EVENTS & THINGS TO DO

Kayak Putt & Party

Get ready for an unforgettable Northern Michigan adventure packed with scenic views, river time, margaritas, mini golf, great food, and absolutely zero planning on your part.

Whether you’re a Traverse City local looking for a fresh way to spend the day or a visitor ready to level up your vacation, this 6-hour Glen Arbor getaway is the perfect mix of outdoor fun, laid-back sipping, and Northern Michigan summer magic.

Your adventure starts with a 10:00 AM pickup in downtown Traverse City, where you’ll hop aboard the Brew Bus for a beautiful 40-minute ride to charming Glen Arbor. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as we take care of the driving.

Once you arrive, the team at Crystal River Outfitters will get you geared up and shuttled to the launch point for a relaxing 2-hour kayak paddle down the stunning Crystal River. It’s peaceful, scenic, and the kind of pure Northern Michigan experience you’ll be talking about long after the
day is over. For this trip, all paddlers will use kayaks provided by Crystal River Outfitters.

After paddling the Crystal River, the good times keep rolling at River Club Glen Arbor. You’ll have plenty of time to play 18 holes of mini golf, sip a margarita or two, and enjoy a delicious Mexican-inspired meal. The best part? We handle the reservations at both stops, so there’s nothing for you to coordinate. Just show up ready to paddle, putt, eat, drink, and have a blast.

Pricing is per person: $139 Sunday – Friday and $149 on Saturday. For a limited time, use our partner discount code to save $20 on your booking.

The Brew Bus can accommodate groups of 6 to 14 passengers and offers pickup within a 5-mile radius of downtown Traverse City. Staying outside that area? Give us a call at 231-715-1287 and we’ll help set up a convenient central meeting spot. This is not a private group excursion, so
you may even meet a few new adventure buddies along the way.

This experience runs rain or shine, so check the forecast, pack sunscreen, bring dry clothes, and come ready for a great day. If severe weather rolls in, the Brew Bus team will contact you about rescheduling.

The Brew Bus is licensed to allow open adult beverages on board, but food is not permitted on the bus. Beverages are not permitted at Crystal River Outfitters, and River Club Glen Arbor does not allow outside food or drinks. You’re welcome to leave coolers, dry clothes, and
personal items safely on the bus while your group is out on the river.

FAQ

Can this activity accommodate groups larger than 14?
Absolutely, 14 is the maximum we can accommodate in a single vehicle. If you have a group larger than 14 please call Brew Bus at 231-715-1287.
Adventure begins with a pickup in downtown Traverse City at 10am. We can pick up groups within a 5 mile radius of downtown Traverse City.

No, Crystal River Outfitters has all the gear – kayaks, paddles & lifejackets.

Brew Bus is licensed to allow open adult beverages on board. Coolers are welcome on the bus
with water, beer, wine, seltzers, cider, soda, and other non-liquor beverages. Hard liquor is not
permitted.

All beverages must stay on the bus. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Crystal River
Outfitters or in kayaks during the paddle. River Club Glen Arbor does not allow outside food or beverages.

Food is not permitted on the Brew Bus, but you’ll have time to enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal at River Club Glen Arbor after the paddle.

Our drivers will help enforce these rules along with Crystal River Outfitters and River Club Glen Arbor. Please play nice, respect the rules, and have a great time.

We carve out 2 hours for the paddle during this Glen Arbor adventure!

Yes. The Crystal River, Brew Bus, and River Club Glen Arbor are family-friendly. For kayaking, parents know their kids best. Some children may be comfortable paddling their own kayak, while others may do better in a tandem kayak or with a tow-along option. Child-sized single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and tow ropes may be available, and we’re happy to talk through the best setup for your family.

While we love dogs, this tour is not a pet-friendly experience. Service animals are welcome as required, but pets and emotional support animals are not permitted on the river. For everyone’s safety and comfort, please leave your pup at home for this adventure.
No, we are using all the equipment provided by Crystal River Outfitters

Our contract with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the National Park Service forbids us from sending paddleboards and/or tubes down the river. Thank you for understanding!

The River Club does not have a dock or portage. Finish up the paddle and Brew Bus will get your group over to The River Club to start your putt-putt round.

We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, a towel, and dry clothes for after the paddle. You’re welcome to leave coolers, dry clothes, and personal items safely on the bus
while your group is on the river.

Your booking includes Brew Bus transportation, reservations at Crystal River Outfitters and
River Club Glen Arbor, kayak gear provided by Crystal River Outfitters, a 2-hour Crystal River
paddle and 18 holes of mini golf per person. Food and beverages at The River Club are
available for purchase!

This adventure runs rain or shine, so please check the forecast and dress accordingly. If severe weather makes conditions unsafe, the Brew Bus team will contact you about rescheduling.

Pricing is per person: $139 Sunday through Friday and $149 on Saturday.

2026 Snowshoe Wine & Brew

This winter, immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Northern Michigan with Snowshoe Wine & Brew—a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, crisp winter air, and the region’s finest wine, beer, and spirits.

Spend your Sunday exploring the stunning trails of Old Mission Peninsula at your own pace, stopping to savor discounted drinks at some of the area’s most beloved destinations. Please note that beverages are not included in the ticket price, but discounted offerings at each location make it easy to sip and savor your way through the day.

QUICK INFO

Park your vehicle at Jolly Pumpkin (13512 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City) to catch the TC Brew Bus and kick off your adventure!

Sunday hours of operation: 12pm – 8pm 

Your first official stop! Begin by ordering drinks and soup in our inviting brick and mahogany tasting room, then head out to explore the Winter Trail or relax by the outdoor fire pits. If you’d like to stay longer, enjoy table service indoors with wine flights and additional food options. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at BrysEstate.com or with the host upon arrival.Exclusive Snowshoe Wine & Brew specials:

20% off bottles20% off wine by the glass$5 cups of soup

Experience the best of Brys Estate’s 155 acres in the wintertime! Snowshoe or hike one of our 2 Winter Trail options that each boast beautiful views of a quiet vineyard and snowy, wooded valleys. The Green Trail (casual) is a 1-mile loop that starts at the tasting room and takes you through scenic vineyard vistas, past the farmhouse, and back. Add on the Purple Trail (intermediate) to enjoy an additional 1/2 mile trek through wooded valleys to the Secret Garden’s snow-covered lavender fields before reconnecting with the Green Trail. The marked, ungroomed trail takes ~30-40 minutes to complete. Maps are provided inside the tasting room, and you’re invited to keep warm with some wine while you adventure!

Sunday hours of operation: 12 pm – 5pm

  • Discover the spirits of the peninsula at Old Mission Distilling. Taste locally crafted spirits and festive cocktails to keep you refreshed as you continue your journey.

  • Sunday hours of operation: 10am – 9pm

  • Exclusive beverage specials:

    * $10 hot cocktails & tasting flights

    * 20% off everything (all cocktails, bottle sales and merchandise)

  • Hike through the picturesque vineyard to arrive at a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with outdoor fire pits. Relax and enjoy the cozy surroundings while savoring delicious wines.

  • Sunday hours of operation: 11am – 5pm
  • Exclusive beverage specials:
    • 20% off glasses and bottles
  • After exploring the peninsula, trek back to Jolly Pumpkin to finish your adventure with discounted drinks and a meal from their full food menu.

    Exclusive beverage specials:

    • $5 off Beer Sampler (5 tastings)
    • $5 for a pint of Cider or a glass of House Wine
    • 25% off any food.
  • Tickets for the 2026 season are $15 per person, beverages not included.

  • The event occurs every Sunday from January 4th – March 8th, regardless of snow conditions. The trails can still be enjoyed without snowshoes if there isn’t enough snow.

  • Interested in renting snowshoes? Call Melissa after reserving your tickets at 231-715-1287. Rentals are available unless marked as sold out, with a rental fee of $15 per pair (limited to 20 pairs).
  • Cancellation Policy – refunds are not available for Snowshoe Wine & Brew but if you cannot make it we will happily schedule you to another Sunday in the 2026 season. Credits for future seasons are not available.
  • All locations are outdoor service unless otherwise specified. Please dress appropriately. Please follow and stay on the marked trails.