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’ll soon be hiding 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!
How to Play
It’s simple, free, and the perfect excuse for a downtown stroll.
- 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
- 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.)
- Submit Your Find: Name the hidden icon and business and fill out your name and email to “check in” at that location.
- Get the “Spring Bonus”: 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!
- Explore More: The more shops and restaurants you visit, the higher your chances of winning the $250 prize!
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.
- Winner: The winner will be drawn at random on Monday, April 27, and notified via email. Winner has two weeks to respond before the next winner is selected.
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!
Where to Find (and Scan) the Signs of 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!
- Dharamsala TC: 319 E Front St. (DOUBLE entry)
- Bonus! Stop in for a free Dharamsala Tote Bag with every purchase.
- Espresso Bay: 202 E. Front St
- Bonus! Come try Lake Michigan Matcha, Cherry Blossom Cold Foam, Lavender Lattes & More Fun Spring Drinks!
- 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)
- Liana’s: 130 E Front St.
- Nifty Things: 143 E Front Street
- Overland Sheepskin Co.: 104 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.
- Bonus! Enter to win a basket of Rocket Fizz sweetness by sharing what you wish the Easter Bunny would put in your basket!
- 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
- Sweet Tartlette: 126 S Union St (DOUBLE entry)
- What to Wear!: 126 E Front St.
- Wilson Antiques: 123 S. Union St (DOUBLE entry)
