Traverse City, Michigan
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201-217 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA
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I’m white but I got this app to better understand black experiences in predominantly white towns like the one I grew up in in NoMich, and potentially give some information about the area as well. The city of Traverse City itself is very blue, but there is little to no diversity, so a lot of ignorance. The rural areas and smaller surrounding towns can be very racist. Violence hasn’t seemed to have ever been an issue (hopefully never will be), but like the other reviewer said, micro aggressions and racist comments are common. Stay safe and know that you do have allies that will do everything they can to protect you up North!
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!