traverse city food tour

THE 10 BEST Traverse City Food & Drink Tours

Food & drink tours in traverse city.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Wineries & Vineyards
• Distillery Tours
• Distilleries
• Farmers Markets
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Bonobo Winery
• Movie Stars Wine Tours
• The Magic Shuttle Bus
• Bowers Harbor Vineyards
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

2. 5-hour 4-winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula

3. 4-Hour Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

4. 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula

5. Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula Sunset Wine & Distillery Tour

6. Private Sunset Sightseeing Cruise in Lake Leelanau

7. Private Traverse City Winery or Brewery Tour

8. Designated Driver TC - We Drive Your Car For Wine Tours

9. 5-hour 4-winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Leelanau Peninsula

10. Proposal and Engagement Sunset Wine Tour in Traverse City

11. Lake Leelanau 4 Hour Tour

What travellers are saying.

• 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
• 5-hour 4-winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula
• 4-Hour Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
• 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula
• 5-hour 4-winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Leelanau Peninsula
• Mari Vineyards
• Chateau Chantal Winery & Tasting Room
• Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
• Grand Traverse Distillery
• Traverse Bay Tours
• Traverse City Wine And Beer Tours
• Traverse City Tours
• Grand Traverse Tours
• Blue Lakes By the Bay Transportation
• Chateau Grand Traverse Winery

Foodie Fun And So Much More in Traverse City

Fall is my favorite time of year.  Road trips can be especially fun as you see all the dazzling leaves putting on their full colorful display during your travels. This fall we decided to take a trip up to visit Traverse City, Michigan restaurants, and taste some of the delicious food.

We were recently the guests of the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. We were not financially compensated for our visit or a review. All opinions are our own and based on our experiences.

Those of us who follow the foodie scene know that Traverse City has become one of the Midwest’s top culinary tourism destinations.  We made the trip from Chicago to Traverse City in a little more than 4 hours with one stop. Your timing will depend on how long and how many times you choose to stop along the way.

Road Trip Stop

We left early in the morning and went to brunch at Anna’s House in Grand Rapids. They’re open 6 am to 2 pm daily. Anna’s has two locations. We stopped at the newer location on Beltline Road and it was an easy off and on the highway for our trip. The breakfast was big and good. Anna’s focuses on fresh local and seasonal ingredients.

Happily, fall pumpkin pancakes and hot apple cider were on the menu during our visit. Anna’s is clearly a local favorite as there was a line outside the Sunday morning we arrived, but it moved quickly and we only waited about 15 minutes. Portions are generous so if you’re not super hungry go ahead and split something – you’ll be just fine.

Quench Your Thirst

When we arrived in Traverse City we were quite thirsty so our first stop was one of the best breweries in Traverse City, the Right Brain Brewery . They made us feel right at home as we settled in with our beer sampler. You have to know that Michigan is loaded with many terrific micro-breweries and Traverse City has an embarrassingly large amount of excellent choices. But we have a special fondness for the head brewer here and would recommend you pay them a visit if you’re in the area. Their creative menu of waffles and snacks intrigued us as well. As for the brew, well we really enjoyed all the beer we tasted but had a special fondness for the Northern Hawk Owl, a medium-bodied amber ale, and the Chubby Squirrel their seasonal spiced amber ale. Lucky for us we were even able to purchase some of the Northern Hawk Owl to take back home, which we did!

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

We then made our way to the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. The resort really is like a city unto itself. Located on 900 acres of rolling hillside the beautiful scenery makes for a relaxing stay. The main lobby leads to the Marketplace. A great place to pick up coffee, a snack or a freshly baked goodie.  It’s one-stop shopping if you don’t want to make the trek into town. The Grand Traverse has many amenities that include three golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beach access, a great spa, excellent dining, and more.  The resort is perfect for a girls’ weekend, golf getaways, weddings and meetings, and a wonderful retreat for any time of year.

More Traverse City Food

We had the chance to dine at the Aerie Restaurant, located on the 16th floor of the tower building. We had a perfect window view of the setting sun on Traverse Bay as we sipped our cocktails and unwound from the day on the road. Our server, Jen made sure we had everything we needed for a perfect relaxed dining experience.

We started with a smoked trout salad crostini that featured smoked trout, red onion, celery, capers, rice vinegar, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, first-press olive, and pesto oil atop crunchy crostini. We simply loved this starter.

Another favorite was the marinated two-bone pork chop smothered in house-made BBQ sauce. The smoked cheddar redskin potato tower – yes, a cheesy potato tower – made a perfect pairing.

We also sampled the pan-seared scallops and honey-herb glazed chicken with celeriac mashed potatoes. Everything was quite well-prepared and delicious.

The Aerie also has an extensive dessert and dessert wine menu sure to please every palate. We tried the chocolate bananas foster, which was a deconstructed bananas foster, and the cherry toffee pudding featuring Michigan’s finest cherries.

After a good night’s sleep, we headed off to the spa for a little pampering with an hour-long massage, just what the doctor ordered. The spa has all the services you would want from massage and hydrotherapy to nail and hair care services.

Don’t Miss A Thing

We headed into town next and as we suspected Traverse City food had well more available than the two days’ worth of eating and exploring that we had planned. The “downtown” strip is loaded with cute shops, restaurants, and bars that can make the adventure fun and leisurely. Follow along with our helpful Traverse City restaurant guide at the bottom of the page for more ideas.

Dining in Traverse City restaurants includes white fish sandwiches to Italian cuisine, Mediterranean eateries, and everything in between, this place truly is a foodie’s heaven. The townspeople are super friendly and easily recommend more places for you to explore. They do seem to support one other and their foodie culture generously, and that’s great for visitors like us too.

Tasting the local wine, cider and spirits of Traverse City food is a trip all by itself. The nearby Leelanau Peninsula has many wineries and a local dairy to taste test.

Don’t Miss The Ice Cream

What caps off any foodie destination? A sweet ending, of course. We had to experience the famous MOOmers Ice Cream voted “America’s Best Scoop” on Good Morning America. Moomers Homemade Ice Cream makes over 120 flavors and has over 20 unique flavors available daily.  I chose the Cherries Moobilee which has black cherry-flavored ice cream with chunks of black sweet cherries, chocolate fudge swirl, and chunks of brownies. It was ice cream perfection! As I sat there enjoying my homemade cone and ice cream somehow knowing that the Plummer family (proprietors of Moomers) use cream from their own Moomers Farm Creamery and dairy farm right behind me made it all taste that much better.

All and all, Traverse City was a wonderful local fall trip. The only downside was that we wish we had more time to experience more of the food, wine, and spirits the area has to offer. Another trip for Traverse City food will definitely be in our future sooner than later.

Just some of the places to find the best food in Traverse City:

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa This amenity-filled resort has everything you could want. Ask for a high-floor room for a spectacular view.

Moomers Ice Cream  A must-stop that’s a little out of town but well worth it for delicious homemade ice cream.

Poppycock’s Restaurant is Terrific new American cuisine that has a great vibe and features martinis & jazz on Friday’s. We also loved the artwork in the restaurant.

Northern Natural Cider House  Organic hard cider spot. This is a great place to rest your feet in downtown Traverse City and relax with some yummy cider.

Right Brain Brewery Go taste what is brewing up at this Traverse City treasure, you won’t be disappointed. Chat up with the locals on what they’re drinking.

Grand Traverse Pie Company Get a slice of one of their cherry pies. You’ll dream about it for days. We also love the doing good and giving back karma of their second “community” store that gives profits to community good.

Grand Traverse Distillery  We loved their cherry-flavored vodka. Stop in for a tasting.

The Village Grand Traverse Commons A former asylum turned into a shopping, winery, and restaurant space. They’ve maintained the historic buildings and created a unique environment for tourists and locals to shop.

Traverse City Any Time of the Year

Traverse City is a year-round destination. Summer includes water sports, hiking, and farmer’s markets. Fall has beautiful scenery and harvest time. Winter has snow sports like snowshoeing, snowmobiles, and spas. Year-round you get the great tastes of Traverse City. Whenever you visit be sure to check the dates and times that all businesses are open. This is a seasonal tourist city. Most shops are open year-round but check ahead to avoid disappointment.

THE QUICK BITE: Food in Traverse City should not be missed. If you’re looking for a quick weekend trip in the Midwest this is a place you will enjoy for its great variety of food, beer, wine, and fun.

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Co-founder of Food Travelist. I love to explore the world and love learning about new places. I'm an eater and I've got a smile for everyone I meet.

Southwestern Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

The World Of Bacon!

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Sounds like a fabulous trip! Traverse City is back on my radar. Thanks for sharing!

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by.

Great article that really captures the spirit of Traverse City–a town near and dear to me!

Looks like a great place to eat, drink and be merry!

Wow, I’ve never visited Michigan but it looks like that’ll have to change in the future upon returning to the US. You had me at the Beer Sampler and the nice looking tennis courts. Just as long as it’s not too cold, count me in!

This is an inspiring guide to a quick visit to Traverse City. I hope to get there soon.

It has been 20 years since I have been to Traverse City. Your article and photos brought back so many great memories!!

I know nothing about the American (or Canadian) foodie scene. This looks like a lovely spot for a getaway, and the fall colors are an added bonus.

It looks like you had an incredible time in Traverse City. I love the photo of the Wolverine Course at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. The food looks incredible and you saw some awesome foliage!

The Grand Traverse Resort looks perfect for a weekend getaway.

Oh that food looks delicious. I see you really enjoyed your visit! I would never have known Traverse City was that well known to foodies. Thanks for the info!

That pork chop looks sinfully delicious!

Made me miss the beautiful fall in the Michigan of my youth.

Moomers and Traverse City is definitely worth the trip!

Thanks for all the tips Betsy! We unfortunately didn’t get to Sleeping Bear Dunes on this trip but it’s definitely on our radar. I’ve wanted to get up there for years. That roadhouse in Northport sounds like a must for us Food Travelists. We did the circle tour around Lake Michigan about 7 years ago and was taken by how beautiful the terrain is up there. We look forward to another trip to the Mitten state very soon.

Anytime I read about food I am happy 😀 I still have yet to get to Traverse City, but when I do, I will make sure to check out some of your suggestions!

Wow! Your pictures of the fall foliage made me (unexpectedly) a little homesick! Gorgeous! And what a bounty of delicious food dishes and beverages. I’d love to try the smoked trout salad crostini that you described and, of course, Moomers!

As a Michigan girl, I have a great love for this area and have vacationed there over the years since I was a child. I’m very fortunate to still have relatives in Suttons Bay on the Leelanau Peninsula, and have written from time to time about how lovely the area is. Did you get to Sleeping Bear Dunes at all? One of the two National Lakeshores in Michigan. If you go back, you may want to consider visiting the Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) Museum up in Peshawbestown on the M-22 circuit north of Suttons Bay. Continue past Omena to Northport on the tip of the peninsula; there is a roadhouse there dating back to the 1920’s that my parents remember from their salad days. Then you can come back around on the west side to charming little Leland and down to Sleeping Bear. Truly a magical part of the world. Cherry Festival is fun, too!

I have been reading a lot more about Traverse City and the city and area is now on my wish list. Looks like there is plenty of food variety to keep everyone happy.

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THE 10 BEST Traverse City Tours & Excursions

• Traverse City Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Ghost & Vampire Tours
• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

2. 5-hour 4-winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula

3. Sunset Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine & Cocktails

4. 4-Hour Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

5. 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula

6. Day Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine, & Cocktails

7. Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula Sunset Wine & Distillery Tour

8. Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City +Magnant

9. Private Sunset Sightseeing Cruise in Lake Leelanau

10. Thrilling Traverse City Scavenger Hunt

11. Daily Tours to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

12. Private Traverse City Winery or Brewery Tour

13. Designated Driver TC - We Drive Your Car For Wine Tours

14. Hi-5 Rickshaw Tour Traverse City - First Thing You MUST Do in TC!

15. Flying Dress Photo Shoot in Traverse City

16. 5-hour 4-winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Leelanau Peninsula

17. Half-Day Private Fishing Charter Experience in Traverse City

18. Proposal and Engagement Sunset Wine Tour in Traverse City

19. Michigan Lakeshore, M-22: Audio Driving Tour

20. 6 Hour Tour in Lake Leelanau

21. Private 4 Hour Choose Your Lake Discovery Tour in Traverse City

22. Lake Leelanau 4 Hour Tour

23. Private Fall Color Tour of Lake Leelanau with Licensed Guide

What travelers are saying.

• 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
• 5-hour 4-winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula
• 4-Hour Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
• 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula
• Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City +Magnant
• The Magic Shuttle Bus
• Traverse Bay Tours
• Traverse City Wine And Beer Tours
• Wind Dancer Traverse City Tours
• Two Brothers Sailing Adventures
• Sailing Yacht Scout - Day Tours
• Nauti-Cat Cruises
• Tall Ship Manitou - Day Tours
• Discovery Cruises
• Grand Traverse Tours
• Blue Lakes By the Bay Transportation
• Wind Sailing
• Daydreamer Fishing Charters
• Mt. Holiday Ski Resort
• TC Helicopter Tours
• The River Outfitters
• Storm Hawk Sport Fishing Charters
• Mega-Bite Fishing Charters

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Step back into the abundant history of the former

Traverse City State Hospital. 

Take a Tour

The village story is unique and vital to the history of traverse city.  join us for an array of tours that give an accurate snapshot of dr. munson’s “beauty is therapy” theory on patient care, the former uses of the structures on the property, the purpose of the architecture and more., tours are available year ’round rain or shine.  please dress for the weather, at least half of the tour will be outdoors., guided historic walking tour.

Join us for a Historic Tour of The Village campus, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital grounds.

• 2 hour Guided Tour of The Village campus
• $30 per person, (Ages 12 & over - 11 & under NOT permitted on tour; under 18 requires parent or guardian present) 
• Approximately 1 mile of walking - Not wheelchair accessible 
• Learn about Dr. Munson’s “Beauty is Therapy” theory on patient care, former uses of the structures on the property, purpose of the architecture and much more
• Venture through an unrenovated historic building and walk through an amazing brick steam tunnel built in 1883 
• Dress for the weather - up to 50% of this tour is outdoors

*TOUR DATES ARE PUBLISHED 1-2 MONTHS IN ADVANCE.*

Reserve Now

Asylum Twilight Tour

For those seeking an evening adventure through the campus of the former Traverse City State Hospital.  

• 90 minute Evening Guided Walking Tour
• $35 per person, must be 16 years and older (under 18 years old requires parent or legal guardian to attend)
• Hear excerpts of first hand experiences from former employees and listen for the creaks and groans of the asylum “cottages” settling at night
• Tour includes an excursion into the basement of a former Men's Ward Cottage as well as the underground steam tunnels
• Dress for the weather - 50% of this tour is outdoors, flashlights recommended 

NEW! Visual History Presentation

Developed by veteran tour guides Joe Kilpatrick and Catherine Allen-Goodwin, this is a seated multimedia exploration of the history of the Northern Michigan Asylum, presented in the comfort of Kirkbride Hall, the former Chapel of the Asylum.

Attendees journey through a broad collection of photos and videos related to the remarkable legacy of the Northern Michigan Asylum, from its construction in 1883 through its century of operation and closing in 1989, to its re-birth in the early 2000s.  

Groups of 10 to 120

Email or Call to Book

[email protected] or 231.941.1900 ext. 120

90 minute presentation, $20

90 Minute Explorer Tour

Ready to explore a little more? Join us for this faster-paced tour which highlights the history of the Village Campus, takes you through 2 unrenovated buildings and includes a tour of the 1883 steam tunnels.

• 90 Minute guided tour of the Village Campus
• $30 per person (Ages 12 & over - 11 and under not permitted on tour; under 18 requires parent or guardian present)
• Approximately 1 mile of walking - not wheelchair accessible

*TOUR DATES ARE PUBLISHED 1-2 MONTHS IN ADVANCE*

Golf Cart Tour

Jump on our 6 seater golf cart and with your driver/tour guide take a spin around the former Traverse City State Hospital! 

• 1 hour guided golf cart ride of the Village Campus with view of the former farm of the asylum the Botanic Gardens
• $30 per person (Ages 12 & over - 11 and under not permitted on tour; under 18 requires parent or guardian present)

Taste of the Village Tour

On this unique tour, guests will experience a taste of the many things The Village, formerly known as the Traverse City State Hospital, has to offer. Experience the amazing 1883 brick steam tunnel while learning about patient care and the Kirkbride plan. On your brief walk to The Barrel Room at Left Foot Charley, learn about the preservation and reuse of the former state hospital. Taste a variety of wines created by Left Foot Charley before walking to neighboring Brewery, Earthen Ales, where you will sip and savor while learning about their delicious offerings.

$40 per person, (Ages 21 & over, ID required)

PRIVATE SCHOOL/CORPORATE GROUP TOURS

Spend 1-on-1 time with your guide exploring multiple floors of unrenovated buildings and venture into the 1883 Steam Tunnel. Discover the origins of Dr. Munson’s “Beauty is Therapy,” learn what the iconic red spires were for, and much more. 

• 2 hour Guided Historic Walking Tour of The Village campus
• 25 person max - ages 12 & over - 11 & under NOT permitted on tour; under 18 requires parent or guardian present
• Approximately 1 mile of walking - not wheelchair accessible 
• Dress for the weather - 50% will be Outdoors

Private tours must be scheduled at least 4-6 weeks in advance and are based on availability.  Please email [email protected] with inquiries or to schedule.

Tripod Photography Tour

• 2.5 hour Semi-guided TCSH Tripod Photography Tour
• $50 per person, Ages 18 & over, ID required
• Over 1 mile of walking - Not wheelchair accessible
• Photographers of all levels are welcome
• Explores through various unrestored buildings that are not normally included on our Guided Historic Tour
• This tour also includes an excursion into the 1883 underground steam tunnel

Extended Tripod Photography Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

TCSH Oral History Project

I've explored the grounds on my own and read a lot of history, but nothing compares to the guided tour we took this past weekend. As a mental health professional, this tour was incredible. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about mental health care, history, and the restoration of the buildings. Not to mention, hilarious. It was amazing to see the inside of these buildings and hear their stories. I recommend this tour to anyone with even the slightest interest in history, mental health care, or just a curiosity about these buildings and their story. Well worth the $25 and the time we spent on the tour. Julie from Grand Rapids

We have been coming here for years to shop, buy coffee and eat at various places. We have hiked many of the trails but today we decided to take the official tour. THE TOUR IS A MUST DO EVENT!!!! Joe was our lively and very knowledgeable tour guide. You sign a waiver for a reason- you get to go into abandoned buildings and tunnels and Joe knows the history of this place very well. The price for the tour was more than fair. I'd go again tomorrow if I could- it was just that good. Seriously, I'd like to come back this summer and do it again. Becky B.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

5 amazing holidays to Japan for an unforgettable adventure

Considering a once-in-a-lifetime Japan holiday? Look no further with these magnificent options

While the country's big-hitting cities such as spiritual Kyoto, cosmopolitan Osaka and vibrant Tokyo, Japan's capital and a popular springboard for Mount Fuji, are all must-sees, there are the sunny southern islands of Japan to discover too. With breath-taking beaches and a slower pace of life, they're the ideal spot for a more leisurely trip. And then there are the Japanese Alps, vast and verdant, and a hugely popular choice for a Japan skiing holiday.

While you need to consider where you'd like to visit on your epic Japan adventure, there's also the case of how . Flights go direct from London to Tokyo, but when it comes to choosing how to traverse this incredible country there are numerous options – from guided coach tours to luxury cruises.

For a helping hand with where to start, we've rounded up some of our favourite ways to discover Japan, including a group tour across the Japanese Alps , a 17-day cruise during beautiful cherry blossom season, and an indulgent inclusive break in sun-drenched Okinawa.

A tour of Japan's essential highlights

Embark on this thrilling 13-day roundtrip from Tokyo, which showcases the magical, ancient heritage of Japan as well as its futuristic, neon-lit metropolises. This guided tour, which includes coach travel and hotel accommodation, will give you plenty of time to soak up the colour and culture of Japan's capital, which boasts the bustling shopping district of Ginza, vivid Harajuku, iridescent Akihabara electric town, and world-famous Meiji Shrine in Shibuya, the commercial district.

Beyond Tokyo, you'll visit majestic Mount Fiji, Japan's tallest peak; ride the Shinkansen, the high-speed bullet train; see the resident deer in the city of Nara; spend the day in Hiroshima, which has been rebuilt into an attractive, modern city; and have the chance to stay in a ryokan , a typical Japanese inn, in Kyoto. This accessible and fully-organised tour covers all the essentials and more.

Join us on the Good Housekeeping 13-day Japan tour in August 2024.

A cruise in beautiful cherry blossom season

One of the biggest draws to Japan is undeniably its picturesque cherry blossom season and the custom of hanami , admiring the beauty of it. Every spring, millions of locals and visitors alike patiently wait for the first sakura (the Japanese term for cherry blossom) buds to bloom, showing off their delicate, baby pink-hued petals. The abundance of blossom flowering is celebrated with festivals, picnics and the eating of seasonal, sakura-themed delicacies.

If experiencing this springtime phenomenon is on your bucket list, then this 17-day cruise in Japan is for you. While giving you the opportunity to catch the cherry blossom in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the leisurely sailing with Holland America enables you to see plenty more of Japan, too. Other port stops include Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Aomori and the lively, karaoke-loving city of Busan in South Korea. And all of this is without mentioning the incredible entertainment, food and bars onboard your ship, of course.

Embark on a 17-day cherry blossom cruise around Japan with Good Housekeeping in 2025.

FIND OUT MORE

A jaunt through the Japanese Alps with plenty of tradition

While this group tour ticks off the unmissable cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, it takes its guests on a journey through the beautiful Japanese Alps, a series of mountain ranges on the island of Honshu. This mountainous region is home to an abundance of picturesque cities and towns, all offering a glimpse into Japan's rural life. On this 13-day tour you'll visit the pretty city of Takayama, which brims with Edo Period houses, food and craft markets and traditional restaurants.

You'll also get the chance to wander the village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its thatched roof farmhouses that are said to resemble the praying hands of Buddhist monks. Along with admiring gorgeous scenery, you'll have the chance to get on hands-on with activities such as miso-making, washi paper-making, gold leaf crafting and origami. If you're craving a taste of traditional Japan, you'll find bags of it on this brilliantly-curated trip.

Explore the Japanese Alps with Good Housekeeping in 2024 or 2025.

A city break in Tokyo, Japan's energetic capital

If you've got limited time or would prefer to dedicate your trip to just one destination in Japan, then Tokyo is the answer. Known as Edo until 1868, the Japanese capital is the world's most populous city and thus it's a melting pot of activity, culture and cuisines. As city breaks go, you'll be spoilt for choice here: see the Imperial Palace and many landscaped gardens (we like Koishikawa Korakuen and Hama Rikyu) in central Tokyo, the museums and towering Skytree viewing platform for city-wide views in northern Tokyo, and the busy shopping and entertainment districts of Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku in the west.

For easy access to all of this (and so much more) it's best to base yourself centrally, and a hotel would give you the benefit of a helpful concierge to offer recommendations, book transfers and advise on transport throughout your trip. In a city with so much to offer, a bit of local knowledge goes a long way.

Plan a Tokyo city break British Airways, where you can book flights and hotels as a package.

A relaxing all-inclusive holiday in Okinawa

The idyllic island of Ishigaki is part of the Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan, where the climate is tropical and the weather is warm and humid all year round. It's here that you'll find Club Med's Kabira Ishigaki resort , perched on the edge of the Kabira peninsula with endless views of the turquoise ocean ahead. A family-friendly resort, Kabira Ishigaki is the ideal way to see Japan with a hearty side of rest and relaxation. You can lounge around the freshwater pool and unwind with a treatment in the spa, or, on days where you can muster the energy, try your hand at windsurfing or kayaking in the crystal-clear sea.

The ocean is sacred here, as it's home to manta rays and other marine life, and guests wanting to learn more about life under the water's surface can book eco-friendly snorkelling tours or day trips to nearby islands. There's the chance to experience local culture on dry land too, as guests can take part in sanshin lessons (an Okinawan musical instrument that's similar to a banjo) and sample Okinawan flavours with a selection of traditional dishes, all served in a restaurant that offers 180-degree sea views. Sounds like paradise to us...

Soak up the sun, sand and sea of southern Japan at Club Med's Kabira Ishigaki resort.

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Opening Reception: Spring 2024 Exhibitions

• Presented By: Crooked Tree Arts Center
• Dates: April 26, 2024
• Location: Crooked Tree Arts Center
• 322 Sixth Street
• Traverse City, MI 49684
• Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Price: FREE
• (231) 941-9488
• [email protected]

All events are subject to change without notice. Please check the event website for the most updated information.

Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday, April 26th, from 5:00-7:00pm as we celebrate the opening of our spring shows here at Crooked Tree Arts Center of Traverse City. This spring, we will have four varying exhibitions on display. Shows opening include: - Agricultura - Trading Places: Adrian Center for the Arts at Crooked Tree Arts Center - Traverse Area Camera Club 2023: Award Winners - Four the Love of Art: CTAC High School Portfolio

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• 101 West Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684
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