Happy June to all my homies and fun and crazy YP's that read the blog to begin our summer and crazy traffic time of the year. My advice is it's going to take you 30 minutes to get anywhere in town and out of town as well, but it is always great to see businesses busy, the streets with smiling faces, and of course getting that summer tan. Speaking of summer tan, I have to say I am very blessed to have Italian skin, which tans to perfection. But we all love a tan and to be outside in the summer sun, so the question is what is there to do after that 5:00 or 6:00 bell rings? We all sprint out of work to freedom for a few hours before bed looking for something to do in order to enjoy our limited summer nights. Well the amazing Marketing Committee as well as some great Facebook suggestions has given some fun ideas for after work hours. We all want to be outside as much as possible, especially if we work inside all day looking out at the sunshine and the bay.
Fun Idea #1: Get your Bike On!!! Who does not love a great bike ride on the TART Trail, which stretches some 18 miles from North of Suttons Bay to basically Acme passing Restaurants, Ice Cream Shops, Hidden Wilderness and Streams, and of course the backcountry. We are in the middle of Smart Commute Week put on by the TART Trail System (http://traversetrails.org/event/smart-commute-week-2016/.) What a great way to be outside, save money and get a free breakfast by biking to work. The TART Trail is a great gem we have in our region that can be used for biking, walking, running, rollerblading or even walking the dogs. It may also be quicker to ride the bike to work instead of being in traffic in your car.
Fun Idea #2: Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Beach Boot Camp. We have several places in the area that sell and rent kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes to get us on the water. Might I say, it’s would be a great first date or even a 75th date (if you are married) to have dinner with that someone special in Kayaks watching the sun go down. Yen Yoga does paddle board yoga in the bay (http://yenyogafitness.com/classes/stand-up-paddleboard-yoga/.) I do not know about you but 5 seconds doing yoga on a paddle board in the bay = Adam falling off and practicing swim yoga for the rest of the class. I have seen people in East Bay before, and it does look pretty sweet. Definitely worth the try just to say you have done it. If you are really into getting your workout in on the beach then look no further then Fit 4 You's Beach Boot Camp. What a great way to get a work out in while being on the beach getting a tan at the same time (http://www.fitforyou.info/
Fun Idea #3: Camping on a Beach or Camping Anywhere. Michigan is one of the best states to go on a weekend camping trip because the nights usually cool down, which makes great sleeping weather outside. We have so many campsites within 1 hour of Traverse City. If you wanted to drive a little farther, head up to the UP and camp where you can be in several different areas that include a ton of waterfalls. Even camping on a beach for a night or 2 or even in the backyard with your children, someone special, or by yourself to just enjoy our wonderful summer nights. Nothing beats being outside after work, grilling up some burgers, while being around a bonfire watching the night roll in.
Fun Idea#4: Old School Movie Watching!! SAY WHAT!!!! If you have not been to the Cherry Bowl Drive In, STOP reading this blog and go right now. Just a short drive away to Honor, it is a great place for the family, for a romantic date, or just to watch some great movies. However, you will need caffeine since the second movie may end around 2am, but trust me well worth it for sure. The food, popcorn, and being able to sit in the back of the truck or suv with pillows and blankets makes it feel so cozy and comfy. It is a great way to spend a Friday night or Saturday night.
Fun Idea #5-10: Food Trucks, Hiking, Wineries, Breweries, Peterson Park/Christmas Cove. In the last few years, TC has become a Food Truck Sanctuary with trucks coming from all over the place. We have 2 great spots in town, The Little Fleet and the new spot The Lot (http://eatdrinktc.com/eat/food-trucks/). Best part about food truck lots, there is no dress code so you can for sure bike your way to both places and enjoy a great meal and a local brew. Make sure you hit up both places a few times before they head south for the winter with the birds.
Northern Michigan has some incredible hiking destinations. Sleeping Bear Dunes in Glen Arbor has more trails than people in the US. You can get lost for hours on their beautiful Sand Dunes for a great hike. There are several trails in Empire, Glen Arbor, and also spread around the outskirts of Traverse City. If you have a favorite trail or spot, please let me know ASAP so I can check it out.
As most of us know, we may have a few wine spots and brew joints in Grand Traverse and Leelanau County. What a great way to be outside right after work enjoying a locally grown and served beverage. Most of these places have outdoor seating as well as a food menu. The advantage of being a local is we can hit these places up after work and not on the weekend when they are just overwhelmed with Fudgies. So grab a co-worker and a friend and visit at least 3 wineries and breweries before the summer ends and get to know the people behind the scenes.
Peterson Park and Chrismas Cove are 2 hidden gems in Northport, which is only about 45 minutes north of Traverse City. Heading out to these to special places after work is priceless. Peterson Park sits above Lake Michigan that has over 100 steps down to the amazing rock filled beach. This is one of the best places to see a sunset ever. Christmas Cove is a short drive north of Peterson Park that has a great beach to relax on or hunt for Petoskey Stones. After you visit one or both places, head into Northport to dine, drink, relax, or even walk the marina. I promise you, it will be a great time for sure.
Well friends there are a few ideas and things to do after that work bell rings at the end of the day. I challenge all of you to get outdoors more, and play fudgie. Just because we live here does not mean we have to work then go right home to hide from everyone who comes up here to our little paradise. Who knows, you may even see a famous person out and about. Send me any of your amazing pictures from your adventures, and let me know any places or activities that I need to do. You can always email me at adamr@tcsb.com with pictures, comments, concerns or ideas.
JUNE New Business Focus – All about getting the Hair done or redone at The Hair Code Salon!
After years of creative experience in the hair styling industry and months of planning, The Hair Code Salon in Traverse City's Slabtown opened its doors earlier this year.
“We are excited to bring classic styles along with modern trends and cuts to our clientele,” says owner and head stylist Chad Smarsty. “Coming to the salon will offer a great experience while you're here, but will also offer tips on how to maintain your look every day.” Chad and his wife, Sally Smarsty, are working together to bring this new business venture to life.
Sally says The Hair Code Salon specializes in both men's and women's services. “What's great about the Hair Code is it offers an experience. It's a place where a woman can come and get the latest color techniques and can also send her husband or son for a fade or beard trim. Chad keeps up to date on his craft, passion and dedication for hair shows with each client that sits in his chair.”
The Hair Code Salon offers full color services- balayage, ombre, highlights and more, as well as color corrections. Haircuts and straightening treatments are also available. The salon offers men's fades, cuts, beard trims and line ups.
You can find the salon at 901 W Front St Suite B Studio #5. It is located in the iStudios behind Impres Salon.
The Hair Code Salon is open for appointments Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-6pm, with later appointments available on Wednesdays. For more information on The Hair Code Salon, visit thehaircodesalon.com or call 231-620-9251.
Chad Smarsty, Owner
The Hair Code Salon
Did Someone Say Open House?
-Open House to be held at The New Pathways Chiropractic in Traverse City overlooking beautiful West Bay. Get to know Dr. Larabee and tour the office in from 9am to 11 am on
Saturday, June 25th at the office on Bay Street in Traverse City. Dr. Brandon Larabee invites local residents and businesses to stop by, tour the office, and learn more about the services available at Pathways Chiropractic. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win prizes. Families are encouraged to attend and attendees are welcome to bring guests! Pathways Chiropractic (www.pathwaysofmi.com) is parallel to West Grandview Parkway about halfway between North Division Street and Tom’s Food Market, facing West Grand Traverse Bay (1001 Bay St. Suite C, Traverse City, MI 49684). Free parking is available to the side and in front of the building. For more information, please contact Dr. Larabee: (231) 714-4112 or brandon@pathwaysofmi.com.
Updates
Traverse City Young Professionals Events in June
-Monthly Meeting/Morning Brew with Guest Tom Menzel speaking about the middle class disappearing. - June 16 at 8:00am
-Volunteering at the State Theatre and receive free movie tickets and of course popcorn. - June 28 from 5:15 to 7:15 (something fun to do after work :)
Grand Traverse County Update
HHW Collection The next Household Hazardous Waste collection is Thursday, June 23. Acceptable materials include paint, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, and other hazardous materials. Appointments can be made online at www.recyclesmart.info or by calling the RecycleSmart hotline at (231) 941-5555.
City of Traverse City Update
Elections Inspectors Needed! If you are interested in being a part of the Election process and working in a precinct on Election Day, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 231-922-4480. Election Inspectors typically work from 5:45 a.m. until roughly 10:00 p.m. on Election Day and are paid for their time.
Seeking Volunteers! The City is currently looking for volunteers to serve on various boards and committees. If you are interested in becoming involved with your local government, visit www.traversecitymi.gov/boards.asp.
Construction Season – keep a look out! The City has begun its season of construction. Please use caution when driving through these areas. For up to date information on construction projects and road project, visit our website at www.traversecitymi.gov and check the City News & Highlights section.
Envision 8th Street - Be a part of the future by getting involved in the 8th Street Planning and Design Charrette. This charrette is intended to plan and design not only the street, but include surrounding land uses to develop comprehensive approach for the entire corridor. Contact the City Planning Department at 231-922-4778 for more details or visit www.envision8th.org.
