DON'T MISS THE TRAVERSE CITY FILM FESTIVAL - JULY 28-AUG. 3, 2008

BUSINESSES CALENDAR OF EVENTS DOWNTOWN AREA POINTS OF INTEREST LIBRARY OF ARTICLES MAP OF DOWNTOWN JUST FOR FUN COUPONS CONTACT US

Traverse City Weather Forecast, MI

FEATURED BUSINESSES

Historical Photos of Downtown Traverse City

Perry Holdsworth, Founder of Traverse City's First Foundry

Sheffields

Stroll Downtown Discount Card

Wooden Gallery

Up North at Up North Kids

CLICK HERE to see books by Sonja Richards, publisher of Stroll. The Comet Kid My Maize and Blue day (New in 2008!)

Welcome to the Stroll Magazine® Website!

In this issue of Stroll you will see some terrific old photographs from Traverse City's past, as well as an historical story written by Bob Wilson, TC's local historian, as it appeared in his book, Grand Traverse Legends. Also find more great shops and restaurants, new and old!

A Note From the Publisher...

Summer Senses...
...feel goosebumps rise on your arms and legs as a cool breeze comes out of nowhere and sweeps over your previously sun-warmed body.
...hear robins and chickadees chirp to each other as they hop from branch to branch under the shady canopy of the old maple trees.
...take in the smell of purple lilacs and white rose of sharon as their scents fill your nostrils.
...soak up large, warm droplets of rain as they fall from high in the sky and splash onto your skin.
...taste the sweetness of your favorite ice cream on your tongue and feel it’s cool smoothness as it slides down into your hungry tummy.
...feel the crunch of a fresh local apple as you clench your teeth around its outside.
...feel the sand run to and from your toes as you stand on the edge of a wavy bay.
...hear the waves roll up and back and up again onto the shore.
...stare up into an endless night sky sprinkled with countless twinkling stars.
...feel the flames of a blazing campfire...watch them reach up and try to taste your roasting marshmallow.
...gently squeeze a gooey roasted marshmallow between two graham crackers and a thick chunk of chocolate...watch it ooze around the edges.
...lay in the warm sand on a sunny day...close your eyes...feel your body warm inch by inch with the sun’s rays.
...feel the wild, cool wind rush through your hair as you sail down a hill on a bicycle.
...be amazed by the silence and breathtaking beauty of Grand Traverse as you effortlessly para-sail over the crystal blue water...enjoy.

Downtown Traverse City is a wonderful place to visit because of the varied things it has to offer. Of course, you will find T-shirt and fudge shops, but even those are distinctive because of their history in the area. You can find beautiful artwork throughout our galleries, fine furnishings and design services, fabulous food, and great opportunities for memorable experiences, as well as much more.

Since 1620, people have explored the beauty of this region and enjoyed all it has to offer. At that time, of course, it was mostly Ottowa and Ojibwa Indians, and then a bit later, the French, all who prospered from furs and trading.

It was not until the early 1840s that settlers began coming to the Traverse City area. Ten years later, a large mill was built by Perry Hannah and Albert Lay, allowing for lumbering to become a great business here. By 1862, the population of Traverse City was 300, and within not quite 25 years, that population had grown by more than ten times to 4,000. Traverse City’s current population is around 15,000.

In 1852, well-known missionary Father Doughterty planted the first cherry trees on Old Mission Peninsula; it took nearly 75 years to discover that fruit trees could thrive in this area, and once discovered, fruit became a main industry. The first “Blessing of the Blossoms” (which eventually became known as the National Cherry Festival of Traverse City) was celebrated in 1924. It has been growing ever since, and now Traverse City welcomes thousands of visitors every year to enjoy the many events the Festival has to offer.

There are numerous other wonderful things to do in Traverse City besides go to parades and eat cherries, though! Shopping downtown is one of those things. Some of the businesses in Downtown Traverse City have been here for over 100 years, and you can expect the same friendly service you would have received when the stores first opened.

I invite you to take a stroll through Downtown and Old Town Traverse City, notice some of the architecture, enjoy some unique shopping, and get a bite to eat. Downtown Traverse City is an experience you’ll not soon forget.

About Olde Towne Publishing and Stroll Magazine®

Stroll Magazine® is dedicated to both promoting Traverse City's beautiful downtown and to helping to preserve its history...

I started Olde Towne Publishing and Stroll Magazine® for several reasons. My husband and I own two small businesses and I wanted to help fellow businesses and the downtown I grew up with grow. Second, I noticed there is not a lot of information specific to Downtown Traverse City for visitors, or even locals. Our area is filled with a unique, rich history I want to explore and share. Stroll Magazine® is an avenue to do all of these things.

I welcome feedback, ideas, and information, so if you have any, please contact me! I appreciate you patronizing both my publication, and the businesses of Downtown and Old Town Traverse City. - Sonja Richards