Guidebook for Traverse City
Food Scene
It's a fine dining experience in the heart of downtown Traverse City. The food is mostly Asian-fusion. Going during happy hour is my personal recommendation because they have some really good small plates and cocktails available on the cheap.
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Red Ginger
237 E Front StIt's a fine dining experience in the heart of downtown Traverse City. The food is mostly Asian-fusion. Going during happy hour is my personal recommendation because they have some really good small plates and cocktails available on the cheap.
A local institution, it's one of my favorite breakfast restaurants in town. Be sure to get there early on a weekend as it has the tendency to get pretty busy.
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The Omelette Shoppe
124 Cass StA local institution, it's one of my favorite breakfast restaurants in town. Be sure to get there early on a weekend as it has the tendency to get pretty busy.
It's a relatively new restaurant that specializes in breakfast food. Located in the Mercado, part of the iconic and renovated State Hospital grounds, it's a memorable and quaint place to enjoy breakfast or brunch.
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Red Spire Brunch House
Main EntranceIt's a relatively new restaurant that specializes in breakfast food. Located in the Mercado, part of the iconic and renovated State Hospital grounds, it's a memorable and quaint place to enjoy breakfast or brunch.
This is one of my favorite coffee spots ANYWHERE! This place has been operating in the shadows of the State Hospital Grounds' expansion for years and only now are being recognized. Their mission is to source fair trade and sustainably farmed coffee beans from around the world, to then roast here in Northern Michigan. In addition to being a cool concept, it's a fun place to bring a laptop, book, or friend to engage with. Also, you can see their roasting facility and if you're lucky, you might even get to watch them in action.
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Higher Grounds Trading Company
806 Red DrThis is one of my favorite coffee spots ANYWHERE! This place has been operating in the shadows of the State Hospital Grounds' expansion for years and only now are being recognized. Their mission is to source fair trade and sustainably farmed coffee beans from around the world, to then roast here in Northern Michigan. In addition to being a cool concept, it's a fun place to bring a laptop, book, or friend to engage with. Also, you can see their roasting facility and if you're lucky, you might even get to watch them in action.
This is a trendy cafe that serves both coffee and some alcoholic drinks too. I personally like to use this as my remote working space when I'm visiting. I find that the ambiance is classic coffee shop vibe and I enjoy the space. Also, after around 7 PM they convert it into an adults only atmosphere and it functions more as a low key bar; definitely worth a visit.
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Brew
108 E Front StThis is a trendy cafe that serves both coffee and some alcoholic drinks too. I personally like to use this as my remote working space when I'm visiting. I find that the ambiance is classic coffee shop vibe and I enjoy the space. Also, after around 7 PM they convert it into an adults only atmosphere and it functions more as a low key bar; definitely worth a visit.
An American Cuisine style restaurant with a surprisingly good bar. It's food is good, prices aren't too bad, and has a great happy hour menu if you sit at the bar (be sure to specifically ask for the bar menu though).
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Harrington's By The Bay
13890 S W Bay Shore DrAn American Cuisine style restaurant with a surprisingly good bar. It's food is good, prices aren't too bad, and has a great happy hour menu if you sit at the bar (be sure to specifically ask for the bar menu though).
Voted #1 in America, it's been a Traverse City institution since 1998! Your hosts used to go here when they were in high school about three times a week ;)
You'll love the atmosphere, friendliness, and of course the ice cream!
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Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
7263 N Long Lake RdVoted #1 in America, it's been a Traverse City institution since 1998! Your hosts used to go here when they were in high school about three times a week ;)
You'll love the atmosphere, friendliness, and of course the ice cream!
This is a tasty sandwich shop + convenience store that has a full assortment of alcoholic drinks, snacks, and a deli. It also is directly across the street from Moomers so it's not a bad double-whammy for when you aren't too enthusiastic to cook for yourself ;)
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Fresh Coast Market
7270 N Long Lake RdThis is a tasty sandwich shop + convenience store that has a full assortment of alcoholic drinks, snacks, and a deli. It also is directly across the street from Moomers so it's not a bad double-whammy for when you aren't too enthusiastic to cook for yourself ;)
This is the closest restaurant to the Cabin and it's something else...
It's got a country motif and even has a place to hitch up your horse outside in case you decide to travel there on horseback.
The food is tasty and the service is friendly.
Hayloft Inn
5100 E Traverse HwyThis is the closest restaurant to the Cabin and it's something else...
It's got a country motif and even has a place to hitch up your horse outside in case you decide to travel there on horseback.
The food is tasty and the service is friendly.
A cute little coffee shop + bakery on Front Street, in downtown Traverse City. We love the scones!
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Good Harbor Coffee & Bakery
111 W Front StA cute little coffee shop + bakery on Front Street, in downtown Traverse City. We love the scones!
A Traverse City institution. Located on Front Street, it's a great place to check out when you're already in town doing some shopping, sightseeing, etc.
The food here is excellent!
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Poppycocks
128 E Front StA Traverse City institution. Located on Front Street, it's a great place to check out when you're already in town doing some shopping, sightseeing, etc.
The food here is excellent!
Folksy local breakfast chain serving omelets, quiches, pancakes & sandwiches, plus baked goods.
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The Omelette Shoppe
124 Cass StFolksy local breakfast chain serving omelets, quiches, pancakes & sandwiches, plus baked goods.
Hearty pub fare & house-brewed beers served in an 1899 building that once housed a candy factory.
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North Peak Brewing Company
400 W Front StHearty pub fare & house-brewed beers served in an 1899 building that once housed a candy factory.
Known for seafood & ribs, this cozy spot offers a chic hunting lodge feel & bayside patio dining.
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Apache Trout Grill
13671 S W Bay Shore DrKnown for seafood & ribs, this cozy spot offers a chic hunting lodge feel & bayside patio dining.
Acclaimed space for European fare offers seasonal & themed menus amid bright, bistro-style decor.
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amical
229 E Front StAcclaimed space for European fare offers seasonal & themed menus amid bright, bistro-style decor.
Local chain for upscale pub fare & house-brewed craft beer with a rustic & comfy vibe.
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Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant & Brewery
13512 Peninsula DrLocal chain for upscale pub fare & house-brewed craft beer with a rustic & comfy vibe.
Upscale eatery in an 1880s home, open seasonally for elevated locavore fare & craft spirits.
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Mission Table
13512 Peninsula DriveUpscale eatery in an 1880s home, open seasonally for elevated locavore fare & craft spirits.
Slabtown Burgers
826 W Front StModern Bird
541 West Front StreetThe Good Bowl
328 E Front StPeninsula Grill
14091 Center RdPepeNero
700 Cottageview DrSpanglish
1333 Yellow DrTrattoria Stella
830 W Eleventh StFrenchies Famous
619 Randolph StRound's Restaurant
1033 E Eighth StThe Cook's House
115 Wellington StMillie and Pepper Creperie & General Store
120 S Union StGrand Traverse Pie Company
525 W Front StSleder's Family Tavern
717 Randolph StJ & S Hamburg
302 W Front StThe Little Fleet
448 E Front StDon's Drive-In
2030 US-31Barrio
305 West Front StreetGood Harbor Coffee & Bakery
111 W Front StMorsels
321 E Front StFolgarelli's Market & Wine Shop
424 W Front StThird Coast Bakery
523 Munson AveMary's Kitchen Port
539 W Front StRough Pony
144 Hall StreetBubbie's Bagels
1215 E Front StSlabtown Cookie Co.
228 Monroe StWhite on Rice
510 W Fourteenth StMoomers Homemade Ice Cream
7263 N Long Lake RdDairy Lodge
405 N Division StThe Filling Station Microbrewery
642 Railroad PlBoathouse Restaurant
14039 Peninsula DrDrinks & Nightlife
A local's favorite. This brewery is only a few years old but it's definitely the most popular and trendy. They brew a really wide selection of beers and regularly carry other Michigan favorites. Also, it's a great place to catch regular live music.
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Rare Bird Brewpub
229 Lake AveA local's favorite. This brewery is only a few years old but it's definitely the most popular and trendy. They brew a really wide selection of beers and regularly carry other Michigan favorites. Also, it's a great place to catch regular live music.
This is a tap house with a very substantial beer list. If you're looking for a fun place to have fun being a beer snob while mingle with young professionals, this is the place for you.
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7 Monks Taproom
128 S Union StThis is a tap house with a very substantial beer list. If you're looking for a fun place to have fun being a beer snob while mingle with young professionals, this is the place for you.
This speakeasy is hard to find but worth the effort! Located in the basement of an unassuming building, you'll enter a swanky atmosphere that's down-tempo and chill. Highly recommended for whisky, scotch, and bourbon drinkers as they have a great selection available.
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Low Bar
128 S Union StThis speakeasy is hard to find but worth the effort! Located in the basement of an unassuming building, you'll enter a swanky atmosphere that's down-tempo and chill. Highly recommended for whisky, scotch, and bourbon drinkers as they have a great selection available.
This bar is part of North Peak Brewery and serves their beer. It's a typical Irish style pub vibe and depending on the day, there can be a number of different activities going on : live music (weekends), trivia night (multiple days per week), karaoke, etc.
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Kilkennys Irish Public House
400 W Front StThis bar is part of North Peak Brewery and serves their beer. It's a typical Irish style pub vibe and depending on the day, there can be a number of different activities going on : live music (weekends), trivia night (multiple days per week), karaoke, etc.
Earthen Ales
1371 Gray DrLeft Foot Charley Winery
806 Red DrMammoth Distilling
221 Garland StMode's Bum Steer
125 E State StBrady's Bar
401 S Union StThe Parlor TC
205 Lake AveThe Workshop Brewing Company
221 Garland StSideTraxx Dance Bar
520 Franklin StTraverse City Whiskey Co.
201 E 14th StJacob's Corn Maze
Michigan 72Sightseeing
There's no better place to get a bird's eye view of Traverse City than to drive up Wayne Hill and take a look at West Bay, downtown TC and the Old Mission Peninsula.
We like the view to much that we're getting married up here!
Incochee Road
Incochee RoadThere's no better place to get a bird's eye view of Traverse City than to drive up Wayne Hill and take a look at West Bay, downtown TC and the Old Mission Peninsula.
We like the view to much that we're getting married up here!
Parks & Nature
This is one of my favorite scenic overlooks anywhere...
After an easy 15 minute hike, you'll come out of the forest to discover a stunning view overlooking both Manitou Islands (North and South) as well as the gorgeous Lake Michigan coastline.
If you're really adventurous (and in great shape), you can run down the dune and into Lake Michigan below... but beware! It's 30 minute climb up some very steep dunes (for the fittest of people).
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Pyramid Point
This is one of my favorite scenic overlooks anywhere...
After an easy 15 minute hike, you'll come out of the forest to discover a stunning view overlooking both Manitou Islands (North and South) as well as the gorgeous Lake Michigan coastline.
If you're really adventurous (and in great shape), you can run down the dune and into Lake Michigan below... but beware! It's 30 minute climb up some very steep dunes (for the fittest of people).
The Sleeping Bear Dunes are a National Park and rightfully so. The park features a dune climb that everyone can enjoy, as well as the option to hike all the way to Lake Michigan (if you're brave enough). To do the hike, be prepared for a 45 minute hike across protected dunes; well worth it when you reach Lake Michigan and can take a dip in the water!
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Sleeping Bear Dunes
The Sleeping Bear Dunes are a National Park and rightfully so. The park features a dune climb that everyone can enjoy, as well as the option to hike all the way to Lake Michigan (if you're brave enough). To do the hike, be prepared for a 45 minute hike across protected dunes; well worth it when you reach Lake Michigan and can take a dip in the water!
This is where your hosts used to go when we wanted to visit Lake Michigan...
It features a small lake, sand dunes, and all the beachfront you can handle!
It's truly a gem and something everyone should experience when they come to Northern Michigan for a beach day.
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North Bar Lake Access
This is where your hosts used to go when we wanted to visit Lake Michigan...
It features a small lake, sand dunes, and all the beachfront you can handle!
It's truly a gem and something everyone should experience when they come to Northern Michigan for a beach day.
The Botanic Garden
1490 Red DriveClinch Park
111 E Grandview PkwySayler Park
5923 Yuba Park RdMaple Bay Natural Area
U.S. 31Essentials
This is the closest grocery store to the cabin and it's a straight drive down M 72 so it's really easy to find. A little on the small side, you should be able to find most things here but it might be a little pricier than a larger food market.
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Tom's Food Market
13940 S W Bay Shore DrThis is the closest grocery store to the cabin and it's a straight drive down M 72 so it's really easy to find. A little on the small side, you should be able to find most things here but it might be a little pricier than a larger food market.
This is the closest large grocery store to the cabin and will have almost anything you need for cooking, snacking, etc.
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Meijer
3955 N U.S. 31 SThis is the closest large grocery store to the cabin and will have almost anything you need for cooking, snacking, etc.
It's the closest grocery to the Cabin, prices aren't too bad, and it's directly across from the Long Lake Public Beach.
Long Lake Grocery
9374 N Long Lake RdIt's the closest grocery to the Cabin, prices aren't too bad, and it's directly across from the Long Lake Public Beach.
This is the closest thing Traverse City can offer to a Whole Foods. They are a little pricier than the other grocery options but will have more niche products and trendy boutique brands.
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Oryana West
3587 Marketplace CirThis is the closest thing Traverse City can offer to a Whole Foods. They are a little pricier than the other grocery options but will have more niche products and trendy boutique brands.
Fresh Coast Market
7270 N Long Lake RdMeijer
3955 N U.S. 31 SOryana Community Co-op
260 E Tenth StIf you're looking for bulk, you can find large quantities here are Sam's Club, so long as you're a member...
Sam's Club
2401 US-31If you're looking for bulk, you can find large quantities here are Sam's Club, so long as you're a member...
Costco Wholesale
125 E South Airport RdOld Mission General Store
18250 Mission RdMaxbauer's Meat Market
407 S Union StBurritt's Fresh Markets
509 W Front StTilley's Party Store and Disc Golf
617 Randolph StreetShopping
The Cheese Lady
600 W Front StThe Village at Grand Traverse Commons
1200 W Eleventh StThe Village at Grand Traverse Commons
1200 W Eleventh StMyrtle & Maude's
10981 Elk Lake RoadEntertainment & Activities
In the summer: A huge disc golf course operated by the City of Traverse City.
In the winter: a low budget but quality ski hill owned and operated by the City (your host learned to ski here and came just about every day in the winter).
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Hickory Hills Disc Golf
2000 Randolph StIn the summer: A huge disc golf course operated by the City of Traverse City.
In the winter: a low budget but quality ski hill owned and operated by the City (your host learned to ski here and came just about every day in the winter).
ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness
777 Boyd Avenue