You want to reconnect with nature

For those looking to escape the bustle of busy city life, this area boasts wide open spaces of lush areas of natural beauty, big blue water, twinkling starry nights and cool fresh air. Climb the Sleeping Bear Dune, hike the Boardman River natural area, rent a bike and tour on the Tart Trail. These are just a few of the opportunities to reconnect with nature. At the end of the day you will feel relaxed, stress free ready for the next exciting adventure.

Explore your artistic side

The Traverse City and surrounding area is home to more than 35 art galleries. Featuring local and national artists you will be more than inspired by the creative force that lives in this community. Art festivals are featured at different times of the year in each small waterfront village thru the fall months. Need to be even more inspired? Take one of the many one and two day art workshops. Visit www.artcentertraversecity.com for more information.

You want to drink wine

Traverse City & the surrounding area are home to 24 wineries and counting. The wines of this area are rivaling some of the countries most tasteful wines. You will not be disappointed and surely will bring home a bottle or two of one of the many delicious wines. Start your wine journey on Old Mission Peninsula. Currently hosting 7 wineries make sure to visit them all. 2 Lads Winery, Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor and Peninsula Cellars to name a few. Enjoy free tours and tastings!

After your tour of Old Mission travel over to Leelanau Peninsula. Here you will enjoy 17 wineries. Also offering free tours and tastings you will not be disappointed when sampling the tasty nectar of the vines. Your tour takes you along the M-22 corridor along Grand Traverse Bay. Your first stop heading north will be Shady Lanes Winery featuring excellent reislings and chardonnays. Right down the road visit Willow Vineyards, Ciccone Wineries (yes Madonnas Dad owns this) L.Mawby, Chateau Leelanau and Black Star Farms. Continue north to visit the 12 other wineries waiting for your visit.

Unleash you wild side

After enjoying all the day time fun it is time to put on your party shoes and enjoy a little night life. Park you car downtown and walk to the many venues that offer something different behind every door. North Peak Brewery offers casual dining and micro brews. Favored by many locals the weekend finds standing room only but is worth the wait. Union Street Station & Shimmers offer music and dancing. Lil Bo’s and Mackinaw Brewery also offer a little local flare to hang out and meet a new friend. Check local listings to see where live music and specials are in this great town.

Indulge yourself

All this fun starts to sound like work! Treat yourself to some local treats of heavenly chocolate confections at Phils on Front (great drink specials too) or Jacque Torres Chocolates (goes great with all that wine you purchased) also downtown Traverse City on Front St. Enjoy local spa services or have them come straight to you at your location. See local guides for details. Visit Up North Vacation Rentals Cottages and Condos has a perfect place for you to stay. Relax in front of a fireplace looking over one of the beautiful lakes this area enjoys. No matter which way you look at it this is a perfect location to get away for a few days with friends. The last reason to come? Take $100.00 off of your new reservation by mentioning this post. Good on new reservations from Nov 22 2010- March 15 2011.

Here in Leelanau County “lake effect” is often heard. This is produced by temperature differences above the open water and the shoreline. Locals don’t go into hiding when winter strikes though. Instead, they bundle up and play hard and welcome visitors to do the same. Make your own memories. Check out a few reasons to Visit Up North. This is also a great time to save on lodging. Off peak rates apply so the savings are terrific. Call today and let us help you plan a winter retreat. 800-901-8922.

Gallery Hop

This area boasts many top notch galleries featuring local and national artists. More than 50 galleries dot this area.

Snowshoe
This area is a wonderland for winter activities. Snowshoe the Sleeping Bear Dunes Empire, Houdek Dunes in Leland or the Leelanau Trail that takes you from Suttons Bay to Traverse City on marked trails.

Drink Wine

This mini Napa area has some of the tastiest white wines and fascinating reds in the country. With more than 25 wineries to choose from you will need more than a day to visit them all.

Catch a movie

The now restored State Theatre in downtown Traverse City is a treat all on it’s own. Featuring classic to Indie films, a family friendly setting and the most dazzling ceiling of fiber optics that mimic our Northern sky, it is not to be missed.

Eat a fireside breakfast in bed

Guests at Visit Up North Vacation Rentals, can turn on a gas fireplace, curl up in a heavy duvet and enjoy some local treats. Strong, hot coffee from Higher Grounds goes down easily with a scone from Potters Bakery. Outside, the sky fades from pink to blue above the ice-shrouded Lake Michigan. Ahhh Michigan.