A Handmade Holiday WeekendHi, neighbors! This weekend, browse handmade gifts in Traverse City, catch a show in Leland or Elk Rapids, and get a head start on Thanksgiving dinner. We’ve pulled together five outing ideas for November 13–15.  Article illustration Merry Marketplace Brings Handmade Holiday Shopping to Traverse CityMerry Marketplace opens November 13 at Crooked Tree Arts Center, bringing handmade holiday shopping to 322 Sixth Street in Traverse City.
The two-day pop-up art market runs Friday, November 13, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is listed as free.
A separate extended gift shop continues through December 12 in the Cornwell Gallery and regular Gallery Shop, with original art and handmade gifts from Michigan artists.
The pop-up schedule and extended-shop schedule are different, so check the arts center’s hours when planning a visit after the opening weekend.
The organizer’s artist roster identifies makers participating in the market, the gallery shop or both, which is useful if you want to find a particular person’s work.
Bring a short recipient list and a spending limit, then ask makers about materials, care, intended use and any exchange or custom-order terms before purchasing.
Free admission does not indicate individual artwork prices, and custom holiday delivery should be confirmed directly.
Readers arranging an outing with friends should check the correct day and hours, while anyone needing accessibility or drop-off information can contact the arts center.
Consult the current event announcement before traveling and keep the organizer’s link with your plans. |
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 Article illustration Thanksgiving Takeout: Three Grand Traverse-Area Options to OrderThree published Thanksgiving offers give Grand Traverse-area hosts ways to hand off some of the cooking before Thursday, November 26.
Black Star Farms lists a $275 dinner serving four to six, with orders due noon Friday, November 20. Pickup is November 24, noon–4 p.m., at Polaris Event Space at its Suttons Bay property. Heating instructions are included, and modifications are not offered.
Crystal Mountain advertises a $175 take-and-bake meal for four. Order by noon November 24 and collect it November 25, 4–7 p.m., at the Crystal Center. The package is chilled and must be cooked according to the supplied instructions.
Common Good’s Thanksgiving menu posts a November 20 preorder deadline with November 24 or 25 pickup. Its $39 chicken-and-wild-rice strudel serves six to eight; it is a bakery item rather than a complete dinner package.
Optional Black Star Farms wine and charcuterie additions have separate prices. Compare the actual dinner package instead of reading an event page’s lowest ticket price as the cost of a whole feast.
Before ordering, confirm ingredients, serving size, pickup location, preparation steps and the final checkout total. Save the confirmation and both dates together so the holiday plan includes time to collect and prepare the food. Holiday Market at The Stillhouse Local Business SpotlightThe Filling Station Microbrewery Rare Bird Brewpub |
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Article illustration Thanksgiving Help in Traverse City: Meals, Baskets and GivingTraverse City’s Salvation Army has announced Thanksgiving assistance, a free community meal and opportunities to help during the holiday season.
The Thanksgiving meal is scheduled for Wednesday, November 25, at 1239 Barlow Street, and the seasonal announcement says everyone is welcome without reservations. It is the day before Thanksgiving.
The seasonal announcement lists 11 a.m.–2 p.m., while the local feeding page lists 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. The serving hours remain unconfirmed; call 231-946-4644 before arranging transportation or sharing an arrival time.
Food baskets are a separate assistance program. The announcement identifies Grand Traverse, Benzie and Leelanau counties and an income threshold of 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Eligible families are directed to the official application portal; households without children are directed to the local office.
The Red Kettle kickoff is November 13, 9:30–10 a.m., at Blain’s Farm & Fleet. Individuals, families and groups can use the announcement’s volunteer link to explore shifts running during the campaign.
Readers can help by sharing the correct date, asking about an available volunteer shift or offering transportation if wanted. Use the application portal or contact the office about current basket availability, documents and collection arrangements; attending the community meal does not automatically register a household for another program. Deer Widow’s Weekend at the Commons https://upnorthpaws.com
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DAY TRIP • Elk Rapids AFTERNOON • Traverse City EVENING • Leland FAMILY • Traverse City RAINY-DAY ALTERNATIVE • The Commons |
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