Born and raised in Traverse City, Always looking for adventures and new experiences. Always looking to share those adventure and experiences. I Enjoy life as much as I can, wherever and whenever possible. I try to encourage others to do the same. I am just taking it 525,600 minutes at a time!
Q: Please tell us about yourself.
I am a Traverse City native. I am Outgoing, Adventurous, and feel life is meant to be lived, enjoyed and shared with others. I have many varied interests from hiking, biking, kayaking to breweries, wineries and distilleries, to festivals, fairs, concerts and more. You can find me wandering the region to satisfy and share my love of Travel, Adventure & Good food. That sharing is done through my Facebook blog and though my camera’s eye on my Instagram account; both under my online persona of DrewTheWanderingBear.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I spent 6.5 years in the US Army, followed by 25 Years in the Metals Manufacturing industry. Currently I work as a Receiving Supervisor at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery here in Traverse City. I like being able to utilize my organizational and analytical skills to improve job performance and functions.
Q: What is your favorite book?
While I really enjoy a variety of fantasy adventure and dystopian style books, I have to choose the one book that changed my life. “Coming out of Shame” by Gershen Kaufman and Lev Raphael. It really opened eyes to the power I have to control how I react to people, situations and other life events. It has given me an unwavering positive attitude and made me so much stronger as a person.
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Stella’s, Harringtons, Apache Trout Grill, Thai Café, Barrio, J&S South Airport, The Cottage
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I moved back to Traverse City a little over 3 ½ years ago to be closer to family and friends and reconnect with my love of the outdoor life in northern Michigan
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Be adventurous, Check out the shops, our farm markets and our festivals. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our area.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
If he was still around; Anthony Bourdain at the Filling Station to share a flatbread pizza and cold beer. I think it would be awesome to have a conversation about his travels and experiences. About life, the diverse communities around the world and the food and traditions that unite them.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The diversity of our community, the variety of activities available. So many opportunities to see the sights, try something new and engage with others.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have two “Dream Maps” and a “Calendar of Opportunities” that I maintain. The First map is a google map that I keep track of all the restaurants, parks and sights I have visited. The Second map is a framed map with all the cities I have visited pinned in red, and all the cities I would like to go pinned in yellow. t’s a great visual for planning travel and adventures. The Google Calendar is list of happenings in our areas, constantly being updates so I have awareness and options of things to do in the area. Such as festivals, fairs, concerts, shows, live music, cooking classes, outdoor adventures and more.
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
As much as I enjoy the many annual festivals around here, my favorite thing to participate in is the Annual Restaurant Week. It is like a 2nd Christmas to me. I go out nearly every night that week. I enjoy checking out places I haven’t been to, as well as visiting some of my favorites. It fun to see what our local establishments are serving up.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
Fall is my favorite season. I love the colors, the slightly cooler temperatures, hiking through the woods, biking on the Tart Trail and sitting around a campfire
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Loving, Accepting, Safe
