Episode 186: Traverse City, MI – Best Beach Towns in the US (Freshwater Edition)

Description:

We’re heading north to Michigan for this stop in our Best Beach Towns in the US series—and it’s one we’ve loved before! Rob welcomes back Mike Kent from Traverse City Tourism to dive into what makes this lakefront gem one of the best beach towns in the country. From sand dunes and sailboats to cherry pie and goat yoga (yes, really), Traverse City proves you don’t need an ocean to find the ultimate family beach getaway.

In This Episode:

1. The stunning freshwater setting of Grand Traverse Bay
2. A short modern history: from cherry capital to wine country
3. The unique microclimate, sandy soil, and how it supports both cherries and world-class wine
4. Sleeping Bear Dunes: 60 miles of shoreline and national acclaim
5. Family-friendly beach options, paddleboarding, kayaking, and yes—fishing!
6. Accessibility and inclusion: the first autism-certified travel destination in the Midwest
7. Traverse City’s booming food scene: from farm-to-table to food trucks and cherry pie flights
8. Summer festivals including the 100th National Cherry Festival that's coming in 2026
9. Why shoulder season might be your best time to visit
10. Mike’s favorite childhood summer memory—and how families can make their own
11. The #1 thing every first-time visitor should do before leaving town

Mentioned in the Episode:

• TraverseCity.com – Plan your trip and explore all the activities, trails, and events
• Traverse City Food & Wine – August culinary celebration
• Moomers Ice Cream, Cherry Republic, Farm Club, Right Brain Brewery
• Chateau Chantal's “Jazz at Sunset”
• National Cherry Festival – celebrating 100 years in 2025!
• Autism Certified Designation – commitment to sensory-friendly experiences

Follow Us!

➡️ Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts

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📬 Get more travel tips on our Substack

Rob’s Reminder:

"Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open."

Traci’s Tagline (even when off this week):

"Safe travels everyone."

The Family Vacationer - Episode 185

Destination: St. Augustine, Florida – Where History and Beaches Collide

Guest: Barbara Golden, Communications Manager, Florida’s Historic Coast

Heads up, eagle-eyed listeners! Yes, we also noticed we skipped Episode 185 last week... the person responsible has been politely but firmly relieved of their podcast-numbering duties. (Don't worry, we gave them a map to the Fountain of Youth as severance.)

If you’re looking for a family vacation spot that blends centuries of history with sandy toes and salt air, St. Augustine is calling your name. In this episode, Rob and Traci welcome back friend of the show Barbara Golden, who takes us on a virtual tour through America’s oldest city.

What You'll Learn:

• Why St. Augustine is more than just a beach town (spoiler: pirates AND archaeology!)
• The rich cultural tapestry behind the nation’s oldest continuously occupied European settlement
• How to mix sun, surf, and centuries of history into one epic family vacation
• The best interactive museums for kids (think: cannon fire, pirate ships, and animatronic schoolhouses)
• Top beaches, family-friendly activities, hidden gems, and unbeatable food spots (hello, fried shrimp and chocolate factory)

Local Flavor Highlights:

• Where to find legendary fried shrimp and fresh-caught grouper
• The scoop on must-visit dessert spots like Peace Pies and The Hyppo Gourmet Pops
• Best rooftop dining for ocean views (and maybe a grouper taco or two)

Can't-Miss Attractions:

• Castillo de San Marcos and its cannon demonstrations
• Anastasia State Park’s sugar-white beaches
• Pirate and Treasure Museum, Alligator Farm, and Colonial Quarter
• Historic trolley tours, kayak adventures, and beachcombing for shark teeth

Where to Stay:

• Beachfront family favorites like Embassy Suites Oceanfront and Guy Harvey Resort
• Charming historic inns downtown that welcome families
• Upscale golf resorts and glamping options nearby

Planning Tips:

• Best times to visit for weather, crowds, and festivals (like Nights of Lights ✨ and Sing Out Loud 🎶)
• Smart seasonal strategies (Hint: hit the beach in the morning, museums in the afternoon!)
• Must-know family travel tips from a local insider

One Perfect Day in St. Augustine? Start with a trolley tour, explore a hands-on museum, relax on the beach, eat something unforgettable, and top it off with a Peace Pie. (You’re welcome.)

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Florida’s Historic Coast
• Anastasia State Park
• Castillo de San Marcos

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and follow us on Instagram @thefamilyvacationer and Substack for more family travel inspiration.

Rob's Reminder: "Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open."

Traci’s Sendoff: "Safe travels everyone."

Episode 184: Ocean City, Maryland – A Family Beach Classic

This week on The Family Vacationer, we're kicking off our new series, The Best Beach Towns in the U.S., and first up is one of the most beloved beach towns on the East Coast—Ocean City, Maryland! While we will eventually name one destination as The Family Vacationer's Best Beach Town, the truth is, whichever of these coastal gems you choose, you win.

In this episode, Rob is joined by Ocean City’s Mayor Richard Meehan in a first-ever mayoral interview for the podcast! Together, they dive deep into what makes Ocean City a multigenerational vacation haven. We explore:

• The modern history of Ocean City, from its roots as a fishing village to a booming beach resort
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• Why Ocean City’s nostalgic charm continues to attract families year after year
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• Free, family-friendly beach access and the iconic boardwalk experience
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• Must-see attractions like Trimper’s Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Pier
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• Seasonal festivals from Springfest to Winterfest of Lights
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• Hidden local favorites like biking the boardwalk and bayside crabbing
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• Inclusive amenities for families with special needs
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• Family-friendly dining with playgrounds at restaurants like Fishtales and Ropewalk
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• Unique accommodations including the Carousel Hotel with an ice rink!
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• Efforts to retain Ocean City’s charm amidst modern growth
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• Exciting projects like a new bayfront park and a planned world-class sports complex

Whether you're planning your first visit or your fifteenth, Ocean City delivers smiles, sunrises, and memories to last a lifetime.

A special thank you to Lauren Davis, Government Relations Manager with the Mayor’s Office, for making this interview possible.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Family Vacationer on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on Instagram and Substack for more family travel inspiration.

Thank you to Scott Carpenter for the new theme song! Make sure and listen all the way to the end for the world premiere of The Family Vacationer Theme Song! Thanks, Scottie!

Closing Reminder:

Remember folks to keep your passports and your hearts open.

Safe travels everyone!