Northern Michigan Events: We've made the dreaded last-minute Father's Day planning a thing of the past! This year, treat Dad to the best of Northern Michigan with our list of ten father-approved weekend activities. Whether your Dad is a fisherman, microbrew aficionado, master golfer or even a Star Wars fan, we've got him (and you) covered.
Stay at the Traverse City Hotel Cambria Suites
No matter if you are a visiting Traverse City, or a local looking for a way to pamper Dad this Father's Day, the local Cambria Suites Father's Day Weekend Package is worth checking out. In one fell swoop, the Cambria Suites, a Traverse City hotel, has cleverly combined everything father's love: Northern Michigan golf, a visit to one of the local microbreweries, and a steak dinner. The package includes two nights in a Cambria King Suite at the Traverse City hotel, a fifty dollar gift card to a favorite Northern Michigan restaurant, Boones' Long Lake Inn, two twenty five dollar Downtown Certificates for a microbrewery tour (we'd suggest 7 Monk's Taproom or North Peak Brewing Co.) and eighteen holes of award-winning Northern Michigan golf for two, at your choice of one of five championship golf courses.
As this is such an amazing opportunity, all reservations must be made by June 12. Visit the Traverse City Cambria Suites website to book your Northern Michigan Father's Day Weekend Package!
Take a Swing at the Summer Splash Tennis Tournament
If you and your Dad like to play tennis, or just enjoy watching the fast-paced game, then attend the Summer Splash 2012 Tennis Tournament, Saturday June 16 and Sunday June 17, put on by the Northern Michigan Tennis Association. The tournament will be held at Traverse City Central High School's tennis courts, just a short jaunt across town.
Entries close on June 11 at 11:59 p.m., so register you and your Dad for doubles by calling 231.347.6312 or by visiting tennislink.usta.com
Treat Dad to a Few Good Meals at these Traverse City Restaurants!
Traverse City is one of the gourmet capitals of the nation; so take advantage! On Saturday night, enjoy a steak dinner with Dad at the classic Traverse City restaurant, Mode's Bum Steer. Since 1975 Mode's has been serving steak,seafood, and ribs, all doctored up with a signature spice blend.
On Father's Day, take Dad out to brunch at Traverse City's downtown bistro Amical, recently voted one of Northern Michigan's best brunch spots in Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine's Red Hot Best of Northern Michigan awards. We'd recommend the crepes, eggs milano, and a delicious latte!
The David Bihlman Father's Day Fishing Tournament
Fish for a cause! On Sunday, June 17th, the Grand Traverse Area Sport Fishing Association, which proudly states that "Our Mission is Fishin" hosts a Northern Michigan fishing tournament at Mineral Springs Park in Frankfort, Michigan, just a short drive from Traverse City. All proceeds will benefit Camp Quality, a camp for youth with cancer.
For more information about the event, contact Wes Newberry at 231.920.1556 or Heidi Smith at 231.735.3288 and visit the Tournament's website.
Run the Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon and 5K
Make Dad your new running buddy at the Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon and 5K, not far from both the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City! Take it slowly on the half marathon course to appreciate the views from Inspiration Point and Big Glen Lake, or get your blood pumping on the flat and fast 5K course through downtown Glen Arbor. At the end of the race, stick around and re-fuel at the Glen Arbor BBQ and Brew Festival, featuring Michigan microbrews.
Saturday June 16, 2012, 7 a.m. Online registration closes: Thursday June 14, 2012, 12:00 a.m. Get directions and Register Online!
Go Camping in Northern Michigan!
Get outdoors and rough it! We recommend the D.H. Day Campground located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Bonding will be inevitable as you and dad set up camp and let the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes overwhelm you. Reservations are first come first serve, so get there early!
More information and directions online!
Color Your Day with Fun at TC Paintball
Looking for an adrenaline filled afternoon? Join forces with your dad and check out TC Paintball for an afternoon filled with color in Traverse City! Dads and moms both play free on Father's Day with the purchase of paintballs.
For more info check out their website or call: 231.943.0248
Father's Day Weekend Craft Beer Tour Package at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Food, brew, and a great place to stay await at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Fri. June 15, 2012 – Sun. June 17, 2012. Located in Acme, a short drive from Traverse City, the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa knows how to do a Northern Michigan Father's Day right. The package includes two nights at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, tickets to a meet and greet at Jack's Sports Bar (with appetizers!), sampler trays at three craft breweries with transportation between each brewery, and a coupon for 50% off of a second dinner entree at one of Grand Traverse Resort's acclaimed Northern Michigan restaurants.
For complete details visit Grand Traverse Resort and Spa's Specials & Packages page or call 800.236.1577.
"Luke I Am Your Father's Day Party"
For dads that grew up loving Star Wars this is a perfect opportunity to instill the force in your children! Come to the McLean and Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey this Northern Michigan's Father's Day from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the "Luke I am Your Father's Day Party." The party is centered around the book "Darth Vader and Son" by Jeffrey Brown. This children's book is about the relationship between Darth Vader and Luke in a world where Darth Vader raised his son and was a part of his childhood. Together they have many bonding moments such as learning how to use the Force to raid the cookie jar. There will be copies of the book on hand as well as Star Wars books and games galore!
This is a free event, but reservations are a must. Call: 231.347.1180 or email to book your spot today! For more information about the book and event:mcleanandeakin.com/
Picnic at the Grand Traverse Commons!
For the foodie dad this is the perfect day! Relax and enjoy a delicious local and fresh picnic put on by the Traverse City restaurant Trattoria Stella in honor of Father's Day and "all things local" on the Great Lawn at the Grand Traverse Commons, on June 17th from noon to 4:00 p.m.! All proceeds from the picnic go to Michigan Land Use Institute and Taste the Local Difference.
For more information go to their website or call 231.929.8989