Bring back the magic of summer with a trip to the alluring coastal community of Traverse City. Complete each item on the Ultimate TC Summer Bucket List and make memories you’ll cherish long after the season ends.
✓ National Cherry Festival
On July 4-11, get ready for a crimson centennial – It’s the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival! Dance the night away at the Bayside Music Stage to musical acts like The Fray, Daughtry, and Bow Wow & Soulja Boy. Witness the aerobatic feats of the Airshow and the fantastical floats of the NCF Parades (for free). Chase thrills on the rides at Arnold’s Amusements Midway. Most importantly, eat cherries for days!
✓ Traverse City Food & Wine
Now in its second year, Traverse City Food & Wine returns August 19–23 for five days celebrating the extraordinary flavors, agriculture, and culinary creativity of northern Michigan. The centerpiece is The Grand Tasting on August 22, but the full lineup spans intimate curated dinners, hands-on cooking demonstrations and wine classes, farm and vineyard tours, culinary sailing excursions, and conversations with some of the country’s most celebrated chefs and food writers. The celebrity talent lineup features Aarti Sequeira, Ruth Reichl, Martin Sorge, Afrim Pristine, and more.
✓ Experience Sleeping Bear Dunes
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the country. Hike, bike, and beach on the trails and coastline running through the heart of the protected area. Challenge your bestie to a race up the Dune Climb – Loser buys ice cream at Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor! And sunset-watching from a Sleeping Bear overlook is so spectacular, you’ll want to spend every twilight on the dunes.
✓ Tour the Traverse Wine Coast
The Traverse Wine Coast boasts not one, but two peninsulas dotted with award-winning vineyards. Take a self-curated journey or book a guided tour of both the Leelanau and Old Mission wineries. Taste the Wine Coast rainbow of crisp whites, refreshing frosé, sparkling bubbles, and rich red blends. There’s plenty to savor along the way.
✓ Downtown Shopping Spree
Perusing the iconic downtown Traverse City is non-negotiable. With unique shops, delicious restaurants, the stunning Open Space, Insta-worthy treats, and historic buildings, you can spend dawn till dusk here. There’s no better way to commemorate your epic summer vacation than an eclectic Front Street find, and if you didn’t snap a pic in front of a DT mural, did your TC trip even happen?
✓ International Fireworks Championship
Close out the summer with a bang at the International Fireworks Championship. On September 11-12 at Turtle Creek Stadium, six teams from across the globe will light up the night with intricate pyrotechnic displays. Spectators will vote for their favorite teams and award the Fan Choice Trophy, making it an interactive event. At the conclusion of night two, the judges panel of pyrotechnic specialists will crown the International Fireworks Champion!
✓ Bonus Item: The Road Less Traveled
To immerse yourself in “up north” culture, be sure to strike off the beaten path. Enjoy live entertainment at the stunning Interlochen Arts Center, an open-air venue on the shores of Green Lake. Plan an adventure at Crystal Mountain and ride the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide, attempt the Edge Adventure Course and Zipline, and explore the Michigan Legacy Art Park. Embark on an enchanted horse-drawn carriage ride at Fantail Farm. Quench your thirst on the patio of the family-owned and-operated Townline Ciderworks. Play a round of 18 at the world-class A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort. And… The list goes on. Never stop exploring northern Michigan; there’s always a hidden gem just around the bend.
Make it your mission to check off every bucket list item this summer! Book your Traverse City vacation today.
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