1. Traverse City
Explore the Leelanau and Mission Point Peninsulas
Eat and drink your way through the local restaurants, wineries, and breweries
Spend the winter days outdoors skiing or snowmobiling and the summer days on the beaches or in the water
Traverse City has something for everyone - beautiful beaches, popular eateries, countless wineries, small town feels, & so on. Hands down, my (Justin) favorite getaway location due to this and the ease of relaxation.
During your time in Traverse City, there will be many great spots to grab a bite to eat. A favorite of ours is Farm Club - a unique farm to table restaurant that has an updated menu based on crops available at that time of year. Another favorite is Hop Lot - known for its outdoor seating and smoked meats, Hop Lot is always high on the list. In the winter there are outdoor igloos that you can rent out. It does get busy quickly, so be sure to check their website to see if you can make reservations in advance. If you're looking for a variety of food options, in the summertime The Little Fleet has a variety of food trucks that can meet any picky eater's taste. Finally, for a more upscale dining experience the Trattoria Stella offers an Italian inspired menu full of pastas and wines. The dining experience is like no other situated in the basement of the former Traverse State Hopsital. The recently renovated hospital is now home to various apartment units, shops, and restaurants for you to browse around.
Michigan is known for its breweries, but tourism is attracted to Traverse City for its wineries and beautiful views. There are 2 peninsulas in which the wineries can be found - the Leelanau and Mission Point Peninsulas. The Leelanau Peninsula is the less touristy of the two. Blustone Vineyards offers a modern feel deep in the heart of the peninsula. With a modern-farmhouse vibe, this winery offers tastings that overlook the rows of vines. The Mission Point Peninsula tends to be where the tourists visit - you can grab a variety of wine tours starting in Traverse City an up the peninsula to get the full experience. High on our list are Bonobo, Chateau Chantel, and Bowers Harbor. Bonobo and Chateau Chantel are known for their breathtaking views that not only overlook their vineyards, but also Grand Traverse Bay. Bowers Harbor provides a "local" like vibe where you can order your wine outdoors and enjoy your beverage near a fire in the colder seasons.
Each year Hop Lot sets up igloos visitors can rent -- don't worry, they're heated!
2. Glen Arbor
Hike the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes
Visit the Cherry Republic flagship store
Glen Arbor is a small town of less than 1,000 full time residents located west of Traverse City. Most notably visitors travel experience the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes. Visitors most often take to Sleeping Bear to experience a unique slice of nature via the Dune Climb, a 3.5 mile roundtrip, in-out-style climb up and down through the sand dunes, or a more relaxing drive through the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
Within the town of Glen Arbor is the Cherry Republic flagship store. Cherry Republic was started in 1989 and produces 75% of the country's Montmorency Cherries. From what once started as a tee shirt stand out of the back of a car grew into an iconic Michigan place. There are now stores across various Michigan vacation cities such as Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Frankenmuth, Charlevoix, and Holland. The store offers an array of cherry products from salsas to gummies to wine to pop. They are known for their free samples so visitors can swing on by and try their products for theirselves. At the Cherry Republic Glenn Arbor location there is also a Public House for visitors to grab a cherry flavored glass of wine or beer.
Photo taken during the Dune Climb apart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
3. Grand Haven
Relax at the beach
Grab a bite to eat or drink at a downtown restaurants or breweries
Browse through the local shops
Grand Haven is a small beach town that comes to life in the summer months. It is most notably home to the annual Coast Guard Festival which unofficially began in 1924 and is held each summer at the end of July, early August. This event honors the men and women of the United States Coast Guard during the nationally recognized festival held here in "Coast Guard City, USA."
Grand Haven is also home to a quaint downtown area with many shops and restaurants that sit alongside the Grand River. Each summer the streets are packed with visitors waiting for a beer at the famous Odd Side Ales. Enjoy a walk down the boardwalk to reach the South Pier to sneak a quick view at the Grand Haven Lighthouse. On your way, be sure to pick up a local's favorite Pronto Pup at the near by corndog stand. Trust us, it's a don't want to miss.
The highly beloved Pronto Pups!
4. Charlevoix
Wander the downtown streets and hop in and out of the local shops
Spend the day sailing around Lake Charlevoix
Camp at Fisherman's Island State Park and search for a Petoskey Stone
At the top of the lower peninsula of Michigan lies Charlevoix. A town most known for it's cute downtown and lively boating scene, Charlevoix is home to many visitors during the summer months looking for a relaxing vacation escape. While downtown Charlevoix, enjoy a drink at the waterfront Bridge Street Tap Room and then grab a bite to eat at The Catina: Tacos and Tequila. Boaters are able to bring their boats, or you can rent a boat or catamaran and spend the day sailing around Lake Charlevoix. The water is crystal clear and the homes built on the lake are impressive.
There are plenty AirBnB and hotels in the area, but you can camp at Fisherman's Island State Park. You'll need to make a reservation through Michigan's DNR page and be sure to do so early as reservations for the summer months fill up fast. The park is great because it's located right along the water where you can watch epic sunsets and search for a Petoskey stone. Be ware, the mosquitos are wild - bring your bug spray and seal up your tent!
Sunset at Fisherman's Island State Park
5. Holland
Visit the Annual Tulip Festival and see the tulips and windmills
Wander the downtown streets and hop in and out of the local shops
Situated right on Lake Michigan Holland is home to the famous Tulip Festival that occurs each spring. Each year over 130,000 make the trek to visit the festival. Paying homage by name and festival to its Dutch roots, Holland, Michigan is home to thousands of tulips and over 1,000. Windmills. Take a tour of the Windmill Island Gardens to view De Zwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. Wander the downtown streets and hop in and out of the local shops.
Fun Fact: Holland, MI has heated sidewalks!
Centennial Park in downtown Holland
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