September: Local's Summer
Yes, June marks the official kick-off to Summer. Yes, July is when the Big Water finally starts to feel like bath water. Yes, August’s claim to fame is the freshest, juiciest produce in the Midwest. But have you ever spent the fourth month of the season—golden, glowy September—in Northern Michigan? Perhaps you’ve heard of it: we call it Local’s Summer.
Mid-season fall colors at The Holiday House. (You can picture yourself here, can’t you?)
September is quite possibly the most magical month of the year because it’s the best of all our worlds combined. Every establishment in Northern Michigan is open for business—all the wineries, all the restaurants, all the shops—and they’re brimming with our favorite wines, our favorite foods and our favorite gifts. Guests are arriving every week, but the pace is slower; they’re taking their time once they get here. They’re chatting with baristas, they’re swapping book recommendations with their servers, they’re asking the artists and shopkeepers about their inspiration—they’re diving deep into their vacations. And the weather! Often September temperatures mimic midsummer (upper 70s during the day with delicious, mid-50s sweater weather at night!) and since those kiddos are back in school during the week, there are empty beaches for miles.
Have a little window in your early fall calendar? Consider making a trek to Traverse City next month—it might just become your new favorite time to visit.
Leaf peeping at the A-Frame. (Not pictured? The full size hot tub on the private back deck.)
When you get here…
What to do: The kids are back in school, which means that the parents have a liiiiittle more time to themselves. Take in a movie at the State Theater, attend a reading at the National Writers Series, seek out some live music. At the City Opera House, Martin Sexton, The Sensational Barnes Brothers and Up North Pride Comedy Night (among others!) are all happening in September. Take the sting out of the Mondays every week at The Alluvion; Funky Fun Mondays feature two local bands—Big Fun and Funky Uncle—alternating week to week. Visit the Dennos Museum Center on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College; the fall schedule is soon to be announced and the museum’s permanent exhibits include modern art, interactive art and an extensive Inuit exhibit.
The OG Dune Climb: cooler in September, always worth the hike.
Not wanting to squander the last of the season’s sunshine? The slightly cooler temperatures in September are ideal for all the outdoor adventures you’re seeking. Between bike rides on the TART or Heritage Trails, strolling the paths at the Grand Traverse Commons or a guided hike from the Leelanau Conservancy, you could spend your entire trip outside. Looking for water-centered fun? Rent a SUP from Paddle TC for a quiet morning on the Bay, a kayak from Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor or spend a windy day in Empire learning to surf Lake Michigan with lessons from Sleeping Bear Surf.
A morning feast at the NoBo Markt in Traverse City, just down the street from the Boardman neighborhood.
What to eat: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day—especially when you do it right. Head over to the NoBo Mrkt for morning fuel; between their Ancient Grains Oatmeal, Avocado Toast and well-appointed bakery case, you’re sure to start the day off on the right foot. We’re always on a mission for the best burger—and Traverse City does not disappoint. One of our faves? Oakwood Proper Burgers (right around the corner from the Boardman neighborhood!), is a tiny pink restaurant packing huge flavor. Thin, Michigan-beef patties are loaded down with grade-A toppings and sandwiched between homemade buns, baked right across the street at Common Good Bakery. (And if you’re wondering, yes, you can order a hand-blended milkshake to top it all off.) Dinner at Modern Bird just feels right (with an ultra-local menu from Loma Farm and Lakeview Hills), but then again, so does an evening at Farm Club…or Stella’s…or Poppycock’s…(you get the picture!)
Anything you can eat out, you can bring back home to enjoy--like a picnic lunch on the deck at Holiday House.
Heading out to Leelanau County? In Leland, pick up sandwiches at the Village Cheese Shanty, grab a container of whitefish dip at Carlson’s and peruse the cold case at the Leland Mercantile, gather up all your provisions and enjoy a practically private picnic at Van’s Beach. In Northport, try a fully-loaded lox bagel from New Bohemian Cafe (with TC-made Bubie’s Bagels, of course!) and honey cardamom latte before heading to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, nine miles north of town. In Suttons Bay, book a table for dinner at Martha’s, a Leelanau mainstay, or the new, farm-fresh Gilchrist Farm Winery (Wednesday-Saturday).
A couple's getaway at the Historic Hearth. Local art by Katherine Corden.
Where to stay: Have a crew that wants to head North together? The Holiday House, with three spacious bedrooms, private decks and a kitchen fit for a chef, is an oasis for a large family or group of friends that want to reconnect for a long weekend. In the mood for a romantic weekend? The Historic Hearth is a cozy nest to return to every night after exploring the region. Our Boardman neighborhood properties sleep six and are centrally located in downtown Traverse City, within walking distance to shopping, restaurants and the TART Trail.
The upstairs living room at the Holiday House.
A good night's sleep at North Boardman Townhouse.
The North Boardman Townhouse. Local art from Kristin MacKenzie.
Pro-tip: Mid-week stays are one of the smartest ways to squeeze the most out of your getaway; all of your favorite local haunts are open, there are fewer crowds and because rates are lower when you book directly with us, you can use your savings to spend an extra day in Paradise.
Lake Michigan is waiting for you.
