Explore Traverse City
Like a Local
Discover hand-picked wineries, beaches, restaurants, and outdoor adventures — from award-winning vineyards to hidden lakeside gems.
Your local guide to Traverse City and Northern Michigan
ExploreTraverse helps you plan a Northern Michigan vacation around the places people actually search for: wineries on Old Mission and Leelanau, craft breweries near downtown Traverse City, beaches along Grand Traverse Bay, Sleeping Bear Dunes day trips, family activities, restaurants, hotels, shopping, and local events.
Upcoming Events
From wine tastings to live music, there's always something happening in TC
The Moth
We've added a new show to our 2025-2026 Platinum Series! The Moth Mainstage is the quintessential Moth experience. A two-act show, featuring a musical act, where the storytellers and a notable host
LGBTQ+ Senior Coffee Morning
Begin your morning with the cozy aroma of Higher Grounds coffee and good company at the Up North Pride Community Center. Our Senior Coffee Morning happens every third Friday of the month—come share
Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Summit
On May 14–15 in downtown Traverse City, creatives from across the region will gather for two days of connection, learning, and shared momentum. In a culture driven by productivity and profit, the arts
Cherry Bowl Drive- In Opening Day
OPENING DAY at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In! Season 73 Begins! Clear your schedule, gas up the car, and emotionally prepare yourself… WE ARE BACK Join us as we kick off our 73rd consecutive season at
Wine School Series: Pinot Noir
Join us as we explore the enchanting world of wine, venturing beyond the glass to discover the intriguing story of Pinot Noir. Trace the history of this iconic Burgundian grape while sampling a
Cherry Bowl Drive in
Opening Day! Season 73 begins. Clear your schedule, gas up the car, and emotionally prepare yourself.....We Are Back. Join us as we kick off our 73rd consecutive season at the Cherry Bowl Drive In
Local Favorites & Featured
The spots locals love - possibly powered by our favorite local businesses
Explore Traverse
Tourism Site for Traverse City
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Sugar Spark Bakery
Sugar Spark Bakery brings two decades of professional baking expertise to Saginaw, Michigan. Owner Natalie Davis trained at world-class bakeries in New York before opening her own shop in 2024. Everything here is made from scratch using premium ingredients – real butter, cream, high-quality cocoas, and even homegrown berries for the jams. The bakery specializes in custom cakes with intricate buttercream designs, realistic florals, and character creations, plus decorated cookies and cupcakes for any occasion. Balancing quality with affordability, Sugar Spark has quickly become Saginaw's go-to for celebrations that deserve something special.
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2 Lads Winery
Two friends turned their shared passion into something special at this intimate winery on Old Mission Peninsula. The tasting room feels like visiting buddies who happen to make exceptional wine - casual conversations flow as easily as the carefully crafted vintages. Large windows frame stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay while you sample their small-batch productions. The atmosphere strikes that sweet spot between professional and personal, where you'll learn about their winemaking process without pretentious lectures. Each glass tells the story of Old Mission's unique terroir and these two lads' dedication to their craft.
View DetailsFrom the Blog
Stories, guides, and recommendations from Traverse City locals
FeaturedNational Cherry Festival 2026: 100th Anniversary Logistics Guide (July 4-11)
Plan Cherry Festival's 100th year with parking strategy, air show tips, parade planning, fireworks viewing, family ideas, crowd timing, and what to check before you go.
7 Traverse City Beaches Locals Actually Use (And Which to Skip)
Where to actually go swimming in Traverse City. Parking, crowds, amenities, and which beaches to skip based on years of local experience.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Day Trip from Traverse City: Trail Guide for Every Skill Level
Real talk about visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes. Trail difficulty, best beaches, and what to pack from someone who's been dozens of times.
Explore by Neighborhood
Each area has its own vibe — find what fits your style
Downtown TC
Walkable streets, restaurants, shops, nightlife
Old Mission Peninsula
Wine country, scenic drives, lakeside views
Leelanau County
Charming towns, more wineries, art galleries
Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore, pristine beaches, trails
Grand Traverse Bay
Waterfront dining, marinas, beach access
Traverse City Area
Broader region beyond downtown