Traverse City is still a small town, or is it?

Traverse City is still a small town, or is it?

From Mike Dell's World by Mike Dell

November 27, 2025 · 25 min · Episode 433

About this episode

Mike Dell reflects on Thanksgiving and the evolving character of Traverse City, sharing personal stories and local history.

In this Thanksgiving Day episode, Mike reflects on the holiday, family, and the evolving character of Traverse City. It’s a bittersweet year—his family’s first Thanksgiving without his dad—but also a moment to appreciate traditions, good food, and time spent together. From recent crime stories to long-standing local quirks, Mike explores whether Traverse City still feels like the small town he grew up in. He shares personal stories, local history, neighborhood breakdowns, and observations about everything from fast food failures to the layout of the airport and high schools. Topics Covered Thanksgiving Reflections Sending well-wishes to listeners celebrating the holiday. The first Thanksgiving without Mike’s dad and the tradition of leaving an empty chair at the table. Is Traverse City Still a Small Town? Recent unusual crime events: The Walmart stabbing last summer. A fatal parking-deck shooting involving car break-ins. An attempted abduction at the Meijer gas station. Why these big incidents still feel like “small-town news.” Population & Geography 2020 Census: About 16,000 people inside Traverse City limits. Metro area: ~153,000 across four counties (Grand Traverse…

People in this episode

Host: Mike Dell

Topics covered

  • Thanksgiving reflections
  • Traverse City
  • local crime stories
  • family traditions
  • small town character
  • neighborhood breakdowns

Keywords

  • Traverse City
  • Thanksgiving
  • local history
  • crime stories
  • family traditions
  • small town
  • neighborhoods

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Traverse City, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska, Walmart, Meijer, East Bay Township

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