Exploring the Outdoor Vendor Event

A beautiful fall day at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Outdoor Vendor Event, where artisans, vendors, and shoppers gathered under clear blue skies to celebrate local creativity and craftsmanship.

A Fall Day at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

On a windy October afternoon, my family and I headed out to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons for their much-anticipated last outdoor vendor event of the season. The sky was clear, and the wind carried the crisp scent of fall—a perfect day to explore the heart of Traverse City’s vibrant artisan community. The Commons, with its charming historical architecture and expansive grounds, stood proudly against a backdrop of maple trees shifting to brilliant yellows and oranges. The sight of the leaves dancing in the wind added to the beauty of the day, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that pulled us in.

I had been to The Commons many times before, but this was different. This was the community at its finest: local vendors and shoppers all coming together to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and connection.

Shoppers enjoying a sunny fall day at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Outdoor Vendor Event, surrounded by historic architecture and local artisan booths.

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons: A Unique Venue

For those unfamiliar, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a cornerstone of Traverse City’s history. Originally the Traverse City State Hospital, the grounds have been transformed into a bustling hub of commerce, art, and culture while preserving its unique historic charm. The towering brick buildings, leafy pathways, and wide-open spaces create a perfect blend of old and new, making it a magnet for both locals and visitors.

Walking through the Commons, you can feel the weight of its history juxtaposed against the vibrancy of its modern-day artisans. It was a perfect setting for an event like this, where vendors, makers and crafters could showcase their work to an audience that truly values community spirit.

A beautifully arranged display of natural skincare products at Hippie Twig Botanics, featuring handmade creams, serums, and lip balms crafted with care and organic ingredients at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Outdoor Vendor Event.

Connecting with Local Artisans

Each vendor had their own unique display, and it was impossible to resist stopping at nearly every booth to check out the handmade goods on offer. From intricately crafted jewelry and pottery to vibrant paintings and locally made skincare products, there was something for everyone.

Shayna from YOH! Yarn Over Hook! with her booth full of colorful, handmade crocheted creations at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Outdoor Vendor Event.

A group of adorable crocheted cows from Shayna's booth

We first stopped at a booth featuring adorable crocheted plushies and amigurumi foods. My son’s eyes lit up the moment he spotted a cute little chicken among the colorful array of items. Shayna, who owns YOH! Yarn Over Hook explained that each piece was crocheted by hand with love and attention to detail, told us how much joy it brings her to see kids connect with her creations. Without hesitation, my son pulled out his wallet and proudly purchased the chicken stuffed animal for himself.

Allison's vintage-inspired creations, including embroidered jewelry and decor, were a nostalgic and artistic highlight of the day.

The bold floral embroidery and whimsical framed art added a touch of nostalgia and creativity to her booth.

Next, we stopped by Allison Wonderland, a booth run by Allison Brown, whose embroidered jewelry and decor gave off a fun vintage vibe. Her collection featured intricate earrings, bookmarks, and framed artwork, all inspired by retro florals and bold colors. Dressed in a groovy orange floral dress, Allison was just as vibrant as her creations. She artfully blends vintage materials with modern embroidery techniques, breathing new life into old photos and fabrics —her work was the perfect blend of past and present, with a fresh, modern twist.

Leelanau Candle Co. at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Outdoor Vendor Event

A beautiful display of hand-poured candles from Leelanau Candle Co.

We also came across Kelsey of Leelanau Candle Co., selling hand-poured soy wax candles that immediately made me think of cozy nights at home as the days grow shorter. The selection included rich, earthy scents, but I was drawn to a candle with the sweet aroma of Caramel Pumpkin Delight—a perfect scent for embracing the warmth and comfort of fall. The beautiful ceramic containers and thoughtful, nature-inspired touches made these candles not only functional but also a lovely addition to any space. It was exactly the kind of scent that could instantly transform a room into a fall or winter retreat.

These bold and unique earrings by My Silver Linings offer a playful mix of steampunk and boho style.

Christina encouraged visitors to "Try them on, make a mess, and buy the ones that you love best!"

The booth called My Silver Linings, run by Christina, immediately caught my eye with its eclectic selection of handmade earrings and cozy knit accessories. The earrings had a unique, whimsical quality, using repurposed guitar picks with skulls, gears, and moon symbols—perfect for fans of steampunk or boho styles. Christina’s booth had a welcoming vibe, with a sign encouraging visitors to “Try them on, make a mess, and buy the ones you love best.” The rich textures of the knit scarves added to the fall feel, and I loved the playful atmosphere she created.

While I was busy chatting with vendors and absorbing the creative energy, my son sipped at boba tea from one of the snack vendors. We made sure to stop by The Underground Toy Store in Building 50 on our way back to the car.

The October 5th outdoor vendor event was a reminder of why I love Northern Michigan and its thriving artisan community. It reinforced my own mission with Great Lakes Mosaic to highlight and support the creative talent that exists here. Days like this are what inspire me to keep pushing forward, celebrating the makers who bring so much beauty and originality to our world.

With the holiday season approaching, I encourage everyone to seek out similar events, support local artisans, and take the time to connect with the people behind the products. It’s these connections that make our communities richer and our purchases more meaningful.