By Amy Lynch, Midwest Living
Traverse
City’s stunning beaches, arts, culture, parks and kid-friendly
restaurants make this northern Michigan town a destination the whole
family can enjoy.
[post_ads_2]1) Clinch Park Beach
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Clinch Park Beach. Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.
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The
largest and most popular of Traverse City’s picturesque public beaches,
Clinch Park is just a few blocks from downtown shops and restaurants. A
beautification project added a splash pad, changing rooms and a cafe.
While walking the shore, keep your eyes peeled for Petoskey
stones—gray-brown fossilized coral with a sunburst pattern. (231)
922-4903;
2) Interlochen Center for the Arts
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Interlochen Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.
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On a forested
campus 20 minutes southwest of Traverse City, this fine-arts camp and
boarding school attracts visitors with an array of concerts, dramatic
performances and dance recitals. The annual Interlochen summer arts
festival attracts big-name musicians, but you can hear snippets of
students during guided tours of the grounds any time of the year. (231)
276-7472; interlochen.org
[post_ads_2]3) Gallagher’s Farm Market and Bakery
Farm stands
and markets dot the roads rolling around Traverse City, but Gallagher’s
holds special appeal. You can sample baked goods in a wide-open farm
setting anchored by a big red barn; tour a corn maze, pumpkin patch and a
petting zoo; and cherry products are particularly yummy. (231)
947-1689; gallaghersfarmmarkettc.com
4) Traverse Tall Ship Company
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A tall ship. Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.
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See Grand Traverse Bay from the deck of the Manitou,
a gorgeous 114-foot-tall replica of a 19th-century schooner. The
friendly crew lets passengers help raise and lower the sails during
two-hour leisure cruises. Of course, you can just sit back and enjoy the
ride. In-season excursions run several times a day; the afternoon
outing includes two scoops of Moomers Ice Cream. (231) 941-2000; tallshipsailing.com
5) Opa! Coney and Grill
The dining room of this
strip mall spot is a little on the bland side, but the melting pot of
Greek, Polish and American food has tons of flavor. And it’s reasonably
priced, so load up on gyros, falafel, pierogies, burgers and Coney dogs.
Some of the ethnic dishes can be heavy on the garlic, so bring breath
mints. (231) 947-6721; opagrill.com
[post_ads_2]6) The Music House Museum
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The Music House Museum. Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.
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Visiting this museum in a
renovated dairy farmstead is like stepping into a bygone era. You’ll see
instruments, recording machinery and rare gadgets from the 1870s to the
1930s. Hour-long guided tours cover player pianos, phonographs, music
boxes and silent movies with Wurlitzer organ accompaniment. Open May
through December. (231) 938-9300; musichouse.org
7) Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre
Honor’s classic
1950s drive-in not only shows movies but also has a playground,
miniature golf, a gift shop and an on-site diner. There’s a no-alcohol
policy, lewd behavior isn’t tolerated, and none of the movies are rated
stronger than PG-13. (231) 325-3413; cherrybowldrivein.com
8) Old Mission Peninsula
Wineries, cherry orchards,
farm markets and B&Bs invite stops along this narrow strip of land
dividing Grand Traverse Bay into east and west. The 1870 lighthouse at
the northern tip marks the halfway point between the North Pole and the
equator. Load up on ice cream cones and penny candy at the Old Mission
Village’s general store. oldmission.com
[post_ads_2]
9) Grand Traverse Pie Company
For an afternoon treat
(or even breakfast—we won’t tell anyone), stop at the original location
of this nationally recognized bakery. In addition to slices of cherry,
apple, lemon meringue or coconut cream pie, they serve breakfast, lunch
and treats like cookies and cakes. (231) 922-7437; gtpie.com
10) Great Wolf Lodge
Both thrilling and tame rides
and slides pack this 39,000-square-foot indoor water park. The massive
resort also has an ice cream-themed spa for divas in training, a
MagiQuest enchanted kingdom play adventure, miniature golf, an arcade
and a bowling alley. (231) 941-3600; greatwolf.com/traverse/waterpark
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