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.
It has been a year of adventure for us here in Traverse City, and we are so excited to see what the rest of 2024 has in store. If you want to join the fun here in our Northern Michigan home, you have plenty of opportunities left. This includes the upcoming Labor Day Weekend that is always a popular travel time of the year. Labor Day signals the end of summer while the kids get ready for a return to school and the adults enjoy an extended weekend off work. Labor Day Weekend in Traverse City is the best way to celebrate this end of our summer season. Take a look at what you can be enjoying this Labor Day weekend in Traverse City:
Whenever you visit Traverse City you will immediately notice just how close we are to the water. Traverse City is located right on the shores of Lake Michigan and will draw you in for endless fun out on the water. During your visit you will get to enjoy the second largest Great Lake and how beautiful it is surrounding the city. Visitors will find plenty of beaches around Traverse City where you can lay out under the sun or splash around in the water. However, many locals and visitors tend to spend their time on Lake Michigan by traversing its beautiful shoreline. Head to one of the many rental shops in town to pick up a rental kayak or canoe. Paddling up the shore will give you plenty of areas to explore together as a family. Navigating Lake Michigan can be made even easier when you hire a tour guide such as River Outfitters to take you around the lake. They offer guided tours of the lake and much more. Another great option that is perfect for adults in your group is Kayak, Bike, and Brew, a guided kayak tour that ends with a stop at a local brewery to enjoy a pint of craft beer. There are endless options for waterside fun here in Traverse City!
If there is one spot in Traverse City that you must see, it is over at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This local park is found just North of Traverse City and features miles of beautiful sandy beaches with bluffs that tower over 450 feet high. The sand dunes are what make Sleeping Bear stand apart from other national lakeshores and is a one of a kind experience. When you hike up the sand dunes, you will be able to take in spectacular views all around the lake. Explore the miles of shaded forest hiking trails that will take you all across the park. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is full of unique flora and fauna that can be seen with an observant eye. Stop by the lighthouse located at the park to see a historic side of the area that has been preserved over the years. There is no better time than a day exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
There are quite a few summer activities that are popular here in Traverse City. However, golfing will always be a top choice for those who enjoy the sport. Luckily, golf is always teeing off here in Traverse City in the summer, so make sure to prepare for some time on the green. Visitors will be able to tee off from a variety of public golf courses each different from the last. Bay Meadows Family Golf Course features a beginner friendly course along with their “long” course that is great for experienced golfers. Other popular courses include The Crown Golf Club and The Bear Golf Course. Each course offers beautiful forest scenery letting you take in the gorgeous Traverse City views with each swing of the club. Book your tee time today just in time for Labor Day Weekend.
The adults in your group will fall in love with the idea of Traverse City being the home to many different wineries in the region. The Traverse region is known for a specialty of grape grown in the area that allows wineries to produce sweet wines found nowhere else. Stop by one of the many wineries for a tasting flight or purchase a wine slushie that is great on a hot summer day. Traverse City is also home to many wine tours such as Wonderland Tours or Scenic Wine & Brew Tours that will drive you around to the top wineries in the area. Now, you can’t beat that deal!
Now that you know what to do in the area you can book your vacation rental. Find your favorite property and prepare for Traverse City! Contact us to book your stay today, from one to 5 bedroom homes!
When it comes to traveling there is nothing wrong with a little solo adventure off to somewhere new. Solo traveling is a great way to enjoy everything you want to see and do and experience a little peace and relaxation. There is nowhere better to enjoy a solo trip than to the shores of Traverse City. You will find our Michigan community to be the perfect place for any solo traveler. Take a look at some tips and tricks for traveling solo Traverse City.
Traverse City is found right on the coast of Lake Michigan allowing you the perfect opportunity to be out on the water. The city is specifically found on the coast of the Grand Traverse Bay where several local charter companies await. Sailing charters will take you out onto the water for a unique experience. You can learn all about sailing and even bring a beverage or snack with you too. Most of the sailing charters have public tour options allowing you to join a group so you don’t have to book a private charter that can be costly. Tour options can be a sunset tour that adds a little ambience to your voyage. Another great way to explore the shoreline is by renting out a kayak for the day. Explore the waterline as you navigate the beautiful shores and beaches. There is nothing better than a little time out on the water!
Traverse City has plenty to offer in terms of a vibrant nightlife here in the area. Head over to The Parlor TC where you can find a craft cocktail bar that uses high-quality ingredients for each drink. The rustic vibe of the bar offers a cozy warehouse atmosphere space. You will be able to enjoy small plates of food to pair with your cocktail. If you want to try some Michigan made spirits, head on over to Traverse City Whiskey Co. This craft distillery offers handcrafted whiskey and spirits in a fun rustic space. You can even take a behind the scenes tour of how the spirits are produced. Enjoy a tasting flight to try a little bit of everything or enjoy the spirit in a craft cocktail. If you prefer a craft beer, head on over to Loco Boys Brewing Company for their handcrafted beers on tap. There are plenty of vineyards in the area too including Mari Vineyards and Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery that offer wine flights and winery tours. You will have plenty to explore!
Traverse City is home to a variety of attractions that offer a historical look into the region. One such attraction is Mission Point Lighthouse and is always popular for travelers to see. This historic lighthouse was originally built in 1870 and continues to overlook the scenic beaches of the area. There is even a small museum on the property that offers a glimpse into the life the lighthouse keepers lived here on the property. Make sure to visit this popular attraction during its open season over the summer!
A perfect solo activity here in the area is relaxing on the beach. Traverse City has several beaches where you can lay out for a little sunbathing or take a dip into the water at. Some popular beaches in the area include Bryant Park Beach and Clinch Park Beach. The beaches have seasonal lifeguards during the summer and typically are not too crowded.
Even when you are traveling on your own, you will need a lodging that is ready to host you here in Traverse City. Our vacation rentals are more than capable to do the job and can be found all over the city, for both long-term and short-term stays. Solo travelers will best appreciate our condominium rentals located here in Downtown Traverse City. Each property includes plenty of personal space such as a living room with comfortable sofa seating and a Smart TV to unwind. Gourmet kitchens feature the room you need to prepare a quick meal for yourself before heading out for the day. Full-size appliances make sure you can prepare anything at once and store leftovers. The bedrooms come with spacious beds such as queen or king size mattresses and fine linens. There is plenty of drawer and closet space for your belongings. The bathroom lets you clean up easily enough with a walk in shower and vanity space. Take a look from the balcony or patio for great views of Downtown Traverse City. Best of all, our vacation rentals are found nearby all of the wonderful activities here in Traverse City. Contact us to start planning for your next solo getaway today and reserving your favorite property!
We hope you have been having the best summer break possible! Everyone loves the time of year when kids are able to take a few weeks off from school and the adults have less responsibilities to worry about. The warmer weather invites you to spend time outdoors and to book your next vacation getaway. As we slowly get closer to kids returning to school, you may be planning one final getaway before the season ends. Consider your back-to-school vacation to set sights on Traverse City. Our vacation destination offers incredible summer activities and events that will make your vacation one of the best yet. Take a look at what to plan for a back to school vacation to Traverse City.
Take advantage of the warm summer weather before school returns when you visit Traverse City by visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is the area’s top outdoor destination and is quick and easy to get to from Traverse City. Sleeping Bear Dunes features bluffs that stand 450 feet above Lake Michigan making it a sight to behold. The lakeshore is considered a national park so you can check it off your bucket list. Expect to find lush forests along with beautiful inland lakes. Trails found all throughout the park will take you to specific viewpoints including Dune Climb, Platte River Point, and Port Oneida. Visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a great way to keep your kids off their screens and focus more time and attention to the beautiful outdoors around them.
The summer season hosts the biggest event that Traverse City sees year to year: The National Cherry Festival. This unique event highlights the cherry production that the Grand Traverse Region is known for with 8 days full of exciting activities and events. Traverse City has been nicknamed the Cherry Capitol of the World and it is easy to see why when you attend this event. The National Cherry Festival begins this year on June 29th where it kicks off the decadent event. One of the biggest events each year at the National Cherry Festival is having the United States Navy Blue Angels take to the sky for a stunning aerial show. Additional activities throughout the festival also include having premier music artists take to the stage including The Stone Temple Pilots and Goo Goo Dolls headlining this year. Grab your favorite festival foods including turkey legs, Gibby’s fries, and of course cherry pies! The National Cherry Festival has plenty of kid friendly activities for everyone to enjoy such as Midway fair rides including a Ferris wheel. Face painting and other activities are available on the festival grounds too. Book a tour of the local cherry orchards where you can see the incredible cherry crop and just how much the area is able to produce. The National Cherry Festival is a highlight event each year bringing in over half a million people over the week. Don’t miss out on the festivities taking place this year from June 29th through July 6th!
Take the whole family out for a little adventure on Lake Michigan with a sailing tour. When you are on the shore you will probably see plenty of huge sail boats navigating around the water. You too can set sail on one of these boats with a local tour from Wind Dancer Sailing Tours. The company gets its name from the Wind Dancer schooner that hosts each tour. You will be able to feel the breeze through your hair as you are shown how to maneuver the boat and learn all about sailing. Their tours also provide a variety of culinary and drink options to pick from too. A Tour with Wind Dancer Sailing offers a once in a lifetime experience you do not want to pass up on.
Your one stop shop for family friendly activities can be found over at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park. This local park features two 18-hole mini golf courses with obstacles including sunken ships, cascading waterfalls, and even pirate dungeons. Head over to the go cart race track to try your hand at a little high speed competition. The bumper boats are a great way to cool off during the summer and the Blackbeard’s Den Game Room lets you beat the heat and enjoy arcade games indoors. You will find that Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park has extended hours throughout the summer so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some fun!
As you can see, there is plenty of fun left you can still have here in Traverse City this summer. Get ready for an unbelievable stay before school returns, with either a one or multiple-bedroom stay big enough for the whole family!
If you have been looking for the perfect way to cool off this summer season, look no further than visiting Traverse City. There is no place better that offers amazing fun by the lake along with lively activities and attractions in the area. Traverse City is also known to have some stunning events that will elevate your stay like no other. Take a look below at some of the top June 2024 events in Traverse City, MI.
When it comes to the biggest event of the year in Traverse City, there is no contest, it is always the National Cherry Festival! Cherries are one of Traverse City’s biggest natural products grown in the area and they have a huge impact on the local economy. When you visit in June, you will be able to catch the few first days of the National Cherry Festival. This annual event kicks off on Friday June 28th before running for over a week altogether. When you think of events, you typically think of one type of activity you will enjoy. The National Cherry Festival holds nothing back as it features a combination of live music, lively events, workshops, parades, and plenty more cherry related activities.
You will not want to miss out on the opening ceremony taking place on Friday June 28th where the U.S. Coast Guard Open Ramp kicks everything off. The fun really begins to take shape as the event rolls into Saturday June 29th when the main festivities take place. The Bayside Beach Volleyball Tournament is always a favorite to participate in as men’s and women’s two person teams attempt to win it all. The Very Cherry Flying Pancake Breakfast will fuel you up for the day with delicious cherry flavored pancakes and all the sides. Try out a Zumba class with Zumba by the Bay. The amusement park area of the festival will also open up so you can enjoy incredible rides on the Ferris Wheel and other midway style rides. You can’t forget to grab a slice of the Grand Traverse Cherry Pie that is always perfect when served a la mode. The Navy’s Blue Angels will have their fan-favorite aerial demonstration take place high up in the sky.
One of the most popular events at the National Cherry Festival is the live music lineup that always includes some of the biggest artists in the business. The Stone Temple Pilots will be on hand June 29th for a stunning show including all of their hits. There is so much to experience with the National Cherry Festival so don’t miss out this June!
Another great event that can be found during the month of June this summer is the Old Town Arts and Crafts Fair. This annual event has over 100 different artists from the area set up to display their wonderful works of art. This event has been running for several years now and is considered the biggest arts and crafts event in the city. The Old Town Arts and Crafts Fair sets up along Union Street under giant tents and canopies. The event is set up similar to a farmer’s market so you can easily find something you are looking for. You will find plenty of unique arts and crafts that will make for a perfect gift for someone back home. The Old Town Arts and Crafts Fair is scheduled to take place on Saturday June 15th starting at 10:00 AM and closing up at 5:00 PM.
One of the best ways to feel like a local when visiting somewhere new is a visit to the local farmer’s market. You can find the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmer’s Market right here in Traverse City this summer. This farmer’s market will be open for all of June on Wednesday and Saturday each week. The market can be found at the southwest corner of Cass St. and Grandview Parkway over at Downtown Traverse City. A variety of local farmers will be on hand selling their naturally grown produce and local goods. Local vendors will also be on hand selling a variety of goods including honey, soap, art work, jewelry, apparel, and more. The market will move over to Old Town Parking Deck while the National Cherry Festival is going on. The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmer’s Market is open 7:30 AM to noon on Saturdays and 8:00 AM to noon on Wednesdays during the month of June.
There is all kinds of fun taking shape here in Traverse City this summer season. Contact us for the best stay possible by reserving one of our vacation rentals in the area; we recommend our 4-bedroom rentals, with enough room for friends and family alike. Take a look at the fun you will have with these events!
There are a variety of reasons of why you will want to visit Traverse City. Our Michigan home is a beautiful community full of exciting activities and attractions with something for everyone. One of the best parts of visiting Traverse City is the city being located right on the Grand Traverse Bay. A gorgeous lake awaits you to explore from top to bottom. What many do not realize is just how big Lake Michigan is—it is one of the Great Lakes, after all! The size of the lake allows it to be an ideal spot for sailing. You can hit the “open” waters for a sailing adventure that will take you from wave to wave. Of course, if this is your first time in the area, you will want to take a look at our guide to sailing in Traverse City, MI below.
The best way to get ready for your first time at sailing is by enjoying a sailing course. For some of the best sailing instruction in Traverse City head over to Great Lakes Sailing Company. They have been named an ASA Award Winning Sailing School and has a history of over 30 years introducing over 5,000 sailors to the craft. Great Lakes Sailing Company operates out of a private marina here in Traverse City making it extremely easy to get to. The company features 11 certified instructors who will all be able to show you the ropes during a lively course.
The Basic Sailing course is the most popular option that is perfect for those with little to no experience sailing. You will be taken out on the water and shown how to perform all of the essential sailing techniques. This course can be completed in two days and features all private instruction. Additional courses that are available to take including Advanced Sailing, Catamaran Courses, and private or group events. Most other courses are a four-day experience, perfect for those having an extended stay here in Traverse City.
Courses are available at Great Lakes Sailing Company from mid-May up to the first week of October during the warmer weather seasons. Book your sailing experience with Great Lakes Sailing Company by calling 231-941-0535 today.
One of the best ways to experience Lake Michigan is by booking a sailing tour with a local charter. You will have nearly endless options here in Traverse City when looking for the perfect experience. However, Wind Dancer is a local favorite and has been providing local sailing charters for years now. You will vacation like a pro with their highly rated sailing tours that will take you across Lake Michigan and back again. You will find that Wind Dancer offers a variety of sailing tours out on the water including their signature sunset and day sails.
The Signature Sunset Sail is a popular private charter option that allows up to 18 people to enjoy this 2.5-hour experience. Of course, you will be provided with an amazing sailing experience, but the fun does not stop there. You will be served food from local artisan vendors including local beer and wine that are included in your ticket price. Expect a fine dining picnic out on the open water as the sun sets in the backdrop—nothing is more beautiful than this!
If you prefer to stick to the daytime, the Signature Day Sail is just as exciting with wide open views of Lake Michigan. You will still be given the full food and beverage treatment as the sunset sail. Add a little fun by joining for the Champagne Sunday Sail that takes off every Sunday during the season. As you glide over the West Bay waters, you will be given flutes of bubbly wine to enjoy with your charcuterie snacks.
Wind Dancer also hosts special event charters, including the Goo Goo Dolls Sail that will have you on the water for several hours before being dropped off at the National Cherry Festival to see the artist live in concert. Make sure to also browse the additional services offered by Wind Dancer, including pontoon charters and island adventures. Your next adventure out on the Grand Traverse Bay starts here with Wind Dancer and it’s amazing sailing tours!
Sailing is always better when you experience it here on the open waters of Lake Michigan and the Grand Traverse Bay. What will make your expedition to Traverse City even better is by reserving one of our vacation rentals here in the area. Our properties offer the finest amenities and keep you close to the best attractions in the city. Simply find your favorite rental with us today and get ready for Traverse City. Contact us to book your stay today! Search our rentals by bedroom here, as we offer everything from 2-bedroom to 5-bedroom homes!
