☀️🌊 OUR END-OF-SUMMER BUCKET LIST | TRAVERSE CITY EDITION 🍒🩵
We moved to Northern Michigan in June, and somehow summer is already flying by. 🥹 So before we officially trade beach days for cozy sweaters, I’m making it our mission to squeeze every last bit of summer out of this place we get to call home. ✨
Here’s our summer bucket list and what we’ve experienced so far!
☐ Spend a day at the beach
✅ Visit the farmers market
☐ Drive the Old Mission Peninsula
☐ Explore M-22
☐ Watch a sunrise over the bay
✅ Catch a Lake Michigan sunset
☐ Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes
☐ Get ice cream at a local spot
☐ Pick cherries or visit a U-pick farm
✅ Attend Cherry Festival
✅ Kayak or paddleboard
☐ Take the boat out / spend a day on the water
☐ Visit a local winery, brewery or cidery
☐ Have a picnic by the lake
✅ Explore downtown Traverse City
☐ Find a new favorite restaurant
☐ Take a sunset drive through the peninsula
☐ Visit a lighthouse
☐ Walk the TART Trail
☐ See a summer concert or outdoor movie (we sorta did this at cherry festival but we didn’t get tickets and just watched on the jumbo screens in the parking lot so I’m not counting it and also because I want to go to the drive in theatre)
☐ Buy something from a local shop
✅ Have a bonfire + s’mores
☐ Take way too many pictures 📸
☐ Make one more unforgettable summer memory 🤍
And then… hello, fall. 🍂
September 22 is the first day of fall, which means we have a little time left to make the most of these long days, warm nights, and beautiful Northern Michigan sunsets. 🌅🍁
What would you add to our list?! Especially if you’re local — give us your Northern Michigan summer must-dos! 👇🏼
#TraverseCity #TraverseCityMichigan #NorthernMichigan #MichiganSummer #summerbucketlist😮
Having spent a memorable summer in Northern Michigan myself, I can truly appreciate the charm of making the most out of the season in Traverse City and its surroundings. One of my favorite experiences was taking a leisurely drive along the M-22, known as one of the most scenic routes in the country. The route offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, rolling vineyards, and quaint towns like Suttons Bay and Leland. I recommend stopping at local roadside fruit stands to pick fresh cherries or local berries which add a sweet and authentic touch to the journey. A day at Clinch Park Beach is a wonderful way to soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters, especially in the morning when the beach is less crowded. I also discovered that grabbing ice cream at Moomers at West Bay is a delightful treat that captures the local flavor perfectly. For brunch, Red Spire Brunch House offers a welcoming atmosphere with delicious farm-to-table options. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where hiking to Pyramid Point provides breathtaking panoramic views. The Dune Climb is also quite an adventure and a great workout. If you’re into kayaking or paddleboarding, the Boardman River is a serene spot to experience sunrise over the bay – a magical moment that stays with you. For the evening, a bonfire with s’mores by the lake is a quintessential summer experience here. Don’t miss exploring downtown Traverse City where charming local shops offer unique finds, and tasting local wines or craft beers at nearby wineries and breweries adds to the region's character. The TART Trail is perfect for biking or walking, connecting many key points. Finally, attending the National Cherry Festival or visiting a U-pick farm can be highlights of the trip. These authentic local experiences help create lasting summer memories in Northern Michigan. If you’re still seeking more, try catching an outdoor movie or concert, or venture to a drive-in theatre to relive classic summer fun. Overall, Northern Michigan offers an endless supply of beautiful summer activities perfectly summarized in this bucket list, making it an ideal spot to fully embrace the end of the season before welcoming crisp fall days.
