Traverse City Travel Blog

Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted six more weeks of winter in 2025, but don’t let that stop you from getting excited for summer! From the National Cherry Festival to Polaris Slingshot cruises to picnics on the shores of Lake Michigan, the opportunities for adventure are endless.

It’s become iconic. A bushy and somewhat unruly mustache that curls up with a handlebar swoosh at the ends. That’s how you recognize the front-facing owner of the northern Michigan brewer, Joe Short, from Short’s Brewing. 

This small-town brewery is based in Bellaire. But don’t think this little brewery doesn’t leave a big footprint. And don’t for a moment think that the mustachioed man goes it alone. Joe’s wife, Leah, is the grounding force that makes the brewery hum. 

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

From downhill and cross-country skiing to fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more, there’s plenty of powder for every outdoor activity this year.

And guess what? Not only does going down the slopes or hiking up a frozen dune give you a full-body workout, but being out in the white stuff

Yay! It’s officially spring, and in Michigan, that means the start of months filled with sunshine and swimming, beaches, festivals, hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing. The kind of outdoor adventures that make life in the Mitten State so special.

Because if there’s one thing a Michigander knows, it’s how to make the most of every season. Whether it’s chasing sunsets over the Great Lakes, cooling off at the beach, or savoring fresh cherries straight from the orchard, summers here are meant to be lived outside. Long daylight hours turn into bonfire-lit nights, and no weekend is complete without a road trip to a favorite lakeside town.

With so many ways to experience the beauty of Michigan’s upcoming seasons, we made a list to help you plan your next getaway to northern Michigan.

Here are seven classic activities for a healthy dose of Mitten State fun in Traverse City: 

Horse-drawn sleigh rides, crackling fireplaces, and a bottle of wine to share—romance is in the air in Traverse City.

Whether you're planning the perfect Valentine's Day or simply looking for a dreamy escape, here are seven unforgettable ways to celebrate love in northern Michigan. 

Maybe your dream menu features the kind of soul food served up at the new Bushell’s Kitchen in downtown Traverse City. Or maybe you savor the Sichuan spice of TC’s Crocodile Palace.

If you love to pair farm-to-table bites with a glass of northern Michigan wine or explore Native American culinary

Calling all Midwest Princesses and Bears from the Dunes: Traverse City, Michigan, should be on your “must visit” list for LGBTQ+ friendly destinations!

Queerness exists everywhere and that includes the Cherry Capital of the World. We spent a long weekend exploring the city and found it to be a treasure trove of rainbows, community, and LGBTQ+ owned and inclusive businesses. Plus, the opportunity to celebrate their local Pride? Simply the cherry on top!

So, whether you’re visiting for pride, a “gaycation”, or a staycation, here are 10 ways to uplift the LGBTQ+ community year-round in Traverse City! 

When the snow starts to fall gently, it leaves a coat of white frosting on the trees. When the holiday lights twinkle in downtown Traverse City. When we seek a reason to curl up with a good book and sip a warm hot toddy. That’s when your thoughts may turn to starting to shop for those special holiday gifts. Whether you live in Traverse City or long for your next trip to this special place, there are unique ideas for presents that are made here or reflect the beauty of the region. 

With so many incredible destinations all across northern Michigan, Benzie County flies a bit under the radar. Many Michiganders don’t know about all the wintry joy that awaits in the collection of laid-back lakeshore communities southwest of Traverse City. 

What you’ll discover when you visit is an assortment of attractions that make Benzie County an amazing place this time of year. It’s home to one of Michigan’s best ski resorts with Crystal Mountain and offers some of the best winter hiking in America’s most beautiful place, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s where you can find several charming lake towns and Michigan’s first farm distillery, too.