Last week the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named the most beautiful place in the country. For those of us fortunate enough to have grown up in Northern Michigan, (Traverse City for me), this is no surprise! The summers are magical, making up for the tremendously long winters. The fall is lovely. And Christmas in Traverse City is a Norman Rockwell painting. I am asked several times each summer what people should do on their vacation in the Grand Traverse Area… Here’s a local gal’s Top 10 list:
1) Power Island – Pack up a boat with friends and take a trip to Power Island in the middle of West Grand Traverse Bay. Anchor up near the island and you’ll feel like you are in the Caribbean.
2) Happy Hour – There is nothing better than 5 p.m. drinks on the patio at local hot spots on West Grand Traverse Bay, Apache Trout Grill or Scott’s Harbor Grill.
3) A Morning Jog on Washington and 6th Street – A fan of big old Victorian homes, I love a morning jog on Washington Street through downtown and over to 6th Street. Both brick-paved streets are lined with homes featuring grandiose exteriors and beautiful gardens. It’s fun to let your imagination run wild about the people who lived there a hundred years ago.
4) Bike Ride on the TART Trail – The TART trail has come a long way! Start downtown and either go east toward Acme, passing by the TC State Park and Pirate’s Cove, or head west toward Suttons Bay…a beautiful ride through nature, woods, and creeks.
5) Catch a Foreign Film at the State Theatre – The revamped old theatre in downtown Traverse City shows quirky, hip films that may not be at your mainstream theatre. The coolest thing about the theatre – look out for the Big Dipper, as the lights on the ceiling are arranged as constellations and stars in the sky.
6) Beer and Wave Tour – On a cool, rainy day last summer my boyfriend and I decided to take a “Beer and Big Wave Tour” with another couple. A very fun day! We checked out the giant waves at West End Beach in TC, Empire Beach and Good Harbor Beach in Leelanau County. Between beach stops we tried the brew selections at Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor and Joe’s Friendly Tavern in Empire.
7) Leelanau County Driving Tour – Cute, touristy shops in Suttons Bay. Sand dunes climb. Hike to Pyramid Point. Piers Stocking Drive. Eat an ice cream cone while strolling through Fish Town in Leland. (All kid friendly!)
8) Beach Day – Grab your bathing suit and a picnic for an enjoyable time at any of these beaches: West End, Empire, North Bar Lake, Frankfort, or Omena (an uncommon favorite!).
9) Fancy Dinner – Amical, Stella or Red Ginger – A romantic night out or a special occasion is well spent at any of these TC favorites. (Amical = French inspired, cozy, downtown. Red Ginger = Asian Fusion, New York City-ish, downtown. Stella=underground at Old State Hospital, fresh local products, divine, pricey but worth it)
10) Sunset at Chateau Chantal – Catch the most breathtaking view of both East and West Bays at this award-winning winery on TC’s Old Mission Peninsula – one word: spectacular.
Bon Appetit! Relax! Enjoy!
