Traverse City Travel Blog

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. 

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. 

Traverse City Whiskey lights the flame of the outdoor heater on their patio when the cold weather hits, but customers are looking for something else. Something to warm them up from the inside. This is the time of year when Traverse City distilleries see their customer's tastes change from fresh, light summer drinks to something more robust, something that takes the chill out of the air and gives them warmth.

_{*Starting from the left, Sean O’Keefe, Larry Mawby, and Eddie O’Keefe Jr.}

Consider it an infant at 50 years old.

The Traverse Wine Coast turned 50 this year. Compared to other long-established wine regions in the world, that makes Traverse City a baby of the wine industry. But oh, how this baby has grown.

America seems to be waking up to the beauty of northern Michigan’s fall colors. This short season sets the hillsides around Grand Traverse Bay ablaze with vibrant colors. Shades of red, orange, and yellow combine with mild temperatures to create a mad dash to capture one more hike in the forest, one more outdoor wine tasting, and one more walk along the beach before winter sets in. 

Long before Interstates were built and enabled families to travel quickly to Michigan destinations. Long before there were Holiday Inn's or luxurious hotels. There were tiny mom-and-pop-run motor hotels that straddled the state highways. 

These motor hotels quickly became known as “motels.” They were a comfortable refuge that welcomed road-weary travelers with easy access to their rooms. Those tiny welcome centers still dot the northern Michigan travel landscape. They still embrace those who need a break from the road. In many cases, they allow travelers an inside look at quiet little towns that would be too easy to pass without exploring the wonderful stories and opportunities they possess.

In the 1970s, singer James Taylor reminded us that “On the roof is peaceful as can be.” Today, locals and visitors to Traverse City are discovering that the roof is where “the air is fresh and sweet,” and “everything is all right.”

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking over the vast expanse of Grand Traverse Bay, or the vibrant activity below with downtown shoppers. The popularity of rooftop bars has grown exponentially.

The road to the Paris Olympics this year runs through Traverse City. Or so it seems. Fans of the Equestrian Olympics Competition will witness several horses and riders who honed their athletic abilities at the Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS).

“We were a small piece of their story,” said Lindsay

“It’s gorgeous here.” There’s a tone of amazement in his voice as Commander Alex Armatas describes flying over Grand Traverse Bay on his first approach to the area.

With over 4,500 flight hours, Armatas, has seen most of the country from very high levels at very fast speeds. He’s the Commander,

Readers of the new release from the wildly popular New York Times best-selling writer, Emily Henry, may find themselves a bit confused. The just-out novel, “Funny Story,” takes place in the fictional town of Waning Bay. For good reason, Waning Bay sounds a lot like Traverse City. Henry will be the first to tell you that Waning Bay was inspired by Traverse City and its neighboring towns.