Summertime Vacationing in Grand Traverse, Michigan

When picking out a vacation destination for this summer, be sure not to overlook Grand Traverse, Michigan. Located in the northwest part of the state on Lake Michigan, the Grand Traverse area has attractions for all ages.

Traverse City is the hub of the Grand Traverse area and is located on the south end Grand Traverse Bay. It boasts a thriving downtown area with interesting boutiques and restaurants serving local delicacies. Traverse City's population of just over 15,000 can triple during the summer months. The Leelanau peninsula is full of quaint little towns such as Suttons Bay, Empire, and Northport, making day trips a must.

The most popular event in the area is the National Cherry Festival that takes place every July. Traverse City produces the majority of tart cherries in the world, and nearly half a million visitors flock to this area to celebrate. This week-long festival has concerts, competitions (eating, cherry pit spitting, cooking), and dozens of other activities that family members of all ages can enjoy.

Another festival in the area is the Traverse City Film Festival that occurs in late July to early August. This festival was founded in 2005 by Michigan native Michael Moore to draw more attention to independent filmmakers. Dozens of films are showcased in various venues each year and played to audiences of hundreds. Nearby Interlochen is the location of Interlochen Center for the Arts, which hosts over 500 fine arts performances each summer.

If you are not into big crowds or festivals, you can still find plenty of things to do to keep you busy throughout your vacation. Throughout the area there are miles of sandy beaches. Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular destination where you and your family can spend hours climbing and hiking on sandy dunes overlooking Lake Michigan. There are also six lighthouses in the area, and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Museum is located at the tip of the Leelanau peninsula.

For the sports enthusiasts there are 19 world-class golf courses in the Grand Traverse area. Or, you could watch a professional minor league baseball game in the Beach Bums' new 3,500+ seat stadium. There are also 25 miles of finished trails on which to bike, run, and rollerblade. There are three big rivers in the Grand Traverse area (the Boardman, the Cedar, and the Jordan), all of which are excellent for fly fishermen. There are also lake fishing trips available from charters located among the several marinas in the area.

The climate of the Grand Traverse area is ideal for growing grapes. So, it is no surprise that twenty three wineries dot the peninsulas in the Grand Traverse region. An entire day can be spent driving from winery to winery tasting the wines and enjoying spectacular views of Lake Michigan. The growing conditions are also favorable for many fruit trees, and stands selling apples, peaches, plums, and, of course cherries, abound throughout the summer months.

If vacationing in the Grand Traverse is appealing to you, check out the chamber of commerce website and start planning today!