by Maddie Shelton | Sep 8, 2023 | Travel
As summer’s warmth ends and the cool embrace of autumn rolls in, Traverse City, Michigan, transforms into a picturesque wonderland. The vibrant foliage, crisp air, and a bounty of seasonal offerings make it an ideal destination for a fall getaway. If you’re planning a visit, here are three must-do activities to take full advantage of the beauty and charm of Traverse City during the fall season.
Explore the Colorful Trails: Fall in Traverse City means a breathtaking display of colors. The surrounding forests and parks boast reds, oranges, and yellows. To fully appreciate this natural beauty, embark on a hiking adventure in one of the nearby state parks or nature reserves. The Grand Traverse region has an array of scenic trails, such as the Old Mission Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the Boardman River Trail. Whether you’re an avid hiker or stroll, these trails offer a memorable journey through Michigan’s fall foliage.
Sip and Savor at Local Orchards and Wineries: Fall would only be complete with indulging in the region’s apple and grape harvests. Traverse City is renowned for its apple orchards and vineyards, making it the perfect place to experience the season’s essence. Take a scenic drive along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail or the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, where you can sample exceptional wines while surrounded by stunning autumn hues. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery continues to be an ideal spot to explore unique wines and admire the view on the upper deck. Additionally, visit one of the many local orchards, such as Rennie Orchards, to pick your own apples or savor freshly baked apple pies and cider donuts. It’s a delicious way to celebrate fall’s flavors.
Traverse the Cherry Capital: Traverse City is famously known as the Cherry Capital of the World, and fall is the perfect time to explore its fruitful heritage. To taste Traverse City’s iconic cherries, take advantage of the chance to savor cherry-infused dishes, desserts, and beverages at local restaurants and cafes. You might even stumble upon a farmers’ market showcasing the region’s rich agricultural traditions if you’re lucky.
Traverse City, Michigan, beckons with its autumn charm, offering a delightful mix of outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and seasonal beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or simply seeking a serene fall escape, this destination has something to offer. Embrace the magic of fall in Traverse City and create lasting memories amidst the stunning landscapes and warm-hearted communities that define this enchanting corner of Michigan. Amid the fall exploration, stop by our downtown Traverse City location to explore our eyewear collections!
by Maddie Shelton | May 17, 2023 | Eyewear, Travel
Sunglasses are an essential accessory for watersports enthusiasts, offering both style and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. With so many brands and styles available, deciding which to choose can be difficult. In this blog, we’ll recommend and explore some of the best sunglass brands available at the Sunglass Shoppe for watersports.
Oakley
Oakley is a well-known brand that offers various sunglasses designed for outdoor activities, including watersports. Oakley sunglasses are made with high-quality polarized lenses that reduce glare and provide excellent vision on the water. Thanks to their three-point fit system and rubberized nose pads, they’re also designed with a secure, comfortable fit.
Maui Jim
Maui Jim is a brand known for its high-quality polarized lenses that enhance color contrast and reduce glare, making it easier to see in bright sunlight and on the water. Maui Jim sunglasses also feature a lightweight, comfortable frame perfect for all-day wear.
Ray Ban
Ray Ban is a classic brand that offers a variety of sunglasses for outdoor activities, including watersports. Ray-Bans are made with high-quality polarized lenses that reduce glare and provide excellent vision on the water. They’re also designed with a timeless, stylish frame perfect for any watersports enthusiast.
Choosing the right sunglasses brand is crucial for any watersports enthusiast. The Sunglass Shoppe offers various high-quality brands, including Oakley, Maui Jim, and Ray Ban. These brands offer polarized lenses, a durable frame, and a comfortable fit, making them perfect for any outdoor activity. Visit the Sunglass Shoppe to find the ideal pair of sunglasses for your next watersports adventure. Stop in today and talk with one of our eyewear gurus!
by Colleen Stout | Dec 15, 2022 | Travel
If you want to hit the slopes this winter, head to Northern Michigan, where you’ll find some of the best skiing in the Midwest.
Michigan is second only to New York for the state with the most ski resorts. Some of the best are right here in Northern Michigan. The ski season generally gets underway in late November and runs through mid-April. It’s weather dependent, of course. The season length can vary by a week or two.
The Highlands at Harbor Springs
Skiiers and snowboarders are welcome at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. It’s home to 435 skiable acres and features Michigan’s longest ski run. They offer 53 beautifully groomed downhill runs. Snowboarders have access to four world-class terrain parks. The Austrian-American SnowSports Academy provides lessons for all ages and skill levels.
There are plenty of other snow activities for those who don’t ski. Fat tire biking, tubing, and snowshoeing are a few of the other winter activities available. For accommodations, choose from condos, private homes, and traditional lodge rooms. The onsite restaurants include both casual and fine dining options.
Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls has 60 downhill ski runs. Snowboarders enjoy seven different terrain parks. Their state-of-the-art snowmaking guns guarantee you have a deep base to run on no matter what Mother Nature decides to do. If you’re a beginner, take advantage of their customized lessons for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. They also offer advanced classes for those with more experience on the slopes. If skiing isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to keep you busy. Try your hand at ice skating, fat tire biking, horseback riding, and more.
There are plenty of ways to warm up after you’re done enjoying the snow at Boyne Moutain. The temperature is always a balmy 84 degrees inside the Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan. You will find fun for the whole family, including six waterslides, a children’s pool, a surf simulator, and a hot tub. Adults can relax at the resort spa. Pamper yourself with a massage, facial, or body treatment. A variety of lodges, cabins, villas, and hotel rooms provide a comfortable stay for everyone.
Nub’s Nob Ski Area
Nub’s Nob Ski Area in Harbor Springs has won awards for having the best corduroy snow slopes in the Midwest. Skiers enjoy 53 ski slopes and three separate peaks. Their longest run is ⅞ of a mile long. The highest vertical drop is 427 feet. Snowboarders have access to three terrain parks. Snow is plentiful since 97 percent of their 248 acres are covered by snowmaking machines. A free 275,000-square-foot Beginner Area is open for anyone with proper snow equipment. If you’ve never skied before, it’s a great way to try it out. Nub’s hosts several popular events throughout the season, including the Nub’s Nob Open, Speed Series, and the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Two lodges offer onsite dining, a warm fire, and restrooms. While accommodations aren’t available onsite, Petoskey and Harbor Springs hotels are close by.
by Colleen Stout | Oct 21, 2022 | Travel
It’s fall in Northern Michigan, and we don’t think there’s a better place to enjoy sweater weather than the Petoskey area! Here are five of the best things to do near Petoskey in the fall.
The Tunnel of Trees
The Tunnel of Trees is just North of Petoskey on M-119. This famous road twists and turns along a route covered by a thick tree canopy. It’s beautiful any time of year, but especially spectacular when leaves change color in the fall. It also offers amazing views of Lake Michigan. A section of the road follows a ridge, rising high above the lake and Little Traverse Bay. The route takes you through the lakeshore town of Harbor Springs, where you’ll find unique places to shop. Keep heading north, and you’ll come to Pond Hill Farm. They have a vineyard and wine-tasting room as well as a family-friendly cafe. Pumpkins and gourds are available at the farm market. Further, up the road, you’ll come to the 1930s-era Good Hart General Store. Shop for souvenirs, and be sure to grab a treat from their much-loved bakery. M-119 ends at Cross Village, the site of one of Michigan’s earliest settlements. Stop at Cross Village Park for a stroll along the beach.
Take a Wine Tour
Northern Michigan is home to one of the unique wine regions in the country. The cold winters and proximity to Lake Michigan create an unusual climate that allows them to produce wines from specially cultivated cold-hardy grapes. They also produce various fruit wines from the abundant orchards that thrive along the lakeshore. There are several wineries just outside Petoskey. Enjoy a fall day in the Michigan countryside, taking in the colors and visiting the local tasting rooms to sample wines you won’t find anywhere else. Many of the wineries offer food and live entertainment as well. Visit petoskey.wine to find out more.
Boyne Mountain Resort
In the winter Boyne Moutain Resort is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. But there’s a lot to do in the fall too. With acres of forest and hills, it’s a great place to take in the beauty of fall in Northern Michigan. The scenic chairlift ride gives you a panoramic view of the valley and the stunning fall foliage. The more adventurous can zipline through the tree canopy and across the ski slopes. Brand new to Boyne this year is Skybride Michigan. The World’s longest-timbered suspension bridge that spans 1,200 feet across the valley. You’ll ride a ski lift to access the 118-foot-high bridge, with even more incredible views of the fall landscape.
Petoskey Gaslight District
The historic Gaslight District is a charming shopping and dining area in downtown Petoskey. Named one of the Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine, it’s a wonderful place to spend a fall day. Enjoy the colorful trees and crisp air while strolling from shop to shop. With many unique stores and boutiques, you’re sure to find something special to take home for yourself or a loved one. Warm up and fill up in one of several local eateries offering everything from pizza to sushi to craft beer.
Bayfront Park
Walking distance from the Gaslight District, Petoskey’s Bayfront Park sits on the shores of Little Traverse Bay. There’s nothing quite like Lake Michigan in the fall when big, blue waves roll in against the backdrop of an autumn sky and colorful trees. Stroll along the park’s waterfront, see the famous clocktower and pier, and search for Petoskey stones on the rocky stretch of the beach. In the evening, take in an amazing fall sunset over the lake.
by Colleen Stout | Aug 24, 2022 | Travel
Tucked between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, the town of Charlevoix is a prime spot for a Northern Michigan summer vacation. Here are five must-see spots you don’t want to miss when you visit.
Earl Young Mushroom Houses
The Mushroom Houses, as they’re affectionately called, were designed and built by artist Earl Young. Made of stone with unusual rooflines and wavy eaves, the houses have a storybook feel to them. A nature lover, Young designed the houses to blend with the landscape and sourced the stone from the beaches of Northern Michigan. The 26 homes are private residences. While they’re not open for inside tours, you can view the Mushroom Houses from the outside. Mushroom House Tours offers a guided tour. You can also take a self-guided walking or driving tour through the neighborhood. Please be considerate of the homeowners and don’t trespass on private property.
Castle Farms
As the name suggests, there is a castle in Northern Michigan! The castle was built in 1918 by the president of Sears and Roebuck, modeled after the stone barns and castles found in France. Today the grounds of Castle Farms are open to the public. You can view the incredible architecture of the castle and outbuildings and the beautiful botanical garden. You’ll also find the world’s largest outdoor model train in the garden. The building that once housed the farm’s blacksmith shop is now a WWI museum filled with memorabilia from the era. You can also see the owner’s private collection of antiques. Stop by the castle’s 1918 Cellars Tasting Room and Bistro to sample the farm’s Northern Michigan-produced wines and grab a bite to eat.
Fisherman’s Island State Park
Fisherman’s Island State Park has six miles of pristine, undeveloped beach along Lake Michigan. With that much sand, it’s easy to find a quiet spot along the water. It’s named for a small island off-shore. When lake levels are low the island can be reached by wading out to it. Currently, the lake is too high for that. A 2.5-mile hiking trail takes you through rolling sand dunes, forests, and bogs. It’s a great spot to take in the natural beauty of Northern Michigan.
Charlevoix South Pier Light Station and Michigan Beach Park
The Charlevoix South Pier Light Station is an iconic symbol of Northern Michigan. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the state. The bright red tower makes a striking contrast against the backdrop of Lake Michigan’s blue water. It’s located in Michigan Beach Park where you’ll find a large, white sand beach. There is also a playground and walking trails at the park. The restaurants and shops in downtown Charlevoix are within walking distance from the beach.
Lake Charlevoix
Lake Charlevoix is just inland from Lake Michigan, connected to the big lake by the Pine River Channel. The lake is a favorite spot for water sports, fishing, and swimming. With over 60 miles of shoreline, kayaking is also a popular activity on the lake. Ferry Beach Park, a public beach on Lake Charlevoix, has a playground and a boat launch. For a unique experience ride the Ironton Ferry, a cable-operated car ferry, across the south arm of the lake.
by Michelle | Feb 22, 2022 | Travel
Traverse City, MI, is a popular place to visit during the summer months, but why wait until then? If you are a lover of winter, Traverse City can be a fun place to stay for a winter vacation. Here are five activities that we think you should try if you visit Traverse City during the winter months.
Skiing and Snowboarding
There is no shortage of skiing and snowboarding slopes in Northern Michigan! One of Traverse City’s most popular ski areas is Hickory Hills. This ski area has eight downhill runs for skiing fun. There is something for everyone here, whether you are a beginner skier or snowboarder, or experienced enough to conquer the advanced slopes. Head east to try Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreation area, where you can choose from 16 different runs for all different skill levels.
Wine Tour
Wine tours aren’t just for summertime fun. Visit them during the winter for an entirely different experience! Sit by the fire and sip on some wine while watching the snowfall. The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail in Traverse City has 10 different wineries you can try all in one day! They all offer tastings and wine by the glass. Bring a group of friends for a great day!
Snowshoeing
If you are looking for another outdoor activity other than skiing or snowboarding, why not try snowshoeing? Traverse City has plenty of areas to go snowshoeing, including trails inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. It’s a great way to view the winter scenery on foot. If you don’t have your own snowshoes, you can rent them at The Homestead Resort.
Fat Tire Biking
For those of you who are avid bikers, fat-tire biking might be your thing in the winter! Feel safe on the trails and the road with fat-tire bikes. If you don’t have your own fat tire bike, you can rent one at the Timber Ridge RV and Recreation Resort.
Winter Shopping
Not a fan of the outdoors? Why not spend the day indoors and go shopping? Shop ‘til you drop on Front Street in Traverse City. There are a variety of shops and boutiques to browse, along with restaurants to pop into for a warm beverage. Don’t forget to stop into the Sunglass Shoppe to get your sunglasses for the upcoming spring and summer seasons!
Just because it’s winter in Northern Michigan doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. Traverse City, MI has something for everyone!
