Traverse City is on the 45th parallel, half way between the north pole and the equator. It's the same latitude as the Bordeaux region of France which equals ridiculously good wine. There are 40+ wineries, an endless supply of award winning breweries, distilleries and cideries. It's also a great place to get out in nature for swimming, hiking, biking and more. Below is a small sampling of recommendations in the area.

This New York  Times article is a great overview of how to spend your time while in the area for a short visit: 36 Hours in Traverse City, Mich. 

Eat & Drink

The foodie scene in town is booming and we've had amazing meals at so many restaurants. One of our favorites is Trattoria Stella which is actually in an old asylum thats been turned into a mini-village with restaurants, tasting rooms, shops, and hiking trails. For seasonal flavors and small plates we recommend Alliance. For more casual dining grab a bite from a food truck and a beer at Little Fleet. For a mini-brewery tour try The Workshop, Right Brain Brewery and 7 Monks Taproom. Finish off the night with a cocktail at our favorite distillery Traverse City Whiskey Co. or speakeasy Low Bar. 

Hike & Swim

Take a late-summer hike into the beautiful scenery of the Traverse City area. Hike to Pyramid Point or Empire Bluffs at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Visit one of the many beaches Up North to experience the beauty of Lake Michigan. The water is crystal clear-salt and shark free. Our favorites are Esch Beach (near Hanna's parents house), Glen Haven, and Good Harbor Bay Beach. There are also amazing bike trails and places to rent bikes by the hour or for the day. We love the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, a paved pathway between Glen Arbor and Empire.