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.

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.

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…

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…

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…

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

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…

Fantail Farm in Benzie County transforms working farmland into an accessible hiking destination that connects visitors with Northern Michigan's agricultural heritage. The trail system winds through active crop fields, past grazing livestock, and alongside seasonal wildflower meadows. Well-maintained paths accommodate…

What started as a small family nursery on Old Mission Peninsula has blossomed into something truly special. Harbor View Nursery & Lavender Farm combines three generations of horticultural passion with the peninsula's unique microclimate. The lavender fields stretch toward Grand Traverse Bay, creating purple waves that…

Guided ghost tours in downtown Traverse City exploring the city's spooky history and haunted locations.

The Inland Seas Education Association transforms the waters around Leelanau Peninsula into a living classroom. This unique organization operates tall ship sailing programs and environmental education experiences on the Great Lakes. Their historic schooners cut through the crystal-clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay,…

The Joseph H. Rogers Observatory transforms stargazing into an adventure the whole family can enjoy together. Located in Grand Traverse County, this astronomical gem invites visitors to peer through powerful telescopes at distant galaxies, lunar craters, and Saturn's rings. The observatory's knowledgeable staff guides…

Every July, Traverse City transforms into cherry celebration central during the National Cherry Festival. This week-long extravaganza brings together live music, carnival rides, cherry pie eating contests, and the famous Cherry Royale Parade down Front Street. Local orchards showcase their prized tart cherries while…

The sound of rushing water greets you at this working fish hatchery where concrete raceways teem with thousands of salmon and trout. Built in 1928, the facility sits along the crystal-clear Platte River, where you can watch spawning runs through underwater viewing windows. The musty scent of wet concrete mingles with…

Rainbow Valley Family Farms brings that classic Northern Michigan family fun you've been craving. This isn't your typical tourist trap - it's a genuine working farm that happens to have some of the most entertaining mini golf and go-kart action in the Traverse City area. The mini golf course winds through actual farm…

You'd never expect to find such a gem tucked away in Grand Traverse County, but Samel's Farm tells the story of Northern Michigan agriculture like nowhere else. This working farm museum brings three generations of farming history to life through authentic buildings, vintage equipment, and hands-on demonstrations. Kids…

Watersports rental and tour company offering jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and guided adventures on the bay.

Tucked into downtown Traverse City's Historic Barns Park, this botanical sanctuary transforms what was once agricultural land into something unexpectedly magical. The gardens wind through carefully restored historic structures, creating intimate spaces where native Michigan wildflowers mingle with cultivated…

The Foxglove Farm brings unexpected Asian flavors to the rolling countryside of Leelanau Peninsula. This farm-to-table restaurant transforms locally sourced ingredients into vibrant dishes that would feel at home in Bangkok or Seoul. The kitchen works magic with everything from house-made noodles to perfectly balanced…

Annual fair celebrating area agriculture, youth programs, and grandstand entertainment events.

Third Coast Fruit Co. brings a fresh twist to Traverse City accommodations, where the essence of Northern Michigan's agricultural heritage meets modern hospitality. This unique lodging sits amid the rolling countryside of Grand Traverse County, surrounded by the very orchards and farmland that define this region.…

Tucked into downtown Traverse City, this isn't your typical small-town library. The Traverse Area District Library serves as an unexpected cultural hub where locals and visitors alike gather to dive into Michigan history, browse extensive Great Lakes collections, and access resources about the region's natural…

You know that feeling when you stumble upon something unexpectedly amazing? That's Traverse City Horse Shows for me. Sure, the name says horses, but this place has evolved into a fantastic family destination right here in Grand Traverse County. The kids go crazy for the mini golf course - it's got these clever…

Historic state hospital campus transformed into a vibrant community with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Home of the Traverse City Pit Spitters baseball team, hosting Northwoods League games and community events all summer.