Traverse City Travel Blog

The first snowfall of winter ushers in one of the most exciting seasons of the year… Ski season! Skiing and snowboarding combine exercise and fun while providing a connection with nature during the winter months. Crystal Mountain, Hickory Hills and Mt. Holiday, and are the forefront ski resorts in the TC area. All three of the resorts offer ski and snowboard rental equipment so you can get suited up on-site, as well as lessons so you can learn your sport of choice or perfect your skills. 

The weather forecaster was right: A gentle blanket of snow covered the downtown Traverse City streets overnight. My 7:00 a.m. wake-up call at Hotel Indigo came with a mesmerizing view of Grand Traverse Bay. Gazing across the glistening water, I nearly fell back into a dream as I envisioned the

The gentle rolling hills around Traverse City, carved by receding glaciers some 10,000 years ago, take on a different feel when the first snows of winter start to fall. Those slopes hug the vines that are responsible for some of the best wines of the Midwest. The Traverse Wine Coast is home to nearly 50 wineries, but the region is known for much more than wine tasting. It’s all about the experience. And in the winter that experience embraces exploration of vineyards along cross-country ski trails, snowshoe hikes, and fat tire biking.

Take a look at some of the Traverse Wine Coast experiences that welcome winter activities. 

Halloween has come and gone. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And Christmas comes just a few weeks after that – 31 shopping days, to be exact. 

Of course, not all shopping days are created equal. Nor do all places to shop offer the same magical experience. 

Whether you’re local or visiting, spending Thanksgiving in Traverse City is bound to be filled with joy, warmth, and plenty of delicious memories. Gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy a meal cooked by local northern Michigan chefs. 

The wait is over: peak fall color is HERE! Our region's landscape has become a beautiful mix of reds, oranges, and yellows as autumn takes hold. 

Looking for an outdoor art experience? Head to downtown Traverse City, to embark on your mural-hunting adventure where each one tells a unique story, reflecting the artist's perspective and our local community's character.

While there are more than just these murals downtown—and far more than that around the region—we chose these classics to start your art education.

You can’t get Short’s Brewing innovations such as Pumpkincrusha on Nitro or Hot Loins aphrodisiac beer in the store. And you won’t find the Bellaire brewer’s Pistachio Cream Ale or S’more Stout at your local bar.

But you can come to taste them all this fall during Traverse City Beer Week. The annual celebration of northern Michigan brews returns Nov. 10-17 with drink specials – and special, experimental beers – at craft breweries all over the Traverse City area. 

No matter what you choose, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere with great food and drinks to complement your game-watching experience. Cheers, high-fives, and groans of disappointment fill the air as you watch every exhilarating moment on the big screens. It's not just about the game; it's about the shared experience, the thrill of victory, and the camaraderie that makes watching sports here so much fun. 

The International Fireworks Championship transformed the night sky into a canvas of colors and shapes. These spectacular shows blend science, creativity, and pyrotechnic expertise to create breathtaking moments that left the audience in awe. Four teams from Germany, France, Mexico, and the USA took to the stage as spectators were treated to an unparalleled symphony of light and sound. In the end, the crowd would cast their vote for Best of Show with Germany taking home the trophy. 

Take a look at some highlights from the event!