The holiday season brings a flurry of holiday lights, festive parades, and ski season excitement that takes over Traverse City, Michigan. You can experience a calm and cozy escape in the weeks leading up to the holidays when the air turns crisp, the fall colors linger, and the region slows to a peaceful rhythm that invites exploration. This is the perfect time to experience the charm of northern Michigan with wine tastings along scenic routes to downtown strolls by the bay. Here are five great ways to explore Traverse City before the holidays.
Wander Downtown Traverse City
There’s something magical about downtown Traverse City in late fall. The air is cool, the sidewalks are lined with golden leaves, and the pace feels wonderfully unhurried. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll down Front Street before the holiday crowds arrive and where historic buildings house an array of boutique shops, bookstores, and local cafés. This is also the perfect time to start your holiday shopping early.
You’ll find unique gifts and locally made treasures from cherry-themed treats and artisan chocolates to handmade jewelry and Michigan-made wines. Stop into Cherry Republic for all things cherry, a Traverse City specialty, or Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars for gourmet goodies that make excellent stocking stuffers. When you’re ready to warm up, you can pop into Brew or BLK & MRKT for a cozy coffee or grab lunch at The Towne Plaza. This spot is known for its hearty comfort food and seasonal ingredients. Visiting before the holidays lets you enjoy Traverse City’s small-town charm at its most relaxed and authentic.
Looking for Large Group Rentals in Traverse City? Click Here!
Tour the Local Wineries and Breweries
Traverse City is often called the “Wine Coast of the Midwest,” and for good reason. Its surrounding peninsulas are home to dozens of award-winning vineyards. Before the holiday season begins, take advantage of the quieter tasting rooms and the gorgeous late-autumn scenery.
Head up Old Mission Peninsula or Leelanau Peninsula for an afternoon of wine tasting with incredible lake views. Top spots like Chateau Chantal, Mari Vineyards, and 2 Lads Winery offer cozy indoor spaces where you can sip reds and whites while overlooking the rolling hills and water below.
Prefer beer or cider instead? Traverse City’s craft beverage scene is thriving and has something for everyone. Stop by Right Brain Brewery, Rare Bird Brewpub, or Taproot Cider House downtown to sample creative brews and local flavors. The calmer tasting pubs will let you get more personalized tastings and the chance to chat with winemakers and brewers about their seasonal releases.
Title here
Some description here...
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Even before the snow falls Traverse City’s natural beauty is breathtaking. The crisp air and peaceful landscapes make it an ideal time for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. Head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where you can hike trails like the Empire Bluff Trail or the Pyramid Point Trail for panoramic views of Lake Michigan. The cooler temperatures and thinning crowds make it easier to take your time and soak in the scenery. Try your best to march on up the famous sand dunes that can have a dusting of snow this time of year.
Closer to town, you can explore the TART Trail, also known as the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trail, which runs along the bay and through wooded stretches perfect for a quiet morning ride or walk. Lucky travelers might even catch the last bursts of fall color or an early dusting of snow along the trails.
Visit the Village at Grand Traverse Commons
A visit to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a must any time of year especially before the holidays. This historic complex feels especially peaceful and inviting from far away and up close. Once a 19th century asylum, the beautifully restored buildings now house shops, cafés, and art galleries inside striking brick architecture. Take a guided historic walking tour to learn about the site’s fascinating past or simply wander the grounds and explore the unique boutiques and local restaurants tucked throughout the halls. Stop by Trattoria Stella for an unforgettable meal highlighting local ingredients and regional wines. The surrounding trails and open spaces also make for a scenic afternoon stroll especially as the last leaves fall and the air begins to take on that holiday crispness.
Savor Seasonal Flavors
Traverse City’s culinary scene shines in the weeks before winter. Local chefs and bakers start rolling out seasonal menus featuring hearty soups, root vegetables, and festive desserts made with Michigan-grown ingredients.
You can start your day at Omelette Shoppe or Hexenbelle for a cozy breakfast and then plan dinner at The Cook’s House, a farm-to-table gem that highlights the best of northern Michigan’s seasonal produce. For dessert, try a slice of cherry pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company that is practically a local tradition.
Check out the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market which continues into early November. You will find fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treats perfect for bringing a bit of Traverse City home with you.
