If Traverse City, Michigan has been on your radar—or even if it hasn’t—this episode is for you. Ashleigh and Christopher break down everything you need to know for a first visit: from hidden gems and outdoor adventures to the best places to stay, sip, and unwind. Whether you're planning a long weekend or a summer escape, this guide will help you experience Traverse City like a local.

Set along the clear blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay, this northern Michigan destination offers more than just small-town charm. Expect rolling vineyards, lake breezes, scenic drives, and an easygoing pace that still keeps things interesting.

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Get outside:

• Bike the TART Trail through town and along the water
• Climb the dunes and cruise the scenic Pierce Stocking Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes
• Swim or sun at one of many calm, sandy beaches along Grand Traverse Bay
• Catch a sunset sail on the tall ship Manitou
• Try world-class golf at Arcadia Bluffs or Grand Traverse Resort
• Visit in winter? Bring your skis or snowshoes

Explore and shop:

• Wander downtown Traverse City’s boutique shops and indie bookstores
• Visit Cherry Republic for quirky gifts and all things cherry
• Tour the Grand Traverse Commons, a historic site now home to cafés, galleries, and tunnels you can actually explore

Drink local:

• Spend a day wine tasting on Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas—don’t miss 2 Lads, Mawby, or Rove
• Grab a flight at North Peak or Mitten Brewing for great beer and lake views
• Sample creative ciders at Taproot Cider House downtown

• Beachfront resorts in Acme such as Sugar Beach for lakefront sunrise views
• Downtown digs like Delamar put you close to the action
• Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse on Old Mission Peninsula offer quiet vineyard vibes
• Campers, you’re covered at Traverse City State Park—just steps from the bay

Here are a few local favorites to keep you well-fed:

• Poppycocks’s – casual bites with a creative twist downtown
• Farm Club – a farm-to-table restaurant and brewery with trails and open fields
• Grand Traverse Pie Company – yes, get the cherry pie
• North Peak Brewing and Jolly Pumpkin – hearty fare and excellent beer
• Cup of Joe and Higher Grounds– the kind of local coffee shop you’ll wish was in your hometown

• Summer is peak season—book early or come in spring or fall for fewer crowds and lower rates
• Consider camping if you’re looking to save and stay close to nature
• Don’t skip time on the water—paddleboarding, kayaking, or just floating is a must

Have a Traverse City favorite we didn’t mention? Reach out and let us know—your tips might make it into a future episode.

May & June 2025 Travel News

Ready to spark ideas for your next adventure or just stay in the know? In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher break down the most relevant travel headlines from May & June 2025—no fluff, just real-world updates and thoughtful insights for curious travelers.

Airline & Transit News

• Newark Airport is expected to return to normal operations by October, easing travel in and out of the NYC area. (https://www.newser.com/story/369835/faa-says-newark-airport-should-be-ok-by-october.html)

• Summer 2025 airfare is trending 10% cheaper than last year—good news if you’ve been eyeing a trip but waiting for the right deal. (https://thepointsguy.com/news/summer-of-saving/)

• United and JetBlue have launched the Blue Sky Partnership, and JetBlue is also teaming up with Florida’s Brightline rail for smoother connections. (https://www.cnbc.com/amp/select/united-airlines-jetblue-blue-sky-partnership/ https://thepointsguy.com/news/jetblue-brightline-air-rail-partnership/)

• Delta faced backlash for charging solo travelers more—then backpedaled. (https://www.frommers.com/tips/airfare/u-s-airlines-caught-charging-solo-passengers-more/)

• Turkey is cracking down on travelers standing up before the plane stops. (https://www.frommers.com/tips/airfare/fine-for-standing-up-on-planes-too-early/)

• IndiGo (India’s low-cost carrier) is expanding US routes via Delta, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic partnerships. (https://thepointsguy.com/news/indigo-airline-india-us-expansion/)

Wine Break This week’s sip: Guarda Rios from Portugal. Christopher and Ashleigh talk about how it unexpectedly connects to their recent Mexico City series—where they spotted the namesake bird in the canals of Xochimilco.

U.S. Travel News

• US News Best Underrated Destinations in the US (https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-underrated-destinations-usa/)
• Disney World’s Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America to close in July https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/theme-parks/2025/06/03/disney-world-tom-sawyer-island-rivers-america-cars/84012720007/

International Travel News

• Munich just took the top spot as the most walkable city in the world—perfect for those who love to explore on foot. (https://www.travelandleisure.com/munich-germany-most-walkable-city-in-world-11721214)

• Spain is cracking down on unlicensed Airbnbs—66,000 listings removed. (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3wdd8lg581o.amp)

• Nepal now requires climbers to summit a 7,000-meter peak before attempting Everest. (https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/04/28/travel/nepal-everest-permits-experienced-climbers-intl-hnk)

• Disney announced a brand-new theme park is coming to Abu Dhabi. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/theme-parks/2025/05/07/disney-new-theme-park/83458415007/)

Pies Descalzos with Laila Navarro Part 2 How Travel Can Transform You

In this heartwarming continuation of our conversation with Mexico City guide Laila Navarro, we go deeper into the why behind her unforgettable tours.

Moments That Matter Laila shares powerful stories from her guests—like the man who returned to the Basilica after healing. These aren't just tours. They're memories made together. Laila pours her heart into making each experience “something special,” and it shows.

Travel as a Force for Good For Laila, travel is more than checking off a list. It’s a way to shift perspectives, prioritize meaningful experiences over material excess, and reconnect with what really matters—nature, kindness, and joy. Her hope is that guests leave not just with photos, but with a renewed sense of self.

Not Just a City Tour – An Invitation to See Differently Want to taste your way through street markets? Wander a forest in the middle of the city? Dive into Mexican culture in Coyoacán? Laila’s tours are full of thoughtful details and unexpected stories. They're designed to give you a richer understanding of Mexico City and the people who live there.

Let Go of the Fear – Mexico City Is Waiting Laila gently challenges common fears about travel in CDMX, from tap water to street food to riding the metro. Her message: Mexico City is alive with generosity, friendliness, and wonder—if you’re willing to see it with fresh eyes.

Connect with Pies Descalzos Learn more or book a tour at piesdescalzos.fun Like on Facebook: facebook.com/piesdescalzostours Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/piesdescalzostours

This episode is for anyone craving more connection, more meaning, and more discovery in their travels.

A Two-Part Journey Through Mexico City

What if your next trip felt less like sightseeing… and more like a revelation?

Laila didn’t plan to be a tour guide — in fact, she studied architecture and design. But after burning out in underpaid creative jobs, she stumbled into the world of guiding and discovered something that lit her up. Learn how a simple trial tour turned into a calling, and how she sees travel as a bridge between people, history, and nature.

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Laila explains why most visitors miss the depth of Teotihuacan — and how starting at the on-site museum transforms your understanding of what you're seeing. You’ll also hear what it was like to watch hot air balloons rise with the sun over ancient ruins. It’s not just a visit. It’s a chance to feel small and in awe. For more information about this tour, check it out on Viator.

When Christopher and Ashleigh asked for a tour focused on Diego Rivera’s murals, Laila created one from scratch — and got emotional in the process. This episode unpacks how art, politics, and memory are fused into Mexico City’s walls — and why this tour might just change how you see public art forever. For more information and to book this tour, check out Viator.

You’ve heard of the party boats — but Lila takes us (and others) into a different Xochimilco: quiet canals, morning mist, ancient farming techniques, and a farm-to-table breakfast after kayaking. You'll hear how indigenous wisdom still echoes here, if you're willing to listen. To learn more about this tour, visit Viator.

For Laila, guiding isn’t about facts — it’s about feelings. She talks about building relationships, not just delivering information. For travelers like you who crave real connection, this episode is a reminder that the best trips are built on shared humanity.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be deeply seen, heard, and invited into a culture — not just observe it — this is your episode.

Listen now, and get ready to rethink what a "tour" can be. Be sure to check back in next week for the second half of this interview! More information about Laila and her tours can be found at PiesDescazlos.fun.

Mexico City: Must-Do Experiences Beyond the Guidebook

In this episode, Ashleigh and Christopher share the standout moments from their Mexico City trip—what was absolutely worth it, what surprised them, and what they’d do differently next time.

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Centro Histórico The city’s historic core is packed with must-see sites like the Zócalo, Templo Mayor, the Cathedral, and Diego Rivera’s murals. It’s easy to explore on foot, even from neighborhoods a bit farther out like Reforma.

Anthropology Museum This museum is essential for understanding Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures. We booked a guided tour, which made a huge difference in helping us connect with what we were seeing.

Diego Rivera’s Murals Seeing Rivera’s art at Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Museo Mural Diego Rivera gave us a visual crash course in Mexican history and revolution. To check out the tour we took, click here.

Chapultepec Park A massive park with museums, a zoo, and even a castle. It’s a peaceful place to escape the bustle and spend a few unhurried hours.

Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul Visiting the Blue House in Coyoacán helped us understand Frida’s art and life in a more personal way. Make sure to get tickets in advance—it’s popular for a reason. Consider a guided tour if you want to dig deeper into Frida's life.

Sunrise Kayaking in Xochimilco One of our most memorable experiences. Paddling through early-morning canals past floating farms and birds was peaceful and unforgettable. For more info on this tour, click here.

Trip Planning Tips Plan for at least 3–4 full days. Staying in more than one neighborhood adds variety. Big breakfasts and late dinners worked better for us than three structured meals. Give yourself time to slow down.

We highly recommend checking out tours from Pies Descalzos!

What We’d Do Differently We’d allow more time at Templo Mayor, build in time to relax in Roma Norte, and be better prepared for early mornings, especially when it comes to food and coffee.

Wine Break We took a pause with a bottle of Auxerrois from Chateau Fontaine in Northern Michigan.

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In this episode of Go See Do Explore, Ashleigh and Christopher continue their Mexico City series by focusing on one of the best parts of the trip: the food.

They share favorite dishes, reflect on what makes Mexican cuisine so regionally distinct, and talk about how trying local food can deepen your connection to a place.

Mole Negro Enchiladas Christopher starts with the mole negro enchiladas from Azul Histórico. Mole is a complex, deeply rooted Mexican sauce, and this version left a lasting impression.

Carnitas Tacos with Cheese Ashleigh highlights the carnitas tacos from their food tour—made even better with a layer of melted white cheese. A good example of how a small touch can make something familiar feel new.

Huitlacoche and Cooking Class Quesadillas Christopher shares two dishes that featured huitlacoche, a corn fungus used in Mexican cooking: tacos from Girasoles and quesadillas from their cooking class. Both show how Mexican food often celebrates ingredients that don’t show up on most tourist menus.

Churros from El Moro Ashleigh talks about the churros at El Moro, one of Mexico City’s most well-known spots. Fresh, hot, and paired with dipping chocolate—they’re a treat worth seeking out.

Wine Break at Bel Lago Midway through the episode, they pause for a wine tasting at Bel Lago, a local winery. Ashleigh shares her thoughts on Auxerrois Moreno, one of their standout wines.

More to Explore They close with a few other food highlights from the trip—like tacos gobernador and sopes with steak—and talk about how meals like these help shape the story of a place.

April 2025 Travel News: Airline Perks, Cruise Comebacks & Wine Country Wandering

This month’s travel news roundup comes to you from a breezy spring campsite in Traverse City, Michigan, where we’ve been sipping wine, stargazing, and dreaming up our next adventure. Along with headlines that caught our attention, we’re also teasing a new series inspired by our recent trip to Mexico City — more on that soon.

Airline News Highlights

• A United flight had to turn around mid-air because the pilot forgot his passport (yes, really).

• Spirit Airlines is adding 15 new routes out of Detroit, aiming to shake up Delta’s dominance.

• Ryanair introduced its first-ever membership program with discounts and free seat selection.

• American Airlines plans to roll out free WiFi starting in 2026.

• Fiji Airways joined the OneWorld alliance, unlocking easier international connections.

• WalletHub ranked Spirit as the best U.S. airline in 2025 — a surprise worth looking into.

Wine Break: Dune Bird Winery Midway through recording, we made a stop at Dune Bird Winery in Leelanau County — great wine, low-key setting, and just the right kind of place to slow down and take in the view.

Travel News & Cruise Comebacks

• Royal Caribbean has temporarily stopped visits to its Haiti private island due to regional unrest.

• Victory Cruise Line returning to the Great Lakes, offering itineraries from 9–14 nights.

• AmaWaterways is launching new river cruises in Colombia on the Magdalena River.

• MSC World America, a ship built for U.S. travelers, has just debuted.

• Both Disney World water parks will be open this summer for the first time since 2019.

• Kansas City is now home to the world’s first barbecue museum.

• Crater Lake National Park in Oregon will be closing for construction between 2026 and 2029 — plan accordingly.

Coming Soon We’ve just wrapped a deep dive into Mexico City — art, food, hidden gems, and the kind of travel moments that stick with you. Stay tuned for a full series, including interviews and itinerary tips.

If this episode gave you new ideas or made you smile, we’d love it if you rated, reviewed, or shared it with a fellow traveler. Thanks for being here.

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In this episode, Christopher and Ashleigh dive deep into the world of the Straits of Mackinac area. They share practical tips, can't miss experiences, and insights to help you make the most of visiting this region of northern Michigan.

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At around 5 miles long, the Mackinac Bridge is an impressive sight spanning the Straits of Mackinac. Christopher shares key details and stats about the bridge. He and Ashleigh recommend walking the bridge on Labor Day during the annual bridge walk event. They also suggest visiting the parks on either side of the bridge, which offer beautiful views.

Mackinac City is known for its tourist shops and proximity to Mackinac Island ferries. But Christopher and Ashleigh share their favorite spots including the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Colonial Michilimackinac, and Headlands International Dark Sky Park.

Across the bridge, St. Ignace provides a more relaxed small town vibe. Recommendations here include walking the long boardwalk, visiting Father Marquette National Memorial, and taking in the views from Castle Rock.

For food, Christopher raves about the pasties from Lehto's in St. Ignace. Other recommendations in St. Ignace include Clyde's Drive-In, Java Joe's, and Double Decker Ice Cream. In Mackinac City, they suggest stopping at the Mackinac Bakery and Cafe.

Looking to expand your itinerary? Check out Legs Inn in Cross Village, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Sault Ste. Marie, Tahquamenon Falls, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Ashleigh and Christopher wrap up with practical tips like allowing extra time for ferry logistics and building in a night before/after visiting Mackinac Island.

During their wine break segment, Christopher and Ashleigh taste and discuss a Pinot Noir from Two Lads Winery on Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula.