How to Spend a Weekend in Traverse City, Michigan

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Advisor - Dawn McKenzie
Curated By

Dawn McKenzie

  • Food & Wine

  • Domestic Travel

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Weekend Getaways

  • Traverse City

  • Michigan

  • Small Towns

Advisor - How to Spend a Weekend in Traverse City, Michigan
Curator’s statement

Traverse City has become a cherished retreat for me, a place I’ve visited dozens of times and where my husband and I own a downtown condo. It is the perfect weekend escape, offering a beautiful mix of vibrant downtown energy and serene natural surroundings year-round. From the tranquil shores of Lake Leelanau to the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan's blue waters, the region's stunning landscapes provide endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Whether strolling through charming shops, enjoying local cuisine, hiking scenic trails or exploring the wineries or breweries in the region, Traverse City embodies a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm that makes it a truly magical place in every season.

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Where to stay in Traverse City

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Things to do in Traverse City

Empire Bluff Trail: A scenic 1.5-mile round-trip hike through a beech-maple forest to a stunning Lake Michigan view, accessible year-round.

Tasting rooms: Explore Traverse City's renowned wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries for a taste of local craftsmanship and hospitality.

Kayak the Boardman River: Paddle through Traverse City's scenic waterways, combining kayaking with brewery tours or creating your own adventure.

Bike the TART Trail: Ride the 10.5-mile paved trail connecting Traverse City to the Leelanau Trail, offering scenic views and urban charm.

Rock hunting at Van’s Beach: Bring a bucket and get ready to find some great rocks! You may even get lucky find a famous Leland Blue or Petoskey stone.

Mission Point Lighthouse: Take a picturesque drive to this historic lighthouse, offering self-guided tours, beach strolls and scenic trails.

Shop Front Street: Discover unique local treasures at stores like M22, Rocket-Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Store, Horizon Books and Cherry Republic.

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes: Challenge yourself with the strenuous but rewarding dune climb, offering breathtaking views.

Pirate’s Cove: Enjoy one of two pirate-themed 18-hole mini golf courses, go-carts, bumper cars and more. This is always a must-visit spot for our kids.

Snow tubing: Experience the thrill of sliding down snowy hills at Mt. Holiday or Timberlee Hills, which is a fun winter activity for all ages.

Places to eat & drink in Traverse City

Modern Bird: Andy and Emily earned their chops at Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago before opening here in 2022. Enjoy locally sourced produce and fresh fish and meat in a beautifully crafted menu.

Cook’s House: This small, chef-owned destination with sustainable fare is staged in an old house. The 26-seat dining room features farm-to-fork cuisine and attentive service.

Farm Club: I love this place. Farm Club is a farm, restaurant, brewery, bakery and marketplace adjacent to the TART Trail. The dining room and patio is open year-round. Check out the market filled with fresh produce and other local items.

Rare Bird: Serves house and regional beers, as well as a selection of wines, ciders and spirits, and features a full menu using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The beer ingredients also include malt and hops grown in Michigan.

Hop Lot: You’ve got to check out this year-round outdoor beer garden also serving good food with a beautiful “Up North” feel in the middle of tall, towering trees. It's complete with campfires, picnic tables, outdoor games and more. Enjoy the heated igloos during winter!

Little Fleet: Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, local craft beers and natural wines alongside a rotating lineup of delicious food trucks from May to September.

Mama Lu’s: This modern-day taco shop is in a cozy, colorful space with a large patio in the summer months. Grab some canned margaritas to go on your way out!

Two K Farms: Located just south of Suttons Bay, we like their hard ciders and panoramic views of West Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding farms.

Mawby: Mawby specializes in sparkling wines and is one of our favorite northern Michigan wineries. Select food items are available to enjoy with your drinks.

Traverse City Whiskey Co: Sample signature, locally made whiskeys and limited-edition releases only available at this location, or try a craft cocktail made with locally made ingredients.

Need to know

There’s more where that came from! Reach out and I’ll be more than happy to help craft the perfect itinerary for your getaway.

Advisor - Dawn McKenzie

Travel Advisor

Dawn McKenzie

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