Traverse City is the largest city in the state of Michigan on Lake Michigan. Its location offers many an amazing assortment of fun things to see and do. Traverse City is located on the south end of the west bay of Grand Traverse Bay. Grand Traverse Bay is a boaters paradise as it offers so much water inside the 30-mile long bay with so many locations to explore. In the east bay, the southernmost port is located at Acme at East Bay Harbor. Moving north the only other port is Elk Rapids Harbor located in the small town with the same name. Elk Rapids offer a few shopping stops as well as a few stops for some good food. The west bay offers Northport Village Marina which is the port furthest north. Suttons Bay is located just south of Northport and offers 2 marinas located in the town of Suttons Bay with many small shops and a few places to dine. Elmwood Township Marina is located near the bottom of the west bay. Located at the southernmost part of the west bays is Duncan L Clinch Marina in downtown Traverse City which is just a short walk to the downtown area shops and restaurants.
Jump in the car and head north through the Old Mission Peninsula over the rolling hills of vineyards and fields with beautiful views of the east and west bay and visit some of the many vineyards. Each vineyard has locally grown grapes that are made into some great wine you can sample before your purchase at their tasting rooms Stop at the Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant and Brewery for some great locally made wine and beer to go along with their locally sourced food.
The State Theatre is a unique place to take in a first or second-run movie with all of the traditional concessions you can munch on while watching your movie. Horizon Books is a large local books store located just east of the State Theatre where you can find a few good books while you wait for your table at Red Ginger restaurant.
Another short drive in the other direction is Boone’s Long Lake Inn which offers great steaks in a rustic woodsy atmosphere. If your looking for some insane Italian food check out Trattoria Stella which is located in the basement of the insane asylum of the old State Hospital. Patisserie Amie is a French Bistro offering great French cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and weekend Bistro Dinners for those looking for great French food.
Unique shopping can be found in downtown Traverse City at a variety of stores; Boyne County Sports, M22, Cherry Republic, and Glick’s are just a few of these stores. Jude’s Barbershop – Traverse City offers amazing award-winning barbershop services which include; haircuts for men and boys as well as the classic straight razor face shave.
If you’re looking for a great weekend getaway, Traverse City Michigan is an amazing place to visit throughout the year because of all it has to offer with so many fun things to do in the most beautiful area of the country. Traverse City is the best kept secret outside of Michigan.
