Traverse City, Michigan, we had heard a lot about the Cherry Capital of the world from the Chereskins, our former neighbors in Fernandina Beach, Florida and were very much looking forward to visiting and exploring this city and its surroundings on Lake Michigan.
Sometimes we do and go so much that it makes my head spin, and the writing of our adventures becomes so extensive, that to sit down and actually write is a little daunting, but it is way past time to update my blog. So here goes…
To begin the story, we sold most of our belongings (again) and left Georgia to travel to our next stop of Michigan. Our friends threw us a lovely going away party and the next day in early August, we hit the road. Spent time with the grands and daughter for a couple of weeks. It is always a lovely adventure being with the grand kids. They keep you young and make you feel old, simultaneously. LOL. Stored most of our items in my daughter’s new home and took off to Traverse City. Traverse is one of the busiest vacation spots in all of Michigan. I personally found it too busy for my taste, however it does have beautiful beaches, many places and nearby towns to explore, interesting history, adorable homes, fantastic restaurants and lots of outdoor activities.
I will give you the cons first because honestly, the pros far out-weigh the cons.
Cons: Where we were located ‘on the Main drag called Front Street, ambulances were constantly being dispatched to emergencies. I mean, I know this is a good thing to have available, but my goodness I have never heard SO many ambulances ever, nor as loud. It sometimes felt like Tokyo and New York on a Crossroad. It doesn’t help that even the roads are atrocious. The winter weather really beats them up and there is only a short time span (due to snow) that they can be repaired, and unfortunately that is during the busiest summer tourist months. And then the drivers….the drivers are scarier Chicago. I assure you that you had best take a good look before passing through YOUR green light because there is always someone running THEIR “very” red lights. Cutting you off in traffic is another fun game, IF you enjoy playing Mario Cart. Sadly there is a large population of homeless and drug issues. Not that they go hand in hand, but just something you cannot help but notice.
The city is known as the Caribbean of Michigan, and the most visited town in Michigan. The lake is clear, pure and there are a multitude of water sports to enjoy. Sailing, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, hunting for fossilized rocks (called Petoskey stones), sunning, swimming, kayaking and just taking in the scenery. Another popular outdoor activity is bicycling. The city boast some of the most beautiful and well maintained bike paths and parks to explore. If you don’t feel like hauling your bike with you, there are many rental companies to choose from.
With the vast amount of parks, mild summer weather and little to no bugs, camping is the way to go for the nature lovers. https://mynorth.com/2017/07/10-best-northern-michigan-campgrounds/Also don’t forget to physically prepare yourself to hike Sleeping Bear Dunes. Hint: trekking up very high sand dunes is damn difficult. https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm
The downtown area offers two historic theaters and they are both loaded with classic charm. State Theatre was built in 1916 and Bijou by the Bay in the 1930’s. They each show films during the Annual Traverse City Film Festival, so don’t be surprised to find movie stars walking about town. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Theatre_
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bijou_by_the_Bay
There is a wide variety of stores, shopping and restaurants to choose from, up and down the main strip. While we were there, we walked the historic district about three times, and that was more than enough enough for us.
Two restaurants that I can highly recommend are Spanglish https://www.spanglishtc.com and The Soup Cup. http://thesoupcuptc.com/about-us/ Try anything or everything at either restaurant. Your taste buds will thank you. My number one suggestion: order the Belgium Fries at The Soup Cup. I still dream about them, so have some for me please.
Two stores that stay vividly with me are the Cheese Lady and the Cherry Republic. Mouthwatering varieties of some of the most unique typical Michigan food products.
One of the most interesting sites to visit in Traverse City is the old Traverse City State Hospital, now re-branded as “The Village at Grand Traverse Commons”. It’s one of the most notoriously haunted places in Michigan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traverse_City_State_Hospital – https://www.thevillagetc.com They offer daily tours, however they sell out fast. We went on one such evening tour for my birthday celebration. The history itself was interesting, but I found it quite pricey. I personally gained more enjoyment by walking around the grounds on our own, and taking photos of the buildings waiting to be renovated. Going at night, totally ups the creepy factor.
Adjacent to the area is what is called the “Hippie Tree” – a fallen humongous willow tree in the woods- which has been “decorated” with spray paint, featuring signs, names and art. It is rumored to be the portal of hell, but I felt nothing more than calm walking around and under the great limbs of the magnificent tree. It is found in the outer wooded area and you will have to ask someone directions to the exact location. I left a painted rock that I had found in town, and the next time we went, when my son and girlfriend visited, it was gone. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-hippie-tree-traverse-city-michigan
A few of my very favorite places and must-do’s are:
• Old Mission Lighthouse http://www.missionpointlighthouse.com
• Fisherman’s Island State Park. http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspxid=447&type=SPRK I found quite a few Petoskey stones here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petoskey_stone They are easier to locate while they’re wet because you can recognize them by the unique design that mostly disappears when dry.
I suggest a relaxed drive up the east and west peninsulas too. They are loaded with Michigan vineyards and cherry farms and apple orchards. If someone wants to pass, let them, and don’t let them hurry you along. The water views, the unique homes and wildlife is too outstanding to miss. https://www.traversecity.com/blog/post/a-tale-of-two-peninsulas/
Suttons Bay is most definitely a worthwhile visit https://www.suttonsbayarea.com
as is a daytrip to Charlevoix, Michigan https://www.visitcharlevoix.com
A last tip if you’re visiting Traverse City during the weekends and special events in July and August, like the Film Festival, the Iron Man and the Cherry Festival, the hotel rates are double or even triple the rates of weekdays. Book early or be prepared to find nothing in a 20 miles radius under $200.
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