Summer Adventures in Traverse City

I took my bra off and tossed on this layered linen dress that I bought last spring and still wear so often. It was the perfect, easy breezy thing to throw on to explore Old Mission Peninsula, just outside of Traverse City.

Exploring Old Mission Peninsula

Each year I’m at my client’s conference in Traverse City, I carve out some time to meet up with my friend Caitlin. We’ve been friends since I was 19 and I just love her! No matter where we live or how often we get to see each other, it doesn’t seem like time has passed by at all and we pick up where we left off.

She doesn’t get out to the wineries often and so I convinced her to check out two, and she recommended touring a lavender farm–and we both got to try new things we might not normally do on our own.

Mission Point

On our way up the peninsula, Caitlin mentioned Mission Point–and I had never been there, so we drove straight up to the tip of the peninsula to see the lighthouse, dip our toes in the water and take in the sights. So beautiful and peaceful!

Harbor View Lavender Farm

I’ve never been to a lavender farm and this farm/nursery was small, but beautiful. They had a tiny shop by the road selling lavender products and after we toured the farm, Caitlin bought lotion and I bought a bag of lavender to throw in my smelly car.

Wineries!

We wrapped up our day on the peninsula by visiting two wineries including Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery. Bowers Harbor has been a favorite since I love hard cider, anything with a dog on a label and the customer service is always superb. I realized they had an outdoor barn for tastings and tried watermelon hard cider, peach hard cider and cherry hard cider. So. Good.

Next, we drove to Brys Estate. I’ve always enjoyed this vineyard with their wine and food pairings and their small outdoor space. And when I headed out to the patio to buy a glass of wine, I realized they added a new deck and bar that looked like Joanna Gaines designed it herself. I ordered a frose and looked out over the vineyward and felt like I was somewhere upstate California. I felt so trendy and hip. Can’t wait to head back and day drink again!

Dress by Cynthia Ashby from Retail Therapy | earrings from the SHUDIO

Photography by Caitlin Lorenc