Traverse City Travel Blog

It’s like dropping breadcrumbs along the trail. It becomes a way to find your way back home. When you’re lost, you are found. Throughout the Traverse City region, there are breadcrumb trails scattered around the region. These crumbs reconnect the first residents, Native Americans, back home.

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!

Every day is a beautiful day to explore the art world in Traverse City. Our region is home to dozens of outdoor sculptures, exhibits, and murals by artists hailing from all over the world. We’ve put together a few must-see spots, but we’d love to hear from you about hidden gems you discover during your visit!

The Traverse City area has been attracting artists, artisans, writers and musicians for decades -- an influx of talent that gives it a surprisingly rich cultural life. USA Today called it one of 10 great places that combine "big-city art and small-town feel."

The snowy town in northwest Michigan celebrates the release of 12 Strong, a film based on New York Times bestselling non-fiction book Horse Soldiers written by Traverse City native Doug Stanton.

Vacation and movies go together like popcorn and butter. 

If you are considering a visit to Traverse City then you are probably aware of the great natural beauty of this wonderful part of the world. You may also know about the wineries, the eateries, and the year-round outdoor activities. What you might be surprised to learn is that our small Midwestern city also has a full symphony orchestra, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra.

Where do you find inspiration in the Traverse City Area? Local painter Adam VanHouten shares a few of his favorite locations that have inspired his Explore Traverse City Plein Air Painting Project. 

The “From the Top” series features performances by eleven popular local musicians, set against the blue water of West Grand Traverse Bay. Featured artists include the Hacky Turtles (the band that previously recorded Take Me There, Traverse City's Theme Song), Rob & Jessica Bolin, Nik Carmen, Jetty Rae, The Accidentals, O Brother Big Sister, Kellerville, Levi Britton, the Jimmy Olson Trio, Benjaman James, and Chloe Kime. 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed on vacation, and even easier to spend more money than you have. Luckily, northern Michigan has plenty of options for visitors on a budget. Here you'll find our list of free and almost free activities around the region.