Traverse City Travel Blog

The ski season in Traverse City is upon us, and there is no better way to celebrate than to explore the après-ski lifestyle in the area. For many people, après ski is the most sought-after part of a true winter experience. It’s a time to embrace the season, unwind, and celebrate a day on the slopes. Whether you prefer more snowy adventures or indulgence in the food and beverage scene, these activities promise to create lasting memories. 

As the festive season approaches, communities come alive with an array of holiday events, creating a magical tapestry of joy and celebration. Whether it's cozying up with loved ones at a local restaurant, or attending a grand community celebration, these events have a little something everyone will love.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in style as you bid farewell to 2023. As the clock strikes midnight, embrace the joy of new beginnings, surrounded by laughter and the promise of a fresh and exciting year ahead. Ring in the New Year with these unforgettable celebrations at various events around our region. 

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 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.