Traverse City Travel Blog

Tickets to “The Nutcracker” at the famed Interlochen Center for the Arts, snowshoeing the trails around the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, spending the night in the historic Hotel Frankfort while it’s all decked out in Christmas décor...the list of unique yuletide experiences in the Traverse City area goes on.

Experience the full range of fun and relaxation that a vacation has to offer, minus the added stress of long-distance travel. The Traverse City area is teeming with events and activities this fall season, and planning your own staycation is a wonderful way to enjoy the bounties of Northern Michigan without needing to buy plane tickets or step foot in the airport. There’s no need to wander far from home when you live near Traverse City: it’s exactly where we should be.

Craving cool days and warm apple cider? A town steeped in food and farming culture, Traverse City offers incredible opportunities to connect with your food – even to the point of picking it yourself! These three fall afternoon trips are perfect for finding bright foliage, perfect sips, and great

On a slightly overcast but pleasantly warm day in July, I set sail on the Inland Seas 77-foot schooner with the Inland Seas Educational Association. I arrived in Suttons Bay as a mere resident of Northern Michigan but emerged from the boat as a Great Lakes scientist.

August is National Picnic Month! At the crossroads of cuisine and the outdoors, the picnic is the perfect union of two of the best things that Traverse City has to offer. Here is a guide compiled by a local to the finest picnicking spots in the area coupled with suggestions of go-to markets and eateries to fulfill the all-important food element of your idyllic, summer picnic. 

One bite is all it takes. One bite when the red juice drips down your chin and you rotate your face so the sweet nectar doesn’t stain your shirt. Take that first bite of a northern Michigan strawberry and you will be spoiled for life. No other berry will compare. The problem is this sweet strawberry season only lasts a little over two weeks. After the harvest, you count the days until the next season starts. 

When taking a trip to Traverse City, you will find plenty of beautiful places to capture a photo. All you need is your phone in hand.

Get your camera ready. Here’s our list of the most Instagramable Spots in TC:

Photo credit: Crystal Mountain

Snap, crackle, pop!

“Was that your back?” my massage therapist asked in disbelief. “Yes,” came my meek, muffled reply before I slipped into a deep state of zen. 

So many of us think of Traverse City as a warm-weather destination, a place of golden beaches, blue waters, and green forests. But here’s a little secret…winter up north is gorgeous too. You can hit the ski runs, snowshoe or hike through the woods, or just curl up with a cozy glass of wine and watch the snowfall.

Some days, you just want to stay inside! Perhaps you're seeking a warm fire, and a friendly book or enjoying a cozy coffee shop. Perhaps you're seeking a fantastic indoor adventure. There's plenty to enjoy in Traverse City during the winter months. The following pages will provide you with some exciting ideas.