Answers You Need
Have a question? Whether you're planning your next visit, curious about our amenities, or need assistance with a booking.
Visit FAQs page
Traverse City is often approached with a checklist: wineries to visit, restaurants to book, beaches to squeeze in between plans. While that approach works for some trips, many travelers find that Traverse City shines brightest when the pace is slower and the schedule is lighter.
Staying along the East Bay at a Traverse City beachfront hotel makes that kind of visit easy, offering space to settle in while keeping the best of the area within reach.
Start Your Day With the Lake
A slower visit often begins in the morning. East Bay tends to be calm early in the day, with glassy water and minimal boat traffic. Sitting by the lake with coffee or taking a short walk along the shoreline sets the tone before the rest of the town wakes up.
Instead of rushing downtown, many guests enjoy starting their mornings right where they’re staying. It’s a simple shift that changes how the day feels. Among our amenities, we offer guests beachfront areas with fire pits and lounge chairs to make the most of outdoor relaxation.
Choose One Destination, Not Five
Rather than trying to cover every highlight, pick one main outing per day. That might mean driving out to Old Mission Peninsula for a single winery visit, exploring a stretch of downtown on foot, or spending an afternoon at the beach without hopping between spots.
What’s great about this area is that there are so many indoor and outdoor things to do in Traverse City. The variety works well for the daily outing approach because distances are short. You can experience something fully without feeling like you’re missing out elsewhere.
Take Advantage of Being Just Outside Downtown
Being slightly removed from the center of town allows for a more balanced stay. You can head downtown for dining or shopping, then return to quieter surroundings afterward. This makes evenings feel calmer and mornings more restorative.
Many travelers find this is what helps the trip feel like a true getaway rather than a packed itinerary.
Build in Time to Do Nothing
Some of the best moments in Traverse City happen when nothing is planned: sitting by the water in the afternoon, reading with the lake in view, watching the light change over East Bay as the day winds down. Staying on the Grand Traverse Bay changes the experience and makes it easy to craft a slower stay. Guests often remember these most.
Let Meals Be Part of the Day, Not the Schedule
Instead of booking every meal in advance, allow dining to unfold naturally. Traverse City’s food scene is approachable and varied, and it’s easy to decide as you go. Lunch can turn into a long break. Dinner doesn’t have to be rushed. This flexibility pairs well with a less structured itinerary.
Why Slowing Down Works So Well Here
Traverse City’s lakefront setting encourages a gentler rhythm. The water, the light, and the surrounding landscape all reward travelers who take their time. By focusing on fewer plans and longer moments, visitors often leave feeling more refreshed than if they had tried to fit everything in.
A slower way of traveling doesn’t mean seeing less. It means experiencing more of what makes Traverse City feel like Traverse City. Beat the winter blues by taking advantage of our wonderful winter savings offer and get 15% off your stay through August 2026. It’s the perfect way to plan ahead and have something to look forward to.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and happenings!