Best Things to Do in Traverse City in The Fall

The first thing I noticed when I was deboarding the plane was the smell. A mid-October scent of cool crisp air and pumpkin patches. It smelled like home.

I was eager for fall color. Let me rephrase. I NEEDED fall color. I half expected to roll around in the leaves like an untamed dog at the first sight of a leaf pile.

My goal this trip was to document the best things to do in Traverse City in the fall. Instantly, it felt good being back in a similar place. I spent much of my childhood at my aunt’s cottage on Skegemog Lake, just 20 minutes outside of town. As a kid, I’d cry and beg my aunt to let me live with her whenever we had to leave. But she always said I’d hate living there because she’d make me do my homework.

On Friday I sat inside Brew, sipping on my latte and listening to the heavy wind roar outside. Of course, I forgot to pack my coat. When I had to run to my car I asked the lady beside me if she could watch my computer. She said she’d only watch it if I wore her coat to my car.

Always warm hearts in this town. Always.

I think this is where I share a small confession. You’ll rarely, if ever, find me in Traverse City in the summer. Why? Well, I mean...that’s when everyone goes.

And we all know I am very bad in both crowds and traffic.

Traverse City is one of my favorite off-season spots. There is still plenty to do, and I wholeheartedly believe it's more enjoyable in the spring or fall. 

If you're like me and looking to enjoy Traverse City away from the summer crowds, here are the things to do in Traverse City in the fall: 

Best Places to Eat During Fall in Traverse City

Obsessed with all the above. I’m a pretty simple-minded girl. Feed me coffee when necessary (every day), beer after an adventure, and wine when I’m stressed.

1. Chateau Chantal

Chateau Chantal is where I go when I want to feel like I have my life together. I’ll sip great wine with friends, take in views of Lake Michigan, pretend like I know what to do with the five forks at dinner, and act like I’m always this clean and showered. Wine season is my favorite season. And let’s be real wine season never ends HEYOOOOO.

2. Brew

I like coffee shops that offer a bit more than a fancy latte. Brew reminds me of a down-to-earth family-owned farmers market, artistic coffee hangout, and low-key cocktail lounge. There really is no “look” you need to fit here, which is great for me because I’d probably be kicked out.

3. Seven Monks Taproom

There are a few different taphouses and breweries in Traverse City, but I think Seven Monks is my go-to. Mostly because I like to try lots of different Michigan beer all in one location. It also sits on top of an underground speakeasy, Low Bar, which has the towns best cocktails.

Fun fact: Traverse City actually has two speakeasies. The second is more difficult to find. I'll leave it up to you to track it down. 

Best Place to Treat Yourself During Fall in Traverse City

I love my life. I really do. One Sunday morning I’m waking up in an off-the-grid treehouse in the North Carolina mountains and the next Sunday I’m drooling on the pillow of my king-size bed with a panoramic view of the Traverse City area.

1. Grand Traverse Resort

Here are three major things I love about the Grand Traverse Resort:

1. The view. I’d get a room just to sit and write all day while overlooking Grand Traverse Bay.
2. The activities. There’s yoga, tennis, golf, and swimming pools, and all things active and wonderful. You can play tennis and drink a glass of wine without leaving the building. YES PLEASE.
3. Aerie. Yes, it’s a restaurant, and we all know this girl can get down with food. I mean, cheese, steak, dessert, carbs, happiness on a plate. Not to mention it's on the top floor of this unique Traverse City resort. They nearly had to roll me out of that place.

Best Fall Adventures in Traverse City

1. The Beach

Crowds are one of the few things that ruin my beach experience. I crave broken silence by small waves and just enough solitude to take in the beauty of the world.  Away from the bustling summer, the beaches are quiet here. Quiet and wonderful. An off-season sunrise along one of Traverse City’s bays is what makes Michigan, Pure Michigan, after all.

2. Sleeping Bear Dunes

In the summer this place gets a bit crazy, coming from a first-hand experience. That isn’t all that surprising, considering it was voted America’s Most Beautiful Place by USA Today. In the shoulder season, trade the sound of boisterous families for crashing waves. You can hike the Empire Bluff Trail or take the scenic M22 route around the entire Leelanau Peninsula, all without lines of people and traffic.

I’m a firm believer the best sunsets happen in the fall. Two of my top three favorite Michigan sunsets happened at Empire Beach, both in October.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I’ve never heard anyone say they hate Northern Michigan. Fall in Traverse City is all we need to connect back to life a bit. Where fancy can be casual and adventure can be simple. We don’t need a lot to be happy, just good views, wine, and friends to share it all with.

**This post was sponsored by Grand Traverse Resort and Traverse City Tourism. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**