Traverse City, Michigan Highlights

"Ah, God's country." That is how many a local will describe their little neck of the Northern Michigan woods, and you can definitely see the resemblance to an eden, if your particular version includes beaches, slopes, rivers, wildlife, coupled with such amenities as world-class golf and an indoor waterpark. Traverse City, Michigan caters to the summer crowd, and then to the autumn crowd, and then, well, you get the point.

I spent considerable time in this lovely town among the bays as a resident and a vacationer, and I always get a little geeked every time I arrive, and catch that first glimpse of the sparkling blue waters. Traverse City sits at the base of Old Mission Peninsula, and is perched on the easy side of the base of Leelanau Peninsula, with water water everywhere, so needless to say, there are plenty of beaches and scenic drives. Traverse is a sports lovers dream, with fishing, golf, hiking, swimming and boating, biking, kayaking, and even kiteboarding for the more adventurous. If you are the more sedientary type, the beach is also nice for catching up on your summer reading. Like to shop? You can find a walkable district in the downtown area that offers the more touristy fare, like fudge, to more uniquely Michigan gifts and wares.

First things first, where can you stay while visiting? Traverse City lodging runs the gamut. There is the posh Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, which also just happens to have a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, The Bear. If you have kids, there is no better hotel-style option than the Great Wolf Lodge, as it has an indoor water-park. There are tiny little 10-room beachfront hotels, as well as the major chains. A better option yet may be a bed and breakfast, or my favourite, renting a cottage for a week, as I like the more independent method of vacationing. Obviously, the cottage or cabin is pricier to rent during high-season (the typical Memorial Day to Labor Day span), but there is a wide range for all price ranges. There is even a service that will stock that cabin for you before you arrive.