* Kathy *

SweetHomeIN

Just saw your post below about going back to work and wanted to get this out there really quick in case you see it!

Don't you sometimes go to Traverse City? I feel like I've seen pictures of it on your blog before - if I'm mistaking you with someone else, I'm sorry! My family is going to Traverse City for vacation next week and I've never been to Michigan. Do you have any suggestions for fun things to do?

Thanks, and good luck going back to work! 

lemen99

Thanks!  Ryan's parents go to TC all the time, and I've been twice in the last couple years.    I absolutely loved it.  Like one of my top vacations in the midwest ever!

 This is a good website!

some things to do...

-cherry festival if it's going on (I think it's the week of 4th)

-go shopping downtown TC on Front Street

-Take a drive to the tip of Mission Penninsula and see Mission Lighthouse.  It's a gorgeous drive and it's and free.  I don't think it's worth the trip to see the lighthouse at Northport...it's more expensive (pay for parking in the park, pay to get in the lighthouse) but does have a tour of inside the light house whereas you can't go inside the lighthouse at Mission Penninsula.

-Visit an historic fishing village called Leland. It's one of my favorite places and is a bit of a drive from TC but I don't remember how far.  We eat at the Bluebird in Leland.

-Go to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

-You can rent little tubes to go "tubing" down a feeder creek to the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

-There's a public beach on lake michigan right near downtown TC (or you can rent boats and various trips etc)

-Visit wineries...get a free tour (I think it's only 30 min - 1 hr) at the Chateau Grand Traverse Winery.  We just did this on the way to see the Mission light house...some people make a day or even days of just wineries.

 dining:

-Get icecream at Moomers

-We liked Peninsula Grill for lunch on the way to the Old Mission Lighthouse

-I loved Mackinaw Brewing Co (downtown TC on Front Street)

-Sleder's Tavern is a really old bar but I didn't like the food. Ryan's parents love it though because they think it's cool.

-I totally suck and can't remember any of the other places we liked.  There is one in particular that I'm trying to think of and I'll let you know if I can think of the name!  I think it might be Freshwater Lodge!

 

OK gotta run!! have a GREAT time!!!! and report back with how things go and pictures! 

 

 

NDwife07

::butting in::

I heart TC! I would have made the same suggestions! I've really only been there for work but have done many of those things. Have fun! It's beautiful up there.

SweetHomeIN

Thanks ladies! I'm really excited - I can't believe I've never been to Michigan before so I'm looking forward to exploring it.