Traverse City? As in Michigan? Yep! I really didn’t have any preconceived notions of what Michigan was like except for the fact that when I hear an inland state and the word “beach” in the same sentence, I have my doubts. Forgive me but I grew up in Florida. On the beach. What ever it is, I am excited as I am with every new opportunity to see a new place.

The airport is quaint. Just large enough without being too big and overwhelming and not so small that there’s nothing to keep you occupied if there’s time before your flight. New and more modern than some of the larger metropolitan airports with beautiful rustic stonework facing the building. The theme is obviously cherries and those little red treats carry on through out the city.

Our hotel, The Park Place, is located downtown and only a couple blocks from the water. Taking in the sites, we see a barbeque restaurant that claims it’s the best kept secret. Now why would you want your restaurant to be a secret unless it’s bad? Traverse City perhaps, but not a restaurant. I didn’t go back to check it out!

Now that I write this, I am disappointing at the fact that I just realized I forgot to head up to the area of the hotel where you can look out over the water. Before my headache got too bad though, I was able to head out and take in some of the sites. After stepping in to something a little more fit for a stroll on the beach and a bit of shopping, I head out.

I have to admit that although there were no rolling waves crashing down the view was amazing. Clear turquoise waters that went on for miles, boats dotting the scene just off shore. Quite a few people were in the water so I take a step down into the shaded sand that feels so good on my now bare feet. I took a few more steps into the unshaded stand and can barely control a scream of pain by the scalding hot sand until I reach the water and it’s just the opposite. Slightly below hypothermia, people are playing in the water and standing on boards that look vaguely like surfboards as if it was just another day at the beach. The fact that I could see my feet and there was no seaweed was not enough for me to go any further in. I certainly didn’t have enough beer for that. Speaking of beer…

The pang of hunger after missing lunch was catching up to me so we dried off and headed back a block to E. Front Street to find a place to eat. Definitely not short on options, a place called Macinaw Brewing Company caught my eye with the little boy sitting in the window with his family. With a kid in tow, I look for these things and this place is perfect for all ages. Step in side and you’ll definitely catch the scent of their smoker, a massive piece of equipment just on the other side of the hostess stand. Take your pick of tables by the window with tall or low, a seat at the bar or a bit quieter location at a table in the back. The wait staff is quick witted, friendly and very knowledgeable about the drinks and fare. I half kidding asked if they had a sampler beer tray and yes, of course they do. Small thin glasses that look the size of triple shot glasses hold each of the beers that they offer all sitting on a laminated map that describes each one. What I learned is that I don’t like the “hoppier” ones. Too bitter for me. Some were bitter on the middle of my tongue and others bitter on the back. That, I will have to research later. One particular beer that looked like a Guinness, turned out to be amazing. Chocolate and coffee? In a beer? Amazing! Another one that I liked was a light pale ale. Clean crisp but with a nice sweet flavor and a smooth finish. Two total opposites that were both a refreshing treat at the end of the day. I only wish that they had the cherry beer that they usually have for cherry season. Unfortunately, the waitress told us that they had a great warm up and then a freeze so they lost most of the cherries! Very sad for a city that is known for the treats.

To top of the night, we ordered a Reuben sandwich that was like nothing either of us had ever had. Smoked pastrami chunks instead of thin listless slices topped with hearty Swiss cheese and a good helping of sauerkraut packed on to some fresh baked toasted rye. Ok, so I have no idea if it was fresh baked bread. It’s just that the whole thing was so damn good that I got carried away! It’s not a sandwich for the meek so takers beware. This one’s for the hungry!

Back at The Park Place hotel, my son and I were met by a very large perfectly heated pool, hot tub and a dry sauna! The hotel offers a full spa area with a small yet well equipped gym. I can’t imagine it with a lot of people there but with just one or two, it’s the best I’ve seen in a while. Maybe next time. There was a bed calling my name! Traverse City is definitely a great city that is not well known enough. Maybe it’s better that way so that I am guaranteed a seat. *snicker*