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.
Have you been thinking of the best destination for this year’s Spring Break? If so, there is no better option than Traverse City. Our Michigan home has exciting activities and attractions that will provide a whole lot of fun for the whole family. It might still be a little cold outside but you will find plenty to keep yourself busy with. Here is how you can enjoy a Spring Break in Traverse City.
Most water parks across the country do not open up until Memorial Day when the weather is nice and warm so the water can feel comfortable. Luckily, we have a few indoor water parks around Traverse City that are already open for Spring Break. This includes Avalanche Bay Water Park that is Michigan’s largest indoor water park. The water is always a wonderful 84 degrees that will feel extremely nice after walking inside from the cooler weather. There are quite a few exciting ways to enjoy your time at the park too. Go down thrilling water slides or enjoy a moment of peace on the lazy river. The hot tubs are a great way to really enjoy the hot water. Day passes are a great way to spend the day here at the park!
Avalanche Bay Waterpark is a part of Boyne Mountain where you can still find the ski slopes open around Spring Break. They have 65 different trails that can be accessed through 10 different ski lifts. You will have 415 acres of skiable terrain to explore. The peaks such as Boyne Mountain frequently see snow until April so this may be your last opportunity to enjoy some skiing before it closes for the season. Boyne Mountain has everything you need for a successful trip down the mountain. The rental shop features all of the gear you need for an adventurous moment. The snowsports school offers a variety of lessons from skiing to snowboarding so you will be in top shape on the slopes. Purchase your lift ticket in advance for the best price. Don’t miss out on one last chance to ski this season!
The spring season tends to be a slower season here in Traverse City allowing you more opportunities than ever to explore. This includes visiting the always popular Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is one of Michigan’s five national parks and has been voted as one of the most beautiful parks in the country. Sleeping Bear is named after its massive sand dunes that can be found along the shore of Lake Michigan. Climbing up the dunes is always an exciting endeavor for the whole family. Enjoy the views of Lake Michigan or explore the hiking trails that might start to see some wildflowers begin to bloom. The bright green colors of the trees will have you feel at one with nature. Come check out Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore during your Spring Break adventure.
This activity is for the adults who are looking to enjoy themselves during a Spring Break outing. Traverse City is home to a multitude of wineries right here in the region. You will find several wineries and vineyards not too far away that are perfect to explore. Wine tours are a great way to see the wineries without having to worry about transportation. Some popular wine tour companies in the area include Lakeshore Shuttle and Tours, Wonderland Tours and Transportation, and Brew Bus. Some of the most popular wineries you will want to add to your itinerary include Mari Vineyards and Chateau Grand Traverse. Enjoy a tasting flight where you can try a little bit of everything before purchasing a bottle or two to go. Seeing all of the many different wines is an experience that is worthy of your Spring Break!
Traverse City is just on the shores of Lake Michigan that happens to be one of the Great Lakes. This fresh water lake is crystal blue and has many ways to have fun with it. One activity that is popular in the spring is fishing. You can book a fishing charter that will take you out onto the water and reel up a trophy size catch. A few charters that are popular in the area including Windy City Salmon and Coldwater Charters. Book your charter in advance to secure your fishing experience.
As you can see, the fun does not end here in Traverse City during the quieter spring seasons. Instead, you will find more than a fair amount to do for Spring Break. Contact us to book your stay today!
When it comes to a time of year when you want to treat your loved one to a special vacation getaway consider Valentine’s Day. We spend too many Valentine’s Day stuck at home with maybe a dinner for two out on the town. This year try something new with a vacation getaway to Traverse City. You will still be able to enjoy romantic activities here in the city while getting a little taste of winter. Take a look at how you can spoil your loved one for Valentine’s Day in Traverse City:
Enjoying a romantic dinner for two is a staple tradition for Valentine’s Day and one to easily continue here in Traverse City. You will find a variety of romantic and upscale restaurants perfect for a date night. One of our favorite restaurants in Traverse City for this is Trattoria Stella. This local restaurant features a farm to table philosophy found in every dish. The menu features all of your favorite Italian fare made fresh by hand. The curated wine list has something to pair with each dish featuring old world environs. The presentation of each dish will be something you remember long after you leave your meal. The impeccable service is a feature that everyone reports after a meal at this local favorite. You can also take your loved one out to a meal with views of Lake Michigan. Head on over to Artisan Restaurant here in Traverse City. This is an upscale American restaurant that always serves farm fresh fare right to your table. You will find local seafood on the menu along with dishes that use ingredients from the onsite garden and local farms in the area. The wine list is extensive and features something for everyone. There are plenty of options here in Traverse City. As with all Valentine’s Day dinners make sure you book your reservation well in advance as everyone will be looking to treat their loved one that evening.
Once you have wined and dined your loved one you can spoil them to a spa day here in Traverse City. We understand the importance of relaxation and you will find that exact moment here. One of the local favorite spas in Traverse City can be found over at Urban Oasis Salt Spa. This wonderful spot is also located on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a relaxing retreat for the day. Inside you will find a variety of spa services to help your loved one feel completely refreshed. Their holistic treatments will help rejuvenate both body and spirit with services such as massages, couples’ massages, infrared sauna, foot treatments, and more. The Himalayan salt therapy rooms provide a relaxing atmosphere that is not commonly found in other spa studios. Make sure to book an appointment in advance to make sure you can get in around Valentine’s Day.
With Traverse City being right on the shores of Lake Michigan you will have plenty of opportunities to go explore it. Take your loved one out on a romantic journey with one of the many cruises or sailing adventures available here in Traverse City. The wind on the water will be chilly so make sure to bundle up to remain cozy during your voyage. One of your cruise options is booking a catamaran cruise with Nauti-Cat. This local charter offers cruises on their catamaran with a variety of options available. You can book a noon cruise for some daytime fun. Turn up the romance with a Champagne Sunset Cruise. Traverse City has a variety of schooner cruises also available, more than other ports in the state of Michigan. Local schooners are smaller vessels where the captain will allow you to hoist the sails and also help steer the ship. Of course you can always just sit back and relax with your loved one instead especially when you book a cruise with local wine and food available.
Traverse City is also home to a variety of local wineries that are known for their grape crop that helps produce sweet fruity wines. You can take your loved one out on a wine tour to see a few wineries back to back. The local wineries offer cozy tasting rooms where you can try a little bit of everything. Best of all neither of you will have to worry about driving so you can enjoy each other’s company and the wine too.
All of these romantic activities and more will have your loved one feeling completely spoiled. Contact us to book a stay in Traverse City today just in time for Valentine’s Day in 2025. Browse our rentals by amenity here, or book the perfect 2-bedroom stay.
No matter what time of year you want to visit, you will find that Traverse City is always a worthy destination for a vacation. The most important piece to a successful visit is finding lodging that will best support you and your family. Luckily, we offer all kinds of privately owned homes that are sure to have just what you are looking for. Technology in this day and age has made it easy to secure lodging in a moment’s notice. Third-party services are often used and attempt to make it easy on your time. However, when you do not book directly through our portal, you may be missing out on some truly great benefits. Book Direct Day in Traverse City is just around the corner and showcases the value of booking direct. Take a look at why you should always book direct when booking a vacation rental.
Whenever you plan a trip to somewhere new, you will come across a few variables. Changes throughout planning may result in you needing to change your booking dates. By booking through a third-party service provider, you may find it hard to adjust your booking. Third-party services do great in saving you time in finding a vacation rental, but that service comes at a cost. You will find that adjusting bookings with a service of this kind can be tricky and difficult. Avoid the commotion by instead booking directly through our portal. You will find our website is easy to navigate and even easier to book with. If you ever have to make adjustments to your booking, you will find a solution just a few clicks away.
The flexibility of your vacation booking is not the only benefit to booking direct with us. If you need direct assistance from a live person we can help you every step of the way. Third-party services do not work directly with our listings, so whenever you contact them, they will only be able to address what is given online. We know that you can navigate our website on your own, so they will not be able to provide anything that you couldn’t find yourself. Our team is available to help you every step of the way from the initial booking to your eventual arrival at your vacation rental. Either our team or the rental owner will be in contact to ensure a smooth process for your booking.
If you have ever wondered how third-party services are able to showcase vacation rentals from all over the web, you will find it in the overall cost of your booking. Avoid any unwanted fees during your vacation by booking through our portal. You will find the costs of your rental to be provided. One thing you will not find in your bill is a booking service fee that some third-party services will charge. Vacations already cost enough, so skip out on the unwanted fees and avoid third-party services. Save that little extra money to treat yourself here in Traverse City.
Don’t Miss Out On Your Favorite Properties
When you come to Traverse City, you will find that the city is home to countless beautiful homes many of which are in our listing. Many of our properties have become instant favorites with countless guests and continue to get reserved day after day. These are the types of properties you will not find on a third-party service. Whenever a property is not typically available to rent, they do not show up on third-party service engines. This can prevent you from ever booking a popular property right here in the area. When you book directly through us, you will be able to explore very vacation rental we currently have in our inventory. This includes our popular rentals so you can reserve them in advance. Don’t miss out on some of our favorite homes!
We understand that your stay here in Traverse City may require special accommodations that are not directly listed. When you book with a third-party service, you will be unable to inquire about special accommodations. All their service has to pull from is descriptions available of each property. Our team can help you find a property with special accommodations if the one you are interested in is unable to provide them. Only by booking direct can you secure accommodations needed for a comfortable stay in Traverse City.
Come explore our direct listing of vacation homes right here in Traverse City. You will find that our properties are easy to book directly through us. Come enjoy these benefits with a direct booking today. Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our pet friendly rentals here.
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.
Get ready for another wonderful holiday season right here in Traverse City. If you have been looking for the ideal spot to spend your holidays with family, look no further. Traverse City features many festive events and activities that will bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Make sure to document your holiday stay with family holiday picture to commemorate the fun. You can get a photo taken at one of the lively holiday events in the city or track down one of the best viewing areas. Here are the best spots for family holiday photos in Traverse City:
Whenever you visit Traverse City, you will find that Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore needs to be at the top of your bucket list. This national park has everything you could want for a little winter outdoor exploration. Visit the island, where you can find the park and its famous sand dunes. However, the winter season makes Sleeping Bear Dunes even more unforgettable, as the dunes are covered in a layer of snow for a truly picturesque moment. Grab your smart phone and get a picture of the family in front of the snow-covered dunes. After getting your holiday picture, venture further into the park, where some of the trails will still be open for you to explore. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a destination that cannot be missed during the holidays.
Each year, Traverse City kicks off the festivities with lively holiday events, including the Downtown Traverse City Light Parade, Santa’s Arrival, and Tree Lighting all taking place the same night. This extended evening of holiday celebrations is one of the best chances to snap a holiday family pick during your stay. The fun kicks off with Santa’s Arrival, where he will help usher in the official tree lighting ceremony with the mayor of Traverse City. Similar to other cities, Traverse City has its own holiday tree that is huge and covered in thousands of holiday lights. Both Santa and the city mayor will light up the tree for the first time this evening. Grab a picture with your family in front of the tree, the perfect shot to use on your holiday card. After the tree lighting ceremony is complete, the Light Parade will march along Front Street until it reaches Union. The parade will include wonderful floats decked out in a variety of holiday lights and décor. The event will officially end at Santa’s house after the parade, where you can get photos with Santa and enjoy some holiday treats. The Tree Lighting ceremony and other events will take place on November 23rd starting at 5:30 PM. Make sure to get there early as it will be a popular event and many viewing areas will be taken quickly.
Traverse City is also home to many different spots around town that are Instagram worthy and will make for the perfect backdrop for a family photo. One such location is the postcard mural found in Downtown Traverse City. The mural is located on the side of Kilwins Chocolate and was painted by KnUpp North Art. It features a charming postcard that includes many local attractions found around Traverse city in the lettering. Grab the family picture in front of the mural to show that you were in Traverse City and here for the holidays!
One of the lesser known facts about Traverse City is that it is home to dozens of wineries and taprooms. The region is known for specially grown grapes that are used for incredible adult beverages. Bonobo Winery is one of the most popular wineries to check out during your holiday stay, and all ages are welcome on the property. One of the best spots to take your family picture is in front of their famous swing. This rope swing is found in front of their vineyard so you can get grape bushes in the backdrop. This is perfect for families with a single child who can sit on the swing while the parents stand at each side. The holiday season never looked or tasted so good!
Get a head start on your own holiday journey to Traverse City by booking a stay at one of our vacation rentals in the area, like our 3-bedroom homes with room for everyone. Each property will make sure you remain comfortable throughout your stay and have access to the finest amenities. Best of all, you will be close to all of these wonderful photo spots that will make for the ideal holiday family photo opportunity here in Traverse City. Contact us to book your stay today.
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.
Looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays this year? Consider bringing your family to Traverse City, Michigan, to create some unforgettable memories and traditions. Ask your family what their favorite activity of the holidays and you are sure to hear “see the Christmas lights!” as an answer. There is something simply magical about seeing local neighborhoods and events decked out in thousands of Christmas lights that add a little shine to the season. Traverse City offers an array of festive Christmas lights and displays that are sure to brighten your holiday season. Our vacation rentals will keep you close by them so you can spend more time exploring the area and its abundance of holiday lights. Take a look at the best ways to see Christmas lights in Traverse City this holiday season.
Looking for a festive way to enjoy the Christmas lights in Traverse City? Take a stroll through the local neighborhoods and soak in the beautiful displays put up by the residents. Festive Alleys transforms into Christmas Alley near Central Traverse City, with houses adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, reindeer on rooftops, and illuminated Santas. It’s common to find friendly locals greeting passersby from their garages. Not far from Christmas Alley is Grand Traverse Commons, where a magnificent Christmas tree stands at the center, surrounded by historic hospital buildings. It’s a perfect spot to take a break before continuing your light-viewing adventure. Just a short distance from the Commons, 6th Street boasts charming Victorian homes bedecked with festive lights and decorations. These are just a few of the many neighborhoods that you are able to explore. You will find that Traverse City is a welcoming city that shines bright with all of our Christmas lights on display for the season.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the Light Parade and Annual Tree Lighting with Santa, which marks the official start of the holiday season in Downtown Traverse City. This enchanting event features the illumination of a magnificent Christmas tree, with the city mayor and Santa himself in attendance. Following the tree lighting, a captivating light parade kicks off, featuring beautifully decorated floats and lively musical performances. The parade winds its way through the city streets, creating a magical atmosphere for all to enjoy. After the parade, don’t miss the chance to visit Santa’s house at Rotary Square, where you can meet Santa and capture a memorable photo with him. This delightful event is free to attend and promises hours of holiday cheer. Make sure to arrive early to secure a prime spot along the parade route, and don’t forget to bring your best light-up accessories to add to the festive atmosphere. This year’s Light Parade and Annual Tree Lighting with Santa takes place on November 23rd with the festivities beginning promptly at 5:30 PM. This is an absolutely free event that is open to the community including our visitors. Traverse City’s Light Parade and Annual Tree Lighting with Santa is a cherished tradition that promises to fill your holiday season with joy and wonder.
If you find yourself at Traverse City State Park during your visit to Traverse City, make sure to check out Lights Gone Wild in the evening. This breathtaking holiday light display has been in the making for two decades and has become one of the area’s most stunning attractions. Lights Gone Wild is a beautiful tribute to the former Clinch Park Zoo, featuring Christmas light displays that bring shining animal shapes to life at night. This year, Lights Gone Wild is expected to be open in November and December. While a Michigan Recreation Passport has been required in the past, you can easily register at the gates. Don’t miss out on this nostalgic nod to a classic Michigan attraction.
These are some phenomenal events and ways for you to see all of the beautiful Christmas lights here in Traverse City. You will have a vacation getaway that is second to none when you reserve one of our exclusive vacation rentals here in the area. Our properties or privately owned vacation homes can be found near these holiday events that feature Christmas lights. You can even find a property located in the many neighborhoods that are known for houses to put on stunning displays of Christmas lights out front. You will find it easy to feel right at home like a local and enjoy luxury amenities that hotels and other properties are unable to provide. Make the most of your holiday stay in Traverse City this year and book with us just in time for the holidays. Contact us to book your stay today. Browse our rentals by amenity here.
