Winter Activities in Northern Michigan
The Snow Doesn’t Stop Us!
While some folks cringe at the sound of the word “snow,” it’s just part of living in Northern Michigan. Rather than dread the first flakes of the year, the majority of us look forward to the changing landscapes draped in white, the outdoor activities, and other winter-time fun that we enjoy during the colder months.
Snow and cold certainly do nothing to stop our beer and wine tours. In fact, one can make a very strong argument that tours in the winter can be better than in the summer. With fewer people at the wineries and breweries, our guests get personalized experiences at the different venues, making for a very special tour indeed. So if you’re considering a winter wine tour in Traverse City, here are a few other activities to be sure to include in your Up North winter getaway.
Outdoor Winter Activities in Traverse City
There is so much to do outdoors during the winter in Traverse City. We’re very lucky to have the VASA trail system just a short drive from downtown, which is home to miles upon miles of groomed cross-country skiing and fat biking trails. The VASA is a great way to get out into the woods to see the beauty of the outdoors in Northern Michigan, as well as get your heart rate up on expertly groomed trails. You can also start your skiing or fat bike adventure at Timber Ridge. They have a trail system of their own that also connects to the VASA, extending your adventure even further.
Another place to go snowshoeing or hiking in the winter is behind the Grand Traverse Commons. There are several miles of trails that climb up to a height that overlooks downtown Traverse City. Since it’s right next to the Commons, you can also stop into Left Foot Charley for some wine or hard cider after your hike.
If you prefer to let gravity assist you on your outdoor adventures, be sure to check out Mt. Holiday, which is a ski hill just minutes from downtown Traverse City. If you’d like a bigger challenge, then you should check out Crystal Mountain, which is about a 40-minute drive from Traverse City. Crystal is widely regarded as the best downhill ski venue in the Midwest, and is also home to an expansive cross-country and fat biking trail network.
Indoor Fun in Traverse City
After your outdoor adventure, there’s plenty of things to do indoors to help you get warmed-up. One of our favorite past times in the winter is taking in a movie at the historic State Theatre or Bijou By the Bay. These venues are historical buildings that have been completely renovated by donations and volunteers. In fact, both venues are manned by volunteer groups year-round, making these very special parts of our community.
After your show, get your shopping on at the many boutiques and stores in downtown Traverse City. There are also a plethora of coffee shops to stop in to get some warmth in your bones. The restaurants downtown are simply the best in the State, and we have a blog with some recommendations on where to eat here. You should also keep your eye on the City Opera House’s website for a host of concerts, plays, and other events that take place there year-round.
Don’t forget that another benefit of scheduling your wine getaway in the winter is the reduced rates at the various hotels and BnB’s. Be sure to check out our list of recommendations of places to stay to help you plan out your winter trip to Traverse City.
If you need any additional advice on planning your winter wine tour, please get in touch! We want to help you and your group have the best possible trip and we’re happy to help in any way that we can. We’re locals who know the area extremely well, so we’re confident we can help you have an amazing experience in Traverse City!
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