1— Late Skiing or Early Biking

Spring temps that rise and fall leave us with several options to get outside with the family. Spring break on the slopes? In Michigan, weather this sweet is an unusual treat! Carve it up on the last days of the ski season at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, or stay close to Traverse City and check out the slush cup at Mt Holiday. If you’re looking for a place to break out the bikes the TART trails are a great way to get off the road and explore new territory. No gear, no problem—head to Norte and check out some wheels from their Bike Library or sign up for bike repair classes.  

2— Explore an Exhibit

When was the last time you took a trip to a local museum? Museums are a great place to introduce your children to new cultures and ideas, so don’t be afraid to take them along. Especially during spring break, when the Dennos Museum Center offers free admission for kids! They’ve even added a new scavenger hunt to keep young explorers engaged. But if they really need to burn off some steam, head to The Curiosity Place, the new home of the Great Lake Children’s Museum inside the Grand Traverse Mall.

3— Get Creative

What better time than spring break to tap into your creative side? Whether you prefer to admire art or make your own, there are plenty of options around. Let your creativity shine at Handz On Art, where you can drop in and create, noreservations are needed. At Crooked Tree Art Center in Traverse City, discover a variety of classes, including Art Able: Art for all Abilities and Ages. Try your hand at painting, drawing, weaving, or even a yoga pop-up at Tinker Studio on Old Mission Peninsula. Or, join me at Oliver Art Center in Frankfort or Second Hand Social Club for my annual Ukrainian Egg Dying Class— I’d love to see you there!

4— Hunt for Antique Treasures

I grew up spending weekends at auctions and wandering flea markets with my parents. No matter where we went, there was always a unique treasure to be discovered. While “antiquing” may not be as popular as it was in the ’70s and early ’80s, shabby chic and bargain hunting never goes out of style. Start your adventure at Harbor Antiques Mall in Elk Rapids and continue to Wilson Antiques, with locations on US-31 across East Bay and Union Street downtown. Finish your hunt in the heart of Traverse City at Antiquities Warehouse, a cool architectural salvage store full of treasures to add some history to your home.

5— Unwind

If you were vacationing somewhere warm, chances are you’d spend plenty of time lounging on the beach or by the pool. So why not embrace the same relaxation on your staycation? Pick a day to unwind, slow down, and indulge in well-deserved rest. Visit the Traverse Area District Library or purchase some new reads at a local bookstore. I love wandering the three levels at Horizon Books to see what grabs my attention. And the staff at Brilliant Books always have great recommendations. Once you’ve found your new book, curl up by the fire in Espresso Bay, choose a splurgy treat, and sip your cares away. 

6— Let us Entertain You

With half of the region’s population headed to warmer parts of the country, you might think there’s nothing going on in Traverse City during spring break. But you’d be wrong. Start your weekend with $1 Saturday morning kids’ matinees at The State Theatre. In need of a good laugh? The Traverse City Comedy Club has you covered. Or check out the Discovery Series events at Interlochen Center for the Arts, where musicians, dancers, and performers take the stage.

7— Start a Spring Project

We’ve got a week home with the kids, so why not start early on some of those spring projects?

• Clear out the clutter and donate items to Goodwill or the Women’s Resource Center. It’s amazing how much we have lying around that can be recycled or repurposed for others in need.
• Brighten your space with a fresh coat of paint. Visit locally owned ACE Hardware on W Front Street— their helpful staff, always has what you need.
• Put away the last of the winter decorations and haul out the spring branches and Easter decorations for a fresh feel.
• And don’t forget about your garden! Start sowing seeds for a summer, and get inspiration from the folks at Garden Goods in Traverse City. Plus, you’ll get the first pick of the hottest new pots and tools of the season.

Well, there you have it. 7 Ways to make the most of 7 Days in Traverse City, Michigan on your spring break staycation. Now, get out there and enjoy the beauty of our own backyard. And if you’ve got any great staycation ideas to share, we’d love to hear them!