I’ve already told you about my amazing trip to Northern Michigan and exactly why I think you need to visit…but let me get a little more specific. One place you definitely need to check out is Traverse City, Michigan. This is one place that is perfect for anyone. Whether you are getting married, celebrating an anniversary, looking for a weekend getaway, or a memorable family vacation, Traverse City has it all!
**I had the pleasure of visiting Northern Michigan as part of a press trip. My airfare, hotel and activities were provide. All stories and opinions are 100% my own.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Traverse City and I instantly fell in love with the city. I only wish we had more time there! My first thought “Dan and I should come here for our anniversary next year” and my second thought “Zack and Bella would love this beach“! We stayed at the West Bay Beach hotel, which is a Holiday Inn Resort and it was a beautiful hotel!! The rooms were gorgeous and very roomy, but the hotel was right on Lake Michigan! My kids would have LOVED to have stayed there! When I took a look at their website, I really liked their mission:
West Bay Beach will be the premier destination in Traverse City, Mi. We will be the place guests talk about, want to experience, and will return to. We will be true leaders of hospitality, and are committed to creating positive memories for our guests.Â
Guess what West Bay Beach…you ARE the place guests talk about and want to return to AND you definitely have the hospitality thing down pat! You can easily book your reservation by going here!
The hotel is just one thing I liked about Traverse City…here are some other reasons why you should be driving (or flying…you can get a quick flight in to the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) and start your weekend right away) there this summer!
The Wineries
Now I will full on admit, I was a tad nervous about this part of the trip. You see, I don’t like wine. Like…at all. However, I was sure that if there were any place that I could find a wine I liked, it was on this trip. Shortly after flying in, we went to lunch and a wine tasting at Blustone Vineyards. Right away we were offered a glass of wine with lunch. A few wines were presented and I instantly panicked and prayed that I wouldn’t be asked first as to what I wanted because I had no clue!! I wanted to see what it looked like in everyone glass and choose then (I know…that’s like choosing based on what the bottle looks like…but I’d totally do that too)! I chose a Chardonnay and guess what, it was good! So…when you plan your trip to Traverse City (and I know you will!) be sure to stop by Blustone Vineyards!
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes is a place that EVERYONE needs to see at least once in their life. Oh and I also recommend climbing to the top and rolling down…that’s pretty fun too!! Sleeping Bear Dunes is miles and miles of gorgeous sand beaches with bluffs that are 450′ above Lake Michigan.
It has been said that Sleeping Bear Dunes got its name from a legend stating that a mama bear and her two baby cubs were driven into Lake Michigan because of a huge forest fire near the Wisconsin shoreline. The bears swam and swam. Mama bear reached land and climbed up high to watch for her two cubs. Unfortunately the cubs got too tired and they drowned near the shoreline. The Great Spirit Manitou created two islands to represent the two baby cubs and one large dune to represent the mama bear.
The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is something, if you are at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, you have to do. It is a 7.4 mile trail that you can drive/bike/walk and see 12 different things along the way. I highly recommend lookout #9 and #10. The view is breathtakingly beautiful and our park ranger told us that on clear nights, if Wisconsin is doing fireworks, you can see them from lookout #9! How neat is that?
However, the COOLEST thing is the Explore the Night Sky events that are held at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You see, they hold some of the last remaining harbors of darkness and as a result, you have the opportunity to view the night sky like you’ve never viewed it before! Be sure to check out the link above for dates on their Explore the Night Sky events!
So fun! Who knew that this area is so pretty!! Love it!
You had me at “wineries” LOL
We don’t live terribly far from Michigan but I must admit, I never thought of it as a travel destination. Thank you for sharing. There are some interesting sites there.
I had no idea that they had wineries in Traverse City, Michigan! The dunes look like a really cool place to spend some time as well.
I’ve never been to Michigan at all. I’ve always associated it with snow, that looks very pretty!
Holy wow, that is GORGEOUS!
The sleeping bear dunes are so so pretty!
I grew up going to Marquette, Munising, Escanaba and more. Northern Michigan was my second home and I still consider it someplace I am a part of. My grandparents and great-grandparents are buried there.
I actually have been to Michigan and it was gorgeous
My dad was born and raised in Michigan and I have never been. I have got to get there someday.
So incredibly beautiful! Now I wanna go visit with the fambam!