AREA ATTRACTIONS
SBDVB Map
The Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau publishes a souvenir quality map with easy-to-follow directions to the area's most popular natural features and attractions. It is available, without charge, at the clubhouse. www.sleepingbeardunes.comSleeping Bear Dunes
This is the reason we're all here. The breathtaking beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula is inspiring, season after season. From the dune climb to the historic lighthouses, on the Stocking Drive and from its spectacular overlooks, from the Manitou Islands to the miles of hiking trails and sandy freshwater beaches, there's something here for everyone. For more visit www.nps.gov/slbe.
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
Traveling along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is an experience for all the senses. Sparkling waters, panoramic hilltop vistas, rolling landscapes, lush vineyards and the scenic splendor of four distinct seasons provide visual delight. The tasting rooms at 17 wineries will welcome you with their warm hospitality and unique ambience as eyes, nose and palate are introduced to rich colors, sensual bouquets and diverse flavors. For more visit www.lpwines.com
Interlochen Center for the Arts
A visit to Interlochen will open your eyes to the richly diverse and sophisticated cultural destination revered the world over for its groundbreaking contribution to arts education. Offering a four-year high school program and a variety of summer camp programs, Interlochen is a dream come true for artistically gifted young people from around the globe. A year-round concert series features the best of the professions in classical and popular music, dance, and theatre, making this a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. For more visit www.interlochen.org
National Writers Series
A newcomer to the booming festival scene, the National Writers Series was founded Traverse City Film Festival veteran Doug Stanton, author of the New York Times bestseller Horse Soldiers, along with his wife, investigative journalist Anne Stanton. Launched in 2009 the Festival has already welcomed the likes of syndicated advice communist Amy Alkon, father and son mystery masters Elmore and Peter Leonard (Road Dogs; Trust Me), and acclaimed memoirist Rhoda Janzen (Mennonite in a Little Black Dress). Many more exciting appearances are coming up including visits from Tom Brokaw, Mario Batali, Walter Kirn, Mary Karr and Audrey Niffenegger, among others. For more visit www.nationalwritersseries.org
Traverse City Film Festival
Love him or hate him, Michael Moore has become a treasured member of the local community since he launched the Traverse City Film Festival in 2005. Along with founding partners (and fellow locals) John Robert Williams and Doug Stanton, Moore has given the Grand Traverse region a festival of what he calls "Just great movies." From indie dramas and quirky comedies to thought-provoking documentaries and specials for children, the festival draws film lovers from far and wide every August. So, too, does the restored State Theatre in downtown Traverse City draw fans to its mix of Hollywood blockbusters, independent gems, golden-era favorites and live simulcasts from the Metropolitan Opera. For more visit www.traversecityfilmfest.org