Good morning, Traverse City.

Dana Pflughoeft, the community engagement coordinator at TART Trails, urged locals to add trails to their lists of things they are thankful for as they gather with friends & family.

She said these natural spaces help make northern Michigan a special place to call home.

Local advocate Ty received a handwritten thank-you card from Sally Thompson—expressing gratitude for his role in advocating for new sidewalks along Eastern Avenue near Eastern Elementary and Central High School as part of the Safe Routes to School improvements.

Nolan’s Cigar Bar owners Ben Wyckoff and Andy Hyde bought Tuttle’s Select Cigars and Tobaccos in Grand Rapids on Nov.

11 — they renamed it Nolan’s Cigar Lounge — and the sale price was not disclosed.

Yarrow Brown, a seasoned regional planning expert with Housing North and the Cleveland Township Planning Commission, said housing is economic development and local planning can address the housing crisis while protecting natural resources—she builds on years of work with nonprofits and the Leelanau Conservancy to promote safe, healthy living in our region.

Douglas Smith found a sugar maple in Traverse City that measured 176 in circumference and won Grand Traverse County’s title in the 16th biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt contest.

The statewide contest gave prizes in many categories and submitted 16 trees as potential state champions from over 500 entries spanning 76 counties.

Significant power outages occurred across northern Michigan on Thanksgiving as Wexford County saw the worst disruption and other areas including Mason and Grand Traverse experienced outages — Consumers Energy and Great Lakes Energy reported numbers ranging from 14 to 769 and are updating their counts for the most accurate figures. Residents are advised to check current outage maps for updated information.

The Grand Traverse County Road Commission is preparing for winter weather by keeping snowplows and drivers on standby 24/7 to ensure safe roads, and safety coordinator Joshua Willis stressed their role as first responders.

Superintendent Larry LaCross said drivers must keep a 200-foot gap (about a football field) behind plows to help keep everyone safe.

2025 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off

10 AM – 5 PM — Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail — Ticket sales begin October 1st — Experience the ultimate pairing of seasonal wines with inventive Mac & Cheese dishes from top chefs.

Dennos Brand Refresh Presentation and Q&A

2-3 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Community members gather to learn about the Dennos brand updates and engage in a Q&A session.

Visible Mending Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Materials provided — Learn creative sewing techniques while mending garments or making soft-sculptures from scrap fabric.

Make Your Own Fresh Holiday Wreath

10 AM – 12 PM — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park — Tickets limited — Create a handcrafted wreath using fresh evergreens and natural accents to celebrate the holiday season.

Men's Night Shopping Event

5-9 p.m. — Downtown Traverse City Association — Free entry — A festive shopping night dedicated to men with exclusive holiday deals and surprises.

The Bergamot - A South Shore Christmas

7:30-10:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Cost info not provided — Experience soaring harmonies and heartwarming stories at this beloved Christmas tradition.

Christmas in the Village 2025

3-6 p.m. / 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — The Village at Grand Traverse Commons — Free entry — Celebrate the season with festive activities, shopping specials, and visits with Santa.

DMC Concert: Mr. Sun

6-7:30 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Ticket info available — Experience the innovative sound of supergroup Mr. Sun reimagining classical works through American roots music.

Women in Tech Meetup – Traverse City

5-7 p.m. — Earthen Ales — Free entry — Connect and empower each other in a casual setting focused on women in tech.

Candlelight Concert: Christmas Carols on Strings

8:45 p.m. — Kirkbride Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.