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Cruising Guide

Cruising Grand Traverse Bay

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Grand Traverse Bay is one of the most beautiful regions of Michigan known for its lakeshores, cherry orchards, vineyards, and boating. Not only will the scenery amaze you, but there is also much to see and do as you cruise this area of Northwest Michigan. This webinar highlights anchorages, harbor towns and marinas available to cruisers.

In addition to beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and great restaurants and microbreweries, this region offers over 40 wineries with tours and wine tasting. The soil and climate in this part of Michigan are the perfect combination for producing wines that can compete with the best in the country. Any trip to Northern Michigan must include a visit to Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay. Old Mission Peninsula was voted one of the 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Drives in North America.

Traverse City makes an excellent base for exploring the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the west. Traverse City has ranked high on various lists--#2 small town travel destination in the United States and a top 10 place to retire in the U.S.  A top producer of tart cherries has made Traverse City "The Cherry Capital of the World." The National Cherry Festival in early July is one of Michigan's premier attractions.

Meet The Instructor

Steve Wyckoff
Steve is a retired teacher and Technology Director. He is a member, and former Commodore, of the Grand Traverse Yacht Club and has sailed the northern Great Lakes, the North Channel, parts of the Caribbean, and Washington’s San Juan Islands.