The Sights and Sounds of Traverse City

There are a thousand ways to spend time while in Michigan. To make the most out of your precious time in Traverse City, here are the famous tourist spots in the area.

1.    Grand Traverse Bay

Grand Traverse Bay (West Bay And East Bay) stretches 32 miles long, 10 miles wide and 620 feet deep. Be sure to check out these other little inlets as well-

• Northport Bay
• Suttons Bay
• Omena Bay
• Bowers Harbor
• Old Mission Bay

 Aside from cruising along the bay’s beautiful beaches, Grand Traverse Bay is also known as a boating and fishing destinations.

 

2.    Sleeping Bear Dunes

 

Sleeping Bear Dunes boasts 64-miles of beaches, islands, coves and dunes. A number of dunes peaked as high as 400 feet tall. You can enjoy the view from overlooking spots in the famous Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. But if you want to get a closer look, it is always best to walk on its beaches or hike on its several trails.

 

 

3.    The Grand Traverse Commons

 

A formal mental facility, the Grand Traverse Commons a distinct architectural landmark in TC. The castle-like buildings are now a great place to shop. You can walk in its antique sidewalks now filled with galleries, offices, and restaurants. What most people do not know is the sub layers beneath the shops. Also the amazing hiking in the hills that lie just above the commons. This is the perfect place to run, bike or just walk leisurely while enjoying the 480-acre forested campus.

 

4.    Chateau Grand Traverse  

 To thrill your taste buds, Traverse City boasts amazing wineries scattered around the area. But the Chateau Grand Traverse stands out from the rest. Located on Old Mission Peninsula, the winery is famous for their first large-scale planting of Vitis vinifera in Michigan. Edward O’Keefe Jr. founded the Chateau Grand Traverse.

 You can have a taste of their 1987 vintage Johannisberg Riesling ice wine that was served in George H.W. Bush inauguration.

 

6.    Slabtown

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Slabtown is known for the preserved exterior homes from the Bohemian immigrants that came during the 19th century.  They came to Traverse City to work in the waterfront sawmills. The Bohemians people built their houses with scraps from the slabs of lumber millers, thus the name “Slabtown.” Let’s not forget the great burger place known as “Slabtown”. This place has amazing burgers!

 

7.    Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum

 If you want more than the average tourist experience, you might want to visit the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum.  It is the oldest lighthouse built on the Great Lakes. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum was built over 150 years ago and still in service until today. You can also visit other lighthouses within the area, these include:

 

• Mission Point Light
• Little Traverse Light
• South Fox Island Light

 

8.    Beaches, and lots of it!

 The best part of Traverse City is the beaches. You cannot simply leave the city without a trip to Clinch Park, West End, Traverse City State Park, Bryant Park, Power Island and North Bar Lake. You can also check my other article for the best beach in Traverse City.

Check out our online store for the best Michigan gear. And if you are in Traverse City, make sure you visit our TC store!!

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6 Amazing Places to Visit Saginaw, Michigan

Saginaw, home of my old nemesis Saginaw Valley, GO GVSU!!! ARE YOU A LAKER??? Sorry Saginaw residents I just had to drop this…

• Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square

Kids love animals, and while in Saginaw why not visit the best little zoo in town? The Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square sits on 10-acres of land designed with different amazing gardens and animal exhibits. They even own the only hand-carved carousel in Michigan. Your kids will surely appreciate nature in their educational tour, an Underwater Viewing Cave and a playground. The best part in this destination is that it won’t dent your budget.

• Japanese Cultural Center

Have a taste of a different culture within an arm’s reach. The Japanese Cultural Center is a great place to learn new things from origami, bonsai plant to the fine art of calligraphy. For a great experience, try to go for one of their tea ceremonies. I’ll guarantee you its more than tea, it’s a real masterpiece handcrafted by artisans. Their grounds are sure worthy of social media selfies, you may even try to buffer up those photography skills while enjoying the very relaxing ambience.

 

• The Hoyt Library

I am a book lover myself, so a trip in a local library is a must for me. The Hoyt Library has the most extensive genealogy in the region.  The librarians are always helpful if you need to look for a specific book or topic. It’s perfect for some quiet time, crouch beside their common area near the restored fireplace. The interior of the library is made with polished marble and beautiful wood works. It all adds up to the vibe of an old country house which can literally takes you back in time. Of course you can get into the hauntings like the video above shows.

 

• Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

If you are into hiking, worry not, Saginaw has its own Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Wait… Saginaw has a wild life area? Yep, its true! This is far different from other hiking trails as this park lets nature take its own course. It a true wildlife area. As you walk through its trail you will be engulfed by Mother Nature herself. As you walk all you can hear and see is nature, pure nature; crickets, birds, peaceful sights and ground creatures unexpectedly show up. Sometimes you may run into bear tracks or bunny trails, it’s a true refuge for the wildlife.

• Castle Museum

The Castle Museum has a style of a French Chateau and was initially built as a post office in 1897. Families and couples will definitely enjoy trip to the Castle Museum as they explore the old Saginaw. Sports fans will enjoy looking at old memorabilia in the museum sports hall of fame. Everyone else will find the lumbering and automotive historical display educational.

•  Pride and Country Village

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The best time to go in this place is during the Christmas holidays. They offer great bargains for Christmas décor. And if you get hungry because of all that shopping then head on to the main barn to grab some of their delish food.

Check out our line up of Michigan apparel. Livnfresh has Fresh Coast, Original Michigan D, and hang loose apparel that you are looking for!

 

 

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http://blog.livnfresh.com/6-amazing-places-to-visit-saginaw-michigan/