Those who love Upper Michigan/Traverse City

[Anonymous]

I grew up in West Michigan. It's Northern Michigan, not Upper Michigan.

But appreciate your interest! It's amazing how Traverse City and the northern Lower Peninsula has blown up over the last 20 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in West Michigan. It's Northern Michigan, not Upper Michigan.

But appreciate your interest! It's amazing how Traverse City and the northern Lower Peninsula has blown up over the last 20 years.

Another Michigander here. They probably confused it with Upper Peninsula.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in West Michigan. It's Northern Michigan, not Upper Michigan.

But appreciate your interest! It's amazing how Traverse City and the northern Lower Peninsula has blown up over the last 20 years.

It’s “up north.”

[Anonymous]

+1 for Crystal Mountain Resort

You are correct that small cabins and "cottages," many of which are pretty decrepit but hold fond family memories outnumber hotels or true resorts w on site restaurants. Very few fancy places-- the vibe is understated, laid back even if there is old money.

Could try the Stafford hotels in Petoskey and Charlevoix and Bay Harbor as well.

[Anonymous]

If you are blessed with good weather, then you will be in heaven. I would probably spend a few days @ Homestead and explore Sleeping Bear Dunes, swim in Lake Michigan, dine at La Becasse, etc. Maybe two nights in Traverse City at the Delamar. Have someone take you for a sail in the bay, fishing on Lake Michigan, as well as explore downtown Traverse as well as Mission Peninsula. Then head up to Otis in Harbor Springs for a few days. After that, drive north, cross the Mackinac Bridge, take the ferry to Mackinac Island, spend the night (or two) at the Grand Hotel, then cross back and fly out of Pellston or Traverse City (more options, including direct to DCA, NYC, and Dallas as well as connections through Chicago and Detroit).

We have a summer place southwest of Traverse. We walk on Lake Michigan nearly every night. Often it's just DH, me, and the dog, sometimes the kids. It's spectacular.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First, you are literally in paradise if you are there in Summer. You shouldn't be inside that much. You are meant to be AT A LAKE. There are a variety of airbnb/vrbo options all over Northern Michigan/UP, there are bare minimum cabins and fancier digs (Harbor Springs, for example). When people say "resort" in the UP, they mean a community of cabins or motels. These are mostly for no-frills travelers (hunters, fishers, leaf peepers, etc.). I would rent a cottage in Petoskey/Charlevoix/St. Ignace. Mackinac Island also has some great hotels, obvi. Sault Ste. Marie, Houghton, and Marquette are college towns, so they have more lodgings if you want places in and around Lake Superior.

I get tired of hearing that lame argument about poor lodging options.

My family spends a fair amount of time at the lodging sleeping, some meals, relaxing in the evenings, and taking baths etc. We appreciate a clean, safe, modern space regardless of how long we plan to be in there each day. Also we may not all go do the same things together all day every day at the same time on vacation, some people might hang back at the lodging while others do some activities or explore.

When I travel, I love coming back to a wonderful place to stay. It’s a huge part of the vacation for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are going for the first time this summer but if you are into the performing arts, check out the calendar for Interlochen, it's about 30 minutes from Traverse City.

Ann Patchett's newest novel, "Tom Lake", is set in this area and involves a summer stock set of actors at a place pretty clearly modeled on Interlochen.

Emily Henry’s new book is set in summer in northern Michigan too, and makes it sound wonderful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Michigander here. The Homestead in Glen Arbor is nice, as a PP suggested. I would probably stay at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Frankfort is a good suggestion too.

Reviving an old thread because we are planning a trip to this area of Michigan this summer. Recent reviews for The Homestead in Glen Arbor are not good. Wondering if anyone has been recently and can share their thoughts?

[Anonymous]

We rented a beautiful vrbo on Big Glen Lake in 2021. One of our favorite family vacations. Pricey, though. I think we paid $3500 for the week.

[Anonymous]

I just go up to the cabin to do some hunting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in West Michigan. It's Northern Michigan, not Upper Michigan.

But appreciate your interest! It's amazing how Traverse City and the northern Lower Peninsula has blown up over the last 20 years.

It’s “up north.”

AKA "UP"

Pronounced "You Pee"

[Anonymous]

Inn at Bay Harbor is nice but pricy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in West Michigan. It's Northern Michigan, not Upper Michigan.

But appreciate your interest! It's amazing how Traverse City and the northern Lower Peninsula has blown up over the last 20 years.

It’s “up north.”

AKA "UP"

Pronounced "You Pee"

Traverse City is not in the UP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in West Michigan. It's Northern Michigan, not Upper Michigan.

But appreciate your interest! It's amazing how Traverse City and the northern Lower Peninsula has blown up over the last 20 years.

It’s “up north.”

AKA "UP"

Pronounced "You Pee"

Traverse City is not in the UP.

Up North starts at Gaylord, but da UP starts after you cross the Mackinac Bridge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in West Michigan. It's Northern Michigan, not Upper Michigan.

But appreciate your interest! It's amazing how Traverse City and the northern Lower Peninsula has blown up over the last 20 years.

It’s “up north.”

AKA "UP"

Pronounced "You Pee"

Traverse City is not in the UP.

Up North starts at Gaylord, but da UP starts after you cross the Mackinac Bridge.

I was taught/told it starts at Grayling, so it includes Traverse area. The regional nuances!