Theres something to appeal to all tastes, including a casual buffet, a sports bar, a retro diner, and a top-class steakhouse. Please try again. The timing of the weeklong National Cherry Festival (July 1-8, 2017), pegged to attract Fourth of July travelers, is a bit too early for the local peak harvest but who cares when there are so many cherry pies to try and parade floats to see? There are ornate music boxes, early radios, jukeboxes, gramophones, and record players. If being on the water really isnt your thing, you can still get a kick out of walking around one of the several marinas on the bay and ogling at some seriously posh yachts! Youll find roulette tables and card games like blackjack and craps. Its sails tower over the marina, and the magnificent vessel can hold more than 50 passengers. Founded in the 1970s, the elegant estate is proud of its delectable Riesling wines. You can go on a 30-minute winery tour behind the scenes before relaxing in the sophisticated tasting room or on the pretty patio. But thats not the best thing about it. The vegetation here ranges from long, hardy grasses and thistles to trees such as juniper, oak, pine, black cherry, and beech. Railroads were built to transport the lumber out of the area, many of which now serve as routes for local recreational trails. Here are a few relevant articles for more travel around Michigan. Its not more than a few hours drive from Grand Rapids, along with Lansing and Detroit. If you dont visit during this cherry-jam-packed week, no worries: there are plenty of cherries to go around during the rest of the summer. Traverse City gets its name from Grand Traverse Bay (a bay of Lake Michigan) which got its name from the French voyageurs who made the long crossing (le grande traverse) from Canada south across the bay. I hope you enjoyed this guide on what to do in Traverse City! Subscribe and well send you our FREE 22-page Travel Planning Guide. The festivities continued, gaining support and participation from local businesses. Youll also find the Hickory Hills in Slabtown. Relaxing under the gigantic sails offers a different way of sightseeing around Grand Traverse Bay. Hes got his own Instagram, YouTube channel, and webcam. Here are a few locals tips to help you plan your trip! Catch a perfect sunrise by heading to Clinch Park a sandy beach right in downtown and parking yourself on one of the east-facing Adirondack chairs for a glimpse of that morning sun. Some items are rare, all are interesting. Slabtown bears testament to Traverse Citys past in the west of the city. The gallery is especially famous for its fascinating collection of Inuit indigenous art. While Michigan isnt really known for its traffic, driving Up North on Fridays throughout the summer is a thing. Bright splashes and vibrant streaks create a technicolored piece of magic. Or hungry. Twenty-five miles west of Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful spot on the edge of Lake Michigan that comprises 64 miles of freshwater beaches, forested islands, and miles and miles of hiking options among the giant dunes. Its one of the best places to head to Michigan in the fall. This gorgeous part of Northern Michigan is all kinds of surprising. An unusual attraction in Traverse City is The Hippie Tree as its vibrant, colorful, and worthy of a few Instagram pictures. This nonprofit organization builds and maintains paved, dirt, and gravel pathways for biking, walking, cross country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, in both urban and rural settings. If youre driving to Traverse City, youll either drive in through Michigans Upper or Lower Peninsula. Traverse City and the surrounding areas are crisscrossed with an incredible network of trails Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART trails) (accidentally or intentionally on cherry theme- the jury is out!). While the end of spring can be a little chilly, theres a palpable excitement in the air as the city opens up after a long winter. There are regularly changing temporary exhibitions and permanent collections, ensuring that theres always something new to discover. The inside areas are as attractive as the elegant exterior architecture, with heavy metal doors set into pale brick walls and many original features. The dunes stretch for 35 miles and can reach up to 450 feet in height. No wonder hes been called the worlds coolest dog.. As the summer continues, everyone heads to the water to cool off July and August are the best months to take full advantage of TCs beaches and water sports. Pick up ingredients for a delicious dinner or picnic. Check out the on-site restaurants or bars to refuel. Of course, that is just scratching the surface as there is a lot to love about Traverse City. Looking over the Boardman River, one of the most abundant is the former home of Perry Hannah, the founder of Traverse City. 
Is there anything more summertime than cherries, fireworks, and beaches? Traverse City is now the Cherry Capital of the world, a wine-growing region, and a great spot for a holiday. Learn how your comment data is processed. Traverse City sits at the base of two skinny, finger-like peninsulas. Theyre popular for a reason though, and worth the hype. A quick look around this gorgeous northern landscape will be enough to understand downstaters obsession with this place. You will also have the opportunity to hear some of the exhibits in action. And sure, those beaches are incredible, but they have sharks. There are unusual eateries, stores, and bars, including the olde-worlde Sleders Family Tavern. Sunrise experiences are also available. The former Traverse City State Hospital opened in 1885 with a beauty is therapy approach to treating mental illness.
You can take a stroll past founding lumber barons exquisite mansions on 6th Street, grab a morning coffee and pastry, do a little shopping on Front Street, and hit the beach all before lunch. Once summer wraps up and a chill begins to enter the air its the perfect time to witness the leaves change colors and enjoy the harvest. beginning around 1910.
The gigantic cherry pie was baked in 1987 by a team overseen by Chef Pierre Bakeries. Dedicate a good chunk of your trip to experiencing the areas culinary scene you wont be disappointed. This post is proudly produced in partnership with, Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails, A Michigan Travel Guide for the Digital Nomad, 8 Awesome Ways To Experience Traverse City, MI byBicycle, 10 Things You'll Only Understand if You've Been To Traverse City, Michigan, 10 Reasons Marseille Is the Most Underrated French City, This Small Texas Town Has One of the Best Fourth of July Fireworks Shows in the Country, The Best Little Italy Is in Boston, and Its Not Even Close, 13 of the Most Underrated UNESCO Sites You Need ToVisit, Here's How To Visit Niihau, Hawaii's Forbidden' Island, The Most Epic Treehouses From Around theWorld, One of Italy's Most Classic Destinations Just Got a Lot Harder To See ThisSummer, Travelers Are Sharing the Worst Tourist Traps Theyve Experienced Around theWorld, 4 Gorgeous International Vacations That Are More Affordable Now Than in2019, How To Charter a Yacht in the Mediterranean for $100 PerNight, Download the Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Salsa. .jpg)
The Boardman River starts far south of town, meanders through state forests and campgrounds, runs over rocks and logs, and even churns up some whitewater (tame to most paddlers, but still fun). mobile app. We tapped a local insider, Emily Batdorf for a locals guide to things to do in Traverse City! There are plenty of things to do in Petoskey for all visitors, especially in the summer when it seems something is going on every day! Alternatively, rent a kayak for even more watery fun.
Home Destinations North America United States Michigan 21 Fantastic Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan.
Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. Trips typically last for two hours. Michigan cherries are a source of pride in Traverse City. Big events like the National Cherry Festival and the Traverse City Film Festival are major summer attractions and bring major crowds. It draws inspiration from a small castle with turrets and chimneys, many windows, ornate stone carvings, and porticos resting on sturdy columns. Take a look at some of our other blog posts: Psst: Save this post for later on Pinterest! Alternatively, hop on a bike and ride up the Leelanau Trail between TC and Suttons Bay for a quiet ride past the orchards on the Leelanau Peninsula. Woodworkers, sawmill employees, and millwrights occupied this part of the city, building their homes from large slabs of scrap wood rescued from the sawmills. But make sure you do try a piece of sweet, crumbly cherry pie! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our airport just so happens to be home to Piper, the bird-chasing dog. She was essential for providing milk for the former hospital. But if you are here during the National Cherry Festival, roll up your sleeves for a pit spittin, pie eatin, all-around good time. Also, the town is a stones throw away from the dramatic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. English and French traders took advantage of the network and later Perry Hannah established a permanent village in the 1840s to build his lumber business. Historic neighborhoods, first-rate restaurants, cultural attractions, numerous brewpubs and of course the beach are all within a few blocks of one another. You cant be in Traverse City for more than 2 minutes before getting overwhelmed with Cherry. As a scenic Michigan beach town, Traverse City caters to both the hip, local crowd and the abundance of tourists that flock here in the summer. Wine. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. However, one small Michigan hamlet, set just below the Grand Traverse Bay, has been slowly rising to, There are plenty of things to do in Ludington for all visitors, especially in the summer when it seems something is going on every day! Heading to the charming Victorian-era, Marquette is set on the scenic shores of Lake Superior. Considering a visit to Traverse City? We have a bunch of other posts you will love! Its well worth taking some time to explore the scenic surroundings, too, with lush vineyards and orchards. The region has a long history with indigenous peoples such as the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); Theyre the spots that market themselves as farm-to-fork, earth-to-table. Although the old willow tree is long dead, local artists regularly come to daub paint on the trunk and branches to bring a new lease of life to the woodlands. Here youll find restaurants, galleries, shops, meeting spaces, offices, and condominiums. There was an error submitting your subscription. Summer crowds are gone, but weekends bring leaf peepers chasing the colorful scenery! Before your visit, be sure to check the festivals events page so you dont miss your favorite activities. 
Lifeguards watch the waters in the summer, and there are picnic tables for an al fresco lunch. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Site by, 30 Things Nobody Tells You About Quitting Your Job to Travel, 32 Things Nobody Tells You About Long Term Travel as a Couple, 30 Things No One Tells You About Backpacking in South America, 14 Charming Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan (A Locals Guide). Gorgeous red splatters, everywhere. Downtown is very walkable; you can access beaches, breweries, restaurants and shopping all within a few blocks. Cherry everything. Hops grown locally are made into the best craft beers, and our grapes are turned into wine. Youll probably want to rent a car while visiting Traverse City. The tradition grew from an earlier one the Blessing of the Blossoms (cute!) And home to the Worlds Largest Cherry Pie Pan unfortunately, not the greatest attraction the city has to offer. Youll find fruit and vegetables, baked goods, artisan cheeses, homemade jams, local wines, honey, and more. Yep, Traverse City knows how to make the most of its watery setting. Need some help planning your next adventure? The National Cherry Festival and Traverse City Film Festival are two events that draw in huge crowds. To keep abreast of the best spots to check out in town, follow Mario Batali on Twitter. Well also send our favorite travel tips straight to your inbox! Built in the early 1890s, the City Opera House boasts exquisite designs both inside and out. While Michiganders dont have real mountains to speak of, we do have rolling hills, towering dunes, and a whole lot of beautiful water to look at not to mention the white pine forests and famous trout streams. The area is home to diverse fauna, including bird species, deer, squirrels, raccoons, bats, bobcats, and otters. If you want even more wildness, head over to the VASA Pathway, good for mountain biking (including the Iceman Cometh Challenge in early November) and cross-country skiing (home to the VASA race in February). Like, are there actually bears? Its popularity has grown throughout the years and now receives over three million visitors a year. While primarily known for cherries, the area also showcases its other regional produce, fish, dairy, wine, and beer on plentiful local menus. Theyre even found on the road, as fruit gets transported in water-filled tanks that slosh overboard when the trucks round curves and corners. Learn more at emilycarolcopy.com. Sandy dunes. Or at least, giant sand dunes that look like sleeping bears. Admire the views from the Overlook, have fun at the Labyrinth, and see the old Dairy Barns. Psst: Planning a trip to the northern states? The downtown area is small enough that you can pretty much walk anywhere! If youre flying into Michigan or Traverse City we recommend you rent a car. There are numerous trails throughout the park, perfect for summer hiking, winter cross-country skiing, and Nordic walking. Feel as though youve stepped into the pages of a childrens fantasyland as you peer at the whimsical tiny houses that live the path. Extensive trade networks were in operation that connected the lakeside communities with the Rockies to the West and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The terrain consists of wetlands and woodlands. Theres also the acclaimed National Writers Series, which brings in authors all year (think Margaret Atwood, Ann Patchett, and Jodi Picoult in one weekend) for chats about writing, books, and life all hosted in the beautifully restored City Opera House. As the days grow long and warm in the summer months its the perfect time to head to some of the lovely beaches along the lakeshore. Pie. And special thanks to Practical Wanderlust team member Jordan Wagner of Hamburg and Beyond for generously letting us use photos of her hometown and providing additional local insight. Its not just locals who cherish the stone fruit as a half million visitors visit every year to enjoy the National Cherry Festival during the first week of July. Even if you are visiting outside the festival time, its worth it to stop by and look at the old theatre as it will transport you to another time. Convenient and comfortable, the site has water facilities, electrical hook-up points, picnic areas, and fire pits for some al fresco dining. Let us know in the comments below! All that great food might have something to do with Traverse Citys Northwestern Michigan College, whose culinary school is known for producing amazing chefs.
