2021 MyNorth Vacation! Traverse City

TRAVERSE CITY NORTHERN MICHIGAN

FAMILY FUN, NIGHT LIFE, SECRET SPOTS

Mission Point Lighthouse

ACME ∙ FIFE LAKE ∙ INTERLOCHEN ∙ KINGSLEY ∙ OLD MISSION PENINSULA ∙ TRAVERSE CITY ∙ WILLIAMSBURG 2021 MYNORTH

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FROM FA RM TO F ORK

Traverse City

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YOUR LOCAL FAVORITE BARBECUE SPOT RAYAN ANASTOR PHOTO

Lo c ate d in the h e art of Old Mission Peninsula ’s ro lling vin eyard s & ch erry orc ha rds, the Pe n insu la Room of fe rs a fforda ble c a sua l e le g ance & fe ature s an indoor firepla ce, outside f ire p lace, p atio, p e re nnia l ga rdens & sunsets ove r We st B ay. Award -winning Chef Pa ul Olson & a p rofe ssion al staff that a ntic ipates your eve r y ne e d e n sure s th at you will have a great ex p e rie nce.

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423 S UNION ST, TRAVERSE CITY | BLUETRACTOR.NET | 231.922.9515

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The Insider's

TRAVERSE CITY Round out your stay in this beautiful city by the bay with this list of insider-secret fun.

Treat the kids to a day at Greilickville Harbor Park (next door to the Discovery Pier) where you’ll find a playground, beach, pavilion and modern restrooms with baby-changing stations. discoverygreatlakes.org

Cheer for the Traverse City Pit Spitters— a collegiate summer baseball team—at fun-filled Turtle Creek Stadium. northwoodsleague.com Book a sail on Grand Traverse Bay aboard the tall ship Manitou. tallshipsailing.com

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Teach kiddos about the very lake they can see out the front window at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum. greatlakeskids.org

Discover the wooded trails, quiet streams and pristine beaches of the 44,000 acres protected by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. gtrlc.org Fill a basket at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market in the parking lot between Cass and Union streets on Wednesday and Saturday mornings during the summer. dda.downtowntc.com

Tour The Music House Museum—a collection all about the beauty of music and instruments from the 1800s to the 1950s. musichouse.org Indulge in a spa day, dine at the 16th-floor Aerie restaurant, shop, game at Turtle Creek Casino, golf three championship courses, swim in indoor/outdoor pools and stay at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. grandtraverseresort.com

Mountain bike the Vasa Pathway. Pick from 3K, 5K, 10K or 25K loops. traversetrails.org Check out the Discovery Gallery at The Dennos Museum. Here, kids (and adults, too) get to play with a combination of sights and sounds they make themselves. dennosmuseum.org

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GREAT LAKES CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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MUSIC HOUSE MUSEUM

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TALL SHIP MANITOU

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COVER PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

GRAND TRAVERSE REGIONAL LAND CONSERVANCY

SARA HARDY FARMERS MARKET

VASA PATHWAY

TRAVERSE CITY PIT SPITTERS 2021 MYNORTH

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PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Clinch Park

PHOTO BY SHEA HADDAD

Volleyball Beach

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Want to get on the water?

GREAT IN-TOWN BEACHES

MyNorth.com/Boating

A short walk from downtown Traverse City puts you on West Grand Traverse Bay—with several beach lovers’ playgrounds that most towns only dream about.

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE

Bryant Park CLINCH PARK BEACH

You can reach Clinch Park Beach through the pedestrian tunnel under US-31 at Cass Street. (Have fun with the little ones singing in the tunnel and hearing the echo!) This beach is clean, roomy and offers parent-friendly accommodations like flush toilets, changing rooms and a snack bar. Couples can find solitude under the shade trees and bike lovers can cruise the paved TART trail that runs along the beach area.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

VOLLEYBALL BEACH

It’s not summer until you see the balls volleying at this beach just west of Union Street, across from Hall Street, at West End Park. Watch league play or carve out a night of fun with friends.

WEST END BEACH

Find restrooms and a picnic shelter at West End Beach at the foot of Division Street. Dogs are allowed on the far west end of the beach (on leash and with love). Parking is harder to come by here, so go early and get your spot.

SUNSET BEACH

Sunset Beach is a lesser-known stretch of sand at the foot of Hope Street and flanked on either side by the Hagerty Center and the Maritime Academy. Enjoy the views of the big ships and, of course, the sunset!

BRYANT PARK

This beach is a popular haven at the base of Old Mission Peninsula, where Garfield Avenue meets Peninsula Drive. Parking is ample, so nab it and enjoy the playground, picnic tables and restrooms. Bring hot dogs and use the BBQ grills with the fam.

EAST BAY PARK

This park sits in the quiet neighborhood near Northwestern Michigan College. There are restrooms, a picnic shelter and shallow water, making it ideal for young families. Located at the end of East Front Street where it meets East Grand Traverse Bay, there are shade trees and grassy areas for land lubbers.

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BIKE RENTALS EBIKES & BIKES SERVICE & REPAIR

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5042 N. Scenic Hwy Honor, MI 49640

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Buchan's Blueberry Hill

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Old Mission General Store

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Mission Point Lighthouse

OLD MISSION MUSTS Don't leave Traverse City without getting to know this stunning peninsula.

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE

Old Mission Peninsula is revered in Traverse City—with good reason. This 22–mile slice of Michigan offers stunning orchards, world-renowned wineries and gorgeous views of Grand Traverse Bay. The peninsula is nestled between East and West Grand Traverse bays and offers water views (left and right!) along the two-lane M-37 that weaves all the way out to the Mission Point Lighthouse standing guard at the very tip of the peninsula. missionpointlighthouse.com

PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

Take your time getting there and enjoy the views—all while picking fun spots to hit on your way back.

At the lighthouse, dip your toes in the water, and take a hike or bike on the trails in the five-acre park. The lighthouse is actually a decommissioned coastal beacon built in 1870 that now offers a gift shop and museum to explore.

As you head out, you’ll find seasonal fruit stands with apples, peaches, plums and, of course, cherries. When it’s time for a little hydration, stop into Old Mission General Store (231.223.4310), circa 1839, for a Coke and antique charm.

You can make your way over to the shallow, calm waters (perfect for younger kids) at Haserot Beach in the protective curve of Old Mission Harbor. Or, go the other way and cut across to Peninsula Drive to check out hot spots for dinner like Jolly Pumpkin (jollypumpkin.com) with its bulgogi short rib and Old Mission Rum, or try the goodness of farm-to-table meals at Boathouse Restaurant. boathouseonwestbay.com Along the way, you might start to count the wineries you see. There are nearly a dozen! You can’t go wrong with any of them, but the view at Chateau Chantal is stunning. Pick up a bottle of their Tonight wine, a dry riesling–chardonnay blend, to celebrate the first (or next!) night of your trip. chateauchantal.com At dusk, make a point to stop at the Old Mission Scenic Overlook on M-37.

It’s a must-see sunset spot for locals and visitors alike.

Explore this stunning peninsula.

MyNorth.com/GoOldMissionPeninsula

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Dine In & Carry Out Available. Curbside Parking Red Hot

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130 HALL STREET TRAVERSE CITY 231-252-4132

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Your next adventure starts here!

Pedego Electric Bikes of Traverse City 823 S. Garfield Ave, Traverse City 49686 231-421-1771 • pedegotc.com

SALES • RENTALS • SERVICE • ACCESSORIES

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Seek out adventure.

MyNorth.com/Outdoors

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play ON THE BAY

It’s the cornerstone to every trip to TC: A must-see-swim-soak-sun day on Grand Traverse Bay.

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE

SWIM IN

It goes without saying, Clinch Park near downtown TC is a must. There are SUP and kayak rentals, ice cream and dreamy turquoise blue Adirondack chairs overlooking the marina. Oh, and 1,500 feet of sandy beach along gorgeous Lake Michigan water. The little ones can play at the splash pad, and the adults can sink into those Adirondacks. The perfect family day all in one.

SAIL IN

Traverse Tall Ship Company offers excursions on the Tall Ship Manitou, a replica of an 1800s cargo schooner, similar to those that sailed the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. (If you’re on shore, watch for it in the bay—it’s cool just to see it sail by!) Consider the daily 10 a.m. “Bloody Mary Cruise” or the “Manitou Moomer’s Ice Cream Sail” offered twice a day for families all summer long. tallshipsailing.com

SOAR ABOVE

Do you dare? Try flying high over the bay with a parasail. Grand Traverse Parasail (gtparasail.com) and Traverse Bay Parasail (tbparasail.com) offer packages that include 60- to 90-minute boat rides with 10–15 minutes of soaring. Bring a support buddy if you’d like—solo, tandem and triple flyers are welcome. Standby passengers are welcome, too, if they can’t be convinced to join in!

CAMP OUT

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is a short walk (on a pedestrian bridge over US-31) from the bay. Spend your nights roasting hot dogs at the 75-acre campground (with electric hook-up sites and heated bathhouses) and your days lounging on the quarter-mile-long sandy beach. The campground backs up to the TART trail—bring your bikes and pedal to ice cream or pizza. michigan.gov/dnr

PADDLE IT

You can rent a SUP at Clinch Park or at a number of local shops like The River Outfitters (therivertc.com).

Don’t feel up for the challenge of trying a paddleboard? Take heart—you might consider just sitting on your rump on the board and paddling around enjoying the cool breeze, the stunning views and your companions. These outings are about the moment, not the mileage!

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

BOAT AROUND

Rent or trailer your own boat to Duncan L. Clinch Marina (traversecitymi.gov/clinch_marina.asp) or Elmwood Township Marina (elmwoodtownshipmarnia.com). Cruise out to Power Island (grandtraverse.org), an uninhabited tiny island in West Grand Traverse Bay with a hiking trail and a small herd of resident whitetail deer. Or motor up to Apache Trout Grill, West End Tavern or Boathouse Restaurant for a bite. If you’re farther out, put in at Suttons Bay Marina (suttonsbayvillage.org) in Suttons Bay or the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor in Elk Rapids. (elkrapids.org).

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PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

MyNorth.com/FoodandDrink

PHOTO BY LYDIA MEJIA

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Taste something new.

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SIP LIKE A LOCAL

Downtown’s buzzing beverage scene, with several breweries, distilleries and a winery, is complemented by a beautiful patchwork of vineyards and hops farms rolling between Old Mission Peninsula’s 11 wineries.

BY CARLY SIMPSON

WINERIES

There are more than 40 wineries in the area that comprise the Traverse Wine Coast (which includes the Leelanau Peninsula). You’ll find bottles of bubbly, whites, rosés, reds and even ice wine (a type of dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine!). In the tasting rooms, each one unique, wines are paired with sunsets over vineyards, crackling fires and breathtaking views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bay. That being said, it’s time for a wine tour! Whether you're looking for a private chauffeur for two to three people, a limo for a special event or a bus for all of your friends who want to savor time spent together and the craft of winemaking, there's a transportation company ready to help. Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail’s website (ompwinetrail.com) has great info for planning your trip and current updates on annual events, like the famous Mac & Cheese Bake-Off. Know, too, that many of the wineries have expansive outdoor seating so you can spread out and relax. If you want to add on stops along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, visit lpwines.com to plot your route.

INSIDER’S TIP: Many local beaches don’t allow glass bottles. Chateau Chantal has the answer: Try their canned bubbly cherry wine. Each can equals half a bottle of wine, so sip accordingly.

BREWERIES

With more than a dozen breweries in Traverse City and neighboring Williamsburg, and many more pubs and bars to pick from, TC is the perfect destination for craft beer lovers.

Newest on the scene, Stone Hound Brewing Co. started welcoming guests in February with cans for carryout and indoor and patio seating. The renovated laundromat-turned-brewery on Bunker Hill Road is owned by Brent Faber, who is joined by Head Brewer Chris Cargill. Chris served as a production brewer for Short's Brewing Company for five years. When you belly up to the bar, be prepared to say, "Wow." An epoxy "river" inlay features 30 pounds of Petoskey, Charlevoix and Leland Blue stones.

Other must-visit hangouts in town include Right Brain Brewery (known for both its eclectic look and beers), Rare Bird Brewpub (where a celebrity or two has also been spotted—hello, Matthew McConaughey), The Filling Station Microbrewery (you can bike there along the Boardman River Trail or the TART) and Earthen Ales, which sits in the heart of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. And did you know, you can take a TC beer tour by boat or bike? Check out Kayak Brewery Tours (kayakbrewerytours.com), Paddle TC (paddletc.com) and Kayak Bike & Brew (kayakbikebrew.com).

INSIDER’S TIP: Interlochen is brimming with brews. Bradley’s Pub & Grille at the Interlochen Golf Course has everything from Bell’s Two Hearted to Miller Lite and PBR on tap. Just up the road is Hofbrau Steak House & American Grille (the “Hoffy” as locals affectionately call it), an Interlochen landmark for more than 100 years with more than 50 choices on its draft list.

DISTILLERIES

The local wine and beer scenes are complemented by a small but mighty craft spirits industry. In downtown’s Warehouse District, Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge offers industrial vibes and a range of classic and creative cocktails. Or, try the “Create Your Own Whiskey Blend” experience and take home a custom bottle of bourbon or rye.

You’ll also find high-quality spirits and cool atmospheres at both of TC’s distilleries, Traverse City Whiskey Co. and Grand Traverse Distillery. And don’t forget about the authentic cocktails (and the Prohibition vibe to go with them!) at 123 Speakeasy on West Front Street; Low Bar, located below 7 Monks Taproom on Union Street; and The Parlor, housed in a revamped warehouse on Lake Street.

INSIDER’S TIP: To-go cocktails are legal in Michigan as of July 1, 2020, and many local restaurants and bars have added carryout options to their menus. The law doesn't expire until December 2025, so if you’d prefer to enjoy a beverage at home this summer, go for it!

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ATTRACTION

Traverse City, MI 49525 231-946-4263

OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER Just outside TC with 500 acres of woodland and inland lakeshore. Come for the day to hike, bike, climb, or paddle.

Spend the night in a cabin or campsite.

Take classes in outdoor safety, adventure, or performance. exploregorec.org

BREWERY 439 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49684 • 231-252-3552

Conveniently located on Eighth Street, Silver Spruce specializes in traditional clean lagers as well as barrel-aged wild and sour ales. The draft list also features local wines and a hard cider made in-house, and is accompanied by Spruce Kitchen, a food truck located on site. Indoor and outdoor seating available. silversprucebrewing.com TOURS & PACKAGES

THE BEST WAY TO SEE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES

231-252-3552

Top-rated guided tours to Sleeping Bear! Enjoy comfortable transport from TC, a catered lunch and a knowledgeable guide. See all the best sites! Want to add on wine tasting? Ask about our Combo tour. www.upnorthtour.com

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES EST 2020

231 W. Parkdale Ave, Manistee, MI • 231-233-3265

EST 2020

Manistee Adventures is your one stop for adventure and fun. Offering adventures down the Big & Little Manistee Rivers on canoes, kayaks, tubes and SUP’s. Outfitting equipment for backpacking, mountain biking, street bikes, equipment for the beach, electric scooters and jet skis. What’s your adventure? manisteeadventures.com

LODGING

2020 Sarns Road Traverse City, MI 49696 888-880-5557

The Daily Splash

WHISPERING WATERS Relax, refresh & restore on our 42 acres with river frontage. Sauna, hot tub and light breakfast included. 10 minutes from downtown Traverse City. whisperingwaterstc.com

Daily stories, updates, and more about life in Northern Michigan.

Get it in your inbox tomorrow: MyNorth.com/Newsletter

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The Village at Grand Traverse Commons sanctuarytc.com · 231.932.0775

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Discover more about The Commons

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

MyNorth.com/GoGTCommons

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

Spanglish

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GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS: A VILLAGE WITHIN A TOWN

Visit this beautiful lesson in the three r's: renovate, restore and reuse.

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE

Here’s the thing with The Commons—it’s a village within a town. You’ll enter a world unto itself when you pull onto Cottageview Drive and follow the quiet, narrow winding road into the heart of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The sky is spiked with the signature red spires of the former Traverse City State Hospital buildings, more than 100 years old, buildings that have since been renovated into modern-day condos, boutique businesses and fab restaurants, all with a nod to their history. thevillagetc.com

SHOP & SEARCH

Visitors can spend the day shopping in the Mercato (Italian for “market”)—a series of brick hallways and nooks full of one-of-a-kind businesses. You might find yourself lost in the maze of historic walkways … and stumble across finds like Crystal Lake Alpaca Boutique, High Five Threads or Moonstruck Gardens & Leelanau Lavender. Shop and search for the next hidden gem among all the offerings.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

DINE & DRINK

After shopping, book a table at Trattoria Stella—probably the most famous restaurant at The Village—designated a Top 100 Wine Restaurant in America by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Cuppa Joe and Red Spire Brunch House are favorite breakfast spots, and the urban winery Left Foot Charley boasts its very own famous Cinnamon Girl hard cider. And if you ask where to get Mexican, everyone in TC will answer with one word: Spanglish. Try their Big Daddy Burrito.

TRAIL & TOUR

The Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area includes 140 acres of unpaved hiking and biking trails through the hills behind Building 50 at The Commons.

On your outing, look for the Hippie Tree—painted in a rainbow of colors and filled with feel-good affirmations. In addition, look for the reservoir built in 1894 to help support the former hospital’s fresh-water needs. Today, the concrete structure is covered in brightly colored graffiti and has become a surprising find in the serenity of the woods.

HEAR & HAUNT

For an up-close look at the past, sign up for a tour that takes you through underground tunnels at The Commons dating back to 1883. Spend two hours with a guide exploring multiple floors of buildings yet to be renovated, and venture into the 1883 Steam Tunnel. Discover the origins of Dr. Munson’s “beauty is therapy” philosophy, learn what the iconic red spires were for and, if local legends are true, you might even see a ghost!

PIAZZA & PLAY

In Italy, small towns often have a centrally located piazza where the community gathers together to talk, stroll and enjoy one another’s company.

Modeled after a European lifestyle, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons has a park-like area affectionately called The Piazza, home to bocce ball courts, live music, a weekly farmers market, community events and family picnics. Come and enjoy! For more information visit thevillagetc.com

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PHOTO BY ANGELA BROWN

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Find more routes & ideas.

MyNorth.com/BikeTrips

TWO WHEELS ON THE TART TRAILS Ready, set, go for a beautiful ride!

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE

If you want to bike in Traverse City, the TART trail is likely in your wheeling, rolling, riding plans.

The 10.5-mile-long TART is a paved path that runs from its eastern point at M-72/Bates Road in Acme Township to its western end at Carter Road in Traverse City.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

TART (Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails, Inc.) is a nonprofit that connects riders, dog walkers, strollers, rollerbladers and more to many of Traverse City’s shops, restaurants, beaches and neighborhoods via trails.

There are many trails that TART builds and maintains, but the in-town, 8-foot-wide paved TART trail is the original. It runs next to two shops that can set you up with bike rentals: Brick Wheels and McLain Cycle & Fitness, both on Eighth Street in Traverse City. Need a little boost? Electric bike rentals are available at Pedego on Garfield Avenue, along with McLain and Brick Wheels.

From the bike shops, you can ride the TART east or west. If you head east, you will find yourself riding along slow-moving sections of the railroad tracks. About twice a week, Great Lakes Central Railroad trains pass by (often hauling lumber)—and blow their train whistles at the kids waving from

the trail. Bike up to the cool boardwalks that are scattered along the trail behind Traverse City State Park. Ride as far as Acme and you’ll find several food spots along the way like Bayview Inn Bar & Grill, which offers outdoor dining on a huge deck, a view of the bay (of course!) and free popcorn while you wait for their specialty pizza.

If you head west from the bike rental shops, you’ll find yourself crossing the Boardman River over a striking pedestrian bridge and heading into downtown Traverse City. From there, you’ll get to Grand Traverse Bay, including Clinch Park Beach. Stop for ice cream at the pavilion and a cool-off at the splash pad.

Once you’re back at the bike shop with your rental, you’re a stone’s throw away from the Traverse Area District Library (with a children’s garden!) and The Filling Station Microbrewery offering flatbread pizzas and salads paired with house-brewed beers at the vintage train depot.

For a longer day trip, the west end of the TART connects to the 17-mile, paved Leelanau Trail that takes you all the way to Suttons Bay. This lazy, lovely ride through orchards is a perfect day trip to get lunch in Suttons Bay before heading back.

Visit traversetrails.org for more on area trails and parking trailheads.

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PADDLE

The Boardman

There’s no shortage of ways to explore Traverse City’s landmark river, the Boardman. Bring your own vessel or choose from a wide selection of outfitters in the area.

BY KANDACE CHAPPLE

For many people, the Boardman holds a special place in their hearts after just one trip down its sometimes unruly, always beautiful, course. Here are a few popular spots to jump on and enjoy the river:

the mouth of the river. You can paddle this calm, smooth stretch of the Boardman behind the shops and restaurants of downtown before turning and floating back down.

The upper stretches of the Boardman are generally slower and lazier. A popular spot to paddle is from Shumsky Road Canoe Launch to Beitner Road. (Just below Beitner are some rapids, so be sure to watch for the spot to get out on the right, just before going under the road.) This stretch takes about 1.5 hours.

Paddle TC’s sister company, Kayak Brewery Tours (kayakbrewerytours.com), also offers outings like the KaBrew where you can paddle and bike brewery to brewery in downtown Traverse City.

Another popular put-in is at Forks State Forest Campground on Brown Bridge Road. There are several places to pull out along the way. A long, leisurely day paddle will take you four to five hours to pull out at Shumsky Road.

Some stretches of the Boardman are tight and twisty, so prepare for the occasional dust-up with your partner when you have to lie flat going under an overhanging branch! Other than that, enjoy the wilds of the Boardman.

Most of it is truly secluded. You won’t see many houses or people. Instead, you’ll be immersed in Michigan’s beauty with fish rising, ducks paddling and river rippling.

For an easy in-town paddle, consider renting from Paddle TC (paddletc.com) at Clinch Park Marina. Paddle along the edge of the swim area on Grand Traverse Bay, heading east just a short stretch, before hooking a right into

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Another choice for advanced paddlers is The Boardman River Experience, offered by The River Outfitters (therivertc.com) in Traverse City, running about one hour and through some rapids from Jack’s Landing to Medalie Park. (Expect to get wet!) They also rent kayaks and SUPs. You’ll pay around $25–$30 an hour or $75–$100 for a day of kayak or SUP rentals. You also can pick between single or double kayaks and split the cost (and the blame for mishaps!) with a buddy.

Paddle TC offers these tips on what to wear: Dress for the water, not the weather. Take into consideration the water temperature rather than the air temperature. Layers of quick-dry clothing are ideal, and hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are highly recommended. Wear sturdy, strap-on sandals or water shoes. Bring, or rent, dry bags for valuables (wallet, keys, phone, etc.). And, always, wear a lifejacket.

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Explore more wild places.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

MyNorth.com/Outdoors

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Find your home base.

MyNorth.com/Hotels MyNorth.com/Cottages

LODGING FOR EVERYONE There’s a place for every taste in Traverse City.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

Hotel Indigo Welcome to the Traverse City area. Here, it’s small enough to get away from it all, yet big enough to pick from any type of lodging you can imagine.

UPSCALE AND GAMING

The biggest player in the Traverse City lodging scene is Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, owned by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, with its combination of hotel rooms, condos and private houses—that come with access to a slew of upscale amenities (grandtraverseresort.com).

The tribe also owns nearby Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel where lux rooms and suites accompany the gaming facilities. turtlecreekcasino.com

DOWNTOWN HOTELS

Downtown hotels put you within walking distance of fabulous eateries and bars, as well as the city’s beautiful beaches. Hotel Indigo (with its rooftop deck) sits across from Grand Traverse Bay (ihg.com), while the landmark Park Place Hotel & Conference Center looks over downtown and the bay (parkplace-hotel.com). West Bay Beach resort sits directly on the beach and is within walking distance of downtown. westbaybeachresorttraversecity.com

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

THE MIRACLE MILE ON EAST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY

Hotels abound here, many with their own beach frontage. Cherry Tree Inn & Suites (cherrytreeinn.com) and Tamarack Lodge (tamaracklodgetc.com) upscale condos are fine examples of the lodging along this strip of US-31.

GRACIOUS INNS

Discover some venerable beauties here. Just several blocks off downtown Traverse City find the Wellington Inn (wellingtoninn.com). Country Hermitage Bed & Breakfast is surrounded by cherry orchards and is close

to Grand Traverse Resort (countryhermitage.com). Views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bay as well as a slew of wine tasting opps come with rooms at Chateau Chantal, a winery and inn (chateauchantal.com), and the Old Mission Inn (oldmissioninn.com).

OLD-TIMEY FAMILY RESORTS

These still live happily ever after in the woods scattered amid the forests and small lakes of Grand Traverse County. Standouts include Moonlight Bay Resort (moonlightbayresort.com) on Spider Lake and Brookside Cottages on Duck Lake (brooksidecottagesandresorts.com). At Ranch Rudolf, tucked away on 195 acres of woods on the Boardman River, find ranch-themed motel rooms, horseback riding, paddling, tubing, fishing and more all with a laid-back cowboy atmosphere. ranchrudolf.com

CAMPING

Holiday Park Campground on Silver Lake offers full hook-ups and a private beach (holidayparktc.com). Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort is brimming with amenities and equipped with cabins, yurts, RV and tent sites tucked in the woods north of Traverse City. timberridgeresort.net Traverse City State Park, just two miles from downtown Traverse City, offers all types of camping as well as cabins. An East Bay beach is accessed by a walkway across busy US-31. Interlochen State Park, located on both Green and Duck lakes, is open to rustic and modern camping, and offers cabins.

Find inner and outer serenity at 50 rustic sites in Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground. michigan.gov/dnr

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Maple Bay Natural Area

HAVE A DOG? HAVE FUN!

Traverse City is brimming with pup-friendly recreation and restaurants— it’s truly a dog-lover’s paradise. Here are some popular pet-friendly spots in town.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS, ALLISON JARRELL AND CARLY SIMPSON

Take your four-legged friend for a walk (a local fave: the TART trail system), then a swim at a pet-friendly beach (try Sunset Park Beach near Northwestern Michigan College) or to lunch downtown (pick from any number of restaurants with sidewalk dining options). To please the kids and the pups, visit the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, which has a huge playground and a paved one-mile loop. Dogs also have their own space at Wags West Dog Park at the corner of Bay and Division streets.

NATURE PRESERVES

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy offers several outdoor rec opportunities for your pets, as long as you keep them leashed. Try Hickory Meadows, just a few blocks from downtown Traverse City. The 116-acre property features 2.5 miles of unpaved hiking trails that wander over hills, across meadows and through woodlands. Choose your own adventure and pick from a few scenic vistas to enjoy with your pup. GET THERE: From US-31 (Division Street), head west onto Randolph Street. In about one mile you’ll reach Hickory Meadows on the right before the road ends at Hickory Hills Ski Area.

The 250-acre Timbers Recreation Area is also not to be missed, with 4.4 miles of trail that lead you through hardwood forests, fields and riparian wetlands.

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You and your doggo can enjoy the views from the fishing pier at Fern Lake and stroll along 2,000 feet of frontage on Long Lake. GET THERE: From CR-610 (N. Long Lake Road), turn south on Timbers Trail and follow the sign to the parking area.

SAND LAKES QUIET AREA

East of Traverse City, Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway is a 7.4-mile, dog-friendly non-motorized trail, with five lakes in its reach. This 2,775-acre site, featuring rolling hills peppered with a mixture of jack pine, oak and aspen trees, is also a great overnight escape for your furry companion with plenty of walk-in campsites to choose from. GET THERE: From CR-605 (Williamsburg Road), turn east onto Sand Lakes Road then left onto Broomhead Road. The quiet area is on the right.

LIGHTHOUSE PARK

Almost 10 miles of trails offer spectacular views of Grand Traverse Bay and deep forest quiet at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula (maps are posted in the park). Historic Mission Point Lighthouse is also set within the park, and picnic tables are available for a post-hike lunch. There's also access to a beach, where your pup can cool off in the water. GET THERE: Take M-37 until it ends at the lighthouse parking lot.

LEFT PHOTO BY RACHEL WATSON// RIGHT PHOTO BY GAIL SNABLE

DOWNTOWN TC

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Chateau Chantal is your complete Traverse Wine Coast destination, providing an enchanting experience with Michigan-grown wines for every palate, breathtaking 360-degree water views, and an authentic family heritage focused on hospitality.

Winery • Bed & Breakfast • Weddings • Culinary Experiences • Special Events shop.chateauchantal.com | 231.223.4110 | events@chateauchantal.com

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