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. 

Tell us a little about what a Visitor Center Assistant does at Traverse City Tourism.  I assist the Visitor Center Manager in keeping the Center stocked with up-to-date information about the area, work alongside our amazing volunteers as they answer questions and provide suggestions to visitors from all over the world, and pitch in with other tasks ranging from filling brochure racks to helping guests find hotel accommodations.

It's sunny! It's hot! It's time to go to the beach! Dip your toes in the water, or go full force and take the plunge, whether your an adult or a kid. 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, which I highly recommend you indulge in, 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, Traverse City has plenty of options for families on a budget – and we’ve found the most fun, easy, and beautiful ways for you to enjoy one of the best cities America has to offer.