While we were in the area on vacation, we went specifically for the Lego Carnival. Having lived in…read moreTraverse City for a few years [about 15 years ago] I was glad to see the old library being used for something interesting, but it wasn't QUITE as exciting as the word "carnival" might make it seem. There were about three rooms of pre-constructed Lego buildings/objects (one case had things like a bra, telephone, cell phone, and safety pin) which of course the kids aren't allowed to touch and then a play area that contained the Lego tunnel (which was basically a single L-shaped section built from big wooden Lego-looking pieces) that took five seconds to crawl through, the big Lego block building area, the building area with a bunch of plastic bins of random Lego pieces on tables to build cars (or whatever else), and the ramp to test your cars. It really wasn't very exciting to look at...as an adult...but our son (and all the kids there) LOVED IT. So for that reason alone it gets four stars. I can't quite give it five stars because it's definitely not "as good as it gets" but for a smallish town it's pretty cool. And a great way to get out of the heat for a few hours. :) My husband and mother-in-law looked around the rest of the museum and I briefly looked at the rock display (to see what kind of rocks are found around the state) and it doesn't take long since it's not that big. We were there for just under two hours.

Spent $5 to get in, kids were entertained for 3 hours. We went in the summer when they had a huge,…read moreinteractive Lego exhibit. They had models designed and built by experts to look at, but they also had tons of Legos for the kids to play with. They also have a huge vat of cherry pits (large enough for 5 kids to play in at once) which is there year round. It's also just a cute little museum about Traverse City history in a beautiful location. Definitely recommend if you're in T.C. and you have a couple of hours to kill and some kids that need entertaining.

Sweet spot on the end of Front Street. There was an asian fusion-style food truck that had a solid…read morespam musubi which was housed before it could be pictured. Other than that, there's a stage for live music, plenty of cold beer on draft, and lots of fun games that are priced fairly unlike a Dave & Buster's. Favorite game was PBR Perfect Pour. All-time game and easily killed like 3 hours hogging it from others.

The Coin Slot is a fun arcade bar near some other hot spots in TC, so it was a good place to enjoy…read morea drink before our dinner reservation at Umbo. We ordered some frozen drinks from the outdoor bar - a cherry margarita and a lime margarita. The cherry was super sweet, and the lime was sour, so we ended up mixing them together, which was great. The outdoor menu also includes hot dogs and you can get a draft+dog combo for $9! They have plenty of outdoor seating, so we sat for a bit then went inside to check out the arcade. They had lots of interesting classic games as well as newer things I'd never seen, like a Halo experience. It was VERY LOUD inside, like hurting my ears loud (but, I'm old). It was a fun and eclectic spot with all ages enjoying games.

This place is amazing! Its located in the mall. We accidentally parked near Dunham's but we found…read moreout that its closer to the other doors further down. They have doors that are hard to escape. They charge $10 per person but the membership is a lot cheaper. They also participate in the museums for all and charge $20 for a membership for the year for it. There is an area behind the counter area with a room for strollers and bags. You can also eat food there as well I believe. The kids had so much to do. They had a lot of educational areas and designs. They loved placing the balls in the tubes. They had a little vet area. They also had a kitchen area in the back. They had a car track and water table. They have a giant playscape with two slides. By the checkin they have a small store area as well. The kids had so much fun!

Our kids had a ton of fun here, especially at the water table!…read more We thought that it was an actual, standalone museum, so we were confused when we were walking through the mall, and we accidentally walked right past it because we thought it was a gift shop. Lo and behold, it's actually very roomy and has multiple interactive stations! Besides the water table, they also loved the vet clinic, play structure, food truck, and collecting eggs. This would be a great place for grandparents to take their kids while parents go shopping at the mall.

This place was absolutely amazing--an old asylum from 1885-1989 turned into housing, shopping,…read morerestaurants, and offices while maintaining the original structure. I love what they were able to do instead of letting it sit abandoned and decay. The history of mental asylums is so interesting, and they offer 2 hour tours for $30 for those ages 12+. I definitely recommend the tour if you are into history, psychology or healthcare. The tour guide was great, and obviously a true expert in all things regarding the Traverse City State Hospital. The background and experience he had with it made him very trustworthy. He was also just a very funny and friendly guy. The tour takes you outside plus certain areas inside to showcase the restoration process. It also takes you inside of an abandoned and decayed men's cottage. You can only enter this building through the tour. Inside, the guide will show you around and you'll be able to see all the empty rooms and dining area and learn about the history of how they lived. You'll also go up into the attic to see all the pipes. Before the tour ends, the guide takes you into the old brick steam tunnels (which can also only be accessed during this tour). The tunnels are spooky and our guide even turned off the lights for us to experience it in the dark, plus try to catch some photos of orbs with the flash on our phones lol. Overall, it was a super interesting tour and I would definitely come back to do the one at night.

Huge property about 3 miles from downtown travers. A lot of shops and dining to explore while…read morewaiting for your tour. I came for a twilight asylum tour and heard great things about Trattoria Stella so came early for dinner at their bar. Love the dark vibe. Opens between 4-5 depending on day. The property is rather spread out so may be a bit hard to go back and forth of any difficulties walking. The hallways do seem wheelchair accessible.

Stop what you're doing and book a stay at the Dempsey Manor. It's an old Victorian home that has…read morepassed hands a few times, and currently is a bed-and-breakfast, one of the most charming and cute that I've ever seen. Stayed here for one night during a Northwest Michigan nature getaway. Jan and Jim are both super hip kind folks that gladly take care of your every need or want. Jan was very accommodating with my vegan lifestyle and made me a delicious breakfast. The rooms are all decorated different, with lots of original and traditional Victorian decor. Lots of opportunity to learn about the history of the home, the prior owners, and the town. Plenty of literature. The sunroom is fantastic! There's really so much to say, but I'll leave it at-trust this five star review and book your stay here, ASAP!

I didn't get to stay here yet because I did t make a reservation early enough, but I still got to…read morego in for a tour. For a fifteen dollar donation I got to enjoy two hours of Jim's hospitality, meeting the cats and the talkative parrot Josefina - Jose for short. The collections are really impressive, the architecture is both stunning and cozy. I wish I could hang out with Jim and Jan for the whole weekend just learning about them, the house and the collections. I learned a lot!

Interesting, well-presented exhibits. Hands-on opportunities. Classes offered annually. Community…read moreevents, too. I have been to a few of the events: one was the Central Neighborhood front porch concerts and treats- it was fun. The other event was as a volunteer (full disclosure) for their plein air paint out as part of Paint Grand Traverse. Oh, I think everyone should volunteer for this, but that's my love of the arts speaking. As more of a dreamer than a do-er, I'm pretty much in awe of those who *do.* Lastly, this evening I was here for the TC Ticker's 'Recess' event. I'd consider going to another of their events, the venues rotate. There were beverage tickets (imbibe if you don't have to work later, as I did) and yummy treats from Maxbauer's and Raduno. I guess I networked, but I consider it more a polishing/fine-tuning of extremely rusty social skills. I am a busy and introverted human, therefore I don't get out much, lol. But, when I do get out, it's because I have high expectations. And, this venue and event both proved themselves to be enjoyable.

From the owner: Crooked Tree offers rotating, year-round art exhibits featuring local, regional, and national…read moreartists. We also offer art classes for all ages, lectures series, Paint Grand Traverse plein air festival, and more.

Take Peninsula Drive. Imagine the lake shoreline meandering…read morealongside you as you drive. Imagine the reds, yellows, greens, and browns of the tree leaves cradling the sky. Imagine deserted sand and the setting sun. Imagine just the right amount of chill in the air. Imagine the radio crooning Adele and Keith Urban. Imagine the window half down. Imagine stopping and sitting on the beaches, watching the water. Imagine the wind blowing in your hair. Imagine the cyclists rocketing past you. Imagine doing 90 up the empty roads, chasing remaining sunlight. Imagine dusk creeping up on you as you arrive at the lighthouse. Imagine the peninsula, and blue water all around the rocky beach. Imagine your shoes sinking in the damp sand. Imagine the wind, again. Imagine the quiet, the kind of quiet that makes you remember who you are. Imagine the quiet, the kind of quiet that makes you realize the beauty of silence. Imagine the ending scene of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Think about the time that he drove you to the beach in the dead of winter. Imagine apple orchards and vineyards guarding the gathering dark on the drive back. Imagine the Michigan stars. When they tell you that the drive to Mission Point is worth it, believe them.

This is the Mission Point Lighthouse and also part of the state park district. This is a quaint…read morelittle lighthouse, situated at the end of the Old Mission Peninsula. The drive up here is absolutely beautiful and well worth the trip. The lighthouse is on a little hill that overlooks the lake with a couple nice places to sit and enjoy the scenery. The charge is $4 to go up the top, which we declined to do, as the place is tiny and super cramped inside. We did though, walk all the way out to the end of the peninsula. It is a bit of a hike, so wear some good shoes. The walk is worth it though, and there are some cool things to see along the way. It takes about an hour there and back, and make sure to stop and throw a rock on the pile!

Great place to stop in for a purchase of local art. You can easily find something to fit in your…read moreluggage to take home; commemorate your trip to TC with a piece of local fine art

Great beers. Friendly service, always. We enjoy getting there as often as possible. Have some fun…read moreentertainment, too.