The Hidden Gems of Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City, Michigan, is about as American as it gets. A metaphorical apple pie by the water's edge, it offers the finest in lake living and tourist attractions. And while I could sit you down at a booth in the nearest diner and list off the top ten tourist traps, I'd rather strap you into the passenger seat of my 1972 Ford Pinto and take you on a slightly twisted adventure through the lesser-known wonders of this lakeside haven. So, buckle up and hold on to your beer (or wine, if you're feeling fancy) as we explore the hidden gems of Traverse City.
PsychoSuzi's Motor Lounge & Tiki Garden: The Mai Tai of MichiganMy first stop takes us to an establishment that seems to have been plucked straight from the set of a Tarantino film. With its kitschy decor and tropical drinks, PsycoSuzi's Motor Lounge & Tiki Garden is the perfect place to escape the ordinary. Order a "Pain Killer" or a "Shrunken Head," and you'll feel like you're on a beach vacation without ever having to leave the comfort of the Midwest. The best part is that you don't need to worry about sharks or getting sand in your shoes.
But what's a tiki bar without pizza? Just like peanut butter and jelly, or America and freedom, tiki drinks and pizza are the perfect combination. At PsychoSuzi's, you can enjoy unique pizzas like the "Bora Bora BBQ" and "The Bermuda Triangle," while sipping on a tropical cocktail. After a few of those, you'll swear you can hear the soft rustle of palm trees in the breeze (or maybe that's just the sound of your brain cells dying).
The Coin Slot: A Nostalgic Trip to the Arcade Glory DaysNext on our journey is a place where you can relive the glory days of the 1980s (or experience them for the first time if you're a young whippersnapper). The Coin Slot is a vintage arcade that boasts a collection of classic games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga. This is the perfect place to test your hand-eye coordination, impress your date with your button-mashing skills, or simply relive the days when "going viral" meant catching chicken pox.
Best of all, the Coin Slot operates on a pay-by-the-hour system, so you can play to your heart's content without having to save up all your laundry quarters. Just remember to keep an eye on the clock, because time tends to fly when you're in a neon-lit, pixelated wonderland.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons: Asylum ChicHave you ever wanted to dine, shop, and explore the grounds of a former insane asylum? Well, now's your chance! The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, once the Traverse City State Hospital, is a unique complex where history, architecture, and commerce collide. With its towering brick buildings and sprawling lawns, the Commons is equal parts creepy and captivating.
Take a guided tour through the former asylum, learn about its haunted history, or simply wander the grounds on your own. If you're feeling peckish, grab a bite at one of the many on-site restaurants or cafes. Just be sure to leave before dark, or you might find yourself locked in for the night with some unseen spirits. But hey, at least they're not asking for rent.
Earthen Ales: The Grounded BreweryFinally, what's a P.J. O'Rourke-esque adventure without a drink (or several)? Earthen Ales is a brewery that values sustainability and community, sourcing local ingredients and utilizing environmentally-friendly practices. Plus, their beer is just plain good. With brews like "Juniper Rye IPA" and "Chipotle Porter," you'll have no problem finding something to suit your tastes.
So, raise a glass to Traverse City's hidden gems, and toast to the offbeat, the unusual, and the downright strange. After all, life's too short to spend all your time at the typical tourist traps. Cheers!
|
|
