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. 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.
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 a time to connect with family as several holidays come our way. Each year there is a time that is important to most families and that is Thanksgiving. This annual holiday is a time to be thankful for everything we have and is usually spent with our loved ones. This year, treat your family to something special by taking your Thanksgiving holiday up north to Traverse City. You will not find a more inviting place to celebrate the holiday at. Take a look at the many different ways that make Thanksgiving dinner in Traverse City so special!
Thanksgiving is a holiday that has given rise to many different family traditions. Some families enjoy spending their Thanksgiving morning exercising their body to get it ready for all of the delicious food later in the day. In most cities you will find a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, a 5K race where everyone gets to go at their own pace. The race is inviting to both adults and children to try their best and even the friendly pups are invited too. The course is always treated the day before the event to help ensure surfaces are not too slippery. Dress up in your favorite turkey attire and try your best to reach the finish line. Those who register for the event early before September 30th get to save on the overall costs. If you prefer a longer race to test your running ability, the Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot also features a 5-Mile Flier this year too. This year’s race will be the 17th annual Turkey Trot and is gearing up to be one of the best yet. Come start a new tradition with your family at this year’s Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot!
We all know that one of the things we look forward to the most for Thanksgiving is always the feast. That is why we start our day running a Turkey Trot in the colder weather so our appetites can be at their highest. You do not have to skip out on family traditions such as making a Thanksgiving feast at home when visiting Traverse City for the holiday. Our vacation rentals are more than capable of providing you with everything you need to prepare your meal. When you pick out your vacation rental, you will be able to see all of the amenities inside the home including the features inside the gourmet kitchens. You will find that most of these properties come complete with extended countertop spaces making it easy to lay out your ingredients. Full size appliances allow your turkey to cook in the oven while also having room to prepare your sides. The cookware and utensils will be exactly what you need for the prep work. And once everything is ready to go, you will easily be able to enjoy a meal together in the dining room. Just because you are away from home does not mean you have to leave behind what makes Thanksgiving so special for you and your family.
Another great annual event that happens here in Traverse City for the holidays is our returning Light Parade and Annual Tree Lighting with Santa. Thanksgiving signals the return of the holiday season for winter so what better way to kick it off than with an exciting parade! This annual event takes over Downtown Traverse City where an incredible parade that is decked out with holiday lights follows the streets. You can follow the light parade as it follows its usual route of Front Street before it reaches Union. The parade includes decorative floats sponsored by local businesses and families for everyone to enjoy. The parade will even include musical performances so we hope you are ready to dance the night away! The light parade however is the final part of the festivities. Arrive early so you can watch Santa Claus himself help our city mayor light up the town’s Christmas tree for all to see. The tree will stand tall and lit up each evening for the remainder of the season! After the parade has finished, you can meet up with Santa over at his house located at Rotary Square. Come dressed up in your best light up attire so you can also light up the parade. This year’s Light Parade and Annual Tree Lighting with Santa will take place on Saturday November 23rd.
Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season will be here before you know it. Contact us to book your stay with us today and get ready for a thankful vacation getaway. 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.
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!
