Episode 186: Traverse City, MI – Best Beach Towns in the US (Freshwater Edition)

Description:

We’re heading north to Michigan for this stop in our Best Beach Towns in the US series—and it’s one we’ve loved before! Rob welcomes back Mike Kent from Traverse City Tourism to dive into what makes this lakefront gem one of the best beach towns in the country. From sand dunes and sailboats to cherry pie and goat yoga (yes, really), Traverse City proves you don’t need an ocean to find the ultimate family beach getaway.

In This Episode:

1. The stunning freshwater setting of Grand Traverse Bay
2. A short modern history: from cherry capital to wine country
3. The unique microclimate, sandy soil, and how it supports both cherries and world-class wine
4. Sleeping Bear Dunes: 60 miles of shoreline and national acclaim
5. Family-friendly beach options, paddleboarding, kayaking, and yes—fishing!
6. Accessibility and inclusion: the first autism-certified travel destination in the Midwest
7. Traverse City’s booming food scene: from farm-to-table to food trucks and cherry pie flights
8. Summer festivals including the 100th National Cherry Festival that's coming in 2026
9. Why shoulder season might be your best time to visit
10. Mike’s favorite childhood summer memory—and how families can make their own
11. The #1 thing every first-time visitor should do before leaving town

Mentioned in the Episode:

• TraverseCity.com – Plan your trip and explore all the activities, trails, and events
• Traverse City Food & Wine – August culinary celebration
• Moomers Ice Cream, Cherry Republic, Farm Club, Right Brain Brewery
• Chateau Chantal's “Jazz at Sunset”
• National Cherry Festival – celebrating 100 years in 2025!
• Autism Certified Designation – commitment to sensory-friendly experiences

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Rob’s Reminder:

"Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open."

Traci’s Tagline (even when off this week):

"Safe travels everyone."