Courtesy of Midwest Living magazine
Generations of vacationers have made this area one of the most popular getaway spots in the US, settling into hundreds of lodgings that range from simple cabins and motels to posh full-service resorts. Traverse City serves as an enticing hub for vibrant food and art scenes as well as miles of beaches along Lake Michigan and Grand and Little Traverse bays.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore claims more than 35 miles of golden coast, encompassing the Manitou Islands offshore and lively beaches as well as footprint-free stretches of sand. Smaller bayside towns like Petoskey, Charlevoix and Harbor Springs each have their own traditions and charms, along with galleries and shops and restaurants. You can let your flip-flops take you right from Frankfort’s downtown shops onto the neighboring beach.
You can camp steps from the beach and a lighthouse at Ludington State Park. The S.S. Badger historic car ferry still cruises from Ludington’s harbor, providing an easy shortcut across the water as well as a step back in time.
In Manistee, you can mix beach time and exploring an impressive historic district, a legacy of its days as a lumber port. You’ll find more gems like Bellaire and Elk Rapids around crystal-blue inland lakes. The National Cherry Festival centered in Traverse City is a finale for the summer season, bringing ten days of activities and thousands of visitors to the area.
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