Red Hot Best of the Best: Ski, Golf, Downtown & More

Meet Red Hot Best 2023’s new “Best of the Best” category! These five new categories competed all across Northern Michigan to see who was truly crowned best of the best. Explore Northern Michigan’s top three ski resorts, downtowns, golf courses, performance venues and specialty meat markets as voted by YOU!

This article first appeared in Traverse Northern Michigan. Find this story and more when you explore our magazine library. Want Traverse delivered to your door or inbox monthly? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.

Best Downtowns to Visit in Northern Michigan

From endless activities to outdoor adventures and a robust culinary scene, it’s no wonder these three downtowns were voted the best across Northern Michigan in 2023.

1) Traverse City
2) Mackinac Island
3) Petoskey

Photo by Dave Weidner

Best Golf Courses in Northern Michigan

Spring, summer and fall all make for three unique and gorgeous golf experiences in Northern Michigan. From the first range session of the year to 9 holes (or 18!) in the middle of peak fall foliage, here are the three golf courses you voted as the best of the best.

1) Grandview Golf Club
2) Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
3) Twin Birch Golf Course

Related Read: Past Red Hot Best Winning Golf Courses Across Northern Michigan.

Photo by Grandview Golf Course

Best Downhill Ski Resorts in Northern Michigan

From Thompsonville to Harbor Springs these ski resorts are this year’s best destinations for local skiing and snowboarding.

1) Crystal Mountain
2) Nub’s Nob
3) Boyne Mountain

Photo by Crystal Mountain

Northern Michigan’s Best Performance and Concert Venues

Catching a concert or performance in Northern Michigan is always worthwhile. From worldwide names on an outdoor stage to local orchestras in a historical space, these three event venues are favorites and must-visits for all.

1) Interlochen Center for the Arts, Kresge Auditorium
2) City Opera House, Traverse City
3) Old Town Playhouse, Traverse City

Photo by Interlochen Center for the Arts

Northern Michigan’s Best Specialty Meat Market

Masters of meat, traditional butchers or whatever you’d like to call them, these three spots were voted as your favorite place to get locally and responsibly sourced meat in Northern Michigan.

1) Maxbauer Specialty Meat Market, Traverse City
2) Burritt’s Fresh Markets, Traverse City
3) Meat Monkeys Bulk Meat Sales, Alanson