Tag: traverse city

Best Vacation Destinations: 5 Lake Towns for Shopaholics

Posted on Lacey Spear
Lake Austin | Unsplash
Photo by Carlos Alfonso on Unsplash

Previously in our lake vacation destinations series, we detailed the best lakes for relaxation and for outdoor enthusiasts. Now you know which lakes to visit if you want to kick your feet up and soak in the scenery or if you would rather get them moving on a lakeside hiking trail. But what if neither of those categories appeals to you, and you’re looking for a lake vacation with an urban flair? Check out these five lake towns for shopaholics that will fill your calendar with fun and your closet with style!

Austin, TX

Downtown Austin beside Lake Austin
Photo Courtesy of Visit Austin

If you’re interested in shopping in the Live Music Capital of the World, vacationing at Lake Travis or Lake Austin is a must. With its motto of “Keep Austin Weird,” this urban Texas city exhibits a unique mix of oddity shops, trendy boutiques, and high-end chain stores. South Congress Avenue is an iconic Austin shopping hub that showcases many local shops and restaurants. So it’s your best bet if you want to get a feel for the eccentric Austin culture. But if high-end chains are more of your style, make sure to check out The Domain, which features stores like Macy’s, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton.

Burlington, VT

Burlington, a top shopping area, with Lake Champlain.
Photo Courtesy of City Builders

Voted the #1 Best Public Square in America by USA Today, Church Street Market Place is a Burlington shopping hotspot. Bordering the stunning Lake Champlain, Church Street’s four pedestrian blocks feature over 100 shops, restaurants, and local businesses. Here, history marries modernity. You can shop for your favorite clothing brands from 100-200-year-old buildings constructed in Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles. So if you love browsing for books, antiques, clothes, and artisan goods, Lake Champlain is your shopaholic vacation.

Atlanta, GA

Ponce City Market, a hotspot for restaurants, bars, and shops.
Photo Courtesy of Curbed Atlanta

A trip to Lake Lanier, just 51 miles northeast of Atlanta, grants you endless shopping endeavors. After enjoying all your favorite watersports on the lake, you can start your Atlanta day trip at Atlantic Station. This collection of over 30 retailers includes the Southeast’s flagship H&M store. Atlantic Station also hosts concerts, outdoor movies, and ice skating throughout the year. Next, if high-end shopping is on your radar, you can peruse over 250 specialty stores and brands like Pandora and Nieman Marcus at Lenox Square. To end the day, you can grab a bite from the gourmet food stalls at Ponce City Market and stroll through the eccentric shops.

Traverse City, MI

Traverse City, a top tourist destination, beside Lake Michigan.
Photo Courtesy of Crain’s Detroit Business

Settled on the shores of the incredible Lake Michigan, Traverse City boasts an assortment of historic and modern shopping districts. In downtown Traverse City, vacationers will find quaint 19th-century Victorian storefronts, making up the area’s 150 shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The Mercato also is a popular historic shopping center. Its 19th-century shops have a European feel to them and showcase jewelry, art galleries, wine, artisan goods, and more. However, if you like more of an urban touch, be sure to visit the Warehouse District sports diverse artisan shops and eateries. It also is just steps away from the beaches on West Bay.

Seattle, WA

A view of Seattle Washington with mountains in the background taken from Lake Washington.
Photo Courtesy of Meeting News Northwest

Situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle has a shopping district for everyone. If you’re tapping into your inner fashionista, you’ll find the Nordstrom flagship store, Tiffany & Co., Macy’s, and other designer brands downtown. But, if you’re more into bargains, make sure to check out the plethora of Seattle outlets, such as Centralia, Seattle Premium, The Outlet Collection, and North Bend. Or, if you like trendy looks and quirky home decor, check out the Indie shops along Ballard Avenue NW. Finally, to end your full day of shopping, you can dine in one of the outstanding Chinatown-International District restaurants.

Now, you know the top five lake towns for shopaholics. So what are you waiting for? Pack your swimsuit, grab your shopping shoes, and let the fun begin!

Great for All Seasons: A Highlight of Traverse City, MI

Posted on Mary Walters

It can be difficult to find a lake area that’s pleasant throughout all seasons. Summer heat can keep you close to the air conditioner, afraid to go outdoors and face the humidity. On the other hand, the winter blues can make you feel lonely as everything closes shop, and you have no choice but to bundle up inside the house. One location that’s close to perfect, regardless of the weather, is Traverse City, Michigan. Every season provides plenty of opportunities for the whole family to get outside and enjoy the pleasant lake atmosphere. Take a look below to see what’s available in Traverse City– winter, spring, summer, or fall!

Winter

Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.

In some vacation spots, winter shuts down all the activities, everyone goes home, and everything goes quiet. In Traverse City, winter is one of the more exciting seasons. A major attraction is the ski lodges that surround the area. At night, they even offer cross country skiing. Further, one of the best winter attractions specific to Traverse City is snowshoeing across the sand dunes. This activity allows you to see the beauty of the lakeshore in the quiet winter snow.

Spring

cherry blossoms
Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.

With the flowers in bloom, spring is an excellent time to enjoy the beautiful, quaint life of Traverse City. You can go on a tour of the cherry orchards that peak around mid-May. It’s a full excursion of beautiful cherry blossoms and flowers around the area. Another great idea for spring is a wine tour to explore various vineyards throughout the region. May is Michigan Wine Month, which Traverse City celebrates through specialized wine tours. Many visitors make the trip to Traverse City to enjoy a fun weekend discovering the vineyards in northwest Michigan.

Summer

traverse city lake beachy shoreline

Of course, you cannot beat the weather and lake life in Traverse City during the summer. Because the city sits right on the lake, there are countless opportunities to enjoy a sun-kissed day full of swimming and outdoor activities. If you’re a history buff, a popular option is to set sail on one of the tall ships. Summer is also considered a festival season. This city hosts the National Cherry Festival every July, which is a great time to enjoy this classic fruit from the Cherry Capital of the World. Additionally, there is a fun art and film festival scene throughout the summer where you can discover the latest, cutting edge creations from various artists.

Fall

fall foliage traverse city michigan

As the leaves begin to change, you will not want to miss the beauty of Traverse City. The best way to get out and enjoy the crisp fall weather is a hike along available trails. The famous sand dunes make for an excellent view of the lake, but there are also various forest trails in the area to enjoy watching the changing leaves. Another unique way to enjoy this season is by attending Traverse City’s annual Beer Week in November, an event that highlights local breweries. During this festive week, you can sign up for a race or check out other seasonal events. 

Whatever time of year you choose to visit Traverse City, there will be no shortage of activities to enjoy in this versatile, northern Michigan paradise. 

Traverse City, MI: The Hot Spot for Millennial Millionaires

Posted on Hallie Mitchell

There are 70 million millennials in the United States, and of those, 618,000 are millionaires. With that number growing, many of them are looking to invest their money in property. When imagining all the places that these young wealthy people could enjoy their millions, what exotic or wealth laden areas come to mind? Traverse City, Michigan, is the answer for more millennial millionaires than any other locale by zip code. Millennials are those who were born between 1982 and 1996, and ages range from 23 to 37 in 2019. The millionaires among them have a reported net worth between $1 million and $2.49 million, and their value is only projected to grow. 

 

Location, Location, Location

Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.

Roughly 44% of these millennial millionaires are located in California. Still, those who are looking for a different pace are flocking to Traverse City. The draw for this active group is a community that boasts microbreweries, wineries, and a robust food scene. They are leaving the hustle and bustle of the big cities and heading north and situating themselves on the shores of Lake Michigan. 

The city is located in the northwestern part of Michigan and accommodates many needs with a central location that makes travel to much of the United States convenient. It’s close to major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee and it’s only a short plane ride from the Cherry Capital Airport to New York and Washington, D.C. The geography makes Traverse City an ideal spot for those busy young people looking to find a place to settle down or vacation.

Traverse City offers homes overlooking freshwater and beaches for a better price than homes in larger metropolitan areas. According to the Lake Homes Realty Lake Real Estate Market Report, Lake Michigan is the number one lake located in the state when it comes to having the most listings and most homes available. The Traverse City Area comes in number four on the list of listings with the most expensive land of fewer than 10 acres. However, Lake Michigan also has plenty of that land that millennial millionaires can purchase and build the lake home of their dreams, and with 92% of them purchasing property as opposed to existing homes, that’s what most are opting to do.

Get Out and Explore

Good Harbor Beach – Sleeping Bear Bunes National Lakeshore
Photo courtesy of Grand Traverse Living.

Traverse City gives those calling it home plenty of opportunities to get out and experience life. You can always explore a new area of Traverse City because every new season brings a new adventure. With Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore trails, ski slopes, beaches, and the downtown area, there is something for everyone to do. Head over to a park and explore a new area on one of the many local bike trails. You can hit the slopes, shop downtown at any of the latest trendy clothing stores or head to the beach and enjoy the freshwater and the white sandy beaches. With 40 wineries, 13 craft breweries, and over 150 restaurants, there is always a new place to explore or spend time with friends. 

Grand Traverse Commons
Photo courtesy of Experience Michigan Magazine.

The Grand Traverse Commons is another hidden jewel of Traverse City. The building looks like a castle, and in winter, covered in snow, it seems perfect for a starring role in a Hallmark movie. The former mental asylum is located in a 480-acre park that is a favorite for cyclists and hikers. Though it has a somewhat disturbing past, the new Commons boasts restaurants, galleries, shops, and even apartments. There is also a 25-acre Botanical Garden at the Historic Barns Park that was built on what was once the former asylum’s farm complex. In the same area, just a little north is a place called Slabtown, which was once a neighborhood inhabited by those who worked as millworkers and stevedores. Sleder’s Family Tavern located there is Michigan’s oldest continuously operated bar.

Since more millennials have decided to call Traverse City home, the city has experienced a growth of trendy restaurants, businesses, and festivals. Many love the lifestyle of living in a smaller city. Diverse residents and a healthy stream of tourists create a vibrant local culture.

Lights, Camera, Action

Photo courtesy of Traverse City Film Festival.

Events are always taking place in Traverse City. Throughout the year, the city hosts various activities, including Beer Week, guided walking ghost tours, restaurant week, the Downtown Chili Cook-off, and a full calendar of other events. During the winter, you’ll find ski races at Shanty Creek, and it also hosts the Northern American VASA Festival of Races.

One of the more notable festivals that has become a hit is the Traverse City Film Festival. It was established in 2005 by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore. It is a charitable and educational nonprofit organization founded on the idea that “One Great Movie Can Change You: Just Great Movies” is helping to save the cinema. The festival helped to revive the State Theater, and the event occurs every year in late July to early August.

Traverse City also hosts an Ironman 70.3 competition, which has been an enormous success. The Ironman 70.3, also known as a Half Ironman, is a part of a series that takes place all over the world. It consists of a 1.2-mile swim in West Grand Traverse Bay, a 56-mile bike ride through the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and a 13.1-mile run that concludes in downtown Traverse City.  

 

No matter what you enjoy, there is an activity or event for you in Traverse City. 

All About the Lake Lifestyle

Photo courtesy of Grand Traverse Living.

Living on the lake in Michigan is your access to unlimited watersports. Along with every form of boating, the winds make it ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing on the lake. Have you never done it before? No problem, there are plenty of shops that offer both equipment and lessons. Want something with a little more power? You can either bring your own or rent a jet ski and enjoy Lake Michigan differently. For the less serious athlete, there is a kayak brewery tour. The tour takes you to local brewers in Traverse City while you also get to explore more of Lake Michigan.

Lake Michigan offers breathtaking beaches, and if you are a dog lover, you are in luck. There are many beaches where your fur baby is welcome to enjoy Lake Michigan with you. 

Salmon Fishing at Sunset
Photo courtesy of Grand Traverse Living.

Clear blue water and inland lakes make Traverse City an excellent place to do some freshwater fishing. Smallmouth Bass, King and Coho Salmon, Walleye, Lake Trout, Great Lakes Muskie, Brown Trout, and Steelhead are all found in the waters of Lake Michigan. The peak times to fish in this area are between May and October because it offers a consistent supply of fish. During the winter, when the ice begins to thicken, you can head out on the “hard water” and participate in the “Up North” tradition of Ice Fishing. 

 

Traverse City offers so many amenities and activities; it’s no wonder young and wealthy millennials are flocking to the area. 

Click HERE to learn more about Traverse City, Michigan.