Long Weekend in Traverse City, Michigan
Getting There
Easiest airport to fly into is Traverse City (TVC), however you will need to have a car during your trip so if you prefer to do some driving through the Great Lake State, Grand Rapids (GRR) airport is a 2.5 hour drive away, and Detroit (DTW) is a 4 hour drive.
When to Visit
Depending on what you're looking for, Traverse City is beautiful year round. However, to fully appreciate all the outdoor activities the area has to offer, I recommend visiting in any season but winter. September is my favorite time.
Day 1
Arrive in Traverse City. Pick up your car rental, and check into your stay.
Where to Stay:
Luxury:
Home Away From Home:
Budget Conscious:
Dinner
Start your first night out right, with wonderful Mexican food and margaritas at Mama Lu's.
If you're up for another cocktail after dinner, check out Low Bar.
Day 2
Explore the peninsula. Drive out to the very tip and visit the iconic Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
Lunch
When you're getting hungry, make your way down to the Hop Lot Brewing Co for fantastic food and excellent beer in an unbeatable location. Sit and sip, surrounded by northern Michigan wilderness. In the colder months you'll find fire pits to cozy up to.
Historic Fishtown
A collection of historic fishing shanties, docks, smokehouses, and charter boats. This is a Michigan state historic site.
Pre Dinner Ice Cream
Moomers is a Traverse City institution. Once you try it, you may be coming back every day.
Dinner
One of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to, and I've been to Italy many times. I dreamt about this place for years after my first visit. Be sure to make a reservation weeks before your trip to avoid disappointment!
Day 3
Mission Point Lighthouse
If you're an early riser, drive out to Old Mission Point for another lighthouse and beautiful morning bay views.
Brunch
Grab coffee and brunch either on the way up or back down from Old Mission Point.
Wine Tour
Let someone else do the driving for a while--book a tour on the Magic Shuttle Bus and explore the local wineries.
Tours will start at 11am or noon and you'll visit 4 wineries in 5 hours.
Dinner
After all that wine you'll need something substantial and delicious. Grab dinner at the Cordwood BBQ food truck. If you're traveling with a non meat eater, they even have delicious vegetarian options like Korean BBQ tofu.
Day 4
Sleeping Bear Dunes
The Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes are not to be missed. They are located on a National Park, so you will need to bring your park pass or pay for admission at the gate. Drive out to the out to the Pierce Stocking scenic drive for incredible views.
Lunch
Beer garden & pizza kitchen lunch before heading out on the water.
Pontoon Boats
Book pontoon boats, or other watersports equipment if you so fancy, before your visit. Tooling about the bay in a boat is one of the best ways to see everything.
Dinner
Farm Club is a farm to table restaurant that is well worth a visit.
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