Traverse City Winter: Best Things To Do In 2026: From A Local!

There are so many fun things to do in Northern Michigan when the weather turns cold and the snow begins to fall. After living in the Traverse City area for over 40 years, I can confidently say winter is one of the best times to experience it. Thanks to our proximity to Lake Michigan, the region receives reliable lake-effect snow, transforming the landscape into a true winter wonderland.

While skiing and snowmobiling are hugely popular once winter sets in, you don’t have to be a skier to enjoy Traverse City in the colder months. From outdoor adventures and special events that I’ve returned to year after year to indoor activities perfect for snowy days, northern Michigan offers a wide variety of things to do all winter long.

Read on for the best things to do near Traverse City in winter—even if you don’t ski—all based on decades of local experience.

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Is Traverse City Worth Visiting in Winter?

Absolutely! Once winter arrives, Traverse City offers a completely different experience than the busy summer months. Sunny beaches transform into forests and vineyards blanketed in snow.

For me, one of the best parts of visiting in winter is that there are fewer crowds, making it easy to find parking and get right into restaurants. After the hustle and bustle of the tourist season, I enjoy a quieter, more intimate atmosphere around town – especially at the local wineries!

The off-season also brings plenty of seasonal events – not to mention lower prices on dining and lodging.

Outdoor Winter Adventures Near Traverse City

Winter is one of the best times to get outside in Northern Michigan, and there’s no shortage of unforgettable outdoor winter adventures near Traverse City. Snowy days here open the door to experiences you simply can’t have the rest of the year, from riding behind a team of sled dogs, rafting a scenic river or walking above the ski slopes on a glowing suspension bridge. Here are some are some of the best ways to enjoy the snow.

Winter Rafting on The Jordan River

Searching for another unique adventure in winter? Put on your warmest socks and raft down the Jordan River!

Jordan Valley Outfitters, located in East Jordan, offers 90 minute guided rafting trips on Saturdays and Sundays from December through March. You may also be able to book a trip during the week if there is a guide available.

You will meet up with your guide at the Jordan Valley Outfitters store in East Jordan. Participants then pile into a small bus to be transported to the boat launch. There you will board a white water style raft, holding up to 5 people.

The Jordan River is Michigan’s first designated Wild and Scenic River. It originates from springs in the Jordan River Valley near Mancelona, and flows about 25 miles into Lake Charlevoix. The river current is swift enough to keep it from freezing over, but it is closer to a peaceful float than a whitewater adventure.

On our trip, our guide, Al, steered us down the Jordan. He was well acquainted with every twist and turn of the river, including each overhanging tree limb and submerged log. Al did the vast majority of the work, only calling on David and I to paddle when we had to act swiftly in order to avoid obstacles. Al entertained us with jokes and stories, as well as with information about the river and the surrounding area.

The surrounding forest was incredibly quiet. We took a break midway at Frog Island to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Our entire experience felt wonderfully serene.

Our trip lasted about two hours. We felt we were in very good hands with the experienced guides from Jordan Valley Outfitters.

Be sure to wear waterproof boats and warm socks, hats and mittens. Layers are a good idea in case you warm up on a sunny day. Life jackets are provided.

A rafting excursion costs $47.00 for ages 13 – adult, $20.00 for kids ages 9-12, and $17.00 for kids ages 4-8.Make reservations at the Jordan Valley Outfitters website.

Walk Across SkyBridge Michigan: A Must-Do in Winter!

Looking to spend a magical evening in a winter wonderland? Bundle up and head to Boyne Mountain Resort’s SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s largest timber-towered suspension bridge. Stroll out on the quarter-mile bridge during the evening, and find yourself surrounded by a dazzling display of over 150,000 sparkling lights.

Upon arrival at the Resort, hop on the rustic Hemlock scenic chairlift and enjoy the ride to the mountain top. The SkyBridge soars 118 feet above the valley between the peaks of McLouth and Disciples Ridge. Venture across the bridge for breath taking views, as skiers and snow boarders sail down the ski slopes beneath you.

The walking surface of the bridge is about five feet across. Be prepared: the SkyBridge definitely sways in the wind, or when large crowds are walking on it at the same time. Fortunately, there is a handrail for you to hang onto.

There is a clear glass section in the very center of the bridge. Just look out at the exhilarating view if your fear of heights kicks in!

Warm up around the fire pits on the far side of the bridge. You can even get a cocktail from the Skybridge Food Truck. Pierogies and kielbasa are also on the menu, along with fries and chicken tenders. Restrooms are also available.

Be sure to walk along the SkyBridge trail, which loops back to the chairlifts. About half way across, you’ll be treated to a fantastic view of the SkyBridge and its light display, and the valley below. Continue on to the chairlifts, or retrace your steps so that you can cross the bridge one more time.

Be sure to stop in at the Eagle’s Nest restaurant at the top of the mountain for a hot chocolate or even a meal, before riding the chair lift back down.

Your all-day access ticket allows you to ride up and down the chairlift and walk across the bridge as many times as you like.

Purchase tickets online ahead of time for $25 per adult, versus $30 in-person.

The bridge is open daily from 3:00pm – 9:00 pm. Keep in mind there is no night skiing Sunday through Tuesday, so plan your SkyBridge adventure between Wednesday and Saturday if you want the thrill of viewing skiers underneath you.

Go On A Winter Sleigh Ride At Antler Ridge Farms

What could be more fun in the winter than a horse-drawn sleigh ride? The huge Percheron draft horses at Antler Ridge Farms in Williamsburg have been pulling people through the snow since 1982.

Ruby and Danny, the current team, pull the sleigh along the 1.3-mile route through the farmland and into the forest. (They pull a hay wagon on wheels on days where there isn’t enough snow for the sleigh) Once in the woods, guests are treated to a roaring bonfire where they can roast marshmallows and enjoy hot chocolate.

This winter, Antler Ridge Farms is offering private sleigh rides by appointment only. Up to 12 people can ride in the sleigh at one time. Rides are available on weekends, weather permitting, at noon, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00. The entire sleigh can be rented for $200.00 Be sure to bring a blanket to keep you warm and an apple for the horses!

While you’re there, say hello to the resident alpacas and reindeer, Holly and Trax,. You may also be greeted by Gracie and Ellie, the two friendly dogs on the farm.

Be advised that while there is a port-a-potty available for use, there is no indoor restroom facility. Check out the Antler Ridge Farms website to read more and schedule your winter wonderland adventure.

Snow Tubing at Mount Holiday

Mount Holiday in Traverse City has a reputation for its strong community ski and snowboard programs, where generations of locals have learned to love winter sports while making friends. Good news – Mount Holiday offers plenty of cold-weather fun even if you’re not strapping on skis.

In my opinion, Mount Holiday is one of the best places around for tubing. Mount Holiday’s tubing hill has two groomed lanes, so there’s usually little waiting between runs.

Grab your tube at the bottom, and hop on the paddle lift that pulls riders to the top of the hill. Once you’re at the top, Mount Holiday’s friendly staff members will greet you and ensure the lane is clear before you set off on your exhilarating ride. (They’ll even give you a helpful push if you want, or a bit of a spin)

Tubing is fun for all ages, whether you’re racing a friend in neighboring lane or riding alongside kids for their first taste of downhill snow fun. The hill offers a great mix of speed and excitement without worries about falling.

Tubing sessions are offered in one hour time blocks. Tickets cost $30, and should be purchased in advance, particularly on weekends and during peak winter months. Anyone age 4 and under, or over 70 can ride for free!

Pro Tip: Wear winter boots with good traction—the walk down a hill and around to the tubing area can get slick with a lot of use.

Warm up inside of the lodge with its year-round bar and restaurant. Sit near the fireplace and enjoy views of the ski hill. The menu runs from chicken wings and pot stickers to salads and juicy burgers. There’s also a kid’s menu for your youngest family members.

The T-Bar features beers, wines, and handcrafted cocktails.

For an extra dose of winter wellness, Mount Holiday its own Finnish sauna—perfect for relaxing tired muscles at the end of the day. Book your 70 minute session ahead of time.

Mount Holiday is located at 3100 Holiday Rd, Traverse City.

Experience A Finnish Sauna!

Ready to experience a bit of warmth in the midst of winter, when temperatures drop and the chill sets in? Embrace the culture of Finland and head to Mi Sauna.

MI Sauna is a mobile sauna and is typically at the Traverse City State Park beach on East Grand Traverse Bay on Saturdays and Sundays. Daniel Sarya brought this Finnish tradition to Traverse City in 2020.

Saunas are known for reducing stress, improving sleep, and helping northerners cope with the effects of seasonal affective disorder. In Finland, saunas also are viewed as a social activity, where friends and family come together to relax and enjoy one another’s company.

Mi Sauna is housed in a wood-fire heated trailer, with beautiful wooden benches inside. Best of all, its great location makes it possible to dash from the heat of the sauna straight into a cold plunge in the bay.

Sessions in the sauna last for 80 minutes and cost $35 per seat. The Sauna is also available for private parties. Book your weekend Sauna session at the MI Sauna website.

Winter Events In And Around Traverse City

Traverse City comes alive in winter with a variety of seasonal events that showcase the region’s culture, food, and outdoor beauty. From snowshoe wine and brewery tours on the Old Mission Peninsula to a charity hockey games and Traverse City’s wildly popular Restaurant Week, there are so many ways to make the most of snowy days in Northern Michigan!

Old Mission Snowshoe Wine and Brew

Good news in 2026: the always popular Old Mission Snowshoe Wine and Brew event is back with more opportunities than ever to trek through snowy vineyards. Rather than taking place two or three weekends during the winter, tours are now available every Sunday from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, January 4th through March 8th.

So strap on your snowshoes and get ready to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula, along with the trifecta of stopping by a brewery, a distillery and a winery!

Your adventure begins at the Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant And Brewery. (13512 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City) Leave your car behind and catch the TC Brew Bus.

You’ll be transported to  Brys Estate, where you can hike or snowshoe on their winter trails through snowy vineyards, resting lavender fields, and quiet wooded valleys. Warm up inside with a wine flight and cheese board, or order a drink and enjoy it outside around the fire pits.

Next stop – Old Mission Distilling, where you can again hang out by the outdoor fire pits, savoring hot or cold cider with crafted rum or whiskey, or one of their seasonal cocktails.

From there, follow the flagged snowshoe trail to Bowers Harbor Vineyards, where you will indulge in some incredible local wine. You can warm up at the outdoor fire pits or in the heated pavilion.

Then hike back to The Jolly Pumpkin and indulge in an award winning brew, cider or seltzer in front of the fireplace. Take advantage of discounted drink prices and 25% off food menu items. I highly recommend their wood-fired pizzas!

If there isn’t enough snow for snowshoeing, you can hike the trail instead. If you don’t have your own snowshoes,  call Melissa after reserving your tickets at 231-715-1287 after reserving your tickets. Rentals cost $15 per pair. 

Tickets for the Wine and brew Snowshoe hike are $36 per person and can be reserved online here.

Sips and Soups on Leelanau Peninsula

Winter in Northern Michigan gives us another delicious excuse to bundle up and hit the wine trail: the annual Sips & Soups tasting event. When snow covers the landscape and the wind chill dips, nothing beats stepping into a warm tasting room to find a hot bowl of soup and a glass of wine waiting for you.

Hosted by the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, Sips & Soups pairs hearty, winter-inspired soups from local restaurants with carefully selected wine pours at participating wineries throughout the peninsula. Each stop offers a new combination to savor—think a crisp Pinot Grigio paired with Parmesan Kale & Seared Italian Sausage soup, or Pinto Noir accompanying a hearty Hungarian stew. (a couple of my favorites!)

The event runs for an entire weekend in mid-January. A three-day ticket costs $40, while a Sunday-only ticket costs $30. Your ticket includes $10 in cork cash that can be used towards a bottle of wine, merchandise, or additional wine tastings. Seventeen wineries participated in 2026.

Ticket holders begin their tour at their designated starting winery, which keeps traffic flowing smoothly and allows guests to enjoy each stop at an easy, relaxed pace. The drive itself is part of the fun, with snow-dusted vineyards, quiet back roads, and beautiful winter views around every bend.

We hit our first winery right when Sips & Soups kicked off at noon on Friday. We were the only customers there! It was also pretty quiet at the next two wineries, which gave us great opportunities to talk with the local wine makers and staff. By 4:00, it was a lot more lively as the happy hour crowd started to show up. All of the wineries were much busier on Saturday and Sunday.

We enjoyed the variety of the soups and chilis we sampled along the way. A unanimous standout- Lylah’s Cream of Mushroom soup that was offered at Amoritas Vineyards. Can’t make it to the event? No worries – you can stop in at Lylah’s in Suttons Bay year-round for salads, sandwiches, and some of their yummy soup.

Sips & Soups is a perfect way to spend a winter afternoon exploring the Leelanau Peninsula!

Pro Tip: This event is a winter favorite and sells out in advance. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll just be able to show up at one the wineries and participate.

Ice Wine Festival at Chateau Chantal

For a truly unique winter celebration, head to Chateau Chantal Winery for its annual Ice Wine Festival. Only a handful of places in the world have the precise winter conditions needed to produce ice wine, making this Traverse City–area event a rare and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.

Always held on the final Saturday in January, the festival celebrates ice wine — a luxurious dessert wine made from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine. Harvested when temperatures dip to between 15 and 18 degrees Fahrenheit, the grapes are pressed while still frozen, resulting in an intensely sweet, highly prized wine nicknamed “Nectar of the Gods.”

We enjoyed a flight of three ice wines, starting with Chateau Chantal’s Freezling and their Estate Ice Wine, both crafted from Riesling grapes frozen at harvest. Our server described them as “dessert in a glass.”

The real surprise for me, though, was the Cabernet Franc Ice Wine. As someone who usually gravitates toward dry red wines, I assumed the ice wines would be too sweet for me. Instead, I found that the Cabernet Franc beautifully balances sweetness with acidity, completely changing my expectations of what an ice wine can be.

Head out to the patio overlooking Grand Traverse Bay to find the Ice Wine Luge. Your taste of ice wine will be chilled instantly as it is poured through a specially made ice sculpture. We sampled Chateau Chantal’s Entice – a luscious blend of their Riesling Ice wine and oak-aged brandy. It’s an unforgettable combination with just a hint of spice.

Bundle up and embrace the season with outdoor winter fun like snowman building. Put your snowball-throwing skills to the test for a chance to earn special wine discounts, or cross-country ski or snowshoe along the scenic Founders Trail (bring your own gear, as only a limited number of snowshoes are available for rent).

Fight off the chill with  outdoor firepits, S’mores-making kits, and spiked hot cocoa. Then head indoors during the afternoon for an Ice wine production and cellar tour. And of course, there will be ice wine tasting in the tasting room throughout the day to celebrate this frozen labor of love.

This free event will be followed by a Fire & Ice Wine dinner at 6:00 pm. The seven course meal with wine pairings costs $199 per person. Reservations are required.

Find Chateau Chantal at 15900 Rue de Vin, on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City.

Candlelight Concert at Kirkbride Hall

One of our favorite ways to brighten up a cold winter evening in Traverse City is by attending a Candlelight Concert at Kirkbride Hall. Held inside the former chapel at the Traverse City State Hospital, these concerts create an intimate, unforgettable musical experience.

While this global concert series takes place in cities around the world, each concert features local venues and musicians. Kirkbride Hall’s extraordinary acoustics set the stage, while hundreds of softly flickering candles transform the space into something truly magical.

Throughout the winter, local quartets are hired to play arrangements ranging from Christmas carols in December to classical music and tributes to popular modern artists later in the season. On the 2026 schedule: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons on February 7th, a Tribute to Queen on February 28th, and a tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons on February 28th and March 14th. Tickets range from $37.50 – $47.50, with show times at 6:30 and 8:45 p.m.

Each quartet is composed of two violinists, one violist, and a cellist. One of the most engaging elements of the Candlelight Concerts is the personal touch—musicians take turns speaking to the audience, sharing insights into the history and composition of the pieces being performed.

Pro Tip: Arrive a bit early to explore the Grand Traverse Commons before the concert. A quick stop for a drink or dessert nearby makes the evening feel even more special before the candles are lit and the music begins.

Kirkbride Hall is located at 700 Cottageview Drive, Suite 200, in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons of Traverse City.

Guns N Hoses Benefit Hockey Game

February brings an annual event near and dear to the hearts of locals: the Guns and Hoses Benefit Hockey Game. Each year, a team of local police face off against local firefighters, battling it out to see who wins bragging rights for being the best hockey team.

Best of all, proceeds from the charity game are donated to a local beneficiary nominated by community members. The 2026 recipient is the family of  Lieutenant Jonathan Michael Miner, who passed away unexpectedly in October.

The game will be held on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 at Centre Ice Arena, located at 1600 Chartwell Drive in Traverse City. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the puck drops at 7:00. Pregame events include a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, a public safety honor guard, team introductions and an introduction of the Florip family.

Tickets are $5.00 per person. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets ahead of time at the Guns N Hoses website. Any remaining tickets can be purchased at the door.

Traverse City Restaurant Week

Traverse City’s wildly popular Restaurant Week will be held from February 22nd – 28th in 2026. In 2025, over four dozen restaurants participated, creating a special menu that often is not available any other time of year. Three course meals are priced between $25 and $45 per person.

For the past five years, we’ve headed to The Boathouse Restaurant, on Old Mission peninsula. Their 2025 Restaurant Week menu consisted of a choice between a Greek salad, a wedge salad, or a simply fabulous bowl of lobster and shrimp bisque. (you can guess which starter I choose!)

One of the main course options has consistently been a surf and turf entrée. And yes- I’ve ordered it every year – a luscious wagyu filet and lobster tail, along with risotto and broccolini.

Other main course choices were a braised Michigan pork shank, duck leg confit, or David’s go-to entrée, smoked salmon fettuccini.

Dessert choices included a spiced crème brulee, New York cheesecake or chocolate cake. I always go for anything chocolate, while David is a die-hard fan of The Boathouse’s crème brulee.

The Boathouse, along with many other in-demand restaurants, will sell-out during Traverse City Restaurant Week. Be sure to make a reservation if you have your heart set on a particular establishment. Check out the Traverse City Restaurant Week website for participating restaurants and their menus, and to make reservations.

Traverse City Comedy Fest

The Traverse City Comedy Fest is one of the biggest events in the area before the start of summer tourist season. Okay, so April doesn’t seem too wintery! In past years, the Comedy Fest was held in February and many fans are searching for it Traverse City’s winter calendar.

This year, the event has moved to April16 -18, 2026. Dozens of comedians will be performing at seven venues around town. Traverse City will be welcoming national headliners, as well as state and local favorites. You can enjoy comedy sketches, stand-up comedy, improv and some specialty shows.

Get ready for a weekend full of laughs, and order your tickets at the Traverse City Comedy Fest website.

Indoor Things to Do in Traverse City in Winter

When the temperatures drop and the snow piles up, Traverse City has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained without having to brave the cold all day.

Get A Snow Day Pass At The Delamar Hotel!

Need a little pick-me-up from cold winter days? Head to the Delamar Hotel at 615 East Front Street in downtown Traverse City. Locals and travelers can purchase a Snow Day Pass to enjoy all of the amenities that are available to hotel guests.

The Snow Day Pass includes swimming in the hotel’s indoor pool, whirlpool hot tub and sauna. Outdoor lovers can take a dip in the steamy outdoor pool. Towels, showers and changing rooms are all available.

You can also reserve one of the poolside Cozy Cabanas with seating for up to six guests. Order something to eat and your favorite beverage from the Cabana menu, which features items such as flatbread pizza, a classic cheeseburger, or white cheddar fondue. Use of a Cozy Cabana costs $15.00 per person for a two hour time slot.

Poolside fire pits are fired up at 5:00 pm. Warm up and enjoy your complimentary s’mores kit! You can also indulge at the complimentary hot cocoa bar from noon until 9:00 pm.

The Snow Day Pass gives you access to the hotel’s gym, which features a Peloton, treadmills, and free weights. You are also eligible for 20% off drop-in classes at the onsite Yen Yoga and Fitness studio.

Complimentary snowshoes are available if you’d like to head out to one the region’s many hiking trails. Or, if you’d prefer to stay in, your family can play one of the available board games by the indoor fireplace.

Snow Days Day Passes are available weekly Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am through 9:00 pm, through April 14th. Cost is $35 for adults and $25 for youngsters ages 3-12. Children under the age of 3 are free.

Book your Delamar Snow Day Pass here!

Make A Splash At Great Wolf Lodge!

Looking for a fun-filled indoor escape from northern Michigan’s winter chill? Great Wolf Lodge delivers year-round fun with its family-friendly indoor water park and resort atmosphere.

An overnight stay includes full access to the expansive water park, where there’s something for every age. Little ones can safely splash and play in the Cub Paw Pools, complete with miniature slides and pint-sized water cannons. Adventurous kids and adults will love Alberta Falls, a four-story tandem tube slide packed with fast-paced twists and turns. For a bit of relaxation, float along the lazy river or catch a few waves in the indoor wave pool.

At the heart of the water park is Fort Mackenzie, an enormous interactive treehouse loaded with spray features, rope bridges, and water toys. Every few minutes, a bell rings to warn guests that the massive tipping bucket is about to dump a thousand gallons of water on everyone below.

There’s plenty to do even if you don’t feel like getting wet, including bowling, mini golf, climbing wall, an arcade and a Build-A-Bear Workshop where kids can create their own custom souvenir. There’s also free events like storytelling and character meet-and-greets.

When hunger strikes, you won’t need to leave the resort. Great Wolf Lodge offers multiple casual dining options, making it easy to grab a snack or sit down for a meal.

You can purchase a half day or full day pass if want to enjoy the water park without spending the night. Towels and access to changing rooms and showers are included.

Availability, pricing, and access can vary by date, so it’s best to check ahead and reserve in advance.

Pro Tip: Great Wolf Lodge tends to be busiest—and most expensive—during school breaks and holidays, so look for off-peak deals if you’re traveling on a budget.

Great Wolf Lodge is located at 3575 N. U.S. Highway 31 South.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition at Kirkbride Hall

Looking for a bit of competition along with something fun to do indoors in the winter? Head to Kirkbride Hall for their Jigsaw Puzzle Competition, a favorite cold-weather event within the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

The competition is held once per month in January, February and March. Registration is required and spots fill quickly, so if you’re a puzzle enthusiast looking for a lively winter challenge, get your fellow jigsaw afficionados together and sign up.

Kirkbride Hall is located at 700 Cottageview Drive, Suite 200, in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons of Traverse City.

Teams of 2 to 4 players race against the clock to complete a 550-piece jigsaw puzzle. Each team receives the same puzzle, so it’s truly a test of speed and teamwork. The first place team win’s $100 in Village gift certificates, while second place wins $50. As a bonus, each team gets to keep the puzzle once the competition wraps up.

Enjoy A Relaxing Float At Solitude Float and Wellness Spa

There are so many outdoor activities to choose from when snow blankets the land. Rigorous activities, such as downhill skiing and snowmobiling, (or shoveling!) may leave you feeling sore afterwards. Solitude Float and Wellness Spa on Front Street in downtown Traverse City has you covered!

You’ll climb into a pod that holds about a foot of water filled with 12,000 pounds of Epsom salt. All that magnesium-rich salt makes floating effortless.

With the water temperature so close to the temperature of your skin, you can lose the sense of where your body actually is. If this scenario creates anxiety, you can keep the tank’s lid open, or float with soft lights or gentle music on. You can open the lid at any time. Just don’t plan on doing anything too strenuous afterwards: you’ll be feeling incredibly relaxed for the rest of the day!

Go to the Solitude Float website to book your float – or a relaxing session in one of their massage chairs.

Not sure if a float is right for you? I wasn’t, either. Read more about my personal experience at Solitude Float Spa.

Winter Food and Drink Experiences in Traverse City

Traverse City has a growing reputation as a foodie destination. There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Traverse City’s food and drink scene in the colder months, including the long-running Cookbook Dinner Series at Amical Restaurant and hands-on cooking classes at Black Star Farms.

Cookbook Dinner Series At Amical Restaurant

When the summer tourists have departed from northern Michigan, a much-loved tradition kicks in at The Amical Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Traverse City. For over 30 years, the talented kitchen team have developed special menus featuring over 100 different cookbooks.

Once a month from November through April, the Amical staff creates a dinner menu from a chosen cookbook. The week of January 8th -14th, 2024 will feature dishes from Xi’an Famous Foods by Jason Wang. Xi’an Famous Foods is a noodle shop in New York City’s Chinatown. For this week only, you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of western China.

February 5th – 10th will highlight Italian cuisine with a British twist from the Trullo restaurant in London.

Check out the menus and make your dinner reservation at the Amical Restaurant website.

Winter Fun At Black Star Farms

Black Star Farms is a luxury bed and breakfast, and an award winning winery located twelve miles from downtown Traverse City. Their tasting room is open seven days a week. Onsite restaurant Bistro Polaris hosts a trivia night on Mondays, has live music on Saturday evenings, and is known for their exquisite Sunday Brunch.

Experience a winter wonderland during Black Star Farm’s Snowshoe, Wines and Vines events. Snowshoe on trails around the grounds and through the vineyards, and then head to the tasting room to warm up with mulled wine and home made soup or chili. Or opt to pop in to the for a wood fired pizza.

Snowshoe, Wines and Vines is held on Saturdays throughout the winter, plus on two Sundays: January 14th and February 18th. The one exception is Saturday, February 10th, as Black Star Farms is participating in the Taste The Passion food and winery event.

Onsite snowshoe rentals are available from noon -4:00 pm. Of course, if you have your own snowshoes you are welcome to explore the trails at any time.

Guests at the Inn have the option to sign up for Fat Tire Biking and Snowshoeing Adventure package. A shuttle bus will transport you to Suttons Bay, where you’ll hop on your fat tire bike, and then cruise four miles back to Black Star Farms along the groomed Leelanau trail bike path. Upon arrival, you’ll partake in a tasty bowl of chili and a hot chocolate. Spend the afternoon on snowshoes, exploring the 160 acres of trails and vineyards around the Inn.

Guests can also sign up to enjoy two Yoga Day Retreats, held on Saturday, February 10th and March 16th.

Black Star Farms offers a wide variety of culinary events during January, February March, and April. Traditional raclette dinners, featuring rich, melted cheese combined with potatoes, meats, vegetables, and fresh bread are scheduled for January 19th, February 3rd, March 15th and April 19th.

Progressive wine and food tasting tours area available for small groups and will take you behind the scenes into the wine cave followed by the VIP Barrel Room. Tours are scheduled for Mondays January – April.

Participate in a cooking class under the watchful eye of the Black Star Farms’ Chef. A Tuscan menu will be featured on January 20th and 24th. A menu from northern Italy will be showcased on February 24th, and again on March 23rd.

Global Cheddar & Wine Tasting Workshops will be held on January 26th and April 26th.

There are so many great things to do right on the property and nearby. Why not book a room at The Inn at Black Star Farms and fully immerse yourself in a wine country get-away?

Bonus: When The Weather Is Frigid: Check Out The Ice!

Michigan beaches are beautiful any time of year. They can be especially spectacular during a frozen winter. Between miles of coastline on the Great Lakes and countless inland lakes, there’s plenty of opportunities to view the incredible beauty of ice. In any given winter, it’s possible to view mounds of ice piling up on the shore, ice volcanoes towering over sand bars, ice balls rolling in the waves, crystal clear on smaller lakes and ice-covered vegetation that got got battered by wind and waves. Checking out the ice is truly a unique winter experience, as formations can change from one day to the next.

Blue Ice Near Leland

A few years ago, during the frigid temperatures of a polar vortex, this magical landscape was created on the shore near Leland. Blue ice forms when snow on top of the ice is compressed, squeezing out all air bubbles. The resulting ice is very dense, allowing it to absorb more color. Blue ice is rare, and is most brilliant on a sunny day.

Ice Balls In Grand Traverse Bay

Ice balls form in the water when slush rolls and freezes in shallow waves near the shore. One of the best parts of coming across a patch of ice balls is listening to the cracking and popping sounds that they make.

Crystal Clear Ice On Elk Lake

Every few years, Elk Lake is known to have thick, crystal clear ice. This occurs when the lake freezes slowly, allowing air bubbles and other impurities to be pushed down into the water below. The resulting ice around the shore allows you to see straight down to the bottom and gives you the unsettling sensation that you are walking on water. It’s a unique experience!

Ice-Covered Vegetation Along Lake Michigan

We never tire of catching sight of ice-encrusted vegetation. Unique formations can be found all up and down the coast of the Great Lakes. It’s never the same from one month to the next.

Do be careful any time you decide to venture out on the ice. Lake ice may look sturdy when in fact it is difficult to tell how thick the ice actually is. My rule of thumb is: don’t venture too far from shore, never go out onto any ice by yourself, and look around for spots where others are already safely enjoying the ice. If in doubt, stay on shore and use a zoom lens on your camera.

FAQ

Is Traverse City too cold in winter? The winters in Traverse City are definitely cold! But as a long-time local, I wouldn’t say it’s too cold.  Traverse City’s location along Lake Michigan actually moderates temperature extremes. It’s often much colder 30 miles inland that it is right in Traverse City.

Our proximity to Grand Traverse Bay also brings us more lake effect snow – perfect for outdoor winter activities!

How can I prepare for cold weather when visiting Traverse City in winter? The key to being outside is to dress warmly in layers. This definitely means having a good quality winter coat, hat, and gloves or mittens! I routinely keep snowpants and a blanket in my car even if I’m not planning on being outside, just in case I need to make an unexpected stop.

When does Traverse City have the most snow? January and February generally have the deepest and most reliable snow, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Are wineries open in Traverse City during winter? Yes, most wineries in the Traverse City area stay open during the winter. The majority of them have shorter hours than in the summer, so be sure to call ahead if you’d like to visit. A number of wineries are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter.

The Wrap-Up

I feel incredibly lucky to call Northern Michigan home, where each season brings its own special beauty. Whether it’s the blooms of spring, the sunshine of summer, the colorful leaves of fall, or the sparkling snow of winter, there’s nothing better than getting outside and experiencing it all.

Winter in Traverse City is especially magical, and we’re always on the lookout for unique activities and experiences to make the most of Northern Michigan’s off-season. No matter what the time of year, there’s always something new to explore in and around Traverse City!