Traverse City is the largest city in the 21-county Northern Michigan region and is about a forty (40) minute drive from Glen Arbor. It has a large number of hotels and motels to accommodate tourists who travel to the region to vacation. Some of the hotels have private beaches. In addition, there are four public beaches, West End Beach, Clinch Park, East Bay Park and Traverse City State Park Beach. Front Street, in the popular main commercial area of downtown, has numerous shops and restaurants and a movie theater. Typically, the bride makes the family stop and pull over to get her coveted Moomer's ice cream. (The father of the bride loves this!)

Glen Arbor is truly one of a kind. A tiny town with a lot of character nestled between Sleeping Bear Bay on Lake Michigan and the Glen Lakes. Stop at the infamous local dive bar, Arts, for a greasy burger and tots (cash only!), or walk on over to the original Cherry Republic and satisfy literally any cherry craving you may have. At the end of the day, catch an indescribable sunset on Lake Michigan and watch the sun disappear right on the tip of South Manitou Island

Our Ceremony Site also hosts several fun events!

Beach Bard's Bonfire -- Every Friday night, the Leelanau School hosts a bonfire at a neat spot tucked in the woods right on the shore of Lake Michigan. For one $1, you can gather around the campfire to share stories, jokes, poems, etc. Participation is open to anyone, the only rule is that you have to have your story memorized! Children's hour begins at 8pm, and adults take it from there afterward. (Fun fact: this is also the spot for our cocktail hour!)

Observatory -- We always marvel at how clearly we can see the night sky while in Glen Arbor. The Leelanau School actually hosts public stargazing sessions though its observatory's 14-inch telescope for just $3 a person! If you're lucky, you just might see the northern lights!

Visitors may park in any Leelanau School lot and walk down the scenic boardwalk, across the Crystal River, to the Observatory and/or Beach Bard's Bonfire area. Adventurous types may walk in from the beach, as the Observatory is easily visible to passersby, being tucked just between the shore and the trees.

A must see!

Northern Latitudes is open seven days a week and the tastings are totally FREE! Try the groom's favorite, Jack Pine Gin, made with local Leelanau botanicals like jack pine seed and lavender. Stay for the fully stocked bar and choose one of their delicious concoctions utilizing their homemade spirits. (Be warned, the drinks are anything but weak!) Don't forget to grab a bottle of the bride's favorite horseradish vodka to take back home. Your bloody mary's will never be the same!

The bride and groom usually stop at Good Harbor for wine tasting on their way from Glen Arbor to Fishtown. Good Harbor has a variety of delicious Michigan made wines and ciders that you can sample for $5 (free glass included) and buy. Don't forget to bring the glass back for a free tasting!

The Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore was proclaimed by Good Morning America in 2011 as "The most beautiful place in America."

If you have never seen Lake Michigan, or if your visits to Lake Michigan have been confined to the southern parts of the Lake, Sleeping Bear Dunes in the southwest corner of Leelanau County will amaze you. The views from a 400 foot sand dune out over the Lake are awe inspiring. (Or will give you a case of vertigo, according to the groom!)

The National Park web site https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm will give you all the information you need to plan your trip. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are an easy drive from anywhere in Leelanau County. If you are staying in Traverse City, a drive west on M72 will take you directly there!

Like fishing? Food? Shopping?

Leland is a picturesque little village on the west side of the county located on a sliver of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. From Leland Harbor, boats take passengers out into Lake Michigan on day trips and overnight stays to South Manitou and North Manitou Islands, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sunset viewing from the harbor is so popular, that a special paved platform was built for the many camera tripods that are mounted every evening.

Fishtown in Leland Harbor is a preserved village of fishing shanties that now house shops of various sorts. You can get fresh fish and jerky at Carlson's in Fishtown (a must!) And, you can arrange for a charter fishing trip out into Lake Michigan from the boardwalk behind that store. Grab a "Chubby Mary" (literally a bloody mary with a smoked chub smiling at you) from Rick's right on the water and enjoy the relaxing sound of the water falling from the dam. . http://www.lelandmi.com/fishtown/