Traverse City Travel Blog

The pace changes. When the first flakes of snow begin to coat the barren tree branches, it’s time to hit the “slow down” button. It’s time to breathe in the crisp air and relax just a bit. Winter in the Traverse City region is a different experience. It may mean you linger a little longer at one of the award-winning wineries and listen to the winemaker speak with pride of the craftsmanship that goes into their creations. It could mean walking the snow-covered streets of downtown while you seek out the treasured memento of your vacation up north. 

In the winter, Traverse City is a remarkable sight with pristine snowscapes and the serene embrace of Lake Michigan. Step outside and enjoy the season. When it’s time to warm up and unwind, we invite you to get cozy indoors. Sip local beverages at wineries, breweries, or distilleries. Experience the warmth of our vibrant arts community at galleries, museums, and theatres. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of winter sports or the comfort of being inside, Traverse City offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for your long weekend.

Explore our list of the top activities that will make this season your most exciting one yet! 

Do you have “Lager Love” or does a “Hop Harvest” sound more your style? Would you prefer a “Pilsner Party” or a “Stout Showdown?”

Each day of this year’s Traverse City Beer Week, Nov. 6-14, will feature a special theme that highlights one of the many kinds of inventive brews crafted locally in the Traverse City area. You can visit any of the participating breweries, pubs, and restaurants and get discounts with the Traverse City Beer Week passport – plus the chance to try some special releases during the week. 

As the leaves turn into brilliant red, orange, and gold hues, the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor adventures, and unique local experiences.

From savoring autumn-inspired cuisine to races along colorful trails, Traverse City is the place to embrace the beauty and excitement of fall.

Take a look at these ongoing events happening this season!

Traverse City offers plenty of hotels and resorts with indoor pools, making it easy to enjoy a swim any time of year. Families can find splash-worthy pools and water play features, couples can unwind in hot tubs overlooking the water, and many properties put you just minutes from shopping, local restaurants, and outdoor adventures. It's no surprise that hotels with indoor pools are a go-to choice for winter getaways, spring break trips, and rainy-day escapes.  

After a day spent skiing, exploring downtown, or taking in northern Michigan’s beauty, there’s something especially nice about slipping into a warm pool and letting the day’s adventures settle in. Looking for a family-friendly resort with plenty to keep the kids busy? We've got that. Hoping for a romantic getaway with extra space to unwind? You’ll find that here, too. No matter the season, Traverse City’s indoor pools add a little extra fun and comfort to your stay. 

Traverse City is one of Michigan’s best places to experience fall, with scenic drives that weave through forests, orchards, vineyards, charming lakeside towns, and the peninsulas stretching into Grand Traverse Bay. Along the way, you’ll find wineries, hiking trails, and shoreline views that invite

The former Northern Michigan Asylum, which became the Traverse City State Hospital, brings one of the region's most fascinating stories to light through halls and rooms, underground steam tunnels and the historic Men's Walk and Women's Walk. Today, visitors come to learn the Traverse City asylum

The best place to stay near Traverse City for beaches depends on the kind of waterfront getaway you’re planning. Choose a downtown hotel for easy access to public beaches, restaurants, and shops. Stay on one of the scenic peninsulas for quieter shoreline views. Book a family-friendly resort with

Summer in Traverse City has a way of bringing families together, whether that means long days at the beach, afternoons on the golf course, or evenings spent exploring local attractions. The right resort can make it even easier to enjoy it all. Across the Traverse City area, you’ll find resorts with

What if, on your next vacation, you not only left Traverse City with vibrant memories of splashing in the refreshing, blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay? What if, you left with a new skill in your back pocket? What if you learned how to do leatherwork? What if you learned to be a beekeeper?