Traverse City Get-Away

This past weekend, Jason and I made our second annual late autumn trip to Traverse City with good friends Eric, Jill, Brian, and Sara. We swapped Hannah and JJ with my parents on Thursday night for their minivan. After everybody had their kids settled on Friday morning, our mini tour bus was on the way!

After we arrived in TC and got checked into our rooms, we did a quick tour of Mission Peninsula, where we stopped at Chateau Chantal and 2 Lads wineries.



Of course, one of the main activities each of the days of the weekend was eating! Friday night, we ate one of the local watering holes called Sleder's. Everybody rather enjoyed all of the odd animals staring at us from the walls as we ate.

The ladies


Macho guys

After dinner and a stop at one of the downtown bars, we wandered up to the piano bar at the top of our hotel. The place was packed! We took in some great entertainment, not just from the piano player but from the wide variety of people and dance styles being exhibited.

We took advantage of the beautiful weather on Saturday and drove up the Leelanau Peninsula to check out the Northport Lighthouse. We made a quick stop on the way at the casino. Jill had never been in a casino before, so we were sure it would be her lucky day. Unfortunately, it didn't quite happen, but it was fun for a minute.

Lady Luck

Out at the lighthouse

The main event for the evening of course once again revolved around food. We got a hot local tip that Red Ginger served killer happy hour appetizers between 4-6. Jill and Eric had heard great things about the restaurant as well, so we gave it a try. We were not disappointed. We each had something different, and all were very pleased. We may have to make that our dinner spot next year.

Happy appies at Red Ginger

Enjoying great food and great company

After appetizers, we headed back out to Mission Peninsula where we ate dinner at Bowers Harbor Inn. The restaurant was originally a house built in the late 1800's, and is said to be haunted today by the disgruntled wife of the lumber baron who lived there. Our waiter filled us in on the story and even gave us a tour. Sara and I even had a close encounter of our own in the ladies restroom - more self-induced than anything, but fun nonetheless!

Following dinner, we hit up Turtle Creek Casino for some evening entertainment. Again, nobody hit it big, but it was fun to play the slots for awhile.

Hoping for the big one

High rollers - NOT!!

We had a fabulous weekend and can't wait to do it again! However, we're definitely ready to see our little peanut. We'll be meeting up with her this weekend when we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families. Can't wait to see her!!