Local recommendations

for Your Stay in Traverse City:

Whether you’re here for the views, the wine, or a little of everything, Traverse City offers an incredible mix of local charm, outdoor adventure, and culinary experiences. Here are our favorite places and activities to help you make the most of your stay.

Dining in Traverse City

For a memorable dinner, we recommend The Boathouse for upscale waterfront dining, Pepe Nero for elevated Italian in a historic setting, Amical for cozy European bistro-style meals, and Red Ginger for modern Asian cuisine and sushi. For something more casual on the water, West End Tavern is a great pick. For breakfast or lunch, try Rose & Fern, Red Spire, or Farm Club, which offers seasonal dishes in a beautiful setting just outside of town.

Old Mission Peninsula Wineries

Mari Vineyards offers stunning views and bold reds. Château Chantal is a classic with a beautiful setting. Bonobo is a stylish, laid-back spot with a great patio. Brys Estate features lovely rosés and a lavender garden in summer. Bowers Harbor Vineyards is casual, dog-friendly, and a great stop for relaxing tastings.

Leelanau Peninsula Wineries

Soul Squeeze Cellars is a small, thoughtfully curated winery. Mawby focuses entirely on sparkling wines and has a fun tasting room. Leelanau Cellars is located right on the water with free tastings and sweet wines, including a seasonal mulled wine in the fall. Hop Lot in Suttons Bay isn’t a winery, but it’s a cozy beer garden with food, fire pits, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Evening and Night Fun

If you’re looking for something fun beyond the bar scene, check out Traverse City Comedy Club for live shows, axe throwing at the Grand Traverse Resort, bowling and laser tag at Incredible Mo’s, curling at the Traverse City Curling Club, or go-karting and mini golf at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park.

Bars and Nightlife

The Little Fleet offers an outdoor bar experience with rotating food trucks and a lively summer vibe. Hotel Indigo’s rooftop bar has views of West Bay and is a great spot for sunset drinks, and hotel Delamar has a beautiful bar on the water. In colder months, the Top of the Park at Park Place Hotel is a cozy option with city views. U&I Lounge is a no-frills local dive downtown. For something unique, Low Bar is a hidden speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails and a cool underground setting.

Shopping and Exploring

Downtown Front Street is full of locally owned shops, boutiques, bookstores, and cafés. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a redeveloped historic mental hospital with unique shops, restaurants, wine bars, and even hiking trails. It’s especially fun on a rainy day. For day trips, check out Fishtown in Leland, a working fishing village turned shopping destination, or explore the small coastal towns of Northport and Suttons Bay.

Outdoor Adventures and Attractions

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-visit for dune climbs, hiking, and scenic views. The Old Mission Lighthouse sits at the tip of the peninsula and is a great photo stop. Empire Bluffs Trail offers one of the best overlooks in the region. In the fall, Jacob’s Farm has a corn maze and cider, while Farm Club across the street offers a relaxing place to hike, eat, or enjoy a drink. We also love to walk the 4 mile trail around the Boardman Lake downtown. 

Check Local Events

To see what’s happening during your visit, head to:

https://www.traversecity.com/e...