Traverse City / Petoskey: The Beauty of the Other North Shore - Traverse City MI Weekend Getaway

Preview: In the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula lies a large area of astonishing vistas, gorgeous natural wonders, and unparalleled amenities that may not exist anywhere else in the Midwest. Sound like just a bit of an overstatement? Not when you experience the beauty of Lake Michigan’s other North Shore—the 100-mile stretch of coastline that extends from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park north to Petoskey State Park. Once considered only as a destination for ruggedly hearty outdoorsmen, the area now is home to the stately manors of wealthy Detroit families, as well as the contemporary developments and resorts of Harbor Springs and Traverse Bay. Two-lane roads wind their way along the Leelanau Peninsula coast through dozens of resort villages—each claiming the best dining and views of Lake Michigan. On the smaller Old Mission Peninsula, the larger port of Traverse City forms the starting point for investigating the cherry orchards, historic lighthouses, and gently rolling farmlands that line the eastern and western peninsula shores. From Chicago, it’s almost a six-hour drive up to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but it’s well worth the time to experience a destination that will satisfy both the active travelers and the relaxation seekers in the family. There’s too much to do in Northwest Michigan to squeeze it all into a three-day weekend, so save this for when you’ve banked a little vacation time. Highlights include: Biking, hiking, galleries, shopping, golf, fishing, theaters, and concerts. The detailed itinerary in this chapter is a driving tour that features extensive recommendations for sightseeing attractions, recreational activities, lodging, restaurants, shopping, and more.
© Copyright Bonnie Miller Rubin, Marcy Mason published by The Globe Pequot Press all rights reserved.


Duration: 3 Nights
Best Time to Go: Year-round
This travel guide comes from:
Quick Escapes: Chicago Guide Book