Traverse City Travel Blog

The tree is decorated. The holiday meal is planned. Now you just need to finish buying — and wrapping — all those gifts. ‘Tis the season to shop until you drop, and Traverse City is ready to ensure your holidays shine bright with a wide variety of stores to satisfy every wish on your list. You’ll find everything you need and even have some fun along the way (maybe with a seasonal tipple in hand) at these area stores. 

Whether you’re local or visiting, spending Thanksgiving 2025 in Traverse City is bound to be filled with joy, warmth, and plenty of delicious memories. Gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy a meal cooked by local northern Michigan chefs. 

The beauty is in the little things. The single fall amber leaf is surrounded by the summer green leaves. The red crabapples are so ripe that they’re straining to stay on the tree for one more day. The sunflower spreads its golden petals to welcome a single industrious bee collecting its nectar and

As days slip into years, and years slip into decades, it can be difficult to separate folklore from reality. But if you embrace the tale, Jim Richards of Old Mission is following in the footsteps of giants. His steps take the same path as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, Teddy Roosevelt,

America seems to be waking up to the beauty of northern Michigan’s fall colors. This short season sets the hillsides around Grand Traverse Bay ablaze with vibrant colors. Shades of red, orange, and yellow combine with mild temperatures to create a mad dash to capture one more hike in the forest, one more outdoor wine tasting, and one more walk along the beach before winter sets in. 

Traverse City is famous for its outdoor scene, but on the days when the weather isn't cooperating, there's plenty to do inside.

Here's a lineup of fun places to explore from within. 

Rain, rain go away…unless there’s something fun to do inside. And when you’re in Traverse City, there are endless indoor activities at your fingertips. 

Check out these family-friendly options below! 

Fall is knocking at our doors, and it is time to embrace Northern Michigan’s most colorful time of the year. Knit sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, football games, corn mazes, pumpkin carving… all hallmarks of the beloved season.

Here are some that are unique to the Traverse City area that you can’t miss out on this autumn!

Amber sunlight and leaves changing color make fall in northern Michigan universally picturesque; almost as universal as fall's association with pumpkin spice lattes. But if you ask me what flavor imparts feelings of autumn in the Traverse City area, it's not always pumpkin related, instead it's freshly-baked doughnuts and apple cider. 

As the leaves turn into brilliant red, orange, and gold hues, the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor adventures, and unique local experiences.

From savoring autumn-inspired cuisine to races along colorful trails, Traverse City is the place to embrace the beauty and excitement of fall.

Take a look at these ongoing events happening this season!