Traverse City Travel Blog

In the midst of the morning rush—breakfast-making, backpack-grabbing, everyone scattering in different directions for the day—I remember to pull out a favorite pair of black running shorts and a red short-sleeve top to take with me. And shoes. Don’t forget your running shoes. While I often log miles from my house on the east side of town, I like mixing up my running routine and will head to favorite routes throughout Traverse City.

At this time of the year in northern Michigan, all eyes are focused on this beautiful season we call spring, when birds are singing, orchards are blooming and the air carries that earthy scent of newness.

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.

If you’ve never seen it before – two million blooming cherry trees climbing the steep glacial ridges like battalions of tidy white clouds, their soft lines contrasting with bright new grass, acres of yellow dandelions and the deep blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay – you’re in for a special treat. 

By MIKE NORTON

Spring is on the way -- you know it is! The days are getting a little longer, the nights are getting a little shorter, the sap is starting to run in the sugar maples and the birds are beginning to make cheerful noises in the yard. So just to help you keep your spirits up and help you

Tell us a little about what a "Sports & Group Account Executive" does at Traverse City Tourism.
I love the versatility of my job. On any given day I can be found researching area venues for events, completing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to host future sporting events, creating itineraries for

What do you love about Traverse City? Beaches, colorful sunsets, delicious food, award-winning wines, craft brews, four season recreation, and so much more—whatever you favor you will find in "Take Me There"—Traverse City Tourism's new theme song by The Hacky Turtles.

"Take Me There" was selected

It’s sticky-hot, one of the final days of summer, and my feet have a mind of their own -- they’re taking me past my parked car and toward the sparkling waters of West Bay. Water. Cold, refreshing water.

I come to the end of Maple Street, the sweet bakery smells greeting me as I run past Bay Bread

Cherry Trees in Bloom on the Old Mission Peninsula

By MIKE NORTON

Flowers, flowers everywhere! Well, after the long winter and the cold spring we've had, it's been a nice treat. The thing is, instead of taking turns, everything seems to be blooming at once! No sooner did the cherry trees start

I heard my first loon last night. Far out on the harbor, that strange wild, half-crazy laugh came out of the evening mist.  Back from the warm places where they spend their winters, back to join us in the uncertain Northern springtime. I love those big birds.