It does not get any better than traveling over the holiday season. The winter holidays are always best spent with family and friends, so why not treat them to a holiday getaway to Traverse City. You will find our destination to always be inviting and full of fun activities. One of the best ways to enjoy the holidays is through festive events taking place all over Traverse City. Take a look at what is going down this holiday season for events in Traverse City.
Each year the holiday season officially kicks off with Thanksgiving that is then followed by a variety of winter events to help bring on Christmas. Thanksgiving takes place at the very end of November this year causing many holiday events to either take place earlier or later than usual. This includes Traverse City’s very own Downtown Traverse City Light Parade. This annual parade typically takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving but will in fact take place the Saturday before this year. This is one of Traverse City’s most revered events that is always looked forward to by our community.
Downtown Traverse City will close down Front Street at 3:30 PM to get ready for the big festivities. Viewers are encouraged to get to the intersection of Cass and Front Street early to find the best viewing areas. Holiday music still start around 5:30 PM before Santa Claus and the Traverse City mayor arrive to start the official tree lighting ceremony. The Traverse City holiday tree stands tall among the buildings and is a joy to behold as the Christmas lights shine on for the very first time of the season. The tree lighting will start at 6:00 PM and is always very popular so getting there early will ensure you can see the fun. The light parade will kick off promptly after that at 6:30 PM. The parade will march down Front Street and feature various different floats that are decked out in thousands of Christmas lights along with unique décor. Musical performances will also be a part of the parade and so will Santa Claus too.
After the parade is over, you can visit Santa’s House until 9:00 PM for a meet and greet along with photo opportunities with Santa; you will even find some tasty candy cane treats there too! This is one of Traverse City’s biggest events of the year, so do not miss out on this year’s Downtown Traverse City Light Parade.
A visit to Santa’s House is not just reserved for the light parade this holiday season. In fact, following the light parade Santa’s House will be open for a visit every Friday through Sunday from Thanksgiving up until Christmas. Stop by on Fridays during this time frame from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Saturdays and Sundays open hours will be from noon to 3:00 PM. You will also find special days that Santa’s House is open on Monday December 23rd and Tuesday December 24th so the kids can visit him just before Christmas. Santa’s House is located at City Center Plaza over on the corner of State and Cass Streets. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable meet and greet that only Santa can provide!
Everyone knows that some of the biggest deals that come with holiday shopping can be found on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. If you find yourself in Traverse City around Thanksgiving, you will want to make sure you take advantage of all the great deals at your fingertips. Black Friday is not just shopping stores but also for local restaurants and other businesses too. While Black Friday is widely known Small Business Saturday is little more under the radar. This day is reserved for small and local businesses to take the spotlight so you can support local. Traverse City has many incredible locally owned businesses that help make the city what it is today. Consider shopping local at this two day event here in Traverse City.
Traverse City also sponsors Ladies’ Night and Men’s Night, two separate nights focused on holiday shopping so you do not show up to Christmas empty handed. The ladies will be out on the town on December 5th while December 12 is reserved for the guys. Check out local businesses offering great deals and stop by the local restaurants and nightlife spots for a fun evening out with the town!
The holidays have never looked better than how they do here in Traverse City. Contact us to reserve one of our magical vacation rentals and see how you the holidays are always best spent here. Browse our pet friendly rentals here.
The holidays are all about making memories that will stand a lifetime. One of the best ways to make this year’s holiday season stand out even more is to book a vacation getaway to Traverse City. You will find that our home offers exciting activities and features found nowhere else. One family activity that is always important on Christmas Day is enjoying a Christmas dinner together. Having everyone together is always a difficult task for the holidays so make sure they get to enjoy a delicious meal. There are a few different ways to do just that when here in Traverse City for the holidays. You can track down a restaurant open on the holiday or order take out from a local favorite. Here are the best ways to enjoy Christmas dinner in Traverse City this year.
No matter what time of the year you come to visit Traverse City you are bound to find some truly stunning restaurants to check out. Of course, it can be difficult to try them on Christmas Day as most businesses shut down for the day to enjoy the holiday. Luckily, there are a few different restaurants that remain open for Christmas and offer a holiday dinner.
If you are looking for a fine dining establishment that will offer a decadent meal, try out Artisan. You will get the chance to enjoy a three-course dinner that offers holiday dishes you have been waiting for. Start if off with the first round of the three courses where you can enjoy starters such as Italian Wedding Risotto, French Onion Soup, and more. The entrée selection is even more delectable with options such as Espresso Rubbed NY Strip, Duck Confit, ribs, and more. Dessert is never off the menu, and your options include a variety of cake and cheesecake to order. Let the adults add on a wine pairing to their meal for an addition $75 per person that adds a pairing for each course.
If you prefer a more casual experience for your Christmas dinner, you can always head over to Pierson’s Grille & Spirits that provides a variety of handcrafted cocktails that pair with New American cuisine. Regardless of where you end up on Christmas Day for dinner, you will want to have a reservation placed well in advance. Treat your family to a delicious meal out on the town for Christmas!
Sometimes you may not want to spend hours away from your vacation rental on Christmas Day. Instead, you can always order takeout from a local restaurant here in Traverse City. Many of the local restaurants offer take out on Christmas Day along with options for the week leading up to Christmas where you can reheat the meal again.
One of the popular options here in the city is ordering the annual holiday feast from Hearth & Vine Café. Each year they offer a 4- to 6-person feast you can purchase that will have more than enough for everyone to enjoy. This holiday feast comes with the main entrees along with quite a few different sides. Enjoy the mole sausage stuffing, corn bread, Waldorf salad, and dessert too.
If you still want a Christmas outing but with food, you can take with you head on over to The Little Fleet. This is a venue of local food trucks that is typically open on Christmas Day each year. You will find food trucks of various cuisines serving you unique food found nowhere else. The food truck availability will depend on which food trucks will remain open on Christmas Day, but you will find a few waiting to serve you!
When you reserve one of our vacation rentals here in Traverse City, you will have a full home at your disposal. That means you will be able to use the gourmet kitchen to whip up a tasty meal just in time for Christmas dinner. The full-size appliances make it easy to cook everything just like you would back home. Extended countertop space offers the ideal room to lay out all of your ingredients that you can purchase at a local market or grocer. Most of our properties also feature spacious dining rooms so you can always enjoy your meal together as a family. Some Christmas traditions just can’t be broken, so continue them during your stay with us.
Now is the perfect time to finalize your travel plans to Traverse City. Christmas will be here before you know it so secure your favorite vacation rental that we have in our listing. Traverse City has never looked better than how it does here during the holidays. Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our rentals by amenity here.
While we all love to have our plans made in advance before we take off on the next vacation, it is a little nice to go out on a whim. If you want to make the most of a last-minute vacation, consider taking the adventure with us over here in Traverse City. Our Michigan home offers plenty of fun and excitement all year round and is easily accessible to those who have never visited the area before. Take a look at how you can plan a last-minute vacation to Traverse City this year.
When you make the trek to Traverse City, you will have plenty of areas to explore. One reason that Traverse City is so popular to visit is that it sits right on the shore of Lake Michigan. This is one of the Great Lakes and provides some of the best fun during the warmer months of the year. Traverse City is situated on the arm of the Grand Traverse Bay that takes up 32 miles of the beautiful shoreline to the lake. Individuals are encouraged to get out and explore the shoreline for beautiful scenery. At some point, though, you are going to want to explore the water and there is no better way to do that than with a boating charter that will take you out onto the water.
Here in Traverse City, you will have nearly endless options to choose from for your voyage. Catch a ride on a double-decker tour boat that will keep you comfortably inside, making it a perfect option for all times of the year. Another great way to explore Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan is to book a sailing charter. You will be taken out onto the water on a real life sailing vessel and be shown the literal ropes on how to navigate. Many of the sailing charters offer a romantic sunset option complete with wine or champagne. There are so many options in town that you can easily book a tour at the last minute without worrying about everything being booked up.
Traverse City is also close by to one of Michigan’s most cherished landmarks: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is our closest national park and is located just on the other side of Glen Arbor and features a landscape you have to see to believe. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a beautiful island habitat with lush forest and inland lakes to explore. What really sets the park apart from all the others are the giant sand dunes that tower 450 feet right on the Lake Michigan shoreline. There is nothing quite like them anywhere else in the area! Sleeping Bear Dunes also features plenty of sandy beaches that are perfect to hang out on. Make sure to explore the island to find hidden gems such as the South Manitou Island Lighthouse, the most familiar landmark at the park. This 100-foot-tall lighthouse is still active and can be accessed during the warmer months of the year. Sleeping Bear Dunes is typically a preferred destination in the spring and fall for outdoor activities, while the summer is perfect for more beach time activities. Don’t miss out this cherished park found close by Traverse City.
During your stay in Traverse City, you will be close to 50 different wineries right here in the area. With so many options at your fingertips, you will want to explore as many as you can. Sign up for a winery tour that will take you around to local favorite wineries to enjoy tasting flights. This can include visits to top-rated wineries such as Black Star Farms and Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. Don’t forget to snag a bottle or two to bring back to your vacation rental to pair with dinner!
One of the biggest worries when planning a last-minute trip is deciding where you are going to stay. Luckily, our vacation rentals have plenty of options to choose from, even when you’re booking at the last-minute. These properties are found all over Traverse City, letting you pick and choose what area you want to be in. Expect comfortable features and spacious rooms that will help you feel right at home. You can also find some rentals with huge outdoor yards to really get in plenty of outdoor time here in the area. Plan your visit to Traverse City today by exploring our list of properties and picking out your favorite. Who knew that planning a last-minute trip to Traverse City could be so easy? Contact us to book your stay today. Search our rentals by amenity here.
The fall season is almost here, and with it comes cooler temps and some more fun up here in Traverse City. Our Michigan home is known to be a top fall destination where you can find changing colors of the leaves and some fall fun. Whenever you travel in the fall your kids are sure to remind you of Halloween and making sure they do not miss out on any trick-or-treating. Luckily, Traverse City offers more than enough opportunities to enjoy trick-or-treating in a safe and fun environment. Take a look at the best places to trick-or-treat in Traverse City:
It is almost that time of year again where you want to put on some comfy shoes and throw on your best costume for the Downtown Traverse City Halloween Walk. This annual event is always a popular time for both children and adults as they get to explore Downtown Traverse City surrounded by fellow trick-or-treaters. The Downtown Traverse City Halloween Walk is a community wide event where participating stores help hand out candy to the little ones dressed up in costume. This includes businesses on the 100, 200, and 300 block over on Front Street along with other businesses nearby. Reusable trick-or-treat bags can be picked up from the Women’s Resource Thrift Shop located at 303 E State Street Suite C in advance for the event. This year’s Downtown Traverse City Halloween Walk is scheduled to take place on Saturday October 26th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM and is absolutely free for everyone.
Traverse City is not the only city here in the region hosting its own trick-or-treating event. When you visit the area you will find our neighbors are easy to get to from our vacation rentals. Traverse City officially sets the hours of 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM as timeframe for trick-or-treating in the city. Your kids will have plenty of time to try and stuff their Halloween bag with as much candy as possible in those three hours. The Village of Kingsley is another nearby community that will also be hosting their own set time of trick-or-treating over at their municipal parking with hours from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Another community you can stop by is also Green Lake Township that offers their trick-or-treating over at their Emergency Services Building from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Heading out to these townships is a great way to check out the rest of our Michigan region especially with all of the changing colors of the leaves!
One of the best reasons to book a vacation rental through us is you will be in some of the most desirable neighborhoods around Traverse City. Each property is privately owned and makes sure you feel comfortable in the part of town you are in. You can feel right at home when you plan for trick-or-treating in the nearby area just like you would do back at home. As mentioned, Traverse City sets trick-or-treating hours here in the city from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening. Our single family size homes are found all across the different neighborhoods here in town. If you prefer a luxury condo rental, you will find yourself extremely close to the Downtown Traverse City Halloween Walk when the event starts. Essentially this allows you and your family to prepare in advance for the type of fun Halloween evening you want to have. Trick-or-treating will remind you like you were back home!
Trick-or-treating is not the only kind of fun you can expect here in Traverse City. If your family enjoys a little physical activity, consider signing up for the Traverse City Zombie Run. This is a 5K race that has become a Halloween staple over the years. The event will take place on October 26th and is our 16th consecutive race. Dress up in your best zombie attire as you run just over 3 miles for a good cause. Or you can spend your time in Traverse City checking out all of the amazing colors of the leaves. Either way, you are in for a great time here around Halloween!
The best stay in Traverse City always starts with our vacation rentals. Make sure you reserve your favorite property today so you can expect a fun Halloween. Each property features luxury amenities and features where you will no longer ever want to stay in a hotel room again. Contact us to book your stay today.
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. Search our rentals by bedroom here.
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. 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!
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. 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.
