Traverse City, MI-Why You Should Visit
- Lifestyle
- July 16, 2021
Like many people who live in the Midwest, we love to visit the beautiful towns and cities located on the shores of the Great Lakes. Traverse City is high on the list of one you should visit. Located on the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan you will find beaches, rolling hills dotted with orchards and vineyards, bike trails, breweries, wineries, shops and great food. Another reason you should visit is the golf and hiking and local bakeries and shops-no mistake that this is mentioned twice. That some of our dearest friends have moved up here makes it even better. Bev and her family visit often and she was here a few weeks ago. We hope this inspires a visit.
Downtown Traverse City
The beautiful waterfront of downtown Traverse City is along the West Arm of the Grand Traverse Bay. Walking paths, Cinch Park Beach and a pedestrian tunnel that takes you to the shopping area on Front Street makes this such an easy place to get around. Some of our favorite shops on Front Street are Ella’s, Liana’s, American Spoon, Boyne Country Sports, Sweet Pea and Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars. Favorite restaurants are Amical, Red Ginger and Taproot Cider House to name just a few. The seasonal rooftop venue, The H & L Social, at the Indigo Hotel, has a great view of the West Bay.
What To Wear For A Summer Visit
Since summer in Michigan can be 40 degrees one day and 90 degrees the next, layering pieces are a great choice. Here is what we recommend to pack
- Blue, white and/or black jeans
- Tanks in black and white
- Bathing suits and rash guards- great for paddle boarding
- Skorts- use for golfing, hiking, walking or biking
- Joggers- use for walking, hiking, shopping
- Casual dresses and skirts
- Jackets- Jean and Hooded Rain Coat
- Summer sweaters
- Vest
- Flip flops, sneakers, sandals
- A few sleeveless and long sleeve tops
Below are some links for items we love. The Athleta Sweater is on super sale and it is a final sale, so make sure you have the correct size. Bev is wearing an XXS. Link here for the Athleta Fairway Skort– it comes in two lengths and is great for golf and just running around. Athleta clothing is great for this type of vacation. Try the Brooklyn Jogger and the Foothill Tank. Pop on a jean jacket, sneakers or sandals and you are good to go. The Universal Thread Vest that Bev is wearing is a great find at Target. This can be worn now and in the fall with a long sleeved turtle neck, leggings and boots. Bev has is in XS and S- Val bought it too!
Things To Do And Places To Visit
Sara Hardy Farmer’s Market
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning this Farmer’s Market is taking place in the downtown area of Traverse City. Beautiful, organic fruits and vegetables, honey, soaps, cheeses, flowers and much much more is available. Bev’s family loves the Sea Salt Fennel bread and croissants from the 9 Bean Row Bakery. Oh so good.
Vineyards, Breweries & U-Pick Fruit Farms
There is something for everyone- go wine tasting and brewery hopping with the adults or pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or cherries with the kiddos. They love this. You will have many options to choose from- it’s a happy problem.
Biking & Hiking & Water Fun
The biking and hiking on the Tart Trail is fun and safe. Bev and her family love biking on this trail, but if walking is your thing, then enjoy that too. Another bike/hike trail is the Heritage Trail that takes you past the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Bev will attest, there is a very challenging area on this trail haha! The Pyramid Point Trail is a beautiful hike, as is the Old Mission Lighthouse Park on Old Mission Point. Water fun includes beach time, boat time, Paddle Boarding and kayaking. The beautiful, turquoise water of the East and West Bay is a sight to see.
American Spoon
We love the products that this family owned business, American Spoon, produces. They make preserves & conserves, spoon fruits, chocolate sauces, grilling sauces condiments, salsas and so much more. What’s unique is they locally source many of the fruits from the family farms in the region. With stores in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Traverse City and Sagatuck- (all in Michigan) and a great website- you have every opportunity to purchase these great products. Recipes can be found on their website too!
This Margarita Mix is delicious and the Roasted Tomatillo Salsa makes for a great summer Happy Hour. Also add the Apple & Onion Jam, Wildflower Honey Mustard and the Star Thistle Honey to any cheese or charcuterie tray. Bon Appetit!
If this inspires you to visit Traverse City, we hope this information is helpful. We realize there are so many other quaint places here in North West Michigan. Let us know what your favorite places to visit in the summer are.
Bev and Val xo
I love everything about Traverse City; especially Bowers Harbor Vineyard. My son got married there in the Vineyard and was the Vineyards first wedding venue! What a magical place this is!
Thank you for your kind remarks Deb! Love Traverse City and anything up north!!!!!