Traverse City, Michigan

I lived there for college. Would walk down town and get called slurs sometimes for just walking, high school students started a Snapchat “slave trading” group chat where they’d take pictures of students, faced wage discrimination for being black and told I had to stop speaking black, had regulars that would come in just to throw micro-aggressions, and very MAGA heavy territory. If you go, go during tourist season where it is more diverse. The more rural the area, the more racist for sure. If you plan on moving there, don’t put your babies in those schools coming from a former educator.

If you do choose to visit, the nature is beautiful and there is plenty of alcohol, food, and weed. Michigan overall has cheap weed compared to other states. I highly recommend going to Little Fleet. They have food trucks, craft cocktails, and live music. The coin slot is another great spot for live music, local craft beers and some mixed drinks, and a pizza shop attached. However, my personal favorite pizza was Pangeas. I love their pizza sauce and they have a roof top bar that looks towards the bay. My favorite local restaurant is samsara though. Amazing Asian cuisine out of a local Mom and Pop shop. They’re down to earth people and make amazing food from scratch.

As for things to do, there are plenty of trails, lakes, rivers, wine tours, ghost tours, and local shops to keep you entertained. Just know if you go during Cherry Festival you’re not getting traverse city cherries because they aren’t ready until towards the end of summer to be harvested. At least that’s what all the locals said. Hope that helps!