The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Many communities let their magnificent historical buildings get demolished and don't have the foresight to help them become the grand dames they can become.  The city of Traverse City, MI had foresight to allow the 1885 former State Hospital for the mentally ill to become what would be called "The Village at Grand Traverse Commons."  The cream colored brick Victorian-Italiante historic buildings were renovated in 2000 - 2007.  The 63-acre complex now houses the www.undergroundcheesecake.com , an urban winery www.leftfootcharley.com , www.pleasantonbakery.com , and www.highergroundstrading.com   There are also several trendy boutiques and restaurants.   We headed for the Higher Grounds Trading Co where we sampled the small-batch coffee roastery and hot chocolate.  Organic fresh-roasted coffee from around the world and cocoa beans are used.  Left Foot Charley's uses grapes from 13 local vineyards. We met our chocolate guide and author, Barbara Disborough "The Guide to Chocolate in the Grand Traverse Region" and sampled rich chocolates made from chocolatier Mimi Wheeler, owner of Grocer's Daughter Chocolate. www.grocersdaughter.com   Mimi uses Rainforest Alliance premium high-cocoa content chocolate for her hand-made truffles, caramels (try the sea salt ones), Bon Bons filled with her home grown herbs, locally blended spices and honey.  She also makes non-dairy vegan fruit, spice and nut bon bons.