I skip the crowds and high prices in Napa and head to this underrated Midwestern wine destination instead

Much like Napa Valley, the area around Traverse City, Michigan, is full of rolling hills dotted with vineyards.

Instead of views of distant mountains, Michigan offers a different beauty: the blue waters of Lake Michigan.

The city is nestled between two wine-growing peninsulas — Old Mission and Leelanau — which jut out into this Great Lake, offering a scenic backup for a wine-tasting adventure.

What makes me prefer these sweeping vistas to the ones found in California is the cost.

Even during the peak summer season, it’s not uncommon to find hotel rooms here for under $200 a night. Napa prices are easily double (or triple) that cost.

Traverse City sits on the 45th parallel, just like some of the world’s most famous wine regions.

The unique microclimate of the area creates perfect conditions for cool-climate wine production, with boutique wineries crafting rieslings, pinot noirs, and other varietals that are surprisingly great.

Its cozy tasting rooms found here tend to feel less stuffy than the ones I’ve visited in California. As a casual wine enthusiast, I appreciate how this informal style offers more welcoming vibes.

The craft-brew scene in Michigan is similarly booming, making this an ideal destination for savoring a taste of hops.

Plus, Michigan is the third largest apple producer in the US and the cherry capital of the world, making its fruit ciders a must-try.

This variety of drinking experiences means that there’s always something delicious on tap.

One of my favorite spots is Sutton Bay Ciders, which features idyllic leaf-peeping opportunities in autumn, kid-friendly seasonal events, and dog-friendly seating areas that make this a place my whole family can enjoy together.

Downtown Napa is pretty, but it can also be a busy scene. Traverse City offers a slice of small-town Americana that I find much more endearing.

Quirky shops and comfy cafés make me feel like I’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie, and the pace here feels decidedly more relaxed.

The city’s waterfront locale makes it a fun beachy getaway during the summer, and it’s just a short drive from other interesting communities like Leland, where visitors can learn about the area’s Native American history.

California’s national parks are well-known for their beauty, but Pure Michigan offers plenty of outdoor opportunities that often feel overlooked.

In addition to the ample boating, swimming, and other lake life options found in Traverse City, the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features miles of towering sand dunes that feel worlds away from the flat plains most associated with the Midwest.

Whether I’m hiking the dunes, sampling local flavors, enjoying a day out on the water, or setting off in search of striking lighthouses (Michigan has over 100), I always enjoy a stress-free and budget-friendly stay in Traverse City.