Over the previous few years, every time somebody asks me what my favourite state is, I normally reply with one thing to the impact of “My favourite state is likely to be Michigan.” Individuals are sometimes considerably shocked after I say that, nevertheless it actually is a particular place. I’ve explored Michigan cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and even up into the Higher Peninsula, however I didn’t have an opportunity to expertise Traverse Metropolis till very lately.
Traverse Metropolis has been on my want checklist for fairly some time as a result of I’ve heard so many nice issues about it. Not solely does it have freshwater seashores, nice eating choices, an attractive downtown space, and enjoyable sights, nevertheless it’s also referred to as the “cherry capital of the world“… and I like cherries! From seeing big sand dunes at close by Sleeping Bear Dunes to ingesting wine at probably the greatest wineries within the metropolis and consuming my weight in cherries, my journey in Traverse Metropolis was a lot enjoyable and made me fall much more in love with Michigan.
I used to be immensely excited to spend a couple of summer time days testing Traverse Metropolis’s wheelchair-friendly choices. On this journey information, I’ll begin by sharing among the greatest wheelchair accessible Traverse Metropolis sights that I loved after which I’ll let you recognize the place to eat and drink within the metropolis. Lastly, I’ll inform you all in regards to the great resort that I stayed in! Right here is all the pieces you have to find out about visiting Traverse Metropolis as a wheelchair person –
Wheelchair Accessible Traverse Metropolis Sights & Issues to Do
The Traverse Metropolis space has loads of sights that you could get pleasure from, it doesn’t matter what your talents are. No matter your pursuits are, you’re positive to search out it in Traverse Metropolis! Beneath are a few of my prime suggestions for you of issues to do subsequent time you’re within the metropolis.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore
To see the world’s largest assortment of freshwater sand dunes, you’ll have to drive about half-hour outdoors of Traverse Metropolis to Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore. Whereas it technically isn’t in Traverse Metropolis, visiting the dunes is a must-do throughout any journey to the realm. It’s an attractive place and in contrast to anyplace else on the planet. I used to be excited to test it out for a full day throughout my journey!
Should you’re questioning how I bought to Sleeping Bear Dunes from Traverse Metropolis, I’ll let you recognize that we rented a wheelchair accessible van from Inventive Mobility Group. The minivan was very nice with an in-floor ramp. The passenger seat was additionally eliminated, so I used to be in a position to sit within the entrance of the van and simply absorb the entire sights.
Our first cease at Sleeping Bear Dunes was the Philip A. Hart Customer Heart. In right here, there are reveals that designate the historical past of the realm and you may watch a brief movie to realize a larger understanding of the lakeshore as nicely. Souvenirs are additionally out there to buy within the Customer Heart and park rangers are completely happy to speak with you about what the realm has to supply. This was an ideal first cease since we had been in a position to find out about what we’d be seeing all through the course of the day.
Our associates Meegan, founding father of AbleVu and AbleEyes, and Joe joined my mother and I for our Sleeping Bear Dunes adventures. After spending a while within the Customer Heart, all of us headed to Glen Haven Seaside. Since Joe and I exploit powered wheelchairs, we had been completely happy to see an accessible seating space on the seaside. In comparison with many different seashores that I’ve visited, we had been really fairly near the water, which was good. Nonetheless, for those who’d wish to get even nearer to the water, handbook seaside wheelchairs can be found totally free and so they’re positioned contained in the Glen Haven Cannery and Boat Museum.
Inside strolling/rolling distance of Glen Haven Seaside, you possibly can go to a blacksmith store, a basic retailer, and as I discussed earlier than, the Glen Haven Cannery and Boat Museum. All of those, together with the museum, are fully free to go to and wheelchair accessible. I actually loved seeing the previous boats within the museum and watching the blacksmiths at work.
As I mentioned, the handbook seaside wheelchairs can be found, however for those who’d wish to take your out of doors adventuring to the subsequent degree, observe chairs are supplied at Sleeping Bear Dunes as nicely. With these motorized all-terrain observe chairs, you possibly can roll on the sand or hike on out of doors trails. They’re superb chairs and so they’re out there on a complimentary foundation, however must be reserved prematurely of your go to. You possibly can reserve one on-line proper right here.
By this level within the day, we had been prepared for a chew to eat, so we headed again towards the Customer Heart and had lunch at Shipwreck Cafe. I had a tasty tuna soften wrap and chips, however there are such a lot of choices on the menu, together with pizza. Shipwreck Cafe had a companion care restroom inside, however because the inside of the restaurant may be very small, you’ll probably have to eat outdoors at considered one of their picnic tables. Because it was a sizzling day after I visited, I used to be completely happy that the picnic tables had an umbrella to supply some shade.
Throughout the road from Shipwreck Cafe is one other must-visit, particularly for those who love chocolate as a lot as I do. We visited Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate for some dessert and it definitely didn’t disappoint. I attempted a number of of their chocolate truffles, together with the Michigan maple and cherry port truffles. They had been completely scrumptious and I even bought considered one of their iced lattes to scrub all of it down.
Now that we had been refueled, we had been able to see extra of Sleeping Bear Dunes, so it was time to take a look at Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This scenic drive is 7.4 miles lengthy and there are twelve stops alongside it, the place you possibly can take within the views. Among the scenic overlooks are extra accessible than others, however I extremely loved stopping at a few the overlooks.
Two of probably the most wheelchair accessible overlooks had been overlooks 3 and 11. Overlook 3 had a ramped deck with two ranges and I used to be in a position to entry each ranges in my wheelchair. I might see the sand dunes and even had some lake views from this overlook. At Overlook 11, I had an awesome view of the lake as nicely and it’d’ve been my favourite overlook that I visited. From these overlooks, it was straightforward to see why Sleeping Bear Dunes is such a notable place to go to, as its magnificence is exceptional.
The final cease that we made at Sleeping Bear Dunes was the Dune Climb. On the Dune Climb, you may get up-close and private to the large sand dunes and many individuals climb the steep dunes, therefore the identify. Whereas Joe and I opted to remain on the backside of the dunes, my mother and Meegan determined to present it a attempt and so they made it fairly far up (see the photograph under)! Though I couldn’t climb the dune, it was actually enjoyable to look at them do it and that is only a lovely space to benefit from the surroundings of the dunes. From right here, you too can actually perceive how large the dunes are, so I’d undoubtedly suggest testing the Dune Climb!
In a single full day, we had been in a position to see the accessible highlights of Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was a memorable time and I liked attending to expertise this Michigan marvel. Should you’ll be in Traverse Metropolis, plan a while to move over to Sleeping Bear Dunes for a singular, and wheelchair accessible, expertise!
Watch my quick video about my day in Sleeping Bear Dunes under!
Downtown Traverse Metropolis
One among my favourite issues to do after I’m exploring a brand new metropolis is to only wander across the downtown space. And I’m completely happy to say that Traverse Metropolis has a superb downtown space for exploring! It’s simply walkable/rollable with clean curb cuts and good, clean sidewalks.
I spent a pleasant afternoon rolling alongside Entrance Road, immersing myself within the vibrant environment. The road is lined with a implausible array of retailers and eating places, and I used to be pleasantly shocked by the excessive degree of accessibility – I’d estimate about 90% of the institutions had been wheelchair accessible. Cherry Republic shortly grew to become a favourite; I couldn’t resist stocking up on their cherry-flavored goodies and loved the complimentary cherry samples. Greater Self Bookstore supplied a charming expertise, together with a memorable oracle studying. And Outpost, with its delectable lattes made with do-it-yourself syrups, was the proper spot to refuel.
I spent a number of hours testing most of the outlets in downtown Traverse Metropolis, however you would truthfully spend extra time than that, particularly for those who love purchasing. It’s an awesome space and has one thing for everybody to get pleasure from!
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
One among Traverse Metropolis’s most original locations to go to really was a hospital. Again within the day, it was the Traverse Metropolis State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital. Nonetheless, it’s now one of many metropolis’s hottest sights.
This historic web site has been thoughtfully repurposed right into a vibrant neighborhood hub generally known as The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, mixing old-world attraction with fashionable facilities. The sprawling advanced homes a various array of retailers, eating places, and leisure venues, making it an ideal vacation spot for exploring.
I had an awesome brunch right here at Purple Spire Brunch Home (I’ll inform you about this restaurant in a while on this information!) and loved testing the numerous outlets. All the outlets that I noticed had been simply wheelchair accessible and elevators had been out there to entry a number of flooring of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
Should you’ll be visiting, plan to be right here for not less than 2-3 hours as a result of there’s rather a lot to see & get pleasure from. It was rather a lot larger than I anticipated and I ultimately needed to cease myself from purchasing, in order that I might go to different wheelchair accessible Traverse Metropolis sights!
Dennos Museum Heart
Positioned on the campus of Northwestern Michigan School, the Dennos Museum homes one of many largest collections of Inuit artwork within the U.S. Open Tuesday by means of Sunday, this museum may be very spacious and the wheelchair accessibility right here is ideal. Upon arrival to the museum, you’ll discover accessible parking spots close to the doorway.
Probably the most famous space of artwork consists of the signature assortment of Inuit artwork. This museum consists of practically 2,000 Inuit artwork prints and sculptures. I used to be enthralled to see the wooly mammoth’s measurement, full with its tusks, in addition to the polar bear within the life sized show. All the items of art work instructed the story of the Canadian Arctic and confirmed the variety that the arctic entails. The exhibit was spacious and I had no downside admiring the numerous items of artwork from my wheelchair.
The Dennos Museum has a everlasting assortment of three,100 works and is residence to a few momentary exhibition galleries, and the complete museum is positioned on one flooring, so it’s absolutely accessible. The museum additionally oversees a set of 14 out of doors sculptures across the grounds of the faculty campus. These out of doors artworks had been created by Michigan artists in addition to internationally identified artists. This museum is an effective way to develop a deeper appreciation of the humanities and luxuriate in your time spent in wheelchair accessible Traverse Metropolis.
Plan to spend about 2 hours on the Dennos Museum, as it’s fairly giant and also you’ll need sufficient time to completely admire the entire nice art work. Admission is $10 per grownup and $5 per youngster.
Chateau Chantal
Earlier than visiting Traverse Metropolis, I had no concept that it was such a booming wine vacation spot! Nevertheless it’s really one of many prime wine locations within the nation with over 50 wineries within the Traverse Metropolis space. Sure, you learn that appropriately… there are over 50! Whereas I couldn’t go to all of them, I did go to one vineyard and had a spectacular expertise.
Actually, whether or not you’re a wine drinker or not, Chateau Chantal is price visiting. It’s a lovely winery and I used to be in a position to get pleasure from a wine tasting right here on the out of doors patio. With beautiful views, I found probably the greatest wines I’ve ever drank, a bubbly cherry wine. Traverse Metropolis is called the cherry capital of the world, so it is smart that I liked their cherry wine a lot!
Inside Chateau Chantal, you should purchase bottles of wine or seize a drink on the bar. This is able to be an ideal place to go to and simply calm down with a glass, whereas taking within the winery views for some time. Having lately visited a number of wineries in Sonoma, California, I used to be a bit skeptical about how nice Michigan wineries may very well be, however Chateau Chantal blew me away and is a must-visit!
Previous Mission Level Park
Only a quick 30 minute drive from downtown Traverse Metropolis is Previous Mission Level Park’s most well-known and historic lighthouse. Throughout my go to to Traverse Metropolis, I heard that this can be a must-visit when touring the realm. The drive from downtown to the lighthouse was a simple drive and so lovely, as we handed a large number of cherry orchards and extra wineries than I might rely.
As we rolled into Lighthouse Park, we discovered accessible parking close to the paved path that results in the entrance entrance of the lighthouse. Alongside this path, I additionally shortly discovered a paved aspect pathway that led to an previous cabin. This cabin, generally known as The Hessler Log Cabin, has a ramped entry and I used to be in a position to roll inside and see the setting of the rooms from way back. The Hesslers had been pioneers who constructed this cabin between 1854-1856, nevertheless it wasn’t moved right here till a few years later when it was declared historic and moved right here for guests to admire and admire.
After being taken again in time, I then rolled down the paved and slim pathway towards the Mission Level Lighthouse. Alongside this path is probably the most epic view of the seaside and Lake Michigan. Though I didn’t see wheelchair entry to the seaside, the photograph ops from the pathway are breathtaking.
After snapping some photos, I then rolled towards the amazingly stoic lighthouse. Though the lighthouse is open to visitors from Might by means of October most days, and weekends solely in November, it isn’t wheelchair accessible, as there are steps to get inside. Nonetheless, I did entry the pathways each in entrance and beside the lighthouse to collect the views of it from each angles.
I used to be additionally completely happy to see that there was a wheelchair accessible restroom on the path entrance close to the parking space. Don’t let the truth that the lighthouse isn’t accessible deter you from visiting, because the views of the water, the seaside, and lighthouse are all lovely, and the environment right here may be very stress-free. I sat right here for over an hour simply taking within the views.
The place to Eat (and Drink) in Traverse Metropolis
Apache Trout Grill
If you’re searching for the proper eating expertise in Traverse Metropolis with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and meals that can make any palate salivate, Apache Trout Grill is the place it’s at. This delectable restaurant has its personal parking space and has loads of wheelchair accessible spots close to the principle entrance. Upon getting into inside, you possibly can instantly really feel the heat and welcoming surroundings of this stylish eating expertise. Identified for his or her contemporary seafood and ribs, you possibly can’t go incorrect with something on their menu. My associates, Meegan and Joe, instructed assembly up at this excellent dinner spot and after wanting over the menu, I used to be all in. We selected the indoor seating, however truthfully there isn’t a nasty seat in the home. The home windows to the out of doors patio are flooring to ceiling, so you possibly can see the beautiful Lake Michigan whether or not you might be inside or out.
For our appetizer, we selected the Smoked Whitefish Dip which got here with child gherkins, naan bread, and flatbread crackers. This was truthfully among the greatest fish dip that I’ve eaten in all of my travels. After getting this as a starter, I used to be prepared for my principal course, which was the Apache Whitefish. This dish got here with panko crusted Lake Superior filet, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, and a chef’s vegetable. I by no means knew how good the style of whitefish is till this night time. I completely loved my meal.
Nice dialog with associates, a scrumptious meal, and probably the most excellent views of Lake Michigan made me put this restaurant as a “must-do” when visiting Traverse Metropolis. And don’t overlook to move outdoors after dinner to the waterfront space for the proper photograph ops! Lastly, it’s price noting that Apache Trout Grill is tremendously well-liked and had a 2.5 hour wait time on the weeknight that we visited, however you possibly can be a part of their waitlist on-line. I’d extremely recommend becoming a member of the waitlist on-line earlier than you go to Apache Trout Grill.
Artisan Restaurant
Individuals come from everywhere in the space to eat at Artisan Restaurant. It’s positioned contained in the Delamar resort (I’ll inform you extra about this resort later on this journey information!), however it’s definitely not your typical resort restaurant. Artisan has superb waterfront views of Lake Michigan and provides each indoor and out of doors eating. Identified for his or her Nice Lakes-inspired, New American delicacies, they’ve an emphasis on farm-fresh meals from each regional and native farms. You possibly can tase the freshness in each chew and the service is simply as nice. I used to be in a position to roll inside easily and simply and parked on the excellent desk with a waterfront view of Lake Michigan.
For my appetizer, I selected the Bread & Butter, which had a lemon poppy blueberry loaf and artisan ciabatta. This was the proper starting for my beautiful eating expertise. After devouring the tasty breads and butter, I then selected the Scallops for my meal. They got here to me adorned in herb buttermilk and beet emulsion with seasonal greens and potato pave. Each chew was like an explosion of deliciousness in my mouth. I’ve had scallops earlier than, however these had been so flavorful and among the greatest I’ve ever eaten. Whether or not you might be staying on the Delamar or not, that is one restaurant it would be best to go to throughout your journey!
The Filling Station Microbrewery
The Filling Station Microbrewery is positioned in such a enjoyable location. It sits alongside the prepare tracks in Traverse Metropolis and has a slogan on their t-shirts of “Ales By The Rails”. Right here, yow will discover loads of hand-crafted microbrews together with beers, exhausting seltzers, and ciders. They’re additionally identified for having the most effective pizza in Traverse Metropolis, as they’re wood-fired. All eating is out of doors and has the proper view of the railroad tracks. That is such a cool environment and the odor of the pizzas cooking made it much more unimaginable. I used to be capable of finding wheelchair accessible parking close to the doorway.
For my appetizer, I selected the Spinach & Artichoke Dip. After scarfing this down in about 5 seconds, I then went for the Cock O’ The Stroll pizza. This wood-fired delicacy got here with basil oil, roasted hen, artichokes, roasted tomatoes and mozzarella. Every chew that I took bought higher and higher to the purpose that I felt like I used to be going to pop. I can’t wait to eat right here once more and pattern different tasty pizzas, as I’ve little question they’re all delicious.
Mirror Bistro
Positioned contained in the Cambria Resort is Mirror Bistro, the place I loved breakfast one morning. Diners can park close to the doorway after which select to dine both outdoors on their patio, or inside simply as I did. I used to be instantly seated and given a menu. When my eyes learn the phrases “Big Cinnamon Roll”, I shortly selected it as a shared appetizer with my mother. It got here to our desk soaked in steamy custard and cream cheese frosting. It additionally had a cup of contemporary fruit and potatoes on the plate and it was all so good!
I used to be nearly too full for my principal meal after devouring the cinnamon roll, however when it arrived, I couldn’t resist consuming it both. I selected the Cherries Jubilee griddle muffins with Michigan maple sausage. Once I say the cherries are totally different in Traverse Metropolis, I imply they’re even higher than anyplace I’ve ever eaten them. This meal and the service was phenomenal and I extremely suggest consuming right here for those who’re anyplace close to the realm.
Purple Spire Brunch Home
Sitting simply beneath the pink spire of Grand Traverse Commons is the Mercato entrance that confirmed me the best way to Purple Spire Brunch Home. Right here, diners are in a position to sit in a relaxed environment with impeccable service, and luxuriate in breakfast, brunch, or lunch. I discovered wheelchair accessible parking close to the Mercato ramped entrance and rolled inside following my nostril to the odor of bacon! After a brief wait, I used to be escorted to my desk with a pleasant, smiling waitress.
After briefly wanting over the menu, I selected the Traditional. This tasty deal with was full with two eggs of my selecting, ham, bacon or sausage (I selected the bacon), hash browns, and toast. To me, it simply couldn’t have been any higher. All the pieces was cooked completely per my request, proper right down to my crispy bacon. I washed all of it down with a glass of pineapple juice. This meal was a “basic” for positive and I used to be full and able to tour the remainder of the day in wheelchair accessible Traverse Metropolis.
H&L Social at Resort Indigo
Positioned on the rooftop of Resort Indigo is H&L Social. This can be a sizzling spot on any night and I can see why. The views from right here of Lake Michigan are fabulous, however pair that with the breathtaking sunsets and you’ve got the proper night cocktail. H&L is open-air, so it was excellent on a summer time night time.
This can be a full service bar and so they additionally provide quite a lot of small plates. They’re open every day for lunch and dinner so grabbing that afternoon drink with associates is an ideal option to get pleasure from a couple of laughs and good dialog in Traverse Metropolis. Because the night time vibes set in, I noticed that they supplied cocktails, beer, and wine. Watching the solar set from right here with a drink in hand was an effective way to spend the night, however with associates and nice dialog added to the combination, you’ve bought your self the proper setting.
The place to Keep: Delamar Traverse Metropolis
Whereas in Traverse Metropolis, I stayed on the Delamar. This resort is waterfront and undoubtedly, it’s probably the greatest locations to remain within the metropolis. I completely liked staying right here and will surely keep right here once more subsequent time I’m in Traverse Metropolis.
The Delamar has a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning for visitors and as I discussed earlier, it has an excellent restaurant on-site known as Artisan. The resort can be in an awesome location and only a ten minute stroll or roll from the guts of downtown.
In my wheelchair accessible room (room 201), there have been two queen beds. The beds had been 29 inches tall and on a block body, so there wasn’t any clearance beneath them if you have to use a hoyer carry/hoist for transferring. The room was fairly spacious and had lovely views of the water from two giant home windows.
Within the rest room, there was a pull-under sink, seize bars by the bathroom, and a roll-in bathe. The roll-in bathe had clean entry and a fold-down bathe seat. The lavatory actually couldn’t have been higher for my accessibility wants.
For me, the Delamar was a implausible alternative for my wants and the workers had been tremendous pleasant as nicely. Two workers members even supplied to maneuver our beds round to present me extra space within the room, which I appreciated. If you’re serious about studying extra in regards to the Delamar or need to e-book a keep of your personal, simply click on right here.
Earlier than visiting Traverse Metropolis, associates of mine instructed me how nice of a metropolis it’s, so my expectations had been excessive. However even nonetheless, it managed to exceed my expectations in each manner. If you’re seeking to get pleasure from a stunningly lovely vacation spot with a plethora of accessible issues to do, take into account wheelchair accessible Traverse Metropolis in your subsequent getaway to the good state of Michigan!
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*Thanks to Traverse Metropolis Tourism for working with me on this journey and displaying me the most effective of wheelchair accessible Traverse Metropolis! Whereas my experiences had been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.
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