You guys know I love visiting Traverse City during the summer months, because lets be honest Michigan summers are the absolute best. But, what if I told you fall is actually my favorite season to visit Traverse City? I recently was invited to the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa along with Traverse City Tourism for a Women Writers Weekend and let me tell you it was the perfect time to explore Traverse City. During the fall this city has a slower pace, and I really appreciated just taking in all the beautiful sights.
Here are some of the highlights and things I would recommend doing if you’re planning a girls weekend in Traverse City, Michigan.
Stay at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a great spot to stay in Traverse City for a girls weekend. With a spa, fitness center, amazing options for dining and comfortable rooms you really can’t go wrong. And seriously how cool is this view of the fall colors from the Tower? With endless options of things to do at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa you and your friends are sure to have a fabulous getaway.
Go Shopping Downtown
You can’t have a girls weekend without some shopping right? Downtown Traverse City has great shopping including Cherry Republic (the boomchunka cookies are the best), Nest of Grand Traverse, M22, Ella’s and so much more! You’ll find a little something for everyone while walking down Front St, and taking in the beautiful fall colors.
Enjoy a Tour and Wine Dinner at Chateau Chantal
You just visit Traverse City with your girlfriends and not experience one of the many wineries in the area. Take a drive up Old Mission Peninsula and you’ll find some amazing fall foliage and great views of the bay. We stopped at Chateau Chantal for a tour and wine dinner and let me tell you it was a highlight of the weekend.
Our tour taught us more about the wine making process and it was fun to walk around the wine cellar and actually see wine being made. After this 30 minute tour we sat down for a 7-course wine tasting dinner. My tip is to arrive hungry because each course was delicious and perfectly paired with each wine pour. This is a great way to spend time with your girlfriends, and get a taste for the different wines available in the region.
Try a Yoga Class
If you want a weekend getaway that allows you to stay active why not try a yoga class? The Health Club at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a great way to start your day with a yoga class, tennis, swimming or weights. I really enjoyed the yoga class in the morning, and it was so easy to walk downstairs from my hotel room and not worry about the weather outside.
Have Dinner at Aerie
Not only will you love the food at Aerie, but the view is absolutely incredible. You can enjoy the ease of just taking the elevator up to dinner and enjoying a delicious meal with your girlfriends. The menu offers a little something for everyone with a contemporary menu and bold flavors.
Some of my favorite dishes include the artisanal cheese and charcuterie presentation, the Aerie salad, and the bronzini mediterranean sea bass. They also have an extensive wine list that includes some local Michigan options. Honestly everything is so good you’ll have a great night catching up with your girlfriends over great food and an amazing view.
Relax with a Massage
A girls weekend should always include a trip to the spa right? The spa at Grand Traverse Resort is a perfect spot to enjoy a relaxation massage (my favorite), facial, or a pedicure. I really enjoyed how calming the atmosphere was and how helpful the staff was. Trust me this is a great way to enjoy some time together and also relax.
A huge thank you to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Traverse City Tourism and the lovely speakers at this Women Writers Weekend! I hope you enjoy these ideas for doing a girls weekend in Traverse City.
PS you can also check out my guide to wine tasting in Traverse City here.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Traverse City Tourism but all opinions here are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who allow me to continue to create content on The GR Guide.
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