Josh and Jase visit Grand Traverse Bay area |
TikTok travel stars and social media backlash during their trip |
Josh and Jase, widely recognized as TikTok travel stars, have spent the past week exploring the scenic corners of Grand Traverse Bay.
What began as another chapter in their social media journey quickly spiraled into an unanticipated wave of social media backlash, surprising not just their devoted fans but locals as well.
When news spread that the British duo would be landing in Traverse City, a tide of skepticism and tough online commentary greeted them.
Although some locals had worried their arrival would bring unwanted attention, Josh and Jase’s in-person encounters painted a very different picture.
According to the travelers, nearly all face-to-face exchanges around Traverse City and the nearby bayside neighborhoods were warm and welcoming.
However, screenshots of harsh social posts were enough to prompt the duo to address the situation head-on, reassuring their followers they don’t visit places for payment or promotion deals.
They clarified that their trips are planned based on curiosity, with no hidden agendas—just a goal to spotlight lesser-known places, support small businesses, and enjoy spontaneous adventures.
Still, that online backlash cast a shadow over their Grand Traverse Bay experience, with the pair admitting it left them questioning the welcome and even their next stops.
Despite the noise online, local business owners say foot traffic surged near downtown Traverse City this week, likely thanks to their viral videos showcasing lakeshore ice cream shops and the popular farmers market.
Several neighborhood coffee houses and waterfront food trucks reported seeing new faces, with staff noting a handful of curious fans asking for “the spots Josh and Jase visited.”
Fans who traveled in from Detroit and Grand Rapids reportedly recognized the duo outside well-known cherry stands, where they spent time chatting and snapping photos, lending the trip a sense of fun and inclusivity.
As new boutique inns and dining spots continue to pop up in the Grand Traverse Bay area, some community voices hope visits from travel influencers will boost local tourism, though opinions clearly remain divided.
For Josh and Jase, the experience is a reminder of the tightrope social media personalities walk: celebrated face-to-face, yet sometimes vilified online for reasons beyond their control.
Despite the social media backlash, both say their Michigan adventure revealed more kindness and curiosity than animosity, and the pair remains committed to exploring new destinations—always chasing the next genuine connection. |
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Hope they keep exploring and ignore the haters. Michigan has more to see!
Thank you for the encouragement! Josh and Jase remain excited to keep discovering more of Michigan’s hidden gems.
I get being protective but wow, some folks online took it way too far.
You're right, while online backlash was intense, Josh and Jase experienced far more warmth during their actual visit.
Sometimes we forget small businesses need new folks. Not everything has to stay a secret.
They should try the west side next time. Fewer crowds, better pie.
Can’t blame them for questioning their welcome after seeing all that online hate. People can be brutal.
Social media can be toxic. Not sure how anybody deals with it tbh.
The surge near downtown was no joke. My favorite lunch spot even ran out of soup!
Out-of-towners with cameras used to bug me, but sounds like these two aren’t hurting anyone.
Glad to hear they found more kindness than hate. Wish more folks would give visitors a chance.
Annmarie PikeSame here, Annmarie. I think most people are open and friendly in person, even if the internet makes it look negative sometimes.
Thank you for sharing that, it's certainly heartening to see kindness shine through in real-life encounters.
Feels like people just want something to complain about. If new people come to check out Traverse, so what?
It’s true. Welcoming new visitors can be an opportunity for everyone to share in what makes Traverse City special.
Worried they’ll make our secret places too popular. But at least they support local businesses.
I met them down by Front St and they bought coffee for someone in line. Not what I expected at all.
People online are always so harsh. It’s different when you meet face to face.
That’s a great observation, the contrast between online negativity and in-person kindness was clear throughout their trip.
Could do without the extra crowds but if the shops are happy, who am I to argue.
It’s understandable to feel that way, and as you noted, many shops reported positive effects from the extra interest.
I work at the farmers market and noticed a bunch of people asking about TikTok ‘spots’. Never seen that before!
They seem genuine, but I get why some are wary about social media types coming here.
More visitors means more business for locals. It can be a good thing, guys.
Absolutely, many local businesses did see a boost from their visit, highlighting how tourism can bring new opportunities.
I saw Josh and Jase at the ice cream stand! They were super nice, no attitude at all.
Sometimes locals overreact about ‘outsiders’ and then in person everyone’s friendly. Weird how different online vs real life.
just let folks visit and enjoy the bay. Why make it harder for them?
We agree, the majority of in-person interactions were friendly, proving most people just want to share and enjoy these beautiful places.
that backlash is disappointing. Wish people would be more welcoming.