If you have been thinking that you need to get to Traverse City Michigan for a visit one of these days, might I suggest NOW. This is the perfect time of year to go. The weather is still mild so even though it isn’t swimming weather, its perfect for exploring. Plus the leaves are turning providing some killer vistas.
Since we are frequent visitors to the area, I have written many posts about what TC has to offer and how it is a great destination for a 2 to 3 day visit (or longer if you have the time). Here are links to some of my posts to help you put together a fun adventure in Northern Michigan.
Breweries
With over 300 locations, Michigan ranks fifth in the nation in breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs. Several areas throughout the state have a heavy concentration of breweries like Southwest Michigan, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Kalamazoo and Detroit. If having a Beerventure sounds fun to you, then Traverse City will provide plenty of options. Two of our favorites are Shorts Brewing in Bellaire and Hop Lot in Suttons Bay. Hop Lot has a wonderful outdoor space that is the perfect place to enjoy a pint.
Michigan Brewery Series -Traverse City
Michigan Brewery Series – Shorts Brewing Company
Wineries
For those who prefer wine, Michigan is also home to over 130 wineries. Similar to Breweries, there are areas throughout the state where you can find a larger concentration of wineries including the Traverse City area. This area is defined by 2 Wine Trails, Old Mission Peninsula, and the Leelenau Peninsula. Almost all of the wineries on the Mission Peninsula offer stellar views of the bays as does Shady Lane on the Leelenau Peninsula.
If you plan a Wineventure, be safe and either enlist a designated driver or reserve one of the local Winery Tour Bus companies to get you around.
Michigan Wineries Series: Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Michigan Wine Series: Leelenau Peninsula Wine Trail
Michigan Wine Series: Mari Vineyards
Food & Cocktails
Traverse City is also a Foodie Mecca! I would never in a million years consider eating at a chain restaurant while there when the options for trying awesome local establishments is endless. Delicious Chef inspired dishes, Locally sourced foods and menus that cater to all types of diets (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free).
Love, love, love the Little Feet food truck lot downtown. There is quite a lot of seating, beer and cocktail vendors and sometimes live entertainment. We also frequently dine at the Jolly Pumpkin on Mission Peninsula or Firefly which is downtown.
3 Cool Places in Traverse City We Just Tried for the First Time
The Omelette Shoppe – A Sense of Humor and a Delicious Breakfast
As if Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries all through the Traverse City area aren’t enough, there are several great places to grab a cocktail as well. I am obsessed with Low Bar located downtown. They make a delightful negroni (my personal fave cocktail) and have a long list of other super interesting cocktails.
Things to Do & Places to Stay
How we spent 27 hours in Traverse City
Whatever your hotel preference is, there is a place for you in TC. There are so many to choose from. You can find some chain hotels, but there are a lot of boutique hotels there as well. If you are looking for a decent hotel on the cheaper side, we like the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on the East Side of Traverse City. It’s a comfortable and affordable place for base camp. Why spend a lot on a hotel when with so many things to explore we are never at our hotel except to change clothes or sleep! But there are tons of beach front properties with all the amenities you could want for a super relaxing stay if that’s your thing.
Hotel Review – Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Acme Michigan
If you want to enjoy the fall colors, head up to Harbor Springs and take the most beautiful drive through the Tunnel of Trees. A long, winding drive through a canopy of red, yellow and gold trees leads you to Cross Village. When you arrive, enjoy a meal at Leggs Inn which serves some of the best Polish food in Michigan. On the way back to TC, stop off at Petoskey Brewing and sample a flight of beer or grab an ice cream at Moomers.
I hope you take a few minutes to check out some of these posts then hurry and book yourself a fall trip to Traverse City. The time to visit TC is perfect RIGHT NOW! What are you waiting for…..Go Already!
The World According to Dev 