No. 03
Experience
A Summer Evening at the Open Space
Traverse City · West Grand Traverse Bay Waterfront
Show up at the Open Space — TC's long stretch of waterfront lawn on West Grand Traverse Bay — sometime after 7pm on a clear summer evening. Walk out to the end of the concrete pier and watch the sailboats come in. Grab something from The Little Fleet food trucks two blocks east. Come back to the water and find a spot on the grass. The bay goes pink, then orange, then deep red. The boats stay out until the last light. The whole town seems to exhale. You don't need a reservation or a plan. You just need to be here.
VibeGolden, easy, and electric — TC at its absolute best
What to DoBring some wine, a blanket, and good cheese. Find a spot on the grass and watch the sun go down over the bay.
Insider TipSunset in summer is around 9:15pm. The hour before is the one you want.
No. 02
Activity
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
The Cyclery · Glen Arbor · 22 Miles Through Sleeping Bear Dunes
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a paved, non-motorized path that runs 22 miles through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — from Empire north through Glen Arbor, past the Dune Climb, through Glen Haven, and into the forest beyond. Rent a bike from The Cyclery in Glen Arbor and ride in either direction. South takes you toward Empire through deeply forested trail with a long, rewarding descent. North takes you through D.H. Day Campground, past the Dune Climb trailhead, and into Glen Haven on the Lake Michigan shore. Stop wherever you want. The trail passes beaches, historic buildings, and more lake views than you can count.
VibeOpen, beautiful, and completely car-free — one of the finest bike rides in the state
What to DoHead south from Glen Arbor toward Empire first — the forested descent is the best stretch on the trail.
Insider TipA National Park pass is required. The Cyclery sells them on-site. Reserve your bike ahead if you're going on a weekend.
No. 01
Event
National Cherry Festival
Traverse City · First Full Week of July · cherryfestival.org
500,000 people descend on Traverse City during the first full week of July for the National Cherry Festival — one of the top-attended events in the United States and the defining week of the northern Michigan summer. Eight days of everything: the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performing over Grand Traverse Bay, the Cherry Royale Parade down Front Street, live concerts on multiple stages, a carnival midway, the cherry pit-spitting contest, the pie-eating contest, and fireworks over the bay on the Fourth of July. The whole town transforms, and the energy is unlike anything else. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the festival.
VibeMassive, festive, and unlike anything else on the peninsula — the week TC becomes the center of Michigan
What to DoStake out a spot on the Open Space for the Blue Angels. Get to the parade route early. Stay for the fireworks.
Insider TipBook accommodation 6 months out — everything fills up. Bike or take the shuttle rather than driving in.
