Alecatraz Escape Rooms at The Workshop Brewing Company gives you the best combo in Traverse City — solve puzzles, then grab a beer. The escape rooms are themed and challenging (great for team building or a fun date night), and the brewery side serves rotating taps of craft beer brewed on site. The industrial-chic…

A thrilling outdoor slide attraction at Crystal Mountain Resort where riders control their speed down the mountainside.

Movie nights in Traverse City get an upgrade at AMC Cherry Blossom 14, where families can catch the latest blockbusters and indie films in comfort. The theater's stadium seating and crisp digital projection make every seat a good one, while the concession stand serves up all the classics - buttery popcorn, candy, and…

A seasonal attraction near Williamsburg offering horse-drawn sleigh rides and farm experiences.

Art & Connection transforms a quiet corner of Antrim County into a vibrant creative hub where local artists and visitors converge. The gallery walls showcase rotating exhibitions that capture Northern Michigan's spirit through diverse mediums—from oil paintings of Torch Lake's turquoise waters to sculptural pieces…

You know that feeling when you discover a gallery that actually gets it? Art & Soul Gallery is one of those rare finds in Traverse City. The space showcases work from local and regional artists who capture the spirit of Northern Michigan in ways that'll surprise you. I've seen everything from stunning cherry blossom…

Art on Union transforms the creative landscape of downtown Traverse City with its rotating exhibitions of contemporary regional artists. This intimate gallery space showcases everything from bold abstracts to delicate ceramics, with monthly shows that keep the walls fresh and exciting. The gallery champions emerging…

Community theatre in the Benzie County area. They put on live shows and performances throughout the year.

Tucked away on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula, Bayside Gallery showcases an impressive collection of regional artwork that captures the spirit of northern Michigan. The gallery highlights local painters, photographers, and artisans who draw inspiration from Lake Michigan's shoreline and the peninsula's rolling…

Step into Benjamin Maier's working ceramic studio on the Leelanau Peninsula and watch artistry come alive. This isn't your typical gallery where you simply observe from a distance. Here, clay transforms into stunning functional pottery and sculptural pieces right before your eyes. The studio showcases Maier's…

You'd be surprised how much fascinating history is packed into this unassuming Benzie County gem. The Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum tells the story of this corner of Northern Michigan through authentic artifacts, vintage photographs, and exhibits that bring the past to life. Kids love exploring the…

Classical music thrives in unexpected places, and the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra proves that small towns can create big musical moments. This community orchestra brings professional-quality performances to intimate venues throughout Benzie County, just a short drive from Traverse City. Local musicians join…

Blue Heron Gallery showcases the artistic spirit of Antrim County with carefully curated collections from regional and national artists. This intimate gallery space highlights diverse mediums including oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture, and handcrafted jewelry. Local landscape artists capture the stunning beauty…

Environmental education center on Cass Road with hands-on exhibits, trails, and programs focused on the Boardman River ecosystem.

Historic site in Lake Township marking an early settlement area in the region.

The Brenda J. Clark Gallery sits quietly along the Leelanau Peninsula's rolling countryside, where local and regional artists find a perfect showcase for their work. Inside this intimate space, you'll discover rotating exhibitions that capture the essence of Northern Michigan - from vibrant cherry orchard paintings to…

The sharp crack of hockey sticks and the scrape of skates on ice echo through Centre Ice Arena, where Northern Michigan's passion for the sport comes alive year-round. This local hockey haven draws families and serious players alike to its well-maintained rinks. Kids chase pucks during youth leagues while parents…

Old-school drive-in movie theater in Honor, Michigan. One of the few drive-ins left in the state, it runs double features all summer long. Bring the kids, bring snacks, bring a blanket.

Beautifully restored 1891 Victorian theater in downtown Traverse City hosting live performances, concerts, films, and community events. One of the cultural anchors of the downtown.

COGNiTiON Science & Discovery Center transforms learning into an adventure that captivates curious minds of all ages. This innovative Benzie County destination combines hands-on science exhibits with interactive discovery zones that make complex concepts accessible and fun. Kids can experiment with physics principles,…

Commonplace brings honest Italian cooking to Traverse City with a refreshing lack of pretense. This neighborhood spot focuses on handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal dishes that let quality ingredients shine. The casual atmosphere invites lingering conversations over plates of house-made gnocchi or their…

Cotton Creek Farms transforms hiking into an agricultural adventure just outside Traverse City. These working farm trails wind through active fields, past grazing livestock, and along the meandering Cotton Creek. The paths connect visitors to Grand Traverse County's farming heritage while providing peaceful walking…

Tucked into Traverse City's vibrant arts district, Courtyard Fine Art showcases the creative spirit that flows through Northern Michigan like the Boardman River. The gallery's carefully curated collection spans local landscapes that capture the moody beauty of Lake Michigan shorelines to contemporary pieces that…

Step into Crooked Tree Arts Center and discover Northern Michigan's creative heartbeat. The converted historic building buzzes with activity as local artists work in open studios, their easels catching afternoon light streaming through tall windows. Gallery walls showcase everything from moody Lake Michigan landscapes…

Community center focused on regenerative agriculture, arts, craft, and building place-based cultures.

Meet some of the friendliest four-legged residents in Benzie County at Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm. These gentle, curious animals love visitors and make walking the farm trails an unexpectedly delightful experience. The alpacas have distinct personalities – some are social butterflies while others play hard to get. After…

A casino in Benzonia offering gaming, dining, and entertainment.

This hands-on children's museum in Grand Traverse County transforms learning into pure fun. Kids can explore interactive exhibits that spark imagination while parents actually enjoy watching the magic happen. The museum focuses on STEAM learning through play - think building challenges, water tables, and creative art…

Tucked along the scenic shores of the Leelanau Peninsula, Discovery Pier extends into the crystal-clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay like a wooden pathway to tranquility. This charming Catholic retreat center sits surrounded by towering pines and sugar maples, creating a peaceful sanctuary where families gather for…

You know that spot where little ballerinas twirl alongside seasoned dancers? That's Diva Dancewear and Dance Arts Academy in Grand Traverse County. This isn't your typical dance studio - it's where families come together through movement. The academy welcomes everyone from toddlers taking their first plié to adults…

Step into 1842 at the Dougherty Mission House, where weathered wooden floors creak beneath your feet and sunlight filters through wavy glass windows. This preserved Presbyterian mission home on Old Mission Peninsula tells the story of Reverend Peter Dougherty and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.…

Art comes alive in unexpected ways at Duck to Swan Gallery on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula. This intimate space showcases the work of local and regional artists who capture the essence of Northern Michigan's landscapes and seasons. The gallery's rotating exhibitions highlight everything from vibrant oil paintings of…

A community crossroads area in Traverse City along County Road 660.

Simply Exquisite by the Bay started as chef Maria Santos's dream to bring authentic coastal cuisine to Benzie County's shoreline. After years perfecting her craft in Chicago's top kitchens, Maria returned home to Michigan with a vision: fresh Great Lakes fish paired with premium steaks in an atmosphere that celebrates…

What started as a small elderberry farm outside Traverse City has grown into something extraordinary. The owners transformed their agricultural roots into a welcoming coffee shop where the community gathers daily. Their weekend brunch draws families from across northern Michigan, featuring locally-sourced ingredients…

This intimate arts center in Benzie County transforms a historic building into a vibrant creative hub. Gallery walls showcase rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists, while natural light streams through tall windows onto carefully curated displays. The scent of fresh coffee mingles with the quiet hum of…