Traverse City, MI
Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and unique local traditions that make them an ideal destination any time of year. Visiting during the fall adds an extra layer of magic, especially with the festive spirit that comes alive on Sixth Street, where Halloween trick-or-treating is a beloved community event. Strolling down the historic, tree-lined avenue with houses decorated in creative displays and children in costumes adds a heartwarming touch to an already memorable trip. Coupled with the breathtaking landscapes of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, where panoramic views of Lake Michigan stretch endlessly and trails wind through colorful forests, this region is an enchanting mix of adventure, family fun, and seasonal celebration that promises unforgettable experiences for all who visit.
Where we stayed
Timber Ridge RV & Resort & Traverse City State Park
Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort in Traverse City, MI, is an all-season, family-friendly destination just 8 minutes from downtown. The resort features over 200 wooded campsites with full hookups (30A/50A) and 30 cabin and cottage rentals. Amenities include a RC racetrack, jumping ‘pillow’, playground, game room, recreation hall, and laundry facilities. Guests enjoy themed weekends, miles of nature trails, and a lighted dodgeball court. The customer service is outstanding, from the front office staff to the maintenance crew; when we had issues with our mega-slide, two maintenance staff promptly assisted us and helped get it back in, showcasing their dedication and support.
We were unable to stay at Timber Ridge for our entire Traverse City stay because of the Iceman Bike Race. The Iceman Cometh Challenge is an annual 30-mile mountain bike race held in November, spanning from Kalkaska to Traverse City, Michigan. Known for its challenging course through wooded trails and unpredictable weather, the event attracts thousands of riders and spectators, creating a lively, competitive atmosphere to close out the biking season.
On Halloween mid-day, we switched to the Traverse City State Park. Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park, located just 2 miles from downtown Traverse City, Michigan, offers a modern campground suitable for RVs. The park features nearly 350 campsites equipped with electric hookups. Amenities include heated restrooms, a dump station, and a pedestrian bridge providing access to a quarter-mile sandy beach on the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay. Our site was literally next to this bridge. The park is also located in the middle of the town, making it convenient for all our surrounding area outings.
Halloween Night!
Halloween night in Traverse City, especially in the Slabtown and 6th Street neighborhoods, was absolutely magical. We set out with our trick-or-treat bags, weaving through the streets where almost every house had incredible decorations—spooky, fun, and full of surprises. The atmosphere was electric, with families and kids laughing, costumes everywhere, and neighbors mingling. Many houses were handing out full-size candy bars, which were a huge hit, making the night even more special and shortened the need to stay out longer than an hour! The weather was perfect, a crisp 50 degrees that added just the right chill to the air without being too cold. The entire scene was buzzing, with people watching from porches and sidewalks, enjoying the community spirit and fall charm. It was everything a Halloween night should be.
Wine Hopping ALONE!
I went wine hopping alone to carve out some much-needed “me time” away from the hustle of family life. It was a peaceful escape where I could savor each sip, enjoy the ambiance, and take in the beauty of the surroundings at my own pace. Visiting local wineries provided the perfect setting for relaxation and introspection, and I loved having the freedom to chat with staff or just enjoy the quiet moments. The experience was rejuvenating, a blend of indulgence and personal connection that felt like a true retreat from my daily responsibilities.
Bonobo Winery - Founded by Carter Oosterhouse and his wife Amy Smart, Bonobo is a stylish, family-friendly winery on Old Mission Peninsula. It offers a range of wines, a cozy atmosphere, and light bites to enjoy with tastings. 1-8
Chateau Chantal - Perched atop a hill on Old Mission Peninsula, this winery offers stunning views of the vineyards and Grand Traverse Bay. Known for its wines and bed-and-breakfast, it’s a popular spot for tastings, tours, and events. 11-5
Chateau Grand Traverse As one of Michigan’s oldest wineries, it's renowned for world-class Rieslings and offers cozy accommodations.
Mari Vineyards Known for growing exotic varieties like Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, Mari Vineyards combines old-world techniques with new-world technology.
Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery Spanning 111 acres, Brys Estate is known for European-inspired wines and features stunning lavender fields.
Espresso Bay
Espresso Bay - Right on Front Street, Espresso Bay is a vibrant café with plenty of tables, free Wi-Fi, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. They offer a wide selection of coffee drinks, pastries, and light snacks, making it easy to work through the day. We worked and studied here for a good part of a day. Amazing staff and welcoming environment.
Slabtown Burgers
Slabtown Burgers, located at 826 W Front St in Traverse City, Michigan, is renowned for its homemade, hand-pattied burgers and fresh-cut fries. Housed in a charming historic building, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a cozy atmosphere for diners. The menu features a variety of specialty burgers, including the Slabtown Special—a double burger with American cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, and their signature Slabtown Sauce.
Red Mesa Grill
Red Mesa Grill is a popular and vibrant atmosphere with a menu featuring traditional Latin American specialties, including dishes from Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. Guests can enjoy a variety of options such as enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos, all prepared with fresh ingredients. The establishment is also known for its extensive selection of over 180 tequilas and Michigan's best margaritas. The spiced apple pie margarita was AMAZING!
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Shore
Sleeping Bear Dunes offers a diverse range of outdoor activities that make it perfect for nature lovers, families, and adventurers alike. Whether you’re climbing the dunes, hiking to a scenic overlook, or simply relaxing on the beach, the park's natural beauty is awe-inspiring. It’s no wonder it was named "The Most Beautiful Place in America" by ABC’s Good Morning America in 2011.
The Empire Bluff Trail, located in Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, takes me on a 1.5-mile round-trip hike through a beautiful beech-maple forest to a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The trail is moderately challenging, with some hilly sections and exposed roots, but it's well-maintained and has benches along the way where I can take a break. Reaching the end of the trail, we were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Lake Michigan, South Bar Lake, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The Dune Climb is a prominent feature of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan, offering visitors the opportunity to ascend a towering sand dune for panoramic views of Glen Lake and the surrounding landscape.
Empire, MI
Empire, Michigan, is a charming village nestled along Lake Michigan's shoreline, serving as the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Visitors can begin their exploration at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, located on M-72 just east of the intersection with M-22 in Empire, MI, where they can obtain park information, maps, and passes. After a morning of adventure in the park, we indulged in handcrafted confections at Grocer's Daughter Chocolate known for its locally inspired craft chocolates. The family hit was the salted carmel druffle and chocolate covered whiskey fig.
Traverse City Downtown
Downtown Traverse City offers a vibrant experience with several must-visit spots. Start by admiring the colorful "Greetings from Traverse City" mural, a popular photo backdrop located on the side of the Kilwins Chocolate building. Indulge your sweet tooth at Rocket Fizz, a nostalgic candy and soda shop at 111-B E Front St, offering a vast selection of treats. Finally, explore Roth Shirt Co. at 153 E Front St, known for its unique, locally designed, super-soft t-shirts that capture the spirit of Traverse City. Drew snagged a few shirts: Pot Head (with a coffee pot art) and Free Range Humans (with US art and motorhome, perfect for our adventures this year!)
Village at Grand Traverse Commons
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, Michigan, is a historic site transformed from the former Traverse City State Hospital into a vibrant community hub. Drew and Hawkins explored its rich history through a guided tour of the preserved asylum buildings, offering insights into 19th-century mental health care and architectural design. Beyond its historical significance, the Village boasts a variety of popular restaurants and wineries. Notable dining options include Trattoria Stella, renowned for its Italian cuisine, and Left Foot Charley, an urban winery offering a selection of local wines. Although we did not have time to visit of these places, they were mentioned multiple times by locals.
Gallagher's Farm Market
Gallagher's Farm Market has been a cherished family-owned establishment since 1972. Open from mid-June through October (we visited on the LAST DAY!), the market offers a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, with the apples, pumpkins and cherries being in season. Their on-site bakery is renowned for homemade pies, breads, and pastries, with seasonal favorites like cherry pies and pumpkin donuts in the fall. We snagged fresh cookies, the best zucchini bread I’ve ever had, garlic bread, biscuits and donuts! Additionally, Gallagher's provides homemade jams and jellies, local wines, and cherry products. The kids enjoyed a barnyard area featuring goats, pigs, and chickens. There was even a chicken maze made out of haybails!
Scenic Drives Along M-22
Although peak fall foliage may have passed, the scenic drive along M-22 is still stunning. We passed through charming small towns, lakeshores, and rolling hills, with plenty of places to stop for coffee, shopping, or a bite to eat. Drew worked out of the Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company while we explored the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Established in 1993, it is a family-owned business located in Glen Arbor, Michigan. They specialize in air bed-roasting fresh gourmet coffees from around the world, ensuring a unique and flavorful experience.
Ride Leelanue
Ride Leelanau specializes in e-bike rentals and provides test ride consultations, offering a 25-minute test ride and consultation for $25. They also feature discounts on Rad Power Bikes and provide full-service maintenance. We took full advantage of the owner's, Lee Millins, extensive knowledge of e-bikes. Initially, I went into the experience set on purchasing a Rad Bike or a Lectric. However, after evaluating the pros and cons of the three brands represented, we were won over by the Velotric Bikes, particularly the Packer 1. This model boasts an impressive 450 lb carrying capacity, the ability to seat additional passengers on the rear, a wide range of versatile accessories, a powerful 750 W motor, and a 55-mile range. Safe to say, I know what I’ll be asking for this Christmas!
A Perfect End and Blend of Autumn Magic and Natural Beauty
Visiting Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is an experience that leaves me with lasting memories of Michigan's natural beauty. From the charming, vibrant atmosphere of Traverse City with its local shops and eateries to the breathtaking landscapes of the dunes and trails, every moment is infused with adventure and tranquility. Whether I’m scaling the iconic Dune Climb, hiking the scenic Empire Bluff Trail, or simply soaking in the expansive views of Lake Michigan, these experiences remind me of the wonder and serenity found in nature. Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes offer a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, relaxation, and timeless scenic beauty that I’ll carry with me long after the trip ends.
