TRAVERSE CITY, MI - Lots of people head to this quintessential Up North spot and spend time downtown. They browse the shops, hit the bars and restaurants along Front Street, and take in the views of Grand Traverse Bay.

And while that’s a perfectly respectable Traverse City vacation, autumn calls for something special. That’s because we’re talking about a sweet town that is hemmed in by woods and water, which makes it a perfect place to hike in the fall.

The vibrant colors last longer in this wine country microclimate defined by the breezes off Lake Michigan and its two sister bays. So you’ll be forgiven if you want to stretch out your weekend trips just a day or two longer. (Need a place to stay? Check out the lodging deals on the Traverse City Tourism site here )

To get you started,

See Full Page