What to Do Up North ![]()
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1. TRAVERSE CITY - Spanning the southern shores of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays, Traverse City is the "major city" in the area. Annually it hosts the Cherry Festival and Traverse City Film Festival. Traverse City has a bustling yet quaint shopping and dining district located on Front Street, while the larger city boundaries feature several hotels/resorts and a variety of activities from miniature golf to sailing excursions. 2. CHERRY CAPITAL AIRPORT - Traverse City is accessible by less than an hour connection from Chicago or Detroit. After landing, most Up North attractions are less than a 45 minute drive away. If you can't figure it out by the name of the airport, Traverse City is the cherry capital of the world. 75% of the world's tart cherry crop is grown in the area surrounding Traverse City. 3. THE HOMESTEAD RESORT - "America's Freshwater Resort" is located in Glen Arbor, a 40 minute drive from Cherry Capital Airport. In addition to being the site of the the wedding reception, the resort features hundreds of hotel rooms, condos and homes for rent, along with several restaurants, a par-3 golf course, 2 pools, tennis courts, and access to the shore of Lake Michigan. 4. THE SLEEPING BEAR SAND DUNES - formed from glacial erosion during the ice age, this beautiful 111 square mile area set aside by the US Congress spans the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Featuring 500 foot climbing dunes, miles of hiking trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful views, this is a "must-see" for anyone traveling Up North. A drive through Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is where you should begin your journey. 5. GLEN LAKE - this lake is actually two lakes (Big and Little) separated by the "narrows". With crystal blue waters and attractions such as the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Alligator Hill, and Inspiration Point, Glen Lake has received global acclaim as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. 6. GLEN ARBOR - nestled between Glen Lake and Lake Michigan is a picturesque small town one expects to experience when on vacation. Throw on your shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops and leave the pretentiousness at home as you shop at the art galleries or Becky Thatcher's jewelry store, or maybe pick up a coon-skin cap or bow and arrow at the Totem Shop. Visit Cherry Republic and sample everything from cherry salsa to cherry barbecue sauce. Maybe canoe or kayak the Crystal River. Finish your day with a meal at the institution that is Art's Tavern, or enjoy live music on the deck at Boone's, or maybe even enjoy a simple pizza on the banks of the Crystal River at Johnnie Salami's. 7. LELAND - another one of the great "Up North" towns that run along M-22. Leland features "Fishtown" - the idyllic commercial fishing docks straight out of a forgotten era. There, you can buy fresh fish right off the boat. 8. NORTHPORT AND SUTTONS BAY - Continuing on your drive along M-22 will take you through the towns of Northport and Suttons Bay. Watch the sailboats come in and walk through the shops and restaurants scattered along these adorable towns that act as the second homes to chef Mario Batali and actor Tim Allen. 9. GOLF - Up North is a golfer's paradise. Not only does the area feature courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, but the area's position on the far western end of the Eastern Time Zone allows for a golfer to start up a round after dinner with daylight lasting past 10 pm. 10. VINEYARDS AND WINERIES - 17 vineyards and wineries dot the Leelanau Peninsula with another 7 located on the Mission Peninsula. 11. MISSION PENINSULA - the 15 mile peninsula that divides West Grand Traverse Bay from East Grand Traverse Bay is one of the prettiest stretches of land in the Midwest. Featuring vineyards, wineries, restaurants, farm markets, and bed & breakfasts, one could easily mistake the area for Sonoma. 12. INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS - Josh Groban and Norah Jones have trained at this internationally renowned fine arts academy. Several big name acts play at the amphitheater throughout the summer. 13. FISHING - there are several areas to fish Up North. The inland lakes (Glen, Leelanau, Crystal, Torch, Elk) are great fishing lakes for Perch and Bass. Or, one can try their hand at fly fishing on one of the many rivers or streams. While those looking for a bigger thrill can try their hand at freshwater deep-sea fishing on Lake Michigan (salmon, trout, whitefish). 14. MANITOU ISLANDS - accessible only by boat, these two uninhabited islands are a hikers dream. The islands feature an up-close view of a shipwreck along with the ability to hike through one of the few virgin timber forests in all of Michigan. A campground is available for overnight stays. 15. CRYSTAL DOWNS COUNTRY CLUB - the site of Kathryn and Tom's rehearsal dinner, this golf course is ranked as the 16th best golf course in the US by Golf Digest and 20th best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine. 16. LIGHTHOUSES - the Lake Michigan coastline is dotted with charming lighthouses. Bring your camera along as you travel from lighthouse to lighthouse and stop at town after town in between. |
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