Black Friday began as a term for financial turmoil in 1869, when speculators Jay Gould and Jim Fisk crashed the gold market, triggering widespread panic.

By the 1960s, Philadelphia police coined the name for the hectic, gridlocked streets packed with post-Thanksgiving shoppers and rampant shoplifting.

Despite efforts to rebrand the day, it stuck — and the notion that stores switch from “red” to “black” profits didn’t emerge until savvy 1980s marketing.

Since then, Black Friday has exploded into the largest shopping day in America, now dominated by online sales.

In 2024, U.S. shoppers spent a record $10.8 billion online — with 69% of purchases made on mobile devices.

“Black Friday creep” means deals begin days early, fueling robust consumer spending despite economic pressures.

Smart planning and vigilance help shoppers maximize savings while avoiding scams and gimmicks.

🥗 Winter Citrus & Roasted Fennel Salad with Burrata & Spiced Pistachio Crumble

🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 large fennel bulb, sliced
  
  

• 2 blood oranges, peeled and sliced into wheels
  
  

• 1 cara cara orange, segmented
  
  

• 1 small grapefruit, segmented
  
  

• 1 small head of radicchio, chopped or torn
  
  

• 1 ball of burrata cheese (or substitute with fresh mozzarella)
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• Salt & cracked black pepper
  
  

For the Pistachio Crumble:

• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
  
  

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  
  

• 1/2 tsp sea salt
  
  

• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup
  
  

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  
  

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar
  
  

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• Salt & pepper to taste

🥣 Instructions:

1. Roast the fennel: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss sliced fennel with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized.
   
   

2. Make the pistachio crumble: In a small skillet, toast pistachios with paprika, chili flakes, and salt over medium heat. Add maple syrup and stir until glazed. Remove from heat and chop roughly once cooled.
   
   

3. Make the dressing: Whisk orange juice, mustard, vinegar, and olive oil until emulsified. Season to taste.
   
   

4. Assemble: On a platter, layer radicchio, roasted fennel, and citrus slices. Tear burrata over the top. Drizzle with dressing, sprinkle with pistachio crumble, and add cracked pepper.

💡 Why It Works:

• Fennel and citrus are both at their peak in winter.
  
  

• Burrata adds creaminess to balance the bitterness of radicchio and tangy citrus.

Alfred Nobel’s transformative legacy began with his 1895 will, redefining global recognition for innovation and peace.

This spirit of reinvention thrives in Traverse City, where women over 50 are embracing new ambitions with purpose and creativity.

Like Nobel, these women channel lifetimes of experience into fresh ventures, launching businesses, mentoring, and enriching the arts.

Organizations such as Impact100 Traverse City and the Boundless Futures Foundation fuel this momentum, awarding record-breaking grants, including nearly $723,000 combined to local entrepreneurs and nonprofits in 2024.

The grand reopening of the Traverse City Senior Center further signals the city’s dedication to supporting thriving, active seniors.

In every season, Traverse City women prove that with vision and intention, the later chapters of life are filled with wisdom, impact, and bold new beginnings.

Quote Of The Day

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated." - Confucius

Traverse City beautifully showcases the changing seasons of Northern Michigan, where each transition brings fresh charm.

With November’s arrival, the community looks forward to treasured Thanksgiving traditions.

Since President Roosevelt unified the holiday in 1941, the consistent timing has complemented the region’s unique seasonal rhythm.

The Grand Traverse area reflects this spirit through events like the Traverse City Turkey Trot, where residents of all ages join a festive run on Thanksgiving morning.

Beloved local restaurants such as Minerva's and Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern craft special holiday menus, inviting families to savor locally sourced feasts.

Community projects, like the student-led Thanks-for-Giving fundraiser, ensure support for neighbors in need and strengthen community bonds.

Thanksgiving in Traverse City is more than a holiday — it’s a celebration of gratitude, unity, and the enduring spirit of Northern Michigan.

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Make sure to personalize your newsletter content by addressing recipients by their name and including localized information relevant to their specific area.

When Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" first appeared on stage in 1952 London, it did so quietly, yet soon captivated the world with its timeless intrigue.

Traverse City, celebrated for its rich arts culture, channels a similar devotion to story and creativity.

September 2025 marked the city’s first-ever TC Mural Festival, bringing vibrant artistry to the NoBo neighborhood’s Eighth Street and breathing new life into public spaces.

Add to this the Downtown Art Fair, held on September 13 and 14, drawing artists and craftspeople who filled downtown with color and energy.

These events underline Traverse City’s reputation as Northern Michigan’s creative center, celebrating stories told through art, performance, and community spirit.

Like Christie's enduring play, Traverse City's arts scene welcomes all to participate, weaving everyone into the unfolding narrative.

The city’s dedication proves that heartfelt stories and shared artistic moments can connect generations.

Interesting Facts

On November 24, 1859, Charles Darwin published 'On the Origin of Species,' spotlighting nature’s drive for adaptation.

In Traverse City, this concept is reality.

The landscape shifts with each season—orchards, vineyards, and forests all evolve, mirroring the city’s own journey.

Businesses reinvent themselves too, adjusting to the rhythms of tourism and local life.

The Cherryland Center is getting a fresh start, now home to Taquiera Las Lagunas and TC Man Cave, injecting fresh energy into the area.

The East Side Placemaking Project has rejuvenated Eighth and Garfield, turning it into a lively community hub.

As autumn deepens, Traverse City thrives—markets grow warmer, workshops bustle, and ideas sharpen for the winter ahead.

Adaptation shapes survival, but here, it defines distinction.

Traverse City doesn’t just adapt; it innovates to stand apart.

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Traverse City is elevating its lakeside lifestyle by blending wellness and aesthetics, drawing both locals and visitors into a vibrant health-focused community.

Paddleboard yoga on Grand Traverse Bay brings fitness to the tranquil waterfront, merging exercise with natural beauty.

Fresh, local ingredients star in smoothie bowls at neighborhood eateries, making healthy eating as visually pleasing as it is nourishing.

Boutique wellness shops with inviting, minimalist atmospheres are emerging as key gathering spaces for those seeking holistic health.

Images of yoga by the bay, post-ride lattes, and athleisure fashion color social feeds, reflecting a community dedicated to balance and intentional living over strict performance.

The upcoming Wellness Week Traverse City, set for September 19-26, 2025, will showcase the city’s rich array of yoga, holistic therapies, and health-forward businesses.

With new venues like Club Pilates and lululemon opening downtown, Traverse City continues to set the standard for small-city wellness—stylish, welcoming, and deeply rooted in its stunning natural surroundings.

Tip of The Day

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