visiting traverse city michigan in july
 

Hi, We will be visiting the Traverse City area at the end of July. We heard there is a casino in the area and would like hotel suggestions as well as restaurants. We will stay around Traverse City for 2 days and then head up toward Indian River for the rest of the week. Any suggestions on what we should do? Thanks

We stay at The Beach Condominums. It is not cheap in the summer, but it is a very nice place to stay. Right on Grand Traverse Bay. One bedroom condomiums with full kitchen and jacuzzi tub. Make sure you ask for The Beach Condomiums because there is another hotel/motel called The Beach. You will find lots to do in Traverse City. You can find every type of accomodation from motels to condos. A couple of other recommendations are Sugar Beach Resort and Bayshore Resort.

Are you set on the Traverse City area - if not you might consider going just a bit farther North to the petoskey or Harbor Springs area. If you go to Harbor Springs - stay in one of the B&B's right downtown by the yacht club - or in Traverse you might consider one of the ski resorts - they have fine amenities (and activities) and are open in the summer - check out Boyne for starters - don't miss Sleeping Bear Dunes. Unless you're a casino fan, there is so much to see and do outside and it is so beautiful, you won't want to go inside until after dark! Also check out really any of the B&B's on the penninsula. Are you going to be there during Cherry Fest time - you might want to check into it - you could get a slice of the world's largest Cherry Pie!!! Have fun!

Turtle Creek Casino is just outside of Traverse City on US 72 E. Leenanau Sands Casino is 20 miles north on M22. Leelanau Sands has some top notch entertainers, so you may want to check out their schedule to see if there's anything that interests you during the time you'll be there. <BR> <BR>I'm fairly local, so our experience with lodging has only been weekends with the hockey team for tournaments (Centre Ice where the Red Wings practice is in Traverse City). We've done the Days Inn and Suites (very nice), Baymont Inn, Quality Inn, and Motel 6.

Millie, can we get you to be a little more specific? You won't have any trouble finding a casino. As someone already said, there are ones nearby both north & south. I also think there'll be one close to Indian River. <BR>Traverse is a prime tourist area, but what types/prices of restaurants are you looking for? Give us an idea of actrivities too. Do you want boating, beaching, fishing, sailing, great scenic spots, hang-gliding, ballooning, kayaking, horseback riding,shopping, etc.? So many possibilities....

Millie, <BR> <BR>We have a home on Torch Lake, about 25 miles from T.C. Have been going there for 38 years. There is a ton of things to do in Traverse City. You might want to access the local newspaper's web site at www.record-eagle.com and get some ideas and links to local activities there. <BR> <BR>Brian

A very nice restaurant in Traverse city is Bowers Harbor Inn. Also, in Ellsworth is the Rowe Inn = a 4 star restaurant. I'll suggest you get reservations.<BR>Indian River is very small and only has a few local restaurants.

I've been there a long time ago. The area is beautiful and lots to see. Try the chamber of commerce for more info.