Located at the southmost point of Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is the epicenter for activities in Northern Michigan. Downtown is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and local makers. The shoreline is filled with public beaches and parks. You can travel from Traverse City in any direction and find an adventure, making it the perfect place to start any Northern Michigan Trip.

The Coffee Scene

Some of my favorite coffee shops and brunch locations in Leelanau and West Traverse City. To read more about these places, read my blog on the Top 10 Coffee and Brunch Spots in Traverse City, MI.

• Mundos Roasting: Mundos is a local roasting company that highlights its craft coffee beans at multiple local coffee shops. Sit outside for a warm drink with lake views Drink to try: The honey latte

• TC Outpost (previously The Brew): Located in the historic opera house building, TC Outpost is the perfect place to stop before shopping the Traverse City strip or to get some work done surrounded by the hip downtown vibe. Drink to Try: Chai latte

• Hexenbelle: Hexenbelle is a delicious mix of gourmet brunch foods, lattes, and an inviting atmosphere for a friend date. The best part, the menu is constantly changing so you can try something new every visit. Drink to try: the seasonal drink is on rotation.

• Higher Grounds Trading Co.: Grab a cup of coffee before you explore the unique mix of shops inside the commons or walk around the farmer's market located in the outdoor space weekly Drink to try: A cup of black locally roasted coffee or vanilla latte.

Day Drinking

Just a few of my favorite wineries close to the M22. A full list of Leelanau wineries and map is available in the welcome book at the property. To read more of my favorite wineries and local brew spots, read the blog posts: Premier Wine Country: Traverse City, Michigan’s Finest Wineries and Vineyards. Need more winery suggestions? Leelanau Wine Trail can help set you up with a map to do it yourself or resources for a guided wine tour.

• Mari Vineyards: Mari Vineyards is dedicated to making exquisite red and white wine from experimental Italian grapes alongside traditionally grown appellation varieties.

• Chateau Chantel: A beautiful winery nestled in the rolling hills of Northern Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula, has a rich history rooted in family and farming. This is complete with an onsite Bed and Breakfast, and Wine Slushies.

• Blackstar Farms: Enjoy nature with over three miles of onsite hiking trails, multiple outdoor patios, vineyard walks, and strolls past the numerous horse paddocks.

Family Activities

There is SO much to do when you are traveling to Northern Michigan with your family. To read about more activities, read our blog post about Your Family Vacation with Kids at Wander North Rentals: Things to Do, Places to Eat & more!

Jacobs Corn Maze: Enjoy a local beer and wood-fired pizza while your children play in the kid zone.

Sara Hardy Farmers Market: Start your Saturday (or Wednesday) morning walking the farmers market for local produce, baked goods, and honey.

NatutiCat Cruises: Set sail on west traverse bay and get a view of the beautiful blue northern Michigan water. Nauti cat offers multiple options for cruises including a champagne and sunset cruise. Weekends book up early so for last minute reservations try a week night cruise.

TART Trail: The 10.5 mile long Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) is a paved urban transportation and recreation corridor with an eastern end point at M-72/Bates Rd in Acme Township and a western endpoint at Carter Rd in Traverse City, where it links with the Leelanau Trail.

Clinch Park + Beach: Clinch Park beach is in the heart of Traverse City and the perfect start to a day exploring downtown.

Moomers: With over 150 different flavors of homemade, premium ice cream, and over 20 available daily. Moomers milk is processed right on the farm at the creamery in Traverse City, Michigan. Enjoy a Moomers ice cream overlooking the Plummer family dairy farm.

Elev8 Climbing and Fitness: Indoor rock climbing gym that is designed for beginner to experienced climbers.

Interlochen Center for the Arts: All summer there are musical events and plays from students and professionals.

Night Life:

We are big fans on night life here in Traverse City. Read more about the best nightlife activites and bars in our blog The Top Bars in Traverse City, MI.

Low Bar: Inspired by pre-prohibition bars, this elegant place offers an extensive list of rare spirits.

Hotel Indigo H + L Rooftop: On the rooftop of Hotel Indigo is a beautiful outdoor bar with the best view around town. Prepare for it to be busy so get there early to snag your seat and watch the sunset over west traverse bay Drink to try: The Moscow Mule.

The Parlor TC: The parlor brings an old saloon feel to downtown traverse city with its black and white movies, comfortable vintage seating, and fantastic drink options. The is a great place to start the night with a drink and some appetizers Drink to try: The Smoke Stack

Mammoth Distilling: Craft cocktail bar with alcohol distilled locally. Sit down and enjoy a drink or stop by to grab a bottle, they make fantastic souvenier! Drink to try: Gin and Bounce

Good Eats:

Traverse City isn't merely renowned for its pristine beaches and vineyard-laden peninsulas; it's revered for its exquisite dining offerings. Read our blog on the Best Restaurants in Traverse City.

Farm Club: Farm club takes farm-to-table to the next level, bringing the table to the farm. Not only do they brew their own beer, but they also have a rotating menu of foods right off the land, and a marketplace with homemade foods and local artisan products. Add in the side trail connecting to the TART trail it is easy to see why this is a local gem.

Mama Lu’s Taco Shop: If you're wondering where to stop for lunch while doing some downtown shopping look no further than Mama Lu's. They have delicious tacos and margaritas to die all made fresh in house.

The Filing Station Microbrewery: Sometimes you just need pizza and beer after a long day of hiking and the best in town is at the filling station. Located on the train tracks just outside traverse city, it's just a short drive away for a delicious wood-fired pizza.

PepeNero: Pepenero is a perfect date night spot to spend a few hours enjoying an authentic southern Italian meal. Start with one of their rotating soups, enjoy a few glasses of chianti, and end with an espresso and gelato. Pepenero is truly a special treat each and every time.

Shopping:

You can’t go to Traverse City without making some fun shopping stops. Here are some of our favorites!

Sweet Pea: Sweet pea has the best collection of baby, toddler, and small children's clothing brands and toys. Favorite stop for baby gifts like bamboo sleepers and children's books.

Brilliant Books: There are a few great bookstores in Traverse and Suttons Bay, but Brilliant books is a personal favorite because it has the best curated collection with titles for every interest

Cherry Republic: Located right on Front Street, the Downtown TC location opened in 2007 and features homemade ice cream and cherry pie. The store’s beautiful natural wood accents, and generous sample stations will make you feel right at home!

Sincerely Betty: A locally owned and operated fashion forward woman's boutique. Located in the downtown heart of beautiful, Traverse City, Michigan, Spirals Boutique highlights cute dresses, mod, indie, retro and vintage inspired apparel and accessories.