Placed amidst global hotspots like Amsterdam and Morocco, Traverse City in Northwest Michigan has been spotlighted by the Wall Street Journal as one of the "10 Best Places to Go in 2025," a notable addition to an eclectic list that includes Maui and Macon, Georgia. Traverse City, known for its scenic coastline and proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, has been lauded for its cosmopolitan vibe and robust wine and culinary scene, with the Wall Street Journal writer Andrew Nelson noting, via CBS News, "Though Traverse City can feel surprisingly cosmopolitan for its size, nature is never far."
According to WOODTV, the city's inclusion in the prestigious listing has come as an unexpected honor for local tourism officials, Trevor Tkach, President of Traverse City Tourism expressed his astonishment and pleasure saying, "There are a hundred spots just in the Great Lakes region alone that could have been selected for this. So, to be in this list is really, really special and does come as a surprise."
The variety of wineries, distilleries, and microbreweries has not only enhanced Traverse City's appeal to visitors but has helped sustain the regional economy, with hospitality and tourism jobs being crucial to the area, as highlighted in the Wall Street Journal's account; in fact, one out of every six jobs in Traverse City is related to these sectors. Mayor Amy Shamroe weighed in on the WSJ recognition, as per 9and10news, explaining that such accolades not only boost tourism but also bolster the city's growth as tourists discover Traverse City and consider relocation options, "We're always excited about any designation that we get. It's nice that we're getting ones that recognize this as a great place to be year-round."
