Traverse City, MI: Your Ultimate Guide to Wine Country, Hiking, Lake Michigan and Exquisite Cuisine

• Scenic hiking trails: Empire Bluff Dunes (moderate 1.5 mile out and back), Pyramid Point (moderate one mile out and back), Alligator Hill (easy/moderate 3–8 mile loop options), Boardman lake trail (4-mile loop near downtown), Sleeping Bear Dune Climb (strenuous out and back.

• Kayak or Paddleboard the Boardman River

• Book a Nauti-Cat catamaran cruise

• Attend the National Cherry Festival in the summer! Think fair rides, cherry pie, fireworks, aviation shows, summer concerts, parades and dog jumping competitions!

• M22: A favorite store downtown to buy unique Michigan apparel. Bonus points for being dog-friendly!

• Camping at Traverse City State Park

• Kayak, Bike and Brew: The full adventurous way to tour TC and stop at breweries along the way!

• Cherry Republic: Another downtown favorite store with a ton of cherry-inspired goodies.

Day trips

• Mackinac Island: A charming car-free getaway known for its historic sites, scenic bike paths and world-famous fudge. With its Victorian architecture, horse-drawn carriages and stunning views of the Greak Lakes, it offers a timeless escape for visitors. Do not miss lunch at Carriage House and drinks at the Pink Pony!

• Sleeping Bear Dunes: A breathtaking national lakeshore along Lake Michigan, known for its towering dunes, pristine beaches and panoramic views.

• Petoskey: A picturesque lakeside town known for its charming architecture, stunning views of Little Traverse Bay and its famous Petoskey stones. We love the food trucks at the Back Lot Brewery.

Restaurants:

• Farm Club: Awesome indoor/outdoor farm-to-table restaurant, bar, bakery and marketplace. It is right off the Tart trail, so you are able to bike here!

• The Little Fleet: An awesome outdoor food truck space with a wide variety of delicious food options with an indoor bar.

• Trattoria Stella: Delicious Italian fine dining located in the Commons area.

• North Peak: A great brewery with also delectable comfort food and a very cabin/outdoor vibe. Very relaxed but delicious. My family's go-to casual restaurant!

• The Burrow TC: A coastal-inspired American cuisine in a vibrant, airy space.

• The Towne Plaza: a delicious brunch spot located right downtown.

Coffee shops:

• Mundos, Outpost, Espresso Bay: All located downtown TC.

Wineries:

• Brys Estate: A very beautiful and modern winery with the best photo op spot in my opinion. Don't miss their amazing frosé and charcuterie boards! Pro tip: hidden next to the winery is the Secret Garden at Brys which is a beautiful lavender farm!

• Mawby: This is the winery I worked at! All of their wines are sparkling and so delicious.

• Bonobo: A very modern winery with amazing views, wine and food. Perfect for large groups!

• Chateau Chantal: An absolute favorite! The best views and delicious wines. I recommend the flight of three since you can take the glasses out on the patio and enjoy them outdoors.

• Rove: A laidback winery in between Old Mission and Leelanau, very close to downtown. This has great wines and a beautiful patio.

• Mari Vineyards: A beautiful Italian-style winery just off of Old Mission peninsula.

Other:

• Hop Lot Brewing Co: A unique brewery tucked away in the woods that offers beer, cider and wine. There are lots of picnic tables, bonfires and usually a live band. In the winter, you can enjoy your beverages in heated igloos that you can reserve in advance online.

• Suttons Bay Cider: If you like cider, this is the place to go! You can get a flight of unique ciders such as lavender, cherry, ginger, etc. Definitely one of my all-time favorite views and it is dog-friendly!