Guidebook for Traverse City
Arts & Culture
Guided tour of automated musical instruments that all play. Very unique.
16 locals recommend
Music House Museum
7377 US-31Guided tour of automated musical instruments that all play. Very unique.
Completely restored turn of the century opera house. First opened in 1891.
32 locals recommend
City Opera House
106 E Front StCompletely restored turn of the century opera house. First opened in 1891.
Noted worldwide for its outstanding performing arts program. Check the internet for performance dates and times.
117 locals recommend
Interlochen Center for the Arts
4000 J. Maddy PkwyNoted worldwide for its outstanding performing arts program. Check the internet for performance dates and times.
Food Scene
Cherries Moobilee Ice Cream voted the best in the country. Only 5 minute drive from our house -- they even have their own cows in view.
86 locals recommend
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
7263 N Long Lake RdCherries Moobilee Ice Cream voted the best in the country. Only 5 minute drive from our house -- they even have their own cows in view.
Old fashioned diner with burgers, french fries, and handmade milkshakes. Open 24 hours.
10 locals recommend
J & S Hamburg
302 W Front StOld fashioned diner with burgers, french fries, and handmade milkshakes. Open 24 hours.
The Towne Plaza
203 Cass StOutstanding charcuterie and fine dining.
Authentic French cuisine, coffees, and pastries -- ideal for breakfast or lunch.
39 locals recommend
Patisserie Amie
Authentic French cuisine, coffees, and pastries -- ideal for breakfast or lunch.
This is my favorite restaurant in Traverse City. It features New American fare and great martinis. A yummy place to catch up with friends.
72 locals recommend
Poppycocks
128 E Front StThis is my favorite restaurant in Traverse City. It features New American fare and great martinis. A yummy place to catch up with friends.
This is where the locals hang out, because they have great food at reasonable prices. There is also an on site art gallery.
15 locals recommend
Old Mission Tavern
17015 Center RdThis is where the locals hang out, because they have great food at reasonable prices. There is also an on site art gallery.
Have you ever had short rib tacos? Well you can get them here along with other unique and delicious Mexican food offerings.
62 locals recommend
Mama Lu's - A Modern Day Taco Shop
149 E Front StHave you ever had short rib tacos? Well you can get them here along with other unique and delicious Mexican food offerings.
9 Bean Rows Restaurant
303 N St Joseph StSuch outstanding pastries!
Folgarelli's Market & Wine Shop
424 W Front StGreat deli!
Parks & Nature
Overlooking Lake Michigan, these large sand dunes are considered one of the top 10 family vacation sites in the country. Along with walking out onto the dunes, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is also worthwhile.
232 locals recommend
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Overlooking Lake Michigan, these large sand dunes are considered one of the top 10 family vacation sites in the country. Along with walking out onto the dunes, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is also worthwhile.
A lovely bike or hiking trail that extends from the City of Acme on East Bay through Traverse City and all the way to Suttons Bay on West Bay. Rent your bikes at Brick Wheels or McLains on 8th St. Our favorite part is the peaceful West Bay section or the trek around Boardman Lake.
12 locals recommend
Traverse Area Recreation Trail
Traverse Area Recreation TrailA lovely bike or hiking trail that extends from the City of Acme on East Bay through Traverse City and all the way to Suttons Bay on West Bay. Rent your bikes at Brick Wheels or McLains on 8th St. Our favorite part is the peaceful West Bay section or the trek around Boardman Lake.
Discover the history of the Old State Hospital and Barns that provided purposeful living for the mentally challenged citizens of greater Michigan.
Historic Barns Park
1500 Red DrDiscover the history of the Old State Hospital and Barns that provided purposeful living for the mentally challenged citizens of greater Michigan.
Drinks & Nightlife
Check out the great wineries in Leelanau Peninsula or Old Mission Peninsula! Just make sure to have a designated driver because the samples are delicious.
43 locals recommend
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
10781 E Cherry Bend RdCheck out the great wineries in Leelanau Peninsula or Old Mission Peninsula! Just make sure to have a designated driver because the samples are delicious.
Grand Traverse Distillery makes outstanding vodka -- award winning! And they give the most fantastic tour of their facility and distilling process. Plus the equipment is beautiful!
Grand Traverse Distillery
781 Industrial CirGrand Traverse Distillery makes outstanding vodka -- award winning! And they give the most fantastic tour of their facility and distilling process. Plus the equipment is beautiful!
Visit the Top of the Park (Beacon Lounge) on the 10th floor of the historic Park Place Hotel with beautiful views of the city and Grand Traverse Bay.
6 locals recommend
Beacon Lounge
300 E State StVisit the Top of the Park (Beacon Lounge) on the 10th floor of the historic Park Place Hotel with beautiful views of the city and Grand Traverse Bay.
Sightseeing
Check out the turn of the century general store on Old Mission Peninsula, grab some food from their deli, and then stop by the Dougherty Historic Home Site just down the road. It is an archeological dig showcasing the life and family home of the founder of the Old Mission. To volunteer or get hours of operation go to: oldmissionhouse.com
12 locals recommend
Old Mission General Store
18250 Mission RdCheck out the turn of the century general store on Old Mission Peninsula, grab some food from their deli, and then stop by the Dougherty Historic Home Site just down the road. It is an archeological dig showcasing the life and family home of the founder of the Old Mission. To volunteer or get hours of operation go to: oldmissionhouse.com
Sample delicious locally grown tea at the only biodynamic and organic tea farm in North America.
6 locals recommend
Light of Day Organics
3502 E Traverse HwySample delicious locally grown tea at the only biodynamic and organic tea farm in North America.
Shopping
Leland
A lovely small town and harbor with great shops!
One of my favorite small towns in Leelanau County -- stop in for a bite to eat at Boone's.
102 locals recommend
Suttons Bay
One of my favorite small towns in Leelanau County -- stop in for a bite to eat at Boone's.
Downtown Traverse City is such a fun shopping experience -- a true throwback to days gone by. The heart of the city is the 2 block section on Front St between Park and Union. It even features 2 downtown movie theatres -- Bijou by the Bay and the State.
260 locals recommend
Traverse City
Downtown Traverse City is such a fun shopping experience -- a true throwback to days gone by. The heart of the city is the 2 block section on Front St between Park and Union. It even features 2 downtown movie theatres -- Bijou by the Bay and the State.
Horizon Books
243 E Front StBest locally owned bookstore ever!
Essentials
Oryana Community Co-op
260 E Tenth StLucky's Market
3587 Marketplace CirOleson's Food Store
3850 N Long Lake RdMeijer
3955 N U.S. 31 SLocally owned fine food, butcher counter, fish market, and wine shop.
34 locals recommend
Burritt's Fresh Markets
509 W Front StLocally owned fine food, butcher counter, fish market, and wine shop.