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
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

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Rob’s Reminder:

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

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

"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!

🎧 Episode 182: Summer Safety Check – Tips for Road Trips, Beaches & Theme Parks

Summer is here, and before we dive into our brand-new series on the Best Beach Towns in the U.S., we're pressing pause for an important summer safety check! In this solo episode, Rob shares practical tips and real-life travel wisdom to help your family stay safe and stress-free—whether you're road-tripping, lounging on the sand, or spending the day at a theme park.

In this episode, Rob covers:

🚗 Road Trip Safety:

• Essential car prep before hitting the road
• Emergency kit must-haves
• Why rest stops matter (and how to plan them)
• Car seat safety tips that might surprise you
• Keeping long drives calm and kid-friendly

🏖️ Beach Safety:

• Sunscreen is just the start: sun protection layers that work
• What to know about rip currents and ocean swimming
• Hydration tips for hot, salty days
• Why sand safety and wildlife awareness are so important

🎢 Theme Park Safety:

• How to ID your kids and prevent separations
• Staying cool and hydrated on high-energy days
• Planning breaks to avoid overstimulation and meltdowns
• Budgeting for comfort that makes a big difference

Next Week:

We kick off our series on America's Best Beach Towns—places packed with nostalgia, family fun, and unforgettable memories. As Rob says, this might sound like a competition, but when it comes to these destinations, every choice is a win.

🎙️ Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and sign up for our Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes stories and family travel inspiration.

👉 Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen!

"Keep your passports and your hearts open." – Rob

"Safe travels, everyone."