For Summer’s Best Beach Vacation, Head to…Michigan?0
Traverse City, Michigan, and its animated points offer travelers in search of places to swim, hike, boat, and fish lots of choices. Plus: legitimately awesome wine trails.
Discovering the Tranquil Charms of Traverse City, Michigan
Michigan boasts sandy beaches fronting aquamarine waters, the renowned National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, and the promise of breathtaking northern lights in the upcoming year. The region around Traverse City has undergone a quiet transformation, making America’s so-called Third Coast just as alluring as the other two, but with a distinct and friendly Midwestern charm that can seem surreal to outsiders.
With its burgeoning wine scene, a wave of new shops, and a delightful culinary landscape, Traverse City has become an idyllic destination for summer vacations. Here, we present five captivating itineraries for exploring the wonders of northern Michigan, focusing on the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas, as well as the coasts to the north and south.
City Day: Traverse City
Traverse City, often referred to as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” hosts an annual 8-day summer festival celebrating the luscious red fruit. While the festival is a highlight, the picturesque area facing the Grand Traverse Bay offers plenty of attractions throughout the year.
Fuel-Up
Begin your day waking up to a stunning water-view room at the newly established Alexandra Inn on the shores of the East Grand Traverse Bay. Afterward, embark on a 20-minute drive to indulge in a delightful breakfast at chef-owned Sugar 2 Salt. This eatery, established in 2017, offers a diverse menu featuring generous chewy towers of 11-grain porridge topped with seasonal fruit or brisket and waffles accompanied by a poached egg and creamy hollandaise.
Destination
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons takes the spotlight as the city’s centerpiece. Housed in castle-like Victorian buildings, this almost 20-year-old complex boasts shops, galleries, and eateries, providing an excellent setting for leisurely exploration. History enthusiasts will find the tour about the former state hospital’s renovation intriguing, while others can enjoy wandering the grounds. Alternatively, indulge in a post-shopping wine tasting session at Left Foot Charley, where the crisp Island View Pinot Blanc stands as a benchmark for the area’s signature grape.
Along the Way
A short drive will lead you to the main drag along the shores of Boardman Lake. The beauty of nature is never far away, and you can enhance your experience by renting a bike at Brick Wheels to pedal along the waterfront via the newly completed 4-mile loop on the TART trail system. Expect to be surrounded by woodland areas, boardwalks stretching across the water, and perhaps the occasional swan sighting.
Wind-Down
When hunger strikes, visit the Good Bowl, a fast-casual Vietnamese joint, and savor their spicy pork stir fry or vermicelli noodles with turmeric tofu. If you still have energy to spare, make your way to Alluvion, an alternative art space that hosts live music, including jazz sets and more.
Takeaway
Before leaving Traverse City, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in a decadent cookie or two from the honor-system cupboard at Slabtown Cookie Co., located in baker Katie Otterman’s driveway. As the Detroit band, the White Stripes sang: “Sugar never tasted so good.”
Nature Day: Leelanau Peninsula
Resembling a little finger jutting into Lake Michigan, the Leelanau Peninsula beckons with its rugged terrain, Caribbean-blue freshwater, and enchanting hidden trails waiting to be discovered.
Fuel-Up
Commence your day by visiting Common Good Bakery when it opens at 6 a.m., where you can treat yourself to European-style baking, including rustic bread and delectable laminated pastries. Once you’re fueled up, hit the road to embark on fresh-air adventures on the Leelanau Peninsula.
Destination
Among Michigan’s most striking geological features are the enormous sand dunes, best explored at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a scenic 40-minute drive from Traverse City. The lake’s wind has sculpted the sand into a conveyor-belt effect, creating a series of perched dunes. entrance them on foot via the demanding 3-hour Dune Climb trail or by car on Skyline Drive, which offers 11 distinct edge points. The park opens at dawn.
Along the Way
Lunch options range from casual-elegant to casual-casual. Mill Glen Arbor provides an intricate light day meal, such as a tomato and stracciatella salad, in an exactly refreshed1879 grist mill. Alternatively, drive to Fishtown in Leland and visit the Village Cheese Shanty for a hearty sandwich served on chewy pretzel bread.
Wind-Down
After a day of exploration, take time to comb the nascent shopping scene in Sutton Bay and discover hidden gems. Then, relax and enjoy a pint of tart, bright-red cider made from fermented Montmorency cherries, the region’s main local varietal, at Tandem Ciders. Their wood-paneled detection room just outside of town delivers an excellent setting to unwind.
Takeaway
As a delightful memento of your trip, consider purchasing a tea towel in a “Dear Clementine” pattern, lovingly handmade by owner Chelsey Skowronski of Sutton Bay shop Poppy Things. Additionally, cherish the memory of the cheese bread and elegantly plated Copper River Sockeye at Modern Bird, owned by chefs Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart.
By exploring Traverse City and the stunning beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula, you’ll discover why Michigan makes for an incredible and often unexpected beach vacation destination.
