Napa of the Midwest — Wine Tasting

Traverse Wine Coast is at the 45 Parallel with miles of shoreline between Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. It makes the perfect climate for growing grapes and producing award-winning wines. There are over 40 wineries around Traverse City, and each has jaw-dropping views of the vineyards, forests and lakes. Between extensive chateau vineyards and small, intimate tasting rooms, wine tasting at one location will be totally different from the next.

The Great Beer State

Craft beer is plentiful across Michigan, with over 20 microbreweries, pubs, and taprooms in Grand Traverse County alone. I recommend checking out Rare Bird, Terra Firma and Short's, which is just north of T.C. in Elk Rapids.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park offers over 100 miles of hiking trails, designated climbing dunes and dramatic views of the freshwater coastline. The landscape is a true wonder to behold. Make sure to take Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, especially if you're short on time and still want to experience the park. It's a seven-mile route with plenty of overlooks along the way.

Get On The Water

Traverse City has several beaches across the street from downtown. Clinch Park is popular with families and has nearby restrooms, a snack bar and picnic tables. Many rental companies offer kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, jet skis and boats. You can also take a sailing excursion on a schooner or catamaran around Grand Traverse Bay.

Historic Lighthouses

Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state, with six inland historical lighthouses between Frankfort and Old Misson. From T.C., you'll be closest to Mission Point Lighthouse at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula and Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Northport. If you're up for an hour's scenic drive, I recommend Point Betsie in Frankfort and stopping at Stormcloud Brewing Codbrewing.com/. for lunch.

Shop & Dine around TC

Downtown Traverse City has 150 shops, galleries and restaurants. You can easily spend a whole day wandering in and out of each storefront. Framers markets, U-Pick orchards, roadside farm stands, nurseries and flower shops are also all across the area. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is the only spot with a year-round farmers market, on top of more shops, galleries and restaurants. The building was once a State Hospital, and you can now tour its famous underground tunnels.

Port Towns

Drive along M22 to scenic port towns. Suttons Bay is a quaint and charming village on Grand Traverse Bay. Northport is home to the Leelanau State Park and Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Leland, also known as Fishtown, is wedged between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. It's known for its historical fishing shanties, shops and dining along the water. If you visit Glen Harbor, take a kayak trip along Crystal River. You'll end up back in town with an appetite and next to several dining options. South of Glen Harbor is Empire, home of Sleeping Bear Dunes and endless hiking trails.

Day trips

Wine & Beer Tours

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and the Old Mission Peninsula Wineries make up the Traverse Wine Coast. Make the day extra enjoyable with one of TC's wine tour operators, so your party can relax without deciding who will be the designated driver.

Northwest of Traverse City is the Leelanau Peninsula, home to over 20 wineries stretching up along the bay's coast and all the way back down to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Each winery is unique, with views of picturesque rolling hills, forests, vineyards, and lakes. Each town within the peninsula offer boutique shopping, family-owned restaurants, and parks. Beauty is bountiful here.

Old Mission is a long, narrow peninsula stretching right above Traverse City. As you travel along the Old Mission Wine Trail, you'll get stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay. There are ten wineries along this trail, all offering tastings, pours by the glass and light bites. Reservations are suggested, especially for large groups. Make sure to pack snacks or a lunch, as there are few dining options nearby.

Michigan is also known as The Great Beer State, so if you favor craft beer over vino, take the TC Ale Trail. Hop on the Brew Bus, pedal with TC Pedal Pub, or join the Kayak, Bike & Brew crew for an adventurous beer-tasting experience.

Breakfast

Red Spire Brunch House - Located inside a renovated historic hospital, Red Spire offers elevated classic breakfast dishes. The dining space is bright and cozy, next to boutique shops and hiking trails.

Bubbies Bagels - An excellent spot for a quick and filling to-go breakfast. Their bagels are made from scratch daily. Have one toasted with house-made cream cheese or made into a sandwich.

Lunch

Folgarelli's - A food market, wine shop and deli serving up 45 different sandwiches. While you're there, peruse the market for charcuterie board staples. The knowledgeable staff will guide you to the perfect bottle of wine from over two thousand labels.

Slabtown Burgers - BURGERS ON BURGERS. Chicken sammies. Hand-cut fries. Hot dogs. Wraps. Salads. Soups. Local soda. Milkshakes! Slabtown service is always excellent and the menu is top-notch for classic American fare.

Dinner

Trattoria Stella - This is the number-one Italian restaurant in Traverse City, so make a reservation. Count on professional and friendly service and an exceptional menu and beverage selection.

Red Ginger - Sushi, Asian fusion plates and craft cocktails in an urban atmosphere. This restaurant is also very popular and reservations are highly recommended.

Coffee

Higher Grounds Trading Co - Sip on a delish cup brewed from organic coffee beans farmed in Chiapas, Mexico. 1% of all their profits goes to their partner non-profit, On the Ground, to fund projects supporting coffee farming communities.

Brew - A vegan and vegetarian-friendly cafe and coffeehouse with an extensive list of drinks, pastries, and sandwiches from morning to happy hour.

Dessert

Great Lakes Chocolate Co - A family-owned shop crafting chocolates from beans to bars that are too beautiful to eat, along with pastries, cakes and beverages.

Moomer's Homemade Ice Cream - Over 150 flavors of ice cream made right on the farm. Look out over pastures filled with dairy cows while you enjoy a summer treat.