Episode 186: Traverse City, MI – Best Beach Towns in the US (Freshwater Edition)
Description:
We’re heading north to Michigan for this stop in our Best Beach Towns in the US series—and it’s one we’ve loved before! Rob welcomes back Mike Kent from Traverse City Tourism to dive into what makes this lakefront gem one of the best beach towns in the country. From sand dunes and sailboats to cherry pie and goat yoga (yes, really), Traverse City proves you don’t need an ocean to find the ultimate family beach getaway.
In This Episode:
- The stunning freshwater setting of Grand Traverse Bay
- A short modern history: from cherry capital to wine country
- The unique microclimate, sandy soil, and how it supports both cherries and world-class wine
- Sleeping Bear Dunes: 60 miles of shoreline and national acclaim
- Family-friendly beach options, paddleboarding, kayaking, and yes—fishing!
- Accessibility and inclusion: the first autism-certified travel destination in the Midwest
- Traverse City’s booming food scene: from farm-to-table to food trucks and cherry pie flights
- Summer festivals including the 100th National Cherry Festival that's coming in 2026
- Why shoulder season might be your best time to visit
- Mike’s favorite childhood summer memory—and how families can make their own
- The #1 thing every first-time visitor should do before leaving town
Mentioned in the Episode:
- TraverseCity.com – Plan your trip and explore all the activities, trails, and events
- Traverse City Food & Wine – August culinary celebration
- Moomers Ice Cream, Cherry Republic, Farm Club, Right Brain Brewery
- Chateau Chantal's “Jazz at Sunset”
- National Cherry Festival – celebrating 100 years in 2025!
- Autism Certified Designation – commitment to sensory-friendly experiences
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Rob’s Reminder:
"Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open."
Traci’s Tagline (even when off this week):
"Safe travels everyone."
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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