Smith Lake

Just about an hour north of Traverse City in the village of Bellaire lies Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts! The mountain offers 53 runs with several base areas. The terrain is applicable for any type of skier, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced rider. We spent the majority of our time lapping the red chair in the trees, while taking a few runs through the terrain park on the p...

If you’re looking for a place to fat bike ride in the area, then this is the spot for you! To access the Vasa Pathway you’ll want to head to Timber Ridge Resort, feel free to park in the main area. From the southeast corner of the Timber Ridge Resort, you will be able to jump on the pathway. You will access this pathway from behind the main lodge building, look for a path that follows under a b...

Now, this is something you probably haven't tried yet. Whiskey blending! The experience with Mammoth Distillery was stimulating, educating and so much fun! Technically we were actually blending bourbon - which we learned all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. You’ll sit down with a group of five to six people, in front of you will be three rows of six glasses. The first and seco...

At the end of the Old Mission peninsula sits Mission Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is surrounded by 5 acres of wooded township and many acres of state land! Upon arriving you can explore the shores just below the lighthouse - there can intriguing iceberg islands forming at the edge of the water on the cold winter days. After taking in some views of West Bay and the lighthouse, head into the ...

Mission Point Lighthouse is situated between the East and West Grand Traverse Bays, about 20 minutes north of downtown Traverse City. This historic lighthouse offers stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. There is a parking lot located a few hundred feet away where visitors can park their cars. The lighthouse includes exhibits and a museum among other things for visitors to exp...

Park at the High Rollway Observation Deck in Kingsley. There's actually two parking lots that you will come to on a dirt road. I suggest parking at the eastern most lot (drive straight instead of making a final right turn). There are two primary wooden platform lookouts near the parking lots. Be sure to stop at both. Continue hiking west and you will come to even more expansive views on the tra...