Making the Most of Traverse City: Highlights from Our Visit
By the time we reached Traverse City, we were feeling a mix of exhaustion and awe. Michigan had already stolen our hearts, and Lake Michigan’s beauty was undeniable. Balancing work, childcare, and exploration was a challenge, but we were slowly finding our rhythm. With only a few days to soak in this beautiful city, we packed in as much as we could. Here are the highlights of our time in Traverse City:
Dinner and Sunset Stroll
We kicked off our Traverse City adventure with a perfect evening. Dinner at Taproot Cider House was an absolute delight. The live music on the front patio created a welcoming atmosphere, and our waitress went above and beyond to make our restless kids feel comfortable. She quickly brought out hummus and veggie sticks to keep them entertained while we waited for our main dishes. The food was delicious, and the ambiance made us feel right at home.
After dinner, we took a short walk to Clinch Park Beach to catch the sunset. The scene was breathtaking, and it was one of those moments where I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the life we were living. The beach’s location along the main downtown strip made it convenient to explore nearby ice cream shops and gift stores, but we opted to head back to our RV for baths and bedtime, strolling hand-in-hand down the street to our truck. It was a magical evening.
Exploring on eBikes
The next day, we decided to try something new: renting eBikes. We’d never been on eBikes before, but Traverse City felt like the perfect place to give them a go. We rented from Pedego Electric Bikes, conveniently located near a trail system with minimal road sharing. This was ideal for beginners like us.
Our route took us along the Boardman Lake Trail, a scenic and beginner-friendly path that loops around the lake. We crossed charming bridges, spotted waterfowl, and enjoyed the peaceful views. The ride was pure joy—I don’t think it’s possible to be on an eBike without smiling!
We stopped for lunch at Firefly, a downtown restaurant that served delicious food and was the perfect place to recharge. Afterward, we had the option to explore more of downtown or return to the trails. We chose to head back to our camp for a rest, buzzing around the campground on our bikes before returning them to the shop. By the end of the day, we’d covered 14 miles and had an absolute blast.
A Beautiful Morning by the Bay
Our last day in Traverse City started with a treat: gluten-free donuts and breakfast sandwiches from Third Coast Bakery. The bakery’s offerings were as tasty as they were accommodating, making it a great spot for families with dietary needs.
From there, we visited the Traverse City State Park Beach playground. Overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, the playground offered stunning views of Lake Michigan. Watching our kids play against this breathtaking backdrop was a pinch-me moment. It was hard to believe this was just a random weekday morning for us.
Reflections on Traverse City
Our time in Traverse City was short but packed with incredible memories. From relaxing evenings and adventurous bike rides to peaceful mornings by the bay, we fell in love with this charming city. It’s a place we’d definitely revisit, and we can’t wait to discover even more of what it has to offer.
Have you been to Traverse City? What were your favorite activities? Let us know in the comments below!
