Traverse City Travel Blog

We invited local photographer Heather Higham from Snap Happy Gal Photography to share what she loves about taking pictures in the Traverse City region. Take a look at what inspires her and where she goes to get the perfect shot. 

Tell us a little about what the President/CEO does here at Traverse City Tourism.
Traverse City is a special place. It’s my job to make sure the rest of the world knows that. Leisure and business travel to Traverse City are critical to our economy and way of life. Finding new and innovative ways to grow tourism responsibly in a collaborative way is my focus.

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. 

It's sunny! It's hot! It's time to go to the beach! Dip your toes in the water, spend an afternoon swimming, or build sandcastles with the kids. Speaking of kids...while all beaches are family-friendly, there are a few that seem as though they were made solely for entertaining the kids and relaxing their parents. For a family beach day, here are the top choices for beaches in Traverse City. 

As the weather starts to heat up, so do the trails. The paved Leelanau Trail spans a full 19 miles, flowing through orchards, wooded wildlife sanctuaries, wineries and open meadows – offering miles and miles worth of biking paradise. Every mile has something new to offer for both experienced cyclists and beginners alike. Ready to explore? 

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.