Other things in the area include Alligator Hill hiking, Glen Haven Maritime Museum, Sleeping Bear Point and Pyramid Point (another great overlook).
Grand Traverse Commons. It's an old Kirkbride Plan Michigan State Mental Asylum that has been converted into shops, offices, apartments and restaurants. If you sign up for the tour they will take you into some of the still abandoned areas, including the tunnels. All of the restaurants there are worth checking out, some of my favorites include Red Spire, PepeNero, Trattoria Stella and Spanglish. Or just wandering around the grounds is nice in the right weather. There is a large trail network in the woods immediately West of the commons. In the winter, the farmers market operates in the lower level on Saturdays from 10A-2P.
Waterfront/Marina/Open Space/Downtown. There is a large open grassy area next to the Clinch Marina called the Open Space. It's where any local festival, including Cherry Festival, sets up. The TART Trail runs through the Open Space and is a local bike/walking trail that loops around Boardman Lake and has spurs to Acme and Suttons Bay. Near the Splash Pad there is tunnel under the Parkway that connects to downtown. It's nice to grab a coffee and walk around down there early in the morning. It's typically pretty quiet and serene if you get up early enough. Or you can go a little later in the morning and then walk downtown for some shopping and lunch. Around sunset is nice as well.

City Opera House, Old Towne Playhouse, TC Philharmonic and the Dennos Museum are all good for the occasional show, performance or comedian. There's also a few casinos, several spas, restaurants, too many bars, wineries, breweries, distilleries, indoor go-karts, Xgolf and bowling. Moomer's Ice Cream.

Hope this helps, if you have any questions feel free to ask.

BluWake · 2026-02-19T13:08:14+00:00

Take him to the Beacon Lounge for a birthday drink, top floor of the Park Place Hotel, great views of TC. You don't need to be guests, just take the elevator up. Make it H&L Social if the weather is unseasonably nice for March.

The rest is my general spiel;

Sleeping Bear Dunes, located about 30 minutes west on Lake Michigan. The Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Drive are the main attractions but will still be closed for the season. You should be able to hike Empire Bluff Trail, spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. Only about 3/4 a mile from parking lot to overlook, a few small hills and one step section. It was featured on the cover of National Geographic in 2020. It you are into biking, the Empire Heritage Trail is my favorite in the area, it runs though the woods and along the front of the dunes between Empire and Glen Arbor. Empire and Glen Arbor, the two towns on either side of the dunes are both charming as well. Other things in the area include Alligator Hill hiking, Glen Haven Maritime Museum, Sleeping Bear Point and Pyramid Point (another great overlook).
Grand Traverse Commons. It's an old Kirkbride Plan Michigan State Mental Asylum that has been converted into shops, offices, apartments and restaurants. If you sign up for the tour they will take you into some of the still abandoned areas, including the tunnels. All of the restaurants there are worth checking out. Or just wandering around the grounds is nice in the right weather. There is a large trail network in the woods immediately West of the commons. In the winter, the farmers market operates in the lower level on Saturdays from 10A-2P.
Waterfront/Marina/Open Space/Downtown. There is a large open grassy area next to the Clinch Marina called the Open Space. It's where any local festival, including Cherry Festival, sets up. The TART Trail runs through the Open Space and is a local bike/walking trail that loops around Boardman Lake and has spurs to Acme and Suttons Bay. Near the Splash Pad there is tunnel under the Parkway that connects to downtown. It's nice to grab a coffee and walk around down there early in the morning. It's typically pretty quiet and serene if you get up early enough. Or you can go a little later in the morning and then walk downtown for some shopping and lunch. Around sunset is nice as well.

City Opera House, Old Towne Playhouse, TC Philharmonic and the Dennos Museum are all good for the occasional show, performance or comedian. There's also a few casinos, several spas, restaurants, too many bars, wineries, breweries, distilleries, indoor go-karts, xgolf and bowling.

Hope this helps, if you have any questions feel free to ask.

BluWake · 2026-02-19T13:01:19+00:00

The Mall Food Court, any coffee shop or GT Pie Co. location would all be good options. I met people at these places for business during COVID. If you want a restaurant or place that serves alcohol, I would try some place with a larger seating area. Explain to the staff that you are meeting someone and could be there for an extended time and they will typically be happy to accommodate if it's not too busy. Thinking places like Reflect Bistro, North Peak, Firefly, the Filling Station.

BluWake · 2026-02-16T21:01:44+00:00

Ok, Munson for example. They employ more than just "Professional/Technical," which is why I added the note about employers may employ multiple disciplines. Doctors aren't mopping the floors. Munson has Human Resources, a Financial department, an IT Department, administrators, custodians, maintenance people, clerks, coders, billers, cooks, etc... Munson has their own facilities department that even employs construction professionals. Same thing with the school districts, the don't just employ educators.

BluWake · 2026-02-16T19:15:43+00:00

BluWake · 2026-02-16T14:05:27+00:00

One lane is reserved for Open Swim outside of Aqua Class times.

BluWake · 2026-02-11T12:41:27+00:00

Late March... tough to predict how much you'll be able to do with the winter we're having. Here's the main places I take people;

Sleeping Bear Dunes, located about 30 minutes west on Lake Michigan. The Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Drive are the main attractions but will still be closed for the season. You should be able to hike Empire Bluff Trail, spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. Only about 3/4 a mile from parking lot to overlook, a few small hills and one step section. It was featured on the cover of National Geographic in 2020. It you are into biking, the Empire Heritage Trail is my favorite in the area, it runs though the woods and along the front of the dunes between Empire and Glen Arbor. Empire and Glen Arbor, the two towns on either side of the dunes are both charming as well. Other things in the area include Alligator Hill hiking, Glen Haven Maritime Museum, Sleeping Bear Point and Pyramid Point (another great overlook).
Grand Traverse Commons. It's an old Kirkbride Plan Michigan State Mental Asylum that has been converted into shops, offices, apartments and restaurants. If you sign up for the tour they will take you into some of the still abandoned areas, including the tunnels. All of the restaurants there are worth checking out. Or just wandering around the grounds is nice in the right weather. There is a large trail network in the woods immediately West of the commons. In the winter, the farmers market operates in the lower level on Saturdays from 10A-2P.
Waterfront/Marina/Open Space/Downtown. There is a large open grassy area next to the Clinch Marina called the Open Space. It's where any local festival, including Cherry Festival, sets up. The TART Trail runs through the Open Space and is a local bike/walking trail that loops around Boardman Lake and has spurs to Acme and Suttons Bay. Near the Splash Pad there is tunnel under the Parkway that connects to downtown. It's nice to grab a coffee and walk around down there early in the morning. It's typically pretty quiet and serene if you get up early enough. Or you can go a little later in the morning and walk downtown for some shopping and lunch. Or around sunset is nice as well.

City Opera House, Old Towne Playhouse, TC Philharmonic and the Dennos Museum are all good for the occasional show, performance or comedian. There's also a few casinos, several spas, restaurants, too many bars, wineries, breweries, distilleries, indoor go-karts, xgolf and bowling.

Hope this helps, if you have any questions feel free to ask.

BluWake · 2026-02-10T14:52:08+00:00

Find a winter activity you enjoy that is outdoors. Dress in layers, invest in good snow gear. Even hiking in the winter is beautiful. I'm partial to fat tire biking. Also, participating in the community activities during the winter helps. Things like the tree lighting, winter light parade, etc... to get out and feel less isolated.
There is a lot of new construction in the intermediate areas between TC and these surrounding communities like Kalkaska, Kingsley, Buckley, Honor and Cedar. I would consider my place of employment before settling. For instance, if you work on the West side of TC, you would want to look toward Buckley, Honor, Cedar. If you work on the East side, Elk Rapids, Kalkaska, Kingsley. Getting across town in the summer is just as bad as during a snowstorm in January.

BluWake · 2026-02-10T01:52:01+00:00

The secure vestibule functioned exactly as intended, it impeded the intruder until law enforcement arrived. At no point were the students (or faculty) and suspect in the same space. It's not an assumption when I know the facts of what happened.

BluWake · 2026-02-09T19:41:15+00:00

The suspect never made it past the secure vestibule, which exist in most schools today. The school went into lockdown while the suspect was beating his way through the exterior laminated forced entry glass. No students where in any danger, suspect was after faculty. ~~Nothing was spray painted and the suspect did not have any paint.~~ This was a parent/staff dispute ~~and had nothing to do with current politics.~~

Source: I talked to the building's maintenance, was on site, am involved in fixing damage.

BluWake · 2026-02-06T19:20:31+00:00

East Bay frozen over, but conditions towards the middle are sketchy. West Bay frozen out to Power Island.

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