Go on a winery tour

The Traverse Wine Coast area is home to approximately 40 wineries where you can sip and savor local wines. Book a tour or leisurely visit a few on your own. The Old Mission Peninsula wine trail is a good place to start.

Visit a brewery (or five)

Traverse City has some fun options for finding great craft beers. A few favorites include...7 Monks Taproom, Jolly Pumpkin, Right Brain Brewery, Hop Lot Brewing Company (on a nice summer night, this one takes the cake for woodsy outdoor seating), and North Peak Brewing Company. Fun fact: We visited North Peak on a fall trip and our friend Matt had “the best French dip of his life” (Needless to say he’d highly recommend!)

Cocktails with a view

Visit Hotel Indigo (which is also one of our hotel blocks if you’re still looking for a place to stay) and grab a drink at their rooftop bar overlooking Grand Traverse Bay.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hike all the way to Lake Michigan or just climb the first big hill and run (or slide) all the way back down. Fun fact! Elyse grew up visiting these dunes every summer when her Great Uncle Jim used to live on Glen Lake. While you’re in that area, visit downtown Glen Arbor and get some cherry-everything at the Cherry Republic.

Explore a Lighthouse

Did you know that Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the U.S.? Here’s a list of the Traverse City area ones!

I scream, you scream!

Get some ice cream and watch the cows graze at Moomers. Fun fact! Elyse and Gary run a long distance relay race in the summers called the Great Lakes Relay—our team celebrates with Moomers after the intense 300-mile running weekend.

The Little Fleet

Enjoy food trucks and drinks, and maybe live music if you’re lucky, outdoors at The Little Fleet.

Take a drive to Fishtown

Visit Fishtown in Leland, MI and enjoy the docks and tug boats along the river. While you’re there make sure to grab a sandwich at the Village Cheese Shanty or smoked fish at Carlson’s.

Wander The Village

Take a visit to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and enjoy a little walk through the gardens, bocce ball at the Piazza, or even take a history tour; exploring the grounds that were once the Traverse City State Hospital. Plenty of dining spots here as well!

Enjoy the town of Suttons Bay

Drive a little further north of Traverse City and peruse the adorable town of Suttons Bay. Rent bikes and ride the Leelanau Trail or shop for little gifts or antiques. While you’re up there, visit the Northern Latitudes Distillery and get a Bloody Mary with their unique horseradish vodka!

For even more info (especially if you’re looking for places to eat!) visit Traverse City’s website.