Traverse City Real Estate Blog

#69 Things to Do In Northern Michigan - Traverse City - Grand Traverse Region

Horizon Bookstore

Most people don't consider a visit to the bookstore a major to-do on vacation, unless of course, they're looking for a steamy romance to flip through on the beach. However, some bookstores go above and beyond the call of duty when providing great reads for residents and tourists alike. Horizon Books in Traverse City, Michigan is one such store. Horizon is no average bookstore; it's a three-level community that draws book patrons, writing groups, coffee lovers, popular authors and much more. If you're considering a visit to the Cherry Capital of the World, swing into downtown and check out Horizon Bookstore, there's no end to what may lay in store for you there.

A "Third Place"

Owner Vic Herman strives to make Horizon Books a "Third Place," a term coined by author Ray Oldenburg in his book ‘The Great Good Place.' A "third place" Oldenburg explains, is the location that people spend most of their time if they're not at home (first place) or work (second place). Anyone who has visited Horizon can clearly see its ‘third place' marker in many people's lives. From the front lobby café to the basement seating and shelves, people rarely just pass through the store. They come with computers, notebooks, friends and kids to relax, order a coffee and chat. They stay to warm up by the fireplace, listen to live poetry readings or watch an author signing. With all the activities you might think it's easy to overlook the books, but au contraire, the shelves are lined with everything from spiritual enlightenment to slow cooker recipes, there is a title, toy or gift for every delight.

Events and Activities

The many events offered at Horizon Bookstore in Traverse City, allow visitors to combine entertainment with book shopping. On June 13^th, Horizon will host two separate author signings. The first, at 1 pm, is Doug Stanton, author of the new paperback ‘Horse Soldiers' among others. At 3 pm, patrons can see Elizabeth Buzzelli as she talks about and signs copies of her new novel ‘Dead Sleeping Shaman.' On June 14^th, in honor of Father' Day, Horizon will host kids' Story Hour with stories pertaining to Father's Day and an opportunity to make gifts for dad. Horizon Bookstores are also located in Petoskey and Cadillac. For more information about the bookstore, visit their website @  http://www.horizonbooks.com/.

#70 Things to Do In Northern Michigan - Traverse City - Grand Traverse Region

Great Lakes Children's Museum

Many families covet their short, but intensely sweet, vacation time. When June rolls around and the final bell tolls for the children of the family, a summer vacation (away from the Xbox) is surely in order. This year, consider sprucing up that camping trip by taking your wee ones to the Great Lakes Children Museum, located in Traverse City. The Museum goes beyond entertainment and offers children and adults the opportunity to learn about the world around them in a hands-on environment.

A Vision Realized

The Museum began as a nonprofit corporation in 1998; however, it took three years for the Museum's founders to raise the money necessary to fully realize their dream. In 2001, a five thousand square-feet site was renovated and became the Great Lakes Children's Museum. Today, the Museum is open to the public seven-days a week and offers families a range of activities from Interactive Story Time (a story followed by an activity to enhance the story) to Toddler Time (a two-hour session for toddlers to interact and learn).

Interactive Play

Visitors to the museum can plan on a variety of activities designed to heighten the senses and provide fun learning opportunities for kids. The Water Table Exhibit allows guests to interact with moving water, directing it in different ways and learning about channeling and flow rates. The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters is a brightly colored playhouse, which helps children learn about lighthouses and the role that they once played in society. Additionally, patrons can plan group visits to the museum, hold their child's birthday party there or shop at the Museum Store. Visit the Great Lakes Children's Museum website for more information at http://www.greatlakeskids.org/

#71 Things to Do In Northern Michigan - Traverse City - Grand Traverse Region

The Manitou Islands

In summer, the longer days and starry nights hardly prove adequate for a vacation in Northern Michigan. It pays, to plan ahead and know which locations can truly fill every minute of your time. A trip to the North or South Manitou Islands, a short, but dazzling drive from Traverse City, may be the ultimate destination. Step aboard the Manitou Island Transit, in Leland, and cruise the tossing waves of Lake Michigan. The trip takes one hour to reach North Manitou Island and one and a half hours to reach South Manitou, but don't close your eyes or you'll miss the sugary sands of Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore and the Manitou Passage.

South Manitou

South Manitou Island, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is an uninhabited island that draws visitors for its smooth sandy beaches, sparkling waters and extraordinary northern white cedars. The cedars, known as the Valley of the Giants, stand over 100 feet tall and are considered some of the oldest cedars in the world. The shipwreck, the Francisco Morazon, is a popular destination by boat or snorkel and can occasionally be seen from the beach.

North Manitou

North Manitou Island, the larger of the two, is any nature lover's playground. Hike charted trails, stroll 20 miles of shoreline or consider a camping expedition, but keep in mind, there are no vehicles on the island so campers must ‘hike in' to their sites. Visitors can climb steep dunes, visit a ghost forest (caused by sand shifts) or lounge in the Pot Holes.

Wilderness Spectacular

Visitors to either island have several options. Consider a day trip to South Manitou, which includes four and a half hours on the island. Four open-air vehicles offer guided tours of the island with a bit of history and a feast of scenery. Camping on South Manitou is permitted at three campgrounds: the Bay, Weather Station and Popple. For North Manitou Campers, over 15,000 acres of forest is at their disposal; campers can choose to set up anywhere they please. At both islands, visitors can hike dunes, backpack trails, snorkel shipwrecks and camp. For more information please visit http://www.leelanau.com/manitou/index.html.