Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt

April 18 – April 26, 2026

Where Is Spring?

The calendar often says it’s spring, but we Northern Michigan folk know the weather likes to keep us guessing. (So cute!) While we wait for the tulips to poke through the dirt, we’ve hidden the Signs of Spring all throughout Downtown Traverse City.

Join us for a 9-day “seek and find” adventure. Explore old favorites and discover new downtown destinations, all while helping us track down spring for a chance to win a downtown shop-dine-play spree: $250 in Downtown TC Gift Certificates!

Enter to Play Here

How to Play

It’s simple, free, and the perfect excuse for a downtown stroll.

  1. Spot the Signs: Wander through participating downtown businesses and look for one of our hidden six spring icons:
    • Robin
    • Rain Boots
    • Bunny
    • Sun
    • Morel Mushroom
    • Tulip
  2. Scan to Enter: Each icon features a unique QR code. Scan it with your phone to open the official entry form. (Form is live April 18-26.)
  3. Submit Your Find: Name the hidden icon and business and fill out your name and email to “check in” at that location.
  4. “2-for-1″ Entries: Want more chances to win? Any check-in at a business outside the 100 and 200 blocks of E Front Street counts as a double entry!
  5. Explore More: The more shops and restaurants you visit, the higher your chances of winning the $250 prize!
Enter to Play April 18-26

The Grand Prize

One lucky “Seeker” will win $250 in Downtown TC Gift Certificates! Redeemable at dozens of your favorite downtown businesses.

The Fine Print

  • Dates: The hunt runs from Saturday, April 18, through Sunday, April 26.
  • Eligibility: One entry per person, per business, per day. If our shop owners are clever enough to hide the icon in a new spot the next day, you’re welcome to come back and find it again.
  • Winner: The winner will be drawn at random at the end of April and be notified via email. Winner has two weeks to respond before the next winner is selected. A new winner will be drawn two weeks after initial outreach if winner does not respond.

Ready to Find Spring?

Our merchants aren’t just hiding icons, they’re celebrating the season! While you’re hunting, keep an eye out for BONUS in-store activations or spring specials – check out those stops below. Participating businesses will continually be added here as we get closer to spring!

  • Bushell’s Kitchen + Cocktails: 127 S. Union St. (DOUBLE entry)
    • Bonus! Stop in for a chance to win a $100 gift card!
  • Captain’s Quarters: 151 E Front St
    • Bonus! 60% Off on select sport shirts!
  • Cherry Republic: 154 E. Front St
    • Bonus! Free limited wine tasting (21+) and food samples!
  • Contigo Dogs: 324 E Front St (DOUBLE entry)
  • Dharamsala TC: 319 E Front St. (DOUBLE entry)
    • Bonus! Stop in for a free Dharamsala Tote Bag with every purchase.
  • Doug Murdick’s Fudge: 116 E Front St
    • Take advantage of this sweet offer: buy 3 slices of fudge, get 1 slice free!
  • eelo: 104 E Front St
    • Spring Sale! 20% off blankets, bath towels, and throw pillows.
  • Espresso Bay: 202 E. Front St
    • Bonus! Come try Lake Michigan Matcha, Cherry Blossom Cold Foam, Lavender Lattes & More Fun Spring Drinks!
  • Fleet Feet: 300 E Front St (DOUBLE entry)
  • Fustinis: 141 E Front St.
    • Bonus! Along with Signs of Spring, Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars will have an additional in-store QR code hidden for a chance to win a Citrus Cake Box (a $75 value). Stop in throughout the event to enjoy spring-inspired bites and refreshments each day.
  • Grand Traverse Distillery: 215 E Front St
    • Bonus! New spring seasonal cocktails will be available to enjoy!
  • Grand Traverse Pie Company: 101 N. Park St, Suite 2B (Front St entrance)
  • Harbor Springs Mattress Company: 415 S. Union Street, 1st Floor (DOUBLE entry)
  • I’m Planty AF: 122 Cass St (DOUBLE entry)
    • Bonus! 20% off all Terrarium Build Kits, as well as in person builds! Make it a planting party by calling the shop to reserve a time slot with the number of people in your party. If it’s just one or two people, a drop in is usually fine.
  • Kilwins Traverse City: 129 E Front St
  • Lakes And Grapes: 326 E Front St (DOUBLE entry)
    • Bonus! 15% off for scavenger hunt participants (same-day only) + enter the Lakes And Grapes in-store gift card giveaway!
  • Liana’s: 130 E Front St.
  • Lilies of the Alley: 227 E State St (DOUBLE entry)
    • So many spring flowers! 
  • Mammoth Distilling: 332 E Front St (DOUBLE entry)
    • Come on in for a special spring-themed menu!
  • Miner’s North Jewelers: 222 E Front St
    • Offering extended period (18-month) interest-free financing – running as a special for Mother’s Day through May 10
  • Modus +: 406 S Union (DOUBLE entry)
    • Stop in for a free class pass!
  • Mundos Coffee: 305 W Front St (DOUBLE entry)
    • Sign up for a $50 Mundos gift card drawing!
  • My Secret Stash: 122 Cass St (DOUBLE entry)
    • Enter our drawing for a Spring Goodie Basket! Drawing will be on Tuesday, April 28; winner notified by email or text. Also, Daily Specials will be abound!
  • Nifty Things: 143 E Front Street
  • Overland Sheepskin Co.: 104 E Front St.
  • Plamondon Shoes: 144 E Front St 
  • Rocket Fizz: 111 E. Front St
    • Bonus! Enter to win a basket of Rocket Fizz sweetness by sharing what you wish the Easter Bunny would put in your basket!
      • Enter your wish by Saturday, as the drawing for the Rocket Fizz basket will be held on Sunday, 4/26, at noon.
  • Serendipity: 204 E Front St.
    • Bonus! Stop by to be entered into a gift card giveaway!
  • Slip. Vintage: 121 E Front St. Suite 108 (DOUBLE entry)
  • Spur Boutique: 203 E Front
  • Sunglass Shoppe: 137 E Front St
    • Don’t miss out on 25% to 50% on select eyewear!
  • Surfaces: 309 W Front St (DOUBLE entry)
  • Sweet Tartlette: 126 S Union St (DOUBLE entry)
  • Water’s Edge Sweet Tooth: 405 South Union St (DOUBLE entry)
    • Bonus! 20% Discount on one in-stock item when you scan your code.
  • What to Wear!: 126 E Front St.
  • Wilson Antiques: 123 S. Union St (DOUBLE entry)