For more than 150 years, lighthouses have been a beacon of safety for ships traveling the Great Lakes. During the past 50 years, many of Michigan’s 130 lighthouses have been transformed into some of the state’s most popular tourist attractions. This is especially true of the Traverse City area, home to four lighthouses that are open to the public and others that are not, but well worth viewing. What sets the area apart, however, is the variety of lighthouses less than an hour’s drive from each other, including the state’s most photographed lighthouse, one sitting on a picturesque, rocky beach, two others on islands and another perched at the end of a pier.
You simply can’t visit Traverse City without enjoying a cool treat at Moomers Homemade Ice Cream. The shop is located just five miles from beautiful downtown Traverse City next to a dairy farm. And it’s all about family at this popular destination. Moomers is owned and operated by the Plummer family who share their passion for ice cream and agriculture with area residents and tourists. Nancy Plummer had tossed around the idea of opening an ice cream shop for years. As the owner of a dairy farm with her husband Bob, she thought it was an ideal location. To learn about the ice cream business, she contacted the Ice Cream Association and they put her in touch with the Durant family, owners of Uncle Ray’s Dairyland in Fenton. “They trained me in all aspects of the ice cream business. They were my mentors,” says Nancy. They have remained good friends and still call each other for advice.
The craft beer movement has exploded across the country, including in the state of Michigan. Traverse City is home to several micro-breweries – one is called Right Brain Brewery, located on E. 16th Street in the old warehouse district. Owned by Russell Springsteen, the unique brew pub has been serving beer lovers since 2007, according to Joe Symons, Event Coordinator. “It’s the thing to do now,” says Joe. “We make our beer on site at the brewery.” And what people love best about Right Brain is the fantastic beer made with all natural ingredients. “There are no fake flavorings in our beer!” he exclaimed. One example is their Apple Pie Whole, an amber ale made with 40 real apple pies — crust and all! One can expect a hazy sunset color, candy apple aroma, medium body and satisfying notes of apple skin, cinnamon and biscuit. Another craft beer is Angel’s Nectar, which has a dark body with big notes of chocolate and banana.
Interlochen Center for the Arts will be brimming with artistic excitement this summer as students express their creative passions in the school’s many camps and classes. Located just 15 miles southwest of Traverse City, Interlochen originated in 1928 as a music camp for boys and girls. Its Arts Academy opened in 1962 and soon thereafter, its popular public radio station and arts festival were born.
Simply one of northern Michigan’s most picturesque drives, the M-22 highway gives visitors a taste of the tree-lined beauty and lovely lakeshores from the comfort of their vehicles. Whether you enjoy investigating small towns or just cruising for the views, M-22 is a unique destination in itself. It’s also an eye-pleasing route for those looking to experience the splendor of northern Michigan’s fall colors.
Traverse City and the surrounding area is wine country – its location on the 45th parallel makes the climate perfect for growing grapes. Winery tours are popular and the variety is nearly endless! Discover the spectacular beauty and charm of Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula while experiencing some award-winning wines. ♦
In 2011, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located on Michigan’s northwestern coastline, was selected as the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America. With its great sweeping dunes, clear shores and hardy forests, it truly is a 35-mile stretch of serene beauty. The Federal Government designated the area a national park in 1970, to include North and South Manitou Islands, recognizing it as the country’s unique “third coast” and deserving of special protection. A protected wilderness rich in history and recreational pursuits, it greets thousands of visitors each year.
Summertime is the peak season for tourism in Traverse City – and it just wouldn’t be summer without baseball and hot dogs. TC Residents and tourists alike love their professional baseball team – the Beach Bums – based in the TC suburb of Blair Township. The popular team is a member of the East Division of the Frontier League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball.
Whether you plan your trip ahead of time or decide to just browse around downtown for the day, a visit to the arts-and-culture-loving city of Ann Arbor will inspire you, encourage you and probably tire you out! Less than an hour drive from Flint and proud home of the University of Michigan, the city is bursting with things to do for people of all ages. Hundreds of restaurants and unique shops dot the city, in addition to world-class art and historical museums, fun outdoor adventures, great music and theatre venues, and exciting festivals and football games which bring thousands of people through the city and campus area each year. Accolades for Ann Arbor are well-deserved. It’s been named one of Best Midwest Food Towns in Midwest Living; America’s Best Main Streets in Fordor’s Travel; 25 Most Beautiful Cities in America by Budget Travel; Most Walkable Cities by Governing.com and 10 Coolest Cities in the Midwest by MSN Travel. My City Magazine presents to our readers a snapshot of what this energetic and creative city has to offer. You’re sure to find something fun to do in Ann Arbor!
