Traverse City Cherry Festival
One of my most favorite northern Michigan towns is Traverse City (TC), especially in the summer! There’s always events going on, good food to be eaten, and waves to be jumped at the beach.We traveled to the Traverse City area one year for the Fourth of July’s Cherry Festival to visit some family. They lived on a small lake on the outskirts of Traverse. If you ever head to stay in a house in TC, check out AirB&B for houses to stay in that aren’t downtown. You will experience a great balance between the hustle and bustle of up north and the peacefulness that it has to offer as well. Plus, there is nothing like being on the water for a Michigan summer vacation!
Blue Angels Show
Every Fourth of July Traverse City has their big Cherry Festival that draws in thousands of people. It’s crowded, but it’s fun to experience at least once! A favorite of my little ones is the air show from the Navy Blue Angels. It’s fun to grab a beach blanket, a picnic lunch, and head into downtown to watch the furiously fast jets race across the sky. It is quite loud, you can feel the jets in your stomach as they pass overhead! Although my kids didn’t seem to be bothered by the noise, there were many kids that had headphones on.
Traverse City Wineries
If you have ever traveled northern Michigan, you know all about the driving! It takes a bit of time to get from place to place if you are bouncing around trying to see all of the sites. Driving northern Michigan for us, is one of our favorites. When we’re in TC one of our favorite spots to drive is up and down Old Mission Peninsula. With a view of the Grand Traverse Bay, your eyes could never get bored. Heading up Old Mission means stopping at a winery or two, or three, is always a must! One of my favorite wineries is Chateau Chantal. The wine is great, and the views are even better. Some of my other favorite wineries are Hawthorne Vineyards and Bonobo Winery which is owned by the actress Amy Smart! Outside of wine, another great spot to stop for a drink is Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant and Brewery. It’s location up on a hill in a huge old house that overlooks the water is dreamy.
Old Mission Peninsula
Heading north on Old Mission, another must see is the Old Mission General Store. Stepping into this store is like taking a step back into time! With old fashioned candies and antique gifts, every age can find a little something.
One of the most peaceful spots on Old Mission Peninsula is at the very northern tip at the Old Mission Lighthouse. The water is clear and there’s nothing to see but blue. It is most definitely worth the hour or so drive from downtown Traverse City!
