Vanessa & Cale
Things To Do
Pyramid Point Trail
Pyramid Point Trail is one of Cale and Vanessa's favorite hikes along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is just under 3 miles round-trip, with mostly hilly terrain on the way up, but the view is so worth it!
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive has a little taste of everything along the National Lakeshore. It is a 7.4 mile drive in the forest where you will see different views including an incredible view of Lake Michigan (without the hike), a view of Glen Lake, and other angles of the dunes.
Empire Bluff Trail
This hike is breathtaking and another one of Cale and Vanessa's all-time favorites. It takes you through the forest, giving you a break from the heat of the sun and once you reach the top, you experience a stunning, panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. This trail is 1.5 miles round-trip, so it's a little bit shorter than Pyramid Point Trail, but the views are just as beautiful!
Fishtown
Fishtown is another name for Leland, MI, a cute town outside of Traverse City on the Leelanau Peninsula. It has cute shops and an adorable fishing village along Lake Michigan that has an interesting history. If you go to Leland, you must stop at Van's Beach close-by. It is gorgeous and is the secret place where you can search for beach glass.
Leelanau Peninsula/ M22
The Leelanuau Peninsula is the place that captures all of the beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. This is where you will find Cale and Vanessa's favorite hikes and amazing views. This peninsula is in the middle of wine country, but also has has a brewery, distillery, and cidery! M22 is the gorgeous state highway that follows the shore of Lake Michigan around the perimeter of the Leelanau Peninsula. There is also a store that sells M22 merchandise which is always fun to go into. There is an M22 shop in downtown Traverse City and one in Glen Arbor, which the cutest little town along M22.
Old Mission Peninsula
Old Mission is the other peninsula connected to Traverse City. This peninsula is also lined with wineries and beautiful views. A beautiful winery to stop at is Chateau Chantal, which overlooks the vineyard and Grand Traverse Bay. If you get hungry in this neck of the woods, we would suggest a stop at the Jolly Pumpkin Brewing Company...they have good beer, food, and views. There is also the cute Old Mission Lighthouse once you reach the tip of the peninsula!
Nauti Cat Cruises
Nauti Cat cruises are a great way to get out on the water in Traverse City! They have a few different types of cruises, including a sunset cruise. The catamaran has a bar and amazing staff. This is perfect if you are looking for a relaxing activity!
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
Moomers. Is. Amazing. This family-owned ice cream shop is on a dairy farm and has been voted the #1 scoop in America! They go from cow to cone, making it the most delicious ice cream in the universe.
Hop Lot Brewing Company
Hop Lot is a newer brewery along M22 that is smack-dab in the middle of the woods...an ideal way to enjoy a brew! Oftentimes they have a live band and outdoor games.
Front Street - Downtown Traverse City
Front Street is where all the shopping happens! Downtown Traverse City is filled with adorable boutiques, eateries, and coffee shops.
Cherry Republic | Glen Arbor
For those who didn't know, Traverse City is the Cherry Capital of the world! This store has everything cherry...from cherry salsa to cherry wine to cherry jam. You name it, they probably have a cherry version! There is a store in Glen Arbor or right downtown on Front Street in Traverse City (the Glen Arbor location has more to offer...make sure to check out their public house!)
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Grand Traverse Pie Company is a staple in Traverse City. If you like pie this is definitely the place for you! If not, it is still an amazing place for lunch and coffee. The smell of warm pie takes over right when you walk in.