There is no point leaving anyone behind when you plan for your next vacation getaway to Traverse City. You will find our Michigan home is the perfect place for the whole family to vacation, including young children and grandparents. Read on below to see how to plan a multi-generational trip to Traverse City that everyone will love!
When planning a trip with the whole family, you will want to make sure everyone is comfortable with their lodging. Luckily, our vacation rentals are second to none and will make sure everyone sleeps like a baby. You will find our properties all around the city, including homes right by the lake. You will want to make sure to find a property with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms if you are having the whole family join you. Some properties can even come with separate casitas perfect for the grandparents. Our properties include full-size kitchens and living areas to make sure everyone feels right at home.
Get outside and show the family what the great outdoors surrounding Traverse City is all about. That should include a visit over to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore during your visit. This area is one of the most scenic spots in all of Michigan, and everyone in your family is sure to love something about it. The younger folks in the group are sure to love the towering sand dunes that you can climb up and get panoramic views from the shorelines. Scenic trails will take you over the island and show you even more to this incredible park. The grandparents are sure to love the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive where they can get the best views of Lake Michigan without having to climb up massive dunes. Stop by the visitor’s center to learn more about this beloved part of Traverse City along with easier walking paths perfect for everyone.
One of the most iconic spots in Traverse City is Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. This bay is inviting for all kinds of aquatic activities. The young adults will love the chance to kayak the bay or paddle board for a little adventure. The whole family can join in on a sailing charter that takes you on a real sailing ship to explore the limits of the Grand Traverse Bay and back. You can also find sunset cruises where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a little dinner as the sun starts to set over the lake. Many of the local charter companies make sure they can accommodate any mobility limitations someone in the family may have.
The best way to see a new city is by stopping by the downtown neighborhood and Traverse City is no exception. There is a great time waiting for you here in Downtown Traverse City where you can explore the local shops along Front Street. There will be shops for everyone in the family including coffee shops, bookstores, local boutiques, and of course ice cream parlors for the little ones. Stop by one of the local benches to eat your ice cream, sip on your coffee, or do a little people watching.
We know it can be difficult to find a place to eat where the whole family will love something on the menu. Luckily, Traverse City makes it easy with quite a few different dining options available to you. you can grab a family friendly meal at many of the local spots in town. Slabtown Burgers is a great spot to find your favorite comfort food in a burger along with other options too. The Filling Station Microbrewery is great to eat at along with order a pint of ale to go with your meal. The Cook’s House is perfect for a family out meal where everyone gets to sit down together.
Of course, having your vacation rental means utilizing the full-size kitchen. Stop by the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market to pick up any ingredients you need to prepare a meal back at the home. Who knew it could be so easy to dine out on a vacation!?
As you can see, it has never been easier to plan a trip around the whole family. Our vacation rentals in Traverse City are ready to host your family for what will be a memorable stay for all!
Have you tried some of our restaurants here in Traverse City yet? If not, the summer season is the perfect time of year for you to get out and see the local eateries all around the city. Take a look at some of our favorite summer eats in Traverse City below.
Whenever you visit Traverse City this summer, you will come across The Boathouse Restaurant. This is the ultimate fine dining experience here in Traverse City that features a cottage décor and bay views of the water. The Boathouse Restaurant features entrees created with local produce that is grown right on the property. The restaurant is open for dinner throughout the week where you will find entrees where every space on the plate is expertly decorated. For dinner, you can start with one of the tasty appetizers including oysters, caviar, and a variety of meats and vegetables. The entrée selection is where you will find the farm-to-table approach to truly shine. The American wagyu steak filet is always mouthwatering and includes classic side dishes to complement your meal. There is always a variety of fresh seafood to order including Maine lobster tail, Atlantic halibut, salmon, and more. You can even try a little Midwest specialty, like rabbit confit. No matter what you order you will be able to pair your meal with a fine bottle of wine or handcrafted cocktail. There is even a kids’ menu so the little ones will have plenty to choose from as well. The Boathouse Restaurant continues to be a popular spot over the weekend too, with Sunday brunch. When placing your reservation for dining at The Boathouse Restaurant, make sure to ask for a table with sunset views to take advantage of the summer weather.
Fine dining is not the only dining experience you can find in Traverse City over the summer. Sleder’s Family Tavern is a great casual spot with family style dining and historic décor. This is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the state of Michigan. The tavern style setting is the perfect spot for you to enjoy some casual eats with the whole family. Try out one of their baskets with lightly fried foods including chicken, cod, or shrimp with a basket of fries. The lengthy sandwich selection is perfect for lunch and is sure to fill you up. The dinner selection opens up the entrée selection even more with all of your favorites under one roof. Try a variety of entrees including steak, cod, slabtown ribs, BBQ chicken, sausage and kraut, and more. The kids’ selection includes mini versions of entrees they are sure to love, too. Sleder’s Family Tavern also has one of the most diverse beer menus here in town. Grab a pint of a favorite Michigan beer or have one of the talented bartenders create an exciting cocktail for you. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options, too, including mocktails and fountain drinks to order. This family friendly restaurant is always a favorite especially in the summer vacation season.
Nothing quite says summer like grabbing a slice of your favorite pizza nearby. Here in Traverse City, we have Pangea’s Pizza that uses a specialty wood fire oven to create their delicious pies. Pangea’s Pizza has been a local favorite since the first opening in 2006 right here in Downtown Traverse City. They specialize in artisan dough using real and fresh ingredients that you can taste in every bite. The food menu has plenty of appetizers to start your meal, including their artisan fries that add some tasty blends of spices and seasonings. Of course, the wood fire pizzas are the main draw of the menu where you can order one of their many tasty options. If their main selections do not speak to you,meatcustomization menu lets you create your own pizza by choosing the sauce, meat, and toppings. Pangea’s Pizza is always best enjoyed during the summer where you can dine from their rooftop patio. The weather in Traverse City is always welcoming and will be very enjoyable. Pangea’s Pizza also features a lengthy draft beer menu so you can have a pint of Michigan’s best beer. This is the perfect option for a family-friendly experience right here in Traverse City during the summer season.
The summer season is always one of our favorite times of year where you can find exciting events and activities all around you. These restaurants are sure to match perfectly with your plans this summer to keep the whole family fed and ready for more fun. Book one of our vacation rentals today for the best summer stay in Traverse City. Contact us to book your stay today.
Don’t let this year’s summer season go by without a getaway to Traverse City. We are Michigan’s top vacation destination, and our summer season is always a blast. You will find plenty of activities and attractions that catch the eyes of new tourists. However, if you want to feel like a local, you may have to search a bit further for activities that only the residents know about. Here is how you can enjoy the month of August in Traverse City:
While the tourists in Traverse City are exploring new activities in the city, you will find plenty of locals relaxing at the beach. Traverse City is situated right on the edge of Lake Michigan, where you can find one of the biggest lakes in the world right in front of you. The lake is so big that you will feel like you are standing on the shore of an ocean and not a lake. There are several spots in the area where you will find locals hanging out by the water. Clinch Park is one such place that is the perfect combination of lakeshore and park. Clinch Park is often the area’s most popular beach with over 1,500 feet of beautiful sand. Set up a spot where you can soak up the sunshine or jump into the water so you can cool off and splash around. Clinch Park has everything that your family will want to stay entertained. The park features a splash pad for the little ones, and there are concession stands to help keep the hunger away, allowing you to stay in the area longer. You will also find picnic tables, playground equipment, restrooms, and more. There is no better spot for a little time by the beach.
Another great way the locals enjoy cooling off during the month of August is by hitting up the local breweries. Traverse City is home to tons of locally owned craft breweries which make small batches of craft beer. The adults will love to explore the many breweries by trying out a tasting flight at each spot they visit. Tank Space on 8th is a satellite location for Earthen Ales and features a wonderful taproom to visit. You will be able to try out their handcrafted ales and enjoy them inside with the incredible artwork decorating the walls or take it outside on the patio. If you prefer more traditional beers, head on down to Silver Spruce Brewing Company. They keep it simple with traditional styles of beer such as lagers with a well-rounded tap list for everyone to enjoy. The owners come from Asheville, another beer mecca, so you know that the beer will be good. Downtown Traverse City has plenty of options for breweries, so make your own little beer tour during your visit!
While the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a top tourist destination, it is always best visited during the month of August when the summer crowds start to thin out. Locals know this is the best time to visit as you can enjoy cool, crisp summer temps with daily highs in the mid-70s, perfect for a visit to this local park. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful national parks maintained in the country and will be a favorite of yours. It gets its namesake from the tall sandy dunes that can be found on the shores of the park. Your family will have a blast climbing up the dunes and getting panoramic views of Traverse City and the lakeshore. The park also features winding hiking trails that will have you further explore it including finding a lighthouse nearby. The month of August is when locals visit this beautiful area.
There are plenty of ways to explore Traverse City, but locals know that the TART trail system is the way to do it. The TART, also known as the Traverse Area Recreation Trail, is a system of multiuse trails here in the area. This is the ideal bike path that will take you around all of Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties with ease. The trails are also popular for runners looking to get in their morning run. The trails snake through Traverse City and along the waterfront, making for a picturesque journey.
The month of August is a great time to fit in like a local with these wonderful activities. Book one of our vacation rentals in the area to start planning for this wonderful trip to Traverse City.
It is no secret that Traverse City is home to some of the finest purveyors of adult beverages in the state of Michigan. Just look around, and you will find countless breweries, wineries, and distilleries right here in the area. With Traverse City being such a popular travel destination and having access to clean water, it is easy to see why so many spots are here locally. Driving around checking out the local breweries and wineries is never recommended. No one wants to risk indulging themselves too much, impairing their driving. No one also wants to be stuck as the designated driver either and miss out on the fun. This is where Brew Bus comes in with their private brew bus tours that will take you to all of the finest breweries and wineries here in Traverse City. Booking has never been easier either! Take a look at what you can enjoy in the Traverse City Brew Bus.
No matter where you visit, you will most likely find brewery and winery tours in the area. It is easy to see why such as service is popular with visitors not wanting to risk driving as they enjoy some adult beverages on vacation. However, many tour services mostly offer public tours where you will be taken on a guided tour with others in the group. While it is always fun to socialize with fellow travelers, some groups may want to enjoy a tour on their own. Luckily, Brew Bus offers daily private tours where you and your party are the only ones in the attendance. This lets you easily book private events such as a bachelor or bachelorette party, family events, or just a group outing on the fly. Keeping the fun to a private party is a great way to celebrate a special occasion any day of the week.
If you are in a smaller party or planning a date night, you can also enjoy a join-in tour with Brew Bus. This is their flagship service that takes you to two wineries and one brewery for a join-in tour that others will be on as well. Simply hop on the Brew Bus, and you can join the fun with this unique date night idea!
Other tour services also have a restriction that many do not know about when initially booking, and that is having the tour service pick where you want to go. This can be help in places where there are only a few good spots to check out. The tour services are typically the experts and know the places most people will enjoy. While Brew Bus does in fact know the best spots in town, they also promote flexibility by letting you choose which wineries and breweries you want to go to. This is perfect for those who have certain wineries and breweries in mind that they have heard about and want to check. You can easily create an itinerary with Brew Bus to customize your very own private tour. Popular spots to check out include Leelanau Peninsula Wineries, Old Mission Wineries, and the Traverse City breweries. Pick and choose what you want to see, and let Brew Bus do the rest.
Some tour services will also only specialize in one option or another. Whether they are a wine tour-only service or a brewery tour-only service, you will find the restriction to be off-putting. Luckily, Brew Bus knows all of the best breweries and wineries, so you do not have to settle on a single option. This means you do not have to book with different companies if you want a brewery tour one day and a winery tour the next. Brew Bus can take care of it all without you having to lift a finger.
Brew Bus specializes in private winery and brewery tours, but they also offer so much more. If you are visiting Traverse City for a special event, Brew Bus can take care of your transportation needs. They service a variety of special events, including weddings, rehearsal dinners, and all other event transportations. They can offer you a custom quote for your event needs, so you can rest easy knowing the pros are here to work for you. They also offer airport shuttle services too, so you can get to Traverse City by shuttle right after you fly into town.
Brew Bus is only in Traverse City, so make sure to take advantage of your time here. Our vacation rentals will keep you close to Brew Bus pick-up locations, making joining their tours easier than ever. Contact us to book your stay today!
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.
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.
