Charlotte & Nicholas
Things To Do in TC
National Cherry Festival
Traverse City will be hopping with Cherry Festival the week leading up to our wedding! Head downtown to find the open space full of cherry vendors, parades down Front Street, various competitions (including pie eating, pit spitting, sand castle building), concerts at night and meet the Cherry Queen!
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Did you know Traverse had its own National Park? Have you ever climbed a sand hill the size of a mountain? Get away from the hustle of Cherry Festival and check out Sleeping Bear Dunes! The park offers endless fun, but check out Charlotte and Nick’s favorite spots: look out at Pyramid Point, drive along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, hike Empire Bluff Trail, drag yourself up the Dune Climb, or go for a bike ride on Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
This historic 1884 hospital once housed the mentally and physically disabled people of Michigan, but after years of restoration now features a sprawling shopping and dining spot, with arboretum & hiking trails around it. Learn about its somewhat dark yet somewhat hopeful history with a tour, or treat yourself with a gourmet dinner at Trattoria Stella or Pepe Nero, cider at Left Foot Charley, or brunch at Red Spire. The small, locally owned shops located inside the main building are as easy to lose yourself in as the beautiful hiking trail surrounding the buildings.
Downtown Traverse City
Downtown TC is probably the most charming part of our home. Shop for Petosky stones and trinkets from Nifty Things and a cute dress from Sincerely Betty (where Charlotte once worked!) Grab some coffee from Brew or the Dish, or try something harder at 7 Monks, the rooftop bar at Hotel Indigo, or Low Bar. For lunch, be sure to try Pie Company, Green House or Taproot. Then get dinner at Red Ginger, Poppycocks or Sorellina. Or just take it easy at the food trucks at Little Fleet. Once you're on Front Street, you really cannot go wrong.
State Theatre or The Bijoux
While there's much to do outside in Northern Michigan, one of the can't miss stops is the beautifully restored vintage theatres right by downtown TC. Even just to walk by and see the marquees is worth it.
Grand Traverse Wineries
Would you believe Grand Traverse makes some incredible wine? The geography of the bays and peninsulas creates a temperate climate perfect for late falls that make tasty wines. Try a few of our favorites: Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor Vineyard, Black Star Farms, Mari Vineyards and Brys Estate.
Grand Traverse Bay
We know why people come to Traverse City, and its the water. Rent a boat or Jetski on East bay, jump on the NautiCat for a sail and drinks, jump in Lake Michigan after laying in the sand or just enjoy the view... Make sure you bring your swim trunks and the sunscreen.
The River Outfitters
Kayaks, stand up paddle boards, bikes, or special tours--if you want to do something active and exciting in Traverse City we recommend The River! Their experiences--including the KaBrew Water Brewery Tour--will be a grand time for the whole gang!