The Mercato

I wander over here every chance I get! The once upon a time Traverse City State Hospital, bldg 50 (once Community Mental Health also) has transformed! But in such a unique way that history isn’t erased. Both my mom, myself, and many friends and acquaintances worked here. The upscale aura, shops, apparel, and unique finds is a shoppers dream ! And the overall atmosphere just adds to the experience!

If you go crazy about this place you are a little late to the party. That’s because it is no longer the state mental hospital. Today it is a unique place to loose yourself — maybe literally — along the meandering halls that go from shop, to café, to gallery, to wine tasting and beyond. It can be a bit confusing to figure out where you are which may have prevented escapees from being successful in the past. But, all kidding aside, it is rather cool to browse or seriously shop here. And the brick buildings have been reclaimed while maintaining their original architecture which is quite pleasant to look at. If you like it enough to stay there are condos for sale or rent on the property for a pretty price as well. It could be like your own Hotel California (except they will let you leave).

This place was pretty cool to check out for sure, it’s a little confusing going through the shops how it curves and splits — for someone like me who is directionally challenged — but we definitely had a good time wandering through checking out all the shops.
Some of the stuff was kind of pricey but there was some pretty cool things too! I love the fact that this place used to be a mental hospital. The building itself looks like one and I thought the architecture was pretty awesome.

Once an insane asylum, the Mercato is now a gorgeous little village with shops, restaurants, and wine galore.
Buy fur ear muffs, eat lunch at Mana, have a tasting of Black Star Farm’s Peach wine, and even gear up Michigan-​style with a t-​shirt from High Five Threads. There are various businesses in this quaint historic building, so keep on the look out for new commerce spots popping up along the brick halls!
Stella is attached (one of my very most favorite restaurants for years–
), and Left Foot Charley, Higher Grounds, and other fab businesses are right on the Commons land. A must go-​to if you’re visiting the beautiful little city of TC.