Empire Articles
July 2024 Swoon List: Our Editors’ Favorites This Month
An eco-retreat in Boyne Falls. Gelato flights. Family paddles down the Au Sable. Here’s what our editors are loving this month. This is a...
10 Kid-Friendly Activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes for Families
Home to 35 miles of pristine lakeshore, dozens of hiking trails, sandy beaches perfect for picnics and much more, Sleeping Bear Dunes National...
10 Outdoor Dining Favorites on the Leelanau Peninsula
Is there anything better than a table in the sunshine and a lake breeze? Check out some of our favorite restaurants with outdoor dining in Leelanau...
8 Ways to Enjoy Benzie–Manistee Region Beaches & Coastline
The Benzie, Manistee and Ludington region is overflowing with enough sand and water to fit everyone’s beach-day dreams. Read on to find where to...
Summer Day Trips: 10 Charming Small Towns on the Leelanau Peninsula
The eclectic towns of the Leelanau Peninsula are alive with shopping, restaurants, outdoor concerts and more—perfect for summer day trips. This...
The Insider’s List: 10 Things to Do on the Leelanau Peninsula
From winery bike rides to lavender picnics, here are 10 of our favorite ways to discover the treasures of the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula. This...
Photos of the Month: 8 Dramatic Northern Michigan Waterscapes
March in Northern Michigan brought winter's final flurries, vibrant skies and early signs of spring. Here are 8 of our favorite photos from the...
11 Northern Michigan Vacation Destinations for Summer Sojourns
From the beaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes to the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula, the most splendid Northern Michigan vacation destinations are only...
Sleeping Bear Dunes Attractions
directory
Grocer's Daughter's Empire Chocolates
by Sarah Bence
Break Bread at 9 Bean Rows Bakery
by Tim Tebeau
Grass Fed Leelanau Natural Beef
by Julie Case
Cherry Life and U-Pick Cherries
by Emily TyraÂ
Farm Market Fresh Beach Dinner
by Megan Gilner
Up North Kids
Summer Camps for Kids
These Northern Michigan summer camps embrace a love of the outdoors and the arts.
Endless Summer Family Fun
There are endless opportunities for outdoor fun, so we’ve created this list of 10 healthy and affordable Northern Michigan summer activities to keep your family moving.Â
Best Beaches For Kids
We asked our readers to share their favorite spots to take young children to cool off (bonus points for places with playgrounds, restrooms, and picnic tables). These are their picks for best Northern Michigan beaches for kids.
Fun Things To Do With Kids in Traverse City (even on rainy days!)
From exploring the Children's Museum to family-friendly wineries, Traverse City offers endless options for kids and families!
Best Biking For Kids
Sometimes difficult terrain or cars zipping by can make riding too difficult for kids. Read on for our picks of the best Northern Michigan bike trails for kids.
Make It a Day on Mackinac Island
Forts, fudge, biking the island and horse-drawn carriage rides. It's kid heaven...and parents love it, too!
