Answer: I’m very sorry for your family’s loss. Traverse City is a wonderful place, but weekend stays—especially on short notice—can be extremely expensive. Saturdays often sell out due to weddings, wine events, and year-round tourism. While bereavement discounts are not widely advertised, you can still find options and strategies to secure a reasonable rate.

Answer: For a full day exploring Old Mission Peninsula, focusing on wineries and scenic stops, you can comfortably visit 3-4 wineries without feeling rushed. Since your husband enjoys wine tastings and you want to enjoy the views, it’s best to plan your day with some flexibility for lingering at spots you enjoy most. Early to mid-October is past the peak tourist season, so it’s generally easier to visit wineries without long waits, but reservations are recommended for guided tastings or if you want to secure a specific time slot at popular wineries.

Answer: Driving from Grand Rapids to Traverse City offers a couple of different routes, each with its own experience. The most direct route is via US-131 north, which is faster and takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. If you’re looking for scenery and small-town stops, taking M-31 (and connecting through M-22 along the way) is longer—about 5 to 5.5 hours—but can be much more scenic, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Answer: Hi Scott! It sounds like you're planning a wonderful trip to Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. There are several great options for your group, so here's a breakdown of the three locations you're considering:

Answer: Even if the weather in Traverse City is rainy during your first week of October, there are still plenty of enjoyable indoor activities to keep your trip interesting. The area has a variety of museums, cultural spots, and cozy indoor experiences that don’t involve wineries or outdoor excursions.

Answer: It sounds like you're planning a wonderful summer trip to Michigan! Traverse City (TC) is a great starting point, and there's a lot to explore in the surrounding area. Based on your interests in outdoor activities like climbing dunes, beach days, paddle boarding, biking, and boating, here’s some advice on timing, places to stay, and things to do.

Answer: Traverse City offers a variety of excellent dining options for a special occasion like a 24th wedding anniversary. In October, the fall season adds a cozy and romantic atmosphere, perfect for enjoying local cuisine and wines.

Answer: For a family stay in Traverse City, both Cherry Tree Inn and Bayshore Resort are popular options, but they offer slightly different experiences. Since you’re traveling with kids, the choice may depend on amenities, location, and atmosphere.

Answer: Traverse City and the surrounding Grand Traverse area offer several excellent golf courses with beautiful scenery, well-maintained fairways, and convenient lodging nearby. Mid-September is a great time to visit — the weather is typically pleasant, and rates for both golf and hotels may be slightly lower than peak summer pricing.

Answer: Traverse City offers a number of hotels and resorts along the bay that provide beautiful water views while also being within walking distance of downtown restaurants, bars, and shops. If your priority is a bay view and easy access to the city, there are several excellent options.

Answer: Traverse City offers several options for a Thanksgiving meal, ranging from traditional turkey dinners to more contemporary or regional fare. Since you are traveling with two kids, it’s nice to choose a place with a relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly options.

Answer: Traverse City is a fantastic base for a summer vacation, and while it may seem “quiet” compared to big cities, there are plenty of activities to keep young adults busy and engaged. With five nights, you can mix outdoor adventures, water activities, golf, food and wine experiences, and a day trip to Mackinac Island for a varied and active itinerary.

Answer: Halloween in Traverse City is always a fun time, and with the IceMan bike race happening around the same time, there will likely be a lot of action in the bars. Here are a few places where you're likely to find something happening on Halloween night:

Answer: It sounds like you’re planning a lovely getaway to Traverse City, and while it can be tricky to find reasonably priced accommodations during peak summer months, there are a few options for a great one-night stay near the city and close to the airport without breaking the bank. Here are some suggestions that could work well for your Saturday night and your return on Friday:

Answer: Early October is a beautiful time to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes, as the fall foliage adds a vibrant backdrop to the already stunning views of Lake Michigan. Planning a full day with Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Empire Bluff Trail, and the Dune Climb is a great start, but there are a few additional options to enhance your experience without overexerting yourself.

Answer: Traverse City in November can be a quieter time compared to the summer, but the downtown area still offers a great mix of restaurants, bars, and cozy spots for after-game drinks. Since you want to stay within walking distance of places to grab a drink after attending a hockey game, staying downtown or close to the waterfront is ideal.

Answer: The Leelanau Peninsula is known for its beautiful vineyards and scenic wine trails, and there are several affordable options for wine trail tours or designated driver (DD) services. Here are some ideas to help you plan a great wine-tasting experience without worrying about transportation: