Looking for someplace new and different to take the family next month. Ran across info on Traverse City and wondered if anyone had opinions/suggestion about spending a few days there with kids (5,6,10)?

This may be coming too late for you, but I live in Ann Arbor and have family in TC. We love to visit there. It's great for kids if they like the outdoors, especially. TC itself can be touristy, but if you get out to Leelanau Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes, the shores of Lake Michigan, etc., it's good family fun. Good camping areas, lots of beaches, canoeing, small cozy towns, wineries, artsy shops. And you can head up to Petoskey and Charlevoix, which are very nice towns as well. The whole area is full of resorts/golf courses, some casinos if you're into that. And it's just gorgeous country!

Mike, will you be near Boyne Highlands by chance?

Here's my advice as a former Michigander and frequent vactioner to "up north" - don't stay in TC - it is super touristy and crowded. Stay in Glen Arbor or some other part of the Leelenau Peninsula. Do the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Empire Bluff Walk, etc. Stop in TC on your way to the lighthouse at the end of Mission Point to play a game of puttputt! THe kids will love swimming at the lighthouse, the water is about 2' deep for about 200' out - it is very beautiful. Your kids will love the area - it is truly magical. If $ is not an issue, you could look at staying at the Homested in Glen Arbor which has alot of stuff for families....
Have fun - it is beautiful!

Mike: If you do stay at the Homestead, do NOT, repeat NOT, stay anywhere near the carillon - those stinking bells are annoying as hell.

Absolutely take an afternoon sailing trip on one of the tall ships in the bay. That was a phenomenal experience.

Jen