There are simply some vacation destinations better than others, and Traverse City definitely falls in with that crowd. If you have visited Traverse City, you know exactly what we are talking about. The area is known for some truly wonderful activities and attractions that are raved about locally and online. You can also enjoy some activities in Traverse City that are off the beaten path too. Here are the top five unique things to do in Traverse City.
Traverse City is full of historic buildings and preserved including the Grand Traverse Commons that are a must see. These spots are an essential for out of town visitors and will often be full of visitors. There are some other attractions around the Grand Traverse Commons that are less known and still worthy of a visit. When in the area make sure to stop by the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park. It can be found nearby the Village and is a free to visit park. You will be able to drive or walk through wide pathways that take you up and down the park. You can expect to see some incredible seasonal displays of northern Michigan plant life and trees. The park is aptly named after the two preserved barns that are a local treasure and stunning to see up close in person. A little sunshine and a visit to the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park is a muse see experience in Traverse City.
There is nothing better than a group outing full of exciting games especially when you’re in Traverse City. One of our local attractions that is always hit and many visitors don’t know about is the Coin Slot. This is your classic arcade and pinball bar where you can find a variety of rotating games here. Many of the locals find it to be their local pinball spot here in the city. The Coin Slot is a great spot to have with the family during the day. In between each of your game rounds you can stop by the local food vendor who is on hand for the day. They always have a new food vendor every day of the week and their rotation typically includes favorites such as Full Send Ramen, Two Sons, Pizza, Somewhere Over the Trompo, and Super Cone! Adults will be able to find over 200 different canned adult beverages to try out. You will also find a full service bar too. The Coin Slot is 21 years of age and older only after 9:00 PM so make sure to bring the kids earlier in the day!
Our neighbors of Benzonia are home to Fantail Farm Wagon & Sleigh Rides, one of the top sleigh charters here in the state. They offer wagon rides on the farm during the warmer months of the year before they begin to offer sleigh rides in the winter. They horse drawn wagons are sure to put a smile on your children’s faces as they get to see these majestic creatures in person. The farm itself is a lovely property that will help slow down your day so you can relax and enjoy the quietness. They also offer a reception space perfect for weddings and family gatherings too. This is a great hidden gem that is perfect for the whole family. If you are looking for wood fired pizzas and cocktails head on over to Iron Fish Distillery just down the street afterwards!
Traverse City is the perfect destination for those looking to spend some time outdoors. The city itself is home to the Boardman Lake Loop Trail that is found right by the city limits. This 4 mile trail will take you around Boardman Lake to offer a mix of urban and wood settings. The path will have areas of gravel, pavement, and boardwalk so it is best explored by walking, running, or cycling.
Mari Vineyards
While wine tours are a very popular option when visiting Traverse City, you may be unfamiliar with some of the actual wineries here in the area. Checking out Mari Vineyards is a must for your vacation as they feature innovate wines that are unique to the area. The vineyard itself is a beautiful destination that highlights the Northern Michigan landscape. A quiet evening here with a glass of wine in hand is what vacation is all about.
These lesser known activities around Traverse City will help make your vacation one to remember. Don’t forget about our luxury vacation rentals to keep you comfortable all stay long. Contact us to book your stay today.
No one wants to travel alone so make sure the whole family is in tow when you make your next trek to Traverse City. One of our favorite times of the year to enjoy a family vacation to the area is over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Traverse City is a bustling hub of entertainment as the National Cherry Festival is in full swing and 4th of July activities will be held as well. Take a look at some family friendly 4th of July activities in Traverse City.
Each year you will find that countless vacation destinations will all put on what you want to see for the 4th of July: a massive fireworks show! Traverse City hosts our very own 4th of July Fireworks display here on the holiday so you can enjoy an incredible night show. The fireworks are part of the National Cherry Festival and will begin approximately at 10:30 PM when the night sky is dark. You will find that our fireworks show is one of the best and is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face in your family. Don’t miss out on this fireworks show taking place on the 4th of July.
The biggest event that Traverse City sees each year is hands down the National Cherry Festival. This is a massive event that takes place over eight days and brings in over 500,000 people each year. This is a long standing tradition that has been around for decades and continues to grow each year. This year’s festival will take place from June 28th through July 5th for over a week’s worth of family friendly fun. The majority of the events that make up the National Cherry Festival are absolutely free to attend. Most of these events can be found over at Open Space Park where you can find the classic festival grounds complete with rides, midway games, food vendors, and so much more. Your kids will love trying to win a fun prize and see all of the incredible displays. The National Cherry Festival will also have additional activities including stunning aerial flyovers, pie eating contests, orchard tours, and the Kids’ Klub where you can find activities for children of all ages to enjoy. Your family is sure to make plenty of exciting memories here at this year’s National Cherry Festival.
The 4th of July is right in the middle of our summer season so you can be sure temps will be higher than usual. Make sure you can help the whole family cool off this summer by letting them explore the Grand Traverse Bay. Traverse City is located right on the edge of Lake Michigan and the Grand Traverse Bay lets you enjoy the lake water easy enough. When you step up to the coast you will be amazed at just how big the lake is. You will feel like you are on the ocean shores with the endless water in front of you and sandy beaches all around. A great way to explore the Grand Traverse Bay with the family is by enjoying the water. Local rental shops let you pick up water craft to help you explore. All ages can explore a ride aboard a kayak or canoe with a parent while the older children enjoy a stand up paddleboard. You can explore the shoreline and see what makes the bay so special. Cool off by the water of Grand Traverse Bay!
If your family is looking to stretch their legs during your patriotic stay take them on a loop through the TART Trail. This is a 13-mile paved trail that extends all along Traverse City. The paved path makes it an excellent choice for an afternoon bike ride through the area. The trail will give you and the family some wonderful views including the waterfront, swimming beaches, state parks, and much more. If you prefer to hike, you will find that the TART Trail also connects to the Leelanau Trail along with the Boardman/Ottaway River. Explore the TART Trail is a great way for a family outing that will have you seeing quite a bit of Traverse City all in one go.
As you can see, a trip with the family over the 4th of July weekend is just what everyone needs. You are sure to find these wonderful family friendly activities and so much more close by our vacation rentals. There is no stay more comfortable than inside our vacation properties filled with luxury amenities. Explore our listing today and see what property is available for the perfect family outing in time for summer. Contact us to book your stay today.
The summer season will be here before we know it, so now is the perfect time to start planning your itinerary. You will find the summer season to be a perfect time of year to see such a beautiful location. The views of the charming city along with the coast of Lake Michigan will be something to remember for years. You can also bring out a little adventure during your summer stay as well. Take a look at the top activities to experience in Traverse City.
Nothing quite says summer like some time at the lake. You will find that Traverse City makes up part of the shores of Lake Michigan. If you have yet to visit Lake Michigan, you will be in for quite the treat. Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume and is a stunning view to take in. Many visitors claim that seeing Lake Michigan for the first time caused them to question their eyes, thinking it is the ocean; it is that big! You can easily spend time at Lake Michigan in a variety of ways during your stay. You can enjoy a relaxing experience navigating the shoreline and streams by paddling around. Local rental shops along the lake provide equipment such as kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards that are easy to navigate around the water. This is a relaxing experience that will have you enjoying a peaceful time. If you prefer a little speed, you can also explore other options such as jet skis or motorboats that will take you at high speeds across the water. Surfing, wind surfing, and wakeboarding are all popular water sports here at the lake that you can easily try for yourself. The summer season can be busy at the lake, so make sure to reserve your rentals in advance!
For those who have yet to visit Traverse City, you will find the area to be a secret wine country with countless wineries and vineyards around the region. Our weather allows for unique crops of grapes that are used for delicious wines. You can always drop by one of the tasting rooms during your stay. However, booking a wine tour will allow you the opportunity to try out a few different spots without having to worry about driving. Local companies including Grand Traverse Tours and Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours will shuttle you around to several different spots to enjoy a tasting flight. Many of the wineries offer stunning views of the lake or vineyards that grow the grapes. You will have a tour guide who is knowledgeable about the region and wine so you can learn all about this growing industry. Book your wine tour today for a great adult outing during your summer stay.
One of the biggest celebrations here in Traverse City takes place right in the middle of the summer season. Of course, we are talking about the National Cherry Festival that is a unique and giant event worth experiencing for yourself. This multiday event will be returning once again this summer from June 28th through July 5th for an all-ages experience. This is not your regular festival but instead a combination of delicious food, live music, stunning aerial shows, and so much more. The National Cherry Festival includes a variety of events and activities some being free to attend. Some of the biggest activities are the live concerts, with this year’s lineup including artists such as Weird Al, Cheap Trick, T.I., Hinder, and more. The Air Show that takes place over the Grand Traverse Bay will showcase real-life fighter jets in an incredible display. You can expect plenty of cherry-themed activities too, including pie eating contests and more. The fairgrounds will be up and running with plenty of midway games and entertainment too. Don’t miss out on Traverse City’s biggest tradition here in the summer season.
Come make a visit to one of the most beautiful national parks in the country here at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The namesake sandy dunes stand tall along the shoreline providing a unique area to explore. You can enjoy the hiking and biking trails that will take you to the local lighthouse. You simply cannot find more stunning views anywhere else around Traverse City during the summer season.
These summer activities are some of the many ways to spend your time here in the summer season. Our Traverse City vacation rentals are ready to host you and your family for a memorable adventure getaway. Contact us to find your favorite property today and get ready for summer. Search our rentals by bedroom here.
There is no better time of the year to get out and explore Traverse City than the start of the summer season. Memorial Day Weekend always signals the start of summer and continues to be a popular time to visit the area. You will find plenty of holiday events and summer activities to keep the whole family occupied during your stay. Here is what you can plan for with a Memorial Day trip to Traverse City.
Memorial Day is a holiday that in a way preserves our nation’s history. It is a remembrance of our fallen heroes in the armed forces and what their sacrifice has provided us. Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to see how Traverse City has preserved other parts of the area’s history with a stop by Grand Traverse Commons. This historical preservation that was originally built in the 1800s was a mental asylum that assisted those in need. Now, the Grand Traverse Commons uses the beautiful architecture to host a variety of eateries, salons, boutiques, exercise studios, and much more. The 63-acre complex is beautifully crafted and even hosts a walking tour that will take you around the area learning about its rich history. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Grand Traverse Commons.
Another great way to take a look at Michigan’s history is with a visit to the Dennos Museum, an extension of Northwestern Michigan College. This art gallery features collections that date back as early as the 19th century and features over 3,000 works of Intuit art. There is also 1,600 pieces of textiles, drawings, and sculptures that were authentically made from Inuit artists. You will also be able to explore exhibits of the Canadian Woodland Indian collection and works from American artist Jozsef Domjan. Keep an eye out on their schedule for special exhibit openings and concerts held at the venue.
Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to get out and explore all of the surrounding areas of Traverse City. This can include stopping by the historic Mission Point Lighthouse that is on the Old Mission Peninsula. Making it to Mission Point Lighthouse is a great and easy drive from Traverse City. The free parking lot keeps you close to the lighthouse where you can explore the grounds for stunning views. You will also find a shallow water beach area that is perfect for a picnic on the sand or spot to wade out into the water. Little kids will love the onsite playground keeping them busy as you take in the wonderful views of the lighthouse. Don’t miss out on this historic side of Traverse City.
One of the most popular spots to check out around Traverse City in the summer is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This gorgeous area is complete with the namesake sand dunes that rise up along the coast. You can explore the dunes along with the beautiful lakeshore that takes up 35 miles of beaches. Hike up to the inland lakes that include Glen Lake. Rent a bike and explore the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Even during the early summer season around Memorial Day you will want to dress in layers as the temps can fluctuate depending on the time of day you visit the park!
Let the adults have a little bit of fun this Memorial Day Weekend by checking out the local wineries and vineyards around Traverse City. One of our less known facts is that Michigan produces some amazing wine right here in the region. The grapes grown around Traverse City are expertly used for sweeter fruit wine that are perfect on a warm summer day. Perhaps some of the most popular wineries visitors love to check out include Chateau Grand Traverse and Mari Vineyards. They offer beautiful tasting rooms at the vineyards that are picture worthy. Try out a tasting flight so you can sample a bit of everything. Purchase a bottle or two to go but don’t forget that many of our rentals also include free wine! Winery tours will let you try out multiple wineries without finding yourself a designated driver. This is a great way to take in stunning views of the area while sipping on your favorite wine.
The summer season is a fantastic time to see Traverse City so make sure to kick start the season with a visit. Our vacation rentals are found all over Traverse City keeping you close to all of the fun activities. Book today before all of our favorite properties are already taken for Memorial Day. Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our rentals by amenity here.
You can never be too early on your planning for a summer getaway. When you plan ahead you give yourself plenty of time to find the best activities and events in the area especially when coming to a top destination such as Traverse City. Take a look at how you can plan ahead to make the most of an upcoming summer vacation in Traverse City.
The summer season brings about plenty of gorgeous weather here in Traverse City that you want to take advantage of. If you have any golfers in your family, they will have a blast checking out the local courses. Traverse City is one of the few places in the country where you will see incredible weather while other courses around the country and dealing with blazing heat. You will find plenty of courses within close proximity of our vacation rentals including Bay Meadows Family Golf Course and Traverse City Country Club. Bay Meadows is a great spot to help the kids practice with the shorter greens and well maintained areas. Onsite lessons will help them become a pro in no time! Country Club has your standard 18-hole course, but the giant clubhouse is a treat to visit after your game where you can find fine dining and incredible service. Best of all, Traverse City’s time zone keeps sunlight out until close to 10:00 PM so you can enjoy hours of golf during the day before realizing what time it is!
Traverse City sits right on the shores of Lake Michigan where you can find some of the most gorgeous fresh water beaches. You will be amazed at the lovely smell of freshwater and the scenic backdrop that Lake Michigan offers to the area. The beaches at Lake Michigan are just like what you find at the ocean with clean sand that you can feel between your toes and the sound of waves. The kids can enjoy building sandcastles in the sand or splashing around in the water. You can even find dog friendly beaches that allow your friendly canine on the beach with a leash. Best of all, you will not find any sharks in this water so come have a splash here at Lake Michigan.
The summer season is a great time of year to enjoy a little live music. You will find that most music festivals across the country take place in the summer taking advantage of the weather and summer breaks from school. Traverse City is home to the Interlochen Center for the Arts. This is our local creative arts program that hosts a variety of camps and boarding schools over the year for film, painting, music, and much more. During the summer they host the Interlochen Arts Festival that previously went by the Summer Concert Series. Don’t let the name change confuse you as this is still Traverse City’s top summer concert event that offers many different live music productions over the season. The series kicks off on June 14th and continues throughout the summer for all kinds of fun. All genres area present making sure you find something that you like. Artists on the schedule for this year include Ben Folds, Gary Clark Jr., Rick Springfield, Wynonna Judd, Iron & Wine, Earth, Wind, and Fire, and many more. You will also find tribute nights including a Taylor Swift tribute night that the kids are sure to love. Tickets are sold for each individual performance so you don’t have to pay for an expensive season pass. Find the concert that speaks to you and get ready for a little live music this summer!
If there is one outdoor destination in Traverse City that must be seen during your summer visit it has to be Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This local spot has been part of the national park system since 1970 and continues to be a beautiful landscape that must be seen to be believed. Sleeping Bear is known for its “mountains” of sand dunes that align the Leelanau Peninsula that can be climbed and explored. The Heritage Trail will take you on a paved path that encompasses that northern part of the park. You will even find a close lighthouse to the lakeshore rounding out an adventurous outing. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in person this summer.
The summer fun never comes to an end in Traverse City so you will want to make sure you get to planning early. Contact us to book one of our vacation rentals in the area to take advantage of luxury amenities perfect for a summer break.
The spring season is finally here, and we are so excited for all of the wonderful activities taking place in Traverse City. You will not find a more inviting destination for your spring trip, especially when you visit over Easter Weekend. Traverse City hosts a variety of Easter related events along with exciting spring activities. Take a look at what you can plan ahead for this spring for an Easter getaway to Traverse City.
If you have visited Traverse City before you may have seen Mt. Holiday standing tall in the backdrop. Mt. Holiday is our located peak that is especially popular during the winter for winter sports including skiing and snowboarding. Unfortunately, the ski season at Mt. Holiday will be over by mid-March, so your Easter visit will not see the usual snow-covered slopes. However, visitors will be treated to a brand new event just in time for Easter. Mt. Holiday’s First Annual Easter Egg Roll is the first of its kind and will be a family friendly event. Be a part of a brand new tradition right here in Traverse City that provides a morning full of fun. The event kicks off at 10:00 AM for an Easter Egg Hunt that uses over 2,000 eggs per age group. That’s right, thousands of eggs will be hidden for your kids to find. Two age groups will be offered with Arena 1 hosting 0 to 6 years and Arena 2 hosting 7 to 12 year olds. Each egg will have a special treasure waiting inside for the kids to find. More fun will also be provided for the children such as arts and crafts and much more. Make sure to get to the event early starting at 9:30 AM so you can peruse the breakfast bar that includes a variety of treats along with coffee. The food and bar will stay open until noon when the event comes to a close. Mt. Holiday’s First Annual Easter Egg Roll will take place on Saturday April 19th. It is a free event however a $10 suggest donation is recommended for participants. Come start a new tradition with the family!
Part of the fun for Easter each year is starting your day off with a wonderful Easter Brunch. If you have seen the menus at Easter brunches, you know they are meals you do not want to miss out on. One of our favorite spots to grab brunch at for Easter is over at Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms. This is a local winery and event venue that uses its beautiful grounds to host weddings. Their onsite Bistro Polaris will be offering a weekly Sunday brunch this spring that includes Easter Sunday. This is a three-course brunch where you get to choose what items you want for each course. The starters selection this season are wonderful with a choice of baked mozzarella, beet salad, lakeview harvest salad, arugula and mushroom, smoked salmon, or vanilla yogurt parfait. The entrees are sure to kickstart your appetite once you smell them. Choose from options including frittata, skillet apple pancake, a home style breakfast, potato cake and smoked salmon, or short rib beef hash. Don’t forget dessert to round off your meal with Gianduja chocolate espresso crunch, tiramisu, carrot cake, or a variety of crumbles and cookies. Each meal includes a complimentary coffee, but you can also add mimosas, juices, wine, and much more by the glass or carafe. Come experience this incredible meal for just $35 per person over at Black Star Farms. Reservations are required in advance with spots quickly filling up for Easter Sunday.
Of course, you cannot pass up on the opportunity to truly enjoy the wonderful spring weather right here in Traverse City. This is the perfect location to enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of casual activities. Rent a set of bikes for the day and cruise around the scenic bike paths of the city. Traverse City is home to a variety of golf courses that will be pristine this time of year. Spend time by the shores of Lake Michigan and enjoy a romantic sunset with a loved one. The local rivers and lakes are full of fish waiting to be reeled up; get your gear at a tackle shop for the day and purchase a fishing license to be all set. These and so much more can be enjoyed by you and your family over Easter.
Now is the best time to start planning ahead for your Easter stay here in the area. Find your favorite vacation rental and get to booking for Easter Weekend. Contact us to book your stay today. Search our rentals by bedroom here.
Whenever you visit somewhere new or someplace you have been before there are a few different things you look out for when planning the trip. One aspect that is always important to plan out is having exciting activities to help you pass the time with. Locations such as Traverse City are rare in that we offer some beautiful scenery and weather along with exciting events found nearby. This April, come check out a time of year that avoids big crowds while still offering tons of exciting events. Here are the top events in Traverse City this April.
Get ready for the “biggest little festival” that comes around Traverse City with the Traverse City Comedy Fest. This will be the 3rd year for the Traverse City Comedy Fest that brings together local and national comics to the stage. You will find millions of laughs here are the festival that will have you cackling until your sides hurt. The Traverse City Comedy Fest showcases a variety of local events in the area that you can attend to see some incredible comics on stage. The festival makes sure to provide something for everyone where you can find comedy shows that range from dirty humor to clean fun, some incredible improve, roast battles, comedy rumbles, and even a murder mystery event. This year will feature headline comics including Josh Blue, Jay Pharoah, Natasha Leggero, Marc Maron, and the Funny Women of a Certain Age. A variety of ticket packages are available letting you choose who you want to see. This year will have each performance held at the City Opera House and at Park Place. This year’s Traverse City Comedy Fest will bring the laughs to Northern Michigan and will take place from April 10th through the 12th. Ticket packages are still available for this incredible event.
Locals in the area know that the best place nearby to enjoy some winter sports is Mt. Holiday. This is your one stop destination to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and downhill tubing in the winter along with zip lining and hiking during the summer. Getting to Mt. Holiday is easier than ever from our vacation rentals found all over Traverse City. This spring, Mt. Holiday will be kicking off a brand new tradition just in time for Easter. Come check out their First Annual Easter Egg Roll that will be an all ages event. This lively event is planned to take place on Saturday April 19th and will provide a whole lot of fun for children of all ages. Nothing gets kids more excited in April than an Easter egg hunt. Over 2,000 eggs will be hidden for the First Annual Easter Egg Roll with the hunt starting at 10:00 AM. There will be a separate area for 0 to 6 years with the 7 to 12 year olds having their own hunting space. Additional fun and activities will also be on hand for the event. You can show up early starting at 9:30 AM to enjoy the coffee and breakfast bar that will have some tasty treats to enjoy. The breakfast bar will remain open until noon so you can relax and let the kids have all the fun in the world. This is a free event with a suggested $10 donation for participants. Don’t miss out on a brand new tradition with Mt. Holiday’s First Annual Easter Egg Roll this April.
Traverse City is home to many different wineries that offer a selection of incredible wines using grapes sourced in the area. Many of these wineries will feature delightful events that help make your stay even more enjoyable. Chateau Chantal is a local favorite winery with a beautiful tasting room. They will be offering a wonderful French cooking class where you will be shown how to make your own romantic dinner. This four hour event will have you enjoying a variety of French cuisine including beef bourguignon, pochouse, coq au vin, and much more. The event will have the chef educator show you how to prepare these delicious items. The event will also include a full meal including these items and so much more. Participants will be handed tokens for wine to enjoy a glass or two of your favorite wine from Chateau Chantal. This event frequently books up well in advance but spots will open up with reservations. Don’t miss out on this incredible event happening right here in Traverse City.
Get ready for a spring season like no other when you book a stay here at Traverse City. Our vacation rentals will keep you comfortable all month long, so pick out your favorite today. Contact us to book your stay today.
Spring is finally just around the corner and with it comes a whole lot of fun right here in Traverse City. We understand that you are probably ready to see the sunlight again and are looking for a vacation getaway to do just that. Consider making your way to Traverse City this spring to see a true change in the seasons. You will find plenty of outdoor activities that will help you and your family have a memorable experience. Take a look at all of the wonderful outdoor activities in Traverse City this spring.
Traverse City is found right on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes in North America. With the lake being so big in size the area required several lighthouses to help ships navigate their way around the coast. Traverse City is a great spot to see lighthouses all over the area and the Grand Traverse Bay conveniently has eight of them right here. This spring, you can go on an outdoor adventure to track down each lighthouse as Traverse City is the perfect base camp for a little exploration. You will be in the middle of where to navigate to find each spot. Local lighthouses include historic sites such as Mission Point Lighthouse and Fox Island Lighthouse. Some lighthouses may not be available to tour inside until later in the year but you can easily find each spot and snap a few pics. Come see a little outdoor history of the Grand Traverse Bay.
When it comes to outdoor exploration many families choose to find the nearest national park and explore its wonders. Traverse City is nearby the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore that is one of the most beautiful landmarks here in the country. This national lakeshore is found north of Traverse City and is a gem during the spring season. The area is known for its namesake dunes that stretch far along the shoreline. If you visit early enough in the spring, you can still find a little snow on the dunes that make it easier to climb up. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has its own lighthouses and miles of hiking trails to explore as well. You simply cannot visit Traverse City without making the trek up to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore no matter what time of year it is!
One of our worst kept secrets here in Traverse City is the abundance of local wineries in the area. The region is known for growing a unique varietal of grapes that produce sweet, fruity wines that are a local favorite. During your spring visit come explore these wineries and vineyards to see where these delicious wines are produced. Most of the wineries feature outdoor tasting areas where you can soak up the sunshine and enjoy a tasting flight that includes a little bit of everything. Early spring months can still be cold but if you visit in April to May this spring you will find beautiful weather to compliment your patio visit. Local wineries that are a favorite include Chateau Grand Traverse and Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. These wineries are also family friendly so everyone can come enjoy the views during your visit.
The spring season is often seen as a time of renewal as flowers and other plant life comes back to life after hiding away for the winter. Traverse City is home to field of cherry blossoms that will bloom again this spring and are a beautiful sight to behold. There are plenty of areas to see endless rolling hills of these beautiful flowers up close. The old Mission Peninsula is a great place to see them along with views of the Grand Traverse Bay. Making your way to Traverse City to see the cherry blossom blooms can be difficult since the blossoms only last four to five days on average. However, with the vast fields of cherry blossoms in the area you will find it easier to spot the blooms during your spring visit. Many of the areas see the blooms spring to life as the temperature warms in mid-May. Get your camera phone ready and snap pics of these beautiful blooms before they disappear again for the year!
While these may be the best outdoor activities here in Traverse City you will find plenty more to do during your spring visit. Come see the magic of Traverse City by reserving one of our vacation rentals here in the area. Each property has all the amenities you want and need for the perfect stay. Contact us to book your stay today.
After a whirlwind of a year we are ready to say goodbye to 2024. Make the most of your upcoming new year by planning a resolution that will treat both you and your family. There is nothing better than a vacation getaway especially when you plan it for Traverse City. A New Year’s resolution journey sounds like the best way you can spend some time when you travel to Traverse City in 2025. Take a look at what such a journey will look like for you and your family.
While the kids may not be able to enjoy all of the fun at a winery it sure will please the parents. During your New Year’s resolution journey to Traverse City you will find the area to be filled with wineries. Th region allows Traverse City to have a unique crop of grapes that are used for fruity wines along with some of your favorite styles. Heading out to the wineries will let you see where the magic happens and sample some of their tasty wines. Most of the wineries can be found along the Old Mission Peninsula that is easy enough to get to by vehicle. The views along the way are incredible and include the popular cherry orchards and more. Once at your winery of choice you can enjoy views of the vineyards, enjoy a tasting flight that will have you sample multiple wines, and nibble on some snacks. Another great option is to book a winery tour that will take you to three different wineries and have you not worrying about the commute. You will find that Traverse City has countless charters to choose from so simply find your favorite and enjoy some local wines!
Visiting Traverse City for the first time for your resolution should also include checking out the local sites. There is nothing more majestic than a visit over to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is a bucket list item especially for those who love to check out national parks in their trips. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can be found North of Traverse City and features the namesake dunes. These towering sand dunes are found on the shoreline and are truly something else. A visit will let you explore the dunes along with the several hiking trails too. You will find a local lighthouse in the park that is open during warmer months of the year. The lakeshore is open year round and many locals claim it is even easier to traverse the sand dunes when they are covered in a little bit of snow. Regardless of when you plan your resolution journey a stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore needs to be on the agenda.
Whenever you visit Traverse City you are sure to stumble upon local events going on in the area. The events range from the middle of summer to the holiday season. If you visit during the summer make sure you visit around the National Cherry Festival. This is Traverse City’s largest event that celebrates our biggest crop with a whole lot of fun. The National Cherry Festival is a week long event that will bring out excitement including a carnival with rides, food vendors, cherry related desserts, and live music from some of the biggest artists in the industry. The event takes place around July 4th so you can also expect some fireworks and aerial shows. The holiday season brings out a Light Parade, Santa’s arrival, and our Tree Lighting celebration. These events will help you feel just like a local here in Traverse City.
Traverse City is also located right on the edge of Lake Michigan where you can find the Grand Traverse Bay. With the lake being a part of the Great Lakes you can expect a massive body of water that invites you for all kinds of aquatic activities. The summer season is great for a little time at the beach. Check out local rental shops to grab a kayak or stand up paddle board and explore the shoreline. You can also book a few charters too to explore the lake further. Fishing charters are a great way to unwind with an afternoon of fishing. Sailing charters will take you on huge yachts out into the deeper waters of the lake as you learn more about the area.
The best way to make sure your resolution journey goes off the way it is meant to is by reserving one of our vacation rentals here in the area. You will find spacious homes with all of the amenities found back home. Contact us to book today for Traverse City. Browse our rentals by amenity here.
We love summer just as much as the next person, but there is something truly special about fall here in Traverse City. The cool fall breeze kicks in and the colors of the leaves start to change. It is a magical season that features some exciting events. These fall events really make the season something special. Take a look at the top fall events in Traverse City.
When you go on a vacation it is all about making sure you get to unwind and relax responsibly. You can do that with the numerous breweries found all around the area. Traverse City is Michigan’s unofficial beer capital of the state, so expect some special venues here in the area. During the fall, the Traverse City Beer Week is hosting where you can respect the craft and connect with friends. You will be able to create your own personalized tour of the brew scene here in Traverse City. While Beer Week does not sponsor official events during the week, many of the breweries in the area capitalize on the fun. Expect to find special beers on tap, Beer Week specials, and more. Many of the breweries offer behind the scenes tours so you can see how everything is brewed. Traverse City also has a beer passport that you can get stamped during the week to try your hand at winning some fun prizes.
Traverse City sponsors the official LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration right here in the city with the annual Up North Pride event. This will be the area’s 11th consecutive Pride celebration and has only gotten bigger each year. This is a week-long celebration that will run this year from September 24th through the 29th. Up North Pride will kick off with Here:Say Storytelling at the Alluvion, storytelling showcase featuring storytellers from the LGBTQ+ community.
Head over to F&M Park the next day for the Park Ride & Sign Making Party. Come dressed up in your bike gear for an exciting bike ride through Downtown Traverse City that will end at The Little Fleet for a sign-making party. The ride starts at 6:00 PM, so make sure to get there beforehand.
The Pajama Party will take place on September 26th at Hotel Indigo for a body positive and inclusive party. You will be able to dance on top of the rooftop in your PJs for an exciting evening under the stars. Head over to City Opera House the following day for Comedy Night. Experience an hour and a half of live comedic entertainment featuring a variety of comedians.
Join for the biggest event of the week on September 28th for the Visibility Rally and March. This is the largest LGBTQ+ driven march in the state of Michigan and will begin over at F&M Park. The rally starts at 4:00 PM and will march down throughout Traverse City. Drag Night & the Silent Disco take place the following evening at The Open Space. Come dressed up in your best Pride gear and purchase delicious food and drinks at the event.
The final event of the week is Brunch! Head over to Open Space Park for a giant brunch celebration with family friendly activities and live music. This is a huge celebration that you do not want to miss all week long!
Are you ready for the challenge that is winter coming to Michigan this year? Each fall, the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge takes place for a thrilling mountain bike race. Typically, over 5,000 riders participate from all over the country to take on the 30 miles of thrilling terrain. This event has been going strong for over 30 years and is held on the first Saturday of November. Anyone from pros to juniors will be able to take on the dirt roads and famous Vasa Nordic ski trail. If you want a shorter race to take on the Slush Cup will also be held. This is an 8-mile version of the Iceman Cometh and is perfect for more beginning riders and youths. Each race will need prior registration to participate in this thrilling event this fall. Make it out early for the Iceman Cometh to participate in the Ice Cycle Expo held the day before the race. You will be able to participate in a variety of event activities and meet the other riders.
These are several of the wonderful fall events taking place in Traverse City this year. Our vacation rentals are sure to keep you close to each event and enjoy a relaxing stay. Contact us to book your favorite property today and come see Traverse City during the fall for yourself.
