Traverse City, Michigan: Great Lakes, Great Times (a photo tour)

After posting a "cover photo" on the new facebook timeline that was forced upon me, I realized 2 things: #1. my hometown is ridiculously awesome and #2. many people in the world are completely oblivious to the beauty that I grew up around.

I grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, and although I cannot stand being there in the wintertime, since I am not a lover of the cold, there is NOWHERE else I would rather be in the summer. That being said, I would like to take this post to brag about my hometown and encourage others to vacation there, because it is totally worth it. Here is my attempt at a travel guide...



Where is Traverse City?

Traverse City, or "TC" as we call it, is located at the pinky of the mitten. Surrounded by numerous lakes, your summer question is never "do we want to go to the lake?", but "WHICH lake do we want to go to/ jet ski/ boat on/ fish on/ etc?"

Which Lakes are the Best?

This answer greatly depends on what you are looking to do... Below is a map of some of the major lakes surrounding TC. I have taken the liberty of highlighting some of my favorites in purple to make it easier for you to locate them. When visiting TC, it is best to go with a "townie" (I will explain nicknames later..), otherwise known as a "local". The locals know exactly which lakes are best for which activities and they probably have all of the equipment you need to do said activities, so you can avoid the hassle of renting. 

There are many smaller lakes, not on this map, that are only obtainable via short hike. I will keep these a secret for now, since us locals sometimes need to get away from the "fudgies" (also, to be explained later..).

Objects on the map above are much closer to one another than they appear.. 

Boating: Boats are like cars to TC people. If you are lucky enough to live on a lake, then there is almost a 100% chance that you own a boat, however, most people who live inland also own boats. That being said, I like to use different lakes for different kinds of boating (yes, there are different kinds..). 

Best Lakes for... 

Speeding Around and/or Tubing - Lake Michigan (East or West Bay.. DO NOT call West Bay the "West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay".. this is a dead giveaway that you're a fudgie) or Elk Lake. 

Some of my friends and I cruising around on the East Bay last summer 

My dad and I are not allowed to shop together anymore after purchasing that massive tube.. this is a picture of "tube wars" where the object of the game is to knock everyone else off their tube and be the last person standing.. err riding..

My sister rockin' out some water skis.. I think this pic was taken on Mullet Lake in Cheboygan, MI.. about 2 hours north of TC.. 

Parking the Boat to Drink - West Bay near the West End Beach (a highly crowded public beach downtown where most of the fudgies and local high schoolers go during the summer) or the Torch Lake Sandbar. 

Boats full of friendly drinkers LOVE the Torch Lake sandbar.. 

Torch Lake Sandbar: warm enough to swim.. shallow enough to drink and not risk drowning.. oh, and there are usually vendors on floatable carts or boats selling hot dogs and lemonade to boaters.. it's awesome. 

This is my current "cover photo" on facebook.. and the inspiration behind this post..

Dock Dining - On Clam River there is a restaurant called "The Dockside", where you can park your boat and dine and/or drink, all while never getting out of your swimsuit. 

Connecting rivers are "no wake" zones.. so you need to go slow.. 

Eating at The Dockside before heading back out on the water.. 

Fishing - Fishing is better early in the morning or later in the evening if you are actually trying to catch yourself some dinner. There are lots of "fishing tricks" and different seasons for catching different fish.. My grandpa has an vast amount of fishing knowledge stored away in his brain and is always my "go to" person when it comes to fishing. For those who have never gone fishing, it is boring and can be used as either a time of self-reflection or a time to drink and have in-depth conversations with your "fishing buddies". I love fishing. 

These pictures are actually from Black Lake in Cheboygan, MI. My Dad is playing around with the Pike I caught..
Side note: No fish were harmed in the making of this photo.. we practice catch and release..

Sometimes you think you have a bite.. but only catch a grass bass...  

Self-reflection... 

Cabrewing - Cabrewing is the act of floating down a river in a raft or canoe while drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages at the same time. The Platte River is typically where most cabrewing takes place since the current is strong enough that you don't have to paddle and can easily enjoy your brew.

Shockingly, I do not have any cabrewing pictures... that needs to change. 

Sailing, Kayaking, Jet Skiing and Kiteboarding - For those who are more adventurous, TC offers plenty water sports to keep you occupied. Lake Michigan is typically a decent spot to partake in these activities, although, given the right conditions, any lake will do. 

Kayaking on East Bay.. There is a small cove on the East Bay where you can search for Petoskey stones and kayak among the carp, swans, snapping turtles, and various other forms of wildlife.. This picture was take right outside my parents house. I am so lucky.

Kiteboarding.. I have never done this... but want to soooo badly.

My sister and her friends sailing.. 

There are many, MANY more water activities that I could add, but us TC people do more than just swim and participate in water sports. Traverse City is also known for the peninsula wine trail, breweries, Sleeping Bear Dunes and The National Cherry Festival. 

WINE - Whether you take a party bus or have a designated driver, if you are into wine, the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail is for you! There are 7 wineries located on the peninsula within close proximity to one another. Here is a website if you would like to know more: http://www.wineriesofoldmission.com

Each purple dot represents a tasty winery..

My personal favorite winery: Chateau Chantal.. 

BEER - There are a ton of breweries in the downtown TC area. I used to work at one called North Peak Brewing Company, but there is pretty much a brewery anywhere you turn downtown. Tasty! 

The Red 8 Ale is my brother's favorite beer.. It comes from this brewery..

Sleeping Bear Dunes - Nestled in beautiful Glen Arbor, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are a must-see for visiting fudgies. Bring comfortable shoes and lots of water to prepare yourself for your visit. And remember, if you decided to go down the dunes.. you have to walk all the way back up... which is 10 times harder and takes about 3 times longer....

I brought my friend to the dunes last year.. he had no idea what kind of hiking torture he was in for.. love dune virgins..

Photos just don't do justice to how steep and long of a climb this is.. that little white speck in the left lower corner.. that's a large boat.. 

The National Cherry Festival - Fudgies from all over come to enjoy this week-long cherry celebration. TC is the cherry capital of the world and this summertime festival is a cherry-lovers dream. Cherry jam, cherry beer, cherry hand soap, cherry pillows, absolutely anything and everything cherry, you can find here. Although known for cherries, this festival is much more than that. There is a carnival, beer tent, concert stage and much more. 

TC locals dread this time of the summer and most of them go on vacation when the festival is in town. We love everything this festival brings to the TC economy, but during this time, the amount of people in TC tends to quadruple in size and most TC locals are not fans of rowdy crowds. 

Yes.. I did try my hand at being "Cherry Queen" one year.. don't judge me.. 

The Open Space of downtown TC turns into madness during the cherry fest.. fun madness though.. 

Nicknames and P Stones -  I promised you I would explain myself.. so here goes.


Fudgie - a tourist. Northern Michigan is known for its fudge.. and tourists love fudge.


Townie - a local TC resident (those brave enough to live here during the bitter winters..)


Petoskey Stone - a fossil rock found only around Lake Michigan and Lake Heron. They are often found on beaches and are easier to find after it rains.

When polished, the P stones look like this. 

               

Even the Michigan government provides fudgies with a Michigan glossary.. Learn to speak like a local at:
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-54504_50206_54518-184577--,00.html

Honestly, I could go on and on about how awesome TC is in the summer, but I feel as though this blog is already long enough. In the words of Reading Rainbow, "don't take my word for it", go visit TC for yourself!! I promise you will not be disappointed.