If you would like to check out what the locals are doing as well as what the area is currently offering our out of town guests, you need look no further than our directory of Upcoming Events or Ongoing Events in the Traverse Area.

Dunes and Traverse City tops for family fun! For the third year in a row, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has been named the top family-friendly nature escape in the Midwest by Family Fun Magazine. Read More

Scenic Drive Traverse City To Charlevoix —This 50-mile drive begins in Traverse City, filled with brightly colored cottages, blue sweeping beaches, and orchards full of cherry trees. It ends in another vacation hotspot, Charlevoix, with its wonderful parks, long and lazy beaches, and fine restaurants. Read More

Hot Air Balloon flights are available through Grand Traverse Balloons (231-947-7433) at a cost of about $165/person.

Hang Gliding and Power gliding is also available.

The Windjammer Manitou is one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes. She was built specifically for passenger service, making her one of the most comfortable windjammers afloat. A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, she measures 114 feet in length with over 3,000 square feet of sail and displaces (weighs) over one hundred tons. Up to twenty-four passengers can enjoy the pleasure and thrill of sailing aboard "Manitou. Because of her size and oceangoing design she ensures a comfortable relaxing sail for all.

(NOTE: Each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday departing at 6:30 p.m. and sailing until 8:30, passengers are treated to live entertainment. Monday's feature the "Beach Bards" storytelling and songs. Tuesdays Dan Hall and guitar is the featured entertainment. Wednesdays, the very popular local Celtic-style group "Song of the Lakes," performs on the main deck singing the praises of the Great Lakes, our sweet-water-seas'.

The coastal village of Northport, Michigan, (located at the tip of Leelanau County) is home port for "Manitou."

There is no established route during most of our windjammer cruises in northern Lakes Michigan and Huron. The wind and weather conditions help determine her course, and after a good day of sailing, the Manitou drops anchor at one of a variety of possible destinations.

Several specialty cruises are usually listed in our sailing schedule each year. Some focus on music or sail training and others are more destination oriented such as cruises to legendary Mackinac Island or journeys into the pristine North Channel of Lake Huron. While underway, you are free to leave the sailing to our experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor.

You'll love the food on "Manitou". Our healthy menus will satisfy the heartiest of appetites, with emphasis on "Manitou" specialties, fresh fruits, and produce of the region. Our team of cooks will amaze you with bountiful home cooked meals turned out of the ship's galley and served either family style in the main cabin or as a wonderful buffet on deck.

The Manitou accommodates twenty-four passengers in twelve double cabins. (website)

"If you can sit, you can fly" with Traverse Bay Parasail LLC.

The company gives you the wings to fly 500 feet above Grand Traverse Bay. A self-contained Para-Sail winch boat lets riders take off and land on board without getting wet. Standard line length is 600 feet with 800 feet available for an additional fee.

All flyers, up to six, ride in the boat and take turns in the air. The boat ride lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Air time averages 10 to 12 minutes per flyer. Tandem rides are available. Flyers must weigh at least 90 pounds, but no more than 400 pounds. Anyone who is intoxicated may not fly. Group rates and private parties can be arranged.

You will find them at: 615 East front Street, TC, MI, 49686 and at 1773 US 31 North, TC, MI 49686 (East Bay location).

Call: 888-838-UFLY or 888-660-PARA. Or visit their website: www.tbparasail.com

Ranch Rudolph, SE of Traverse City offers trail rides in a forested area for about $15/hour. Call 231-947-9529. Saddle up and ride through fall and winter.

If you are packing your own pony, you may care to know that they serve oatmeal and oats at Century Farm Bed & Breakfast in Suttons Bay (800-252-8480) where (by prior arrangement) horses are as welcome as are their riders.

For more fun and interesting Northern Michigan activities, visit our very ownOff the Grid, a periodical written by Traverse Area outdoor enthusiasts.