The gentle whir of bike chains mingles with lapping waves at Bayfront Beach and Bike, where two-wheeled adventures begin just steps from Antrim County's pristine shoreline. Their convenient delivery service brings quality bikes directly to your doorstep, eliminating the hassle of pickup and drop-off. Feel the lake…

A sandy public beach on Crystal Lake in the village of Beulah, perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Don Orr Ski 'n Beach Haus serves as your gateway to Grand Traverse County's incredible trail network. This local outfitter understands the terrain like no other, connecting hikers with everything from gentle lakefront paths to challenging woodland routes that wind through Michigan's stunning northern forests. The…

A popular beach on Lake Michigan in Elberta featuring soft sand and beautiful sunset views.

Empire Beach Village Park sits right along Lake Michigan's shoreline on the Leelanau Peninsula, giving families a beautiful spot to spend the day. The sandy beach stretches wide here, with gentle waves that make swimming comfortable for kids. You'll find picnic tables scattered throughout the park, plus playground…

A beautiful and secluded Lake Michigan beach along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Honor.

A family-friendly beach and playground area in Frankfort offering Lake Michigan access and play facilities.

Pristine Lake Michigan beach in Sleeping Bear Dunes with soft sand, clear water, and stunning natural beauty near Maple City.

Tucked away on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, Haserot Park Boat Launch gives you that perfect small-town launch experience without the crowds of the main marinas. The concrete ramp handles everything from kayaks to decent-sized fishing boats, and there's plenty of parking even on busy summer weekends. What I love…

Northport Beach stretches along the crystal-clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay, creating one of the Leelanau Peninsula's most picturesque shorelines. This sandy haven draws families and beach lovers with its shallow, swimmable waters and stunning sunset views. The beach sits right in charming Northport village, where…

A quiet Lake Michigan beach within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Honor.

Scenic Lake Michigan beach in the Sleeping Bear Dunes with sandy shores and beautiful water views.

Public beach access on Thompson Street in Leland offering Lake Michigan swimming and sandy shoreline.

Sandy Lake Michigan beach near Glen Arbor, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the dunes.

Suttons Bay Beach sits right in the heart of this charming Leelanau Peninsula village, and it's honestly one of my favorite spots for a relaxed day by the water. The sandy shoreline stretches along Grand Traverse Bay with crystal-clear water that's perfect for swimming in summer. Kids love the gentle waves and shallow…

A small, scenic beach in Leland offering Lake Michigan swimming and views of the harbor.

Public beach on West Grandview Parkway offering swimming, sand, and sunset views over West Grand Traverse Bay.

254 South is a lifestyle store in downtown Beulah where you'll find one-of-a-kind handmade goods, repurposed furniture, local art, and women's clothing. Owner Clare mixes her own creations with work from local artists — think painted vintage furniture alongside glass jars and old books. Open seasonally May through…

Tucked into downtown Traverse City, 2nd Level Boardshop is where local skaters, snowboarders, and surf enthusiasts gather for gear that actually works. The crew here knows their stuff – they'll set you up with boards, boots, and bindings that match your style and skill level. Beyond the quality equipment, you'll find…

Step into a Vintage Sole and discover accommodations that tell stories through carefully curated antique furnishings and thoughtful period details. Each room transports you to a different era while maintaining modern comfort essentials. The historic charm extends beyond the décor – original hardwood floors creak…

Championship golf resort in Kewadin featuring two 18-hole courses, a pro shop, and scenic Northern Michigan terrain.

Rolling through the scenic hills of Antrim County, A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort's Antrim Dells course captures the raw beauty of Northern Michigan's landscape. Ancient glacial formations create dramatic elevation changes that challenge golfers while rewarding them with sweeping views of pristine woodlands and sparkling water…

Adore Boutique is part of the Flea Boutiques family, owned by the Pujos family (originally from France) who started in downtown TC in 2012. This South Union Street shop carries curated women's clothing, accessories, and unique gifts. They also have sister stores Flea in Traverse City and Suttons Bay.

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…

Scenic hiking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes with views of Glen Lake and the surrounding dunes landscape.

Tucked away in Benzie County, this lakefront gem gives families a quiet escape from busier Traverse City beaches. The park sits right on Crystal Lake's pristine shoreline, where kids can splash in shallow waters while parents actually relax. A network of easy trails winds through towering pines and hardwoods,…

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

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Grand Traverse County, Altonen Orchards Farm Market represents four generations of family farming passion. This working orchard transforms with the seasons—spring blossoms give way to summer's cherry abundance, followed by autumn's apple harvest. The farm market showcases their own…

What started as a small passion project in a Traverse City garage has grown into Ambush Candle Co., where hand-poured soy candles capture the essence of Northern Michigan. The founders began experimenting with scent blends inspired by their favorite local spots - cherry orchards in bloom, campfires by the bay, morning…

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…

American Spoon Foods transforms Michigan's cherry harvest and wild berries into extraordinary preserves, fruit butters, and gourmet condiments that capture the essence of Up North flavors. This downtown Traverse City institution stocks shelves with small-batch preserves made from local ingredients—think tart cherry…

Amy Kate Designs has been doing wedding flowers in Northern Michigan for over 30 years. Run by Amy Hendrickson out of their Elk Rapids studio and flower farm (Golden Hill Farms), they design custom floral arrangements for weddings and events at venues across the region. They're a go-to for brides planning up north…

A local market in Glen Arbor offering groceries, deli items, and essentials for residents and visitors.

You know those quirky roadside stops that become the highlight of your trip? Anet & Ollies Five and Dime is exactly that kind of place. This genuine old-school variety store in Benzie County feels like stepping back into your grandmother's era, when five-and-dimes were community gathering spots. The aisles overflow…

Antiquities Warehouse is a massive decor destination in Traverse City packed with salvaged architectural pieces, French doors, industrial lighting, and repurposed goods from around the world. It's a sprawling space where you can spend hours digging through vintage furniture, weathered barn wood, and one-of-a-kind…

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