What is it about downtown Traverse City?

Downtown Traverse City... There really isn't anywhere like it. I'm not really able to put my finger on what it is... I just feel good being downtown, walking downtown, the sounds, the smells (most good!), and starring up at the old buildings with their charm wondering what stories they could tell.
When I was a child my Mother worked at a department store downtown called - Milliken's. From an early age, I remember the sights and sounds even back then. Like the smell of the inside of Milliken's...I know it sounds a little strange, but the smell of new clothes and new leather shoes seemed to fill the air with the ever so slight aroma of the latest perfumes. The Tea Room - It seems everyone that knew of it has fond memories of this very low ceiling diner, that overlooked the first floor of Milliken's department store. It was more of a "warp-around" indoor balcony than what you would typically think of as a diner.
As a young boy, my Mother (who worked below in the shoe store at the time) and occasionally my Grand Mother would treat me to some of the then, best mash potatoes & gravy in Traverse City. (as a 6 year old - I was sure of it) But it wasn't so much the food, as it was the atmosphere. It was the hum of activity and voices that carried up from the shopping going on below. Seems my Mother and Grand Mother always knew the waitresses by first name and big smiles were always exchanged. It was a special place...back at a special time.
Today, I am middle aged, my two daughters are my age then. I've talked about the "tea room" on occasion and try to explain how things were and how special downtown Traverse City is. I do wish I could have had them experience the Tea Room too. It is funny how fast times change and towns and cities evolve. But downtown Traverse City is still very much alive with character and charm today. The events and festivals are very much the same as they were many years ago.
If you are planning a stay in Traverse City, do spend part of a day roaming around downtown. There are so many great eateries and shopping to be had. From fine cuisine to hero sandwiches to ice cream at Kilwins. You can take a break and stroll down to the Clinch Park Marina and watch the boats or take your lunch to the Open Space and lay out on the lawn soaking up your surroundings. Downtown Traverse City is truly as much of an attraction as the beautiful lakes, rivers and dunes that surround it...