Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MANITOU ISLANDS
If you're looking for a wilderness adventure, the Manitou Islands - part of Sleeping
Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - deliver. Manitou Island Transit ( 231-256-9061;
www.manitoutransit.com ) can help plan overnight camping trips on North Manitou, or
day trips to South Manitou. Kayaking and hiking are popular activities, especially
the 7-mile trek to the Valley of the Giants, a mystical stand of cedar trees on South
Manitou. Ferries (round trip adult/child $35/20, 1½ hours) sail from Leland two to
seven times per week from May to mid-October.
Traverse City
Michigan's 'cherry capital' is the largest city in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula.
It's got a bit of urban sprawl, but it's still a happenin' base from which to see the Sleep-
ing Bear Dunes, Mission Peninsula wineries, U-pick orchards and other area attractions.
Stop at the downtown visitor center ( 231-947-1120; www.traversecity.com ; 101 W Grand-
view Pkwy; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, 11am-3pm Sun) for maps and the do-it-yourself foodie tour
brochure (also available online; click 'Things to Do' on the website).
Road tripping out to the wineries is a must. Head north from Traverse City on Hwy 37
for 20 miles to the end of the grape- and cherry-planted Old Mission Peninsula. You'll be
spoiled for choice: Chateau Grand Traverse ( www.cgtwines.com ; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat, to
6pm Sun) and Chateau Chantal ( www.chateauchantal.com ; 11am-8pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm
Sun) pour crowd-pleasing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Peninsula Cellars
( www.peninsulacellars.com ; 10am-6pm) , in an old schoolhouse, makes fine whites and is
often less crowded. Whatever bottle you buy, take it out to Lighthouse Park beach, at the
peninsula's tip, and enjoy it with the waves chilling your toes. The wineries stay open
year-round, with reduced hours in winter.
The town goes all Hollywood during the Traverse City Film Festival
( www.traversecityfilmfest.org ; late Jul) , when founder (and native Michigander) Michael
Moore comes in and unspools a six-day slate of documentaries, international flicks and
'just great movies.'
Dozens of beaches, resorts, motels and water-sports operators line US 31 around Tra-
verse City. On weekends, lodgings are often full, and more expensive; the visitor center
website has contact details. Most resorts overlooking the bay cost $150 to $250 per night.
The Chantal and Grand Traverse wineries also double as B&Bs and fit into this price
range.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search