Driving around the Traverse City area means that you’ll come across some spectacular views: pastoral landscapes, interspersed with cherry trees and rows of grapevines, all with the backdrop of Lake Michigan. It’s easy to take this slice of Earth for granted, and forget about the steps it will take to preserve this beauty for generations! Luckily, many wineries and vineyards in the area conscientiously take steps to create a more sustainable future while making delicious wine. Here are a few suggestions on who to check out for your next wine tour!
Did you know one of the largest redevelopment projects in the western hemisphere is in Traverse City’s backyard? The Village at Grand Traverse Commons was once a state-run mental institution housing thousands of patients before it spent more than 10 years sitting vacant. Since the massive
As the northern Michigan race scene gets back on its feet with pandemic restrictions loosening, those of us who have greatly missed toeing start lines, cheering one another on through the miles and triumphantly crossing finish lines are eagerly anticipating summer events — road and trail races, and maybe more low-key “races/runs” we take on with a few of our running friends.
For many a perfect vacation is much more than finding a great winery or fabulous restaurant. It’s about tracking down a cool adventure. It doesn’t have to be running a marathon or hang gliding over Lake Michigan (although you can do those things.) Sometimes it’s just being a little more adventurous than normal. So, we outlined three things that could be out of the normal for you.
Here in Traverse City, we are all about the vino. We’re also all about girl power, which is why we sat down with two of the leading women in wine in northern Michigan—Marie-Chantal Dalese, President and CEO of Chateau Chantal, and Sherri Fenton, Manager Owner of Black Star Farms—to chat about the industry…and get recs for our next favorite vintage!
Finally, a much needed and well-deserved vacation to Northern Michigan. Having never been to this region of the country before, everyone told me, “If you’re going Up North, you HAVE to go check out Sleeping Bear Dunes.” We did some research and found out that Sleeping Bear Dunes is a 35-mile section of coastline that has been designated a National Lakeshore. Sand Dunes, hiking trails, scenic vistas, historic towns (dating back to the days when the Great lakes were the superhighway of the region) are all part of the park. We decide to take a guided tour to make sure we don’t miss out on anything.
He stopped me in my tracks. My bike ride came to a temporary, but abrupt halt. But there he stood, right in the middle of the Leelanau Trail. It was a deer. I swear that he looked up and smiled. Just before he ran away. I know I smiled at him.
Keep a close eye out for hidden treasures this week while you're out exploring Traverse City! To Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, we've teamed up with over 30 destinations around Michigan for a statewide scavenger hunt!
Water is our most precious resource, and in Michigan, we are lucky to have an abundance of lakes and rivers. Northern Michigan is known for its inland lakes with crystal clear water. Torch Lake, arguably the most famous of Michigan’s inland lakes, is renowned for its brilliant (dare I say, Caribbean) blue color.
Photo: Noah Jurik
A one hour drive out of Traverse City will take you to one of the most breathtaking views of Lake Michigan to be found anywhere!
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