The best time to visit Traverse City is Anytime!
Vacationing in Traverse City offers a delightful blend of experiences, making it a great destination for various reasons. The city’s vibrant food scene, with its diverse culinary offerings, is a significant draw for food enthusiasts. From white fish sandwiches to Italian cuisine, Mediterranean eateries, and more, Traverse City is a haven for foodies. The friendly locals readily recommend places to explore, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
The city’s picturesque location on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay provides a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and exploration. The city’s proximity to protected sandy shorelines and its charming lakeside town atmosphere further contribute to its appeal as a vacation destination.
Summertime in Northern Michigan
Summer is the most popular season to visit Traverse, with the Traverse National Cherry Festival taking place in the first week of July, attracting big crowds. Other summer events include Northwestern Michigan Fair and the Buckley Old Engine Show, National Coho Salmon Festival, Elk Rapids Harbor Days and more.
Summertime in Traverse City also means outdoor art shows like the Crooked Tree Art Fair and the Suttons Bay Art Festival, as well as cultural happenings like the Wine & Food Festival in Leland and the Port Oneida Fair. During any summer weekend you can find a festival, fair, or show within a 30-minute drive of Traverse City.
Traverse City’s surrounding areas offer a myriad of exciting ecotourism activities, such as hiking and biking trails, tubing down the Boardman or Platte Rivers or lying in the warm sand at the numerous beaches in the area.
A favorite of most visitors young and old is exploring the shops and restaurants in downtown Traverse City in shorts and flip flops. There is a reason Best Life said that Traverse City is one of the 10 best lake towns in the United States.
Fall Color Tours
Traverse City is beautiful in the fall and it is a great time to visit for the colorful foliage and moderate temperatures. Take a drive to Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and drive the scenic Pierce Stocking Drive. Stop at the lookout points along the way. Northern Michigan sure knows how to put on a show!
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the fall. Visit one of the numerous pumpkin patches or apple orchards. Many of the these places also have corn mazes to find your way out of. Run the streets of Traverse City for the 5k Zombie Run and don’t forget Beer Week in November.
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Many think winter is cold and dreary in the north, yes it does get cold, but it is anything but dreary. With plenty of groomed snowmobile and cross-country trails, snowshoe trails, ski hills, and numerous festivals, Traverse City is a must visit when the snow starts falling.
Traverse City comes alive during the holidays with lights, shops and special events all season long. Enjoy the holiday parade as Santa arrives for the tree lighting at Cass and Front Street. Visit Santa in his house in Rotary Park, shop for local gifts and grab a bite at one of the wonderful downtown restaurants.
Make sure to visit downtown Traverse City New Years Eve for the Cherry T Ball drop. The town gathers on Front Street to ring in the new year while a glowing cherry descends onto the city followed by fireworks!
After the first of the year there is still plenty to do. The Traverse City Comedy Festival in late January/early February. Take a culinary excursion in late February/early March for Restaurant Week at area restaurants. Participating restaurants offer special menus and pricing during Restaurant Week.
April Showers bring May Flowers
Spring is a time of renewal and natural beauty in Traverse City.
If you visit in May, you will usually find nice weather and the sweet scent of cherry blossoms. The thousands of cherry orchards around Traverse are in full bloom, creating a particularly beautiful and aromatic landscape.
Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where bright green leaves unfold on the trees, wildflowers dot the trails, and the sweeping vistas of Lake Michigan beckon visitors to admire the scenery. The region also offers opportunities for golfing, fly fishing, and charter fishing in the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan and inland lakes.
Visit Traverse City Anytime!
Vacationing in Traverse City offers culinary experiences, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty, making it an attractive destination for travelers looking for a diverse and memorable vacation experience anytime of the year.
Traverse City supplies opportunities for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, foodies or those just looking to kick back and relax. Visitors can wander The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, tour wineries, and engage in various outdoor activities year-round.
Your Traverse City Vacation starts at Dyer Lake Vacation Home!
No matter the season Dyer Lake Vacation Home offers a cozy family and pet friendly place to stay. Our rate is comparable or less than area hotels and we offer 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms with a nicely equipped kitchen. Relax on the couch with a view of the lake or watch the large screen smart TV. Head down to our unfinished lower level for a game of pool or to watch your favorite team on another large screen smart TV.
We are centrally located for all the indoor and outdoor fun and only minutes from Downtown Traverse City! Ready to book your stay? Book direct and save or you can book through Airbnb if you prefer.