My Heart Belongs in Traverse City: Why Everyone Should Visit

I have been going to Traverse City, Michigan since I was young. Even as a little girl, I knew there was something special about the region. I’m so happy others around the country (and globe) have tapped into the magic of this Great Lakes town. The farm-to-table culture is deeply rooted in Traverse City (and surrounding towns). The residents, restaurateurs, chefs, and sommeliers, have long valued fresh ingredients from nearby farms (even when it wasn’t popular).  I know this because I grew up visiting so many of the great establishments there. My Aunt and Uncle lived there when I was young. They, like my parents, share a deep love of cooking. My Aunt Paige is one of the females in my family who inspired my love of cooking.

One of our favorite things to do while visiting was going to the gourmet food store, Folgarellis, to grab a fresh baguette, some gardenia mix, and cured meat. We’d take the goodies to the beach (or if we couldn’t wait start in our car) and just enjoy the fresh air while we snacked. It is one of my favorite childhood memories. And now I’m creating those memories with Lukas.

We did just that during our last trip a couple weeks ago. He especially loves the pickles there lol. I’m not sure what took me so long to write a blog post on Traverse City, but come along as I take you through my favorite region in the world.

Where to Stay

Growing up, we’d stay with my family. They haven’t lived there since I was in college, but I’ve been visiting nearly every year since. I’ve stayed in hotels, at the campground, on a boat in the marina, and at Airbnbs. I’ve even stayed a night on the beach in a tent…but shhh…don’t tell anyone. Last month, we finally found the most amazing Airbnb – known as the Bay Shore and Eagle Home!!

It was peak color change and my favorite time of the year to visit. It was seriously magical. Not only was the location perfect, but it had all the amenities; an indoor fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, all the toiletries and essentials you need, along with kid friendly essentials, too!

Bonus for me: a beautiful kitchen with views of the lake! In addition, it was perfectly decorated! We felt as though we were staying in a well-cared for boutique hotel but way better!

The Bay Shore and Eagle home is right on Bay Shore drive (M-22), across from the lake, about 5 minutes north of downtown TC. Traverse City sits on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. The bay is separated by two peninsulas; Leelanau and Old Mission. Both are stunning in their own way – filled with wineries, home to amazing restaurants, and incredible views.

Bay Shore and Eagle is located on the Leelanau Peninsula, just north of Traverse City and a short drive away from so many beautiful lakeside towns in the region. I especially love this side of Traverse because it’s easier to access some of my other favorite Michigan towns; Suttons Bay, Glen Arbor, Northport, Leeland, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

This Traverse City stay was a mini-family getaway with some friends of ours who also have a two-year old. And having a home that is kid friendly, while on vacation – is incredibly important. We spent our days exploring the region, going to wineries, etc., so it was so nice to come home and still feel like you’re on vacation.

We played cards while the kids played with toys, had a fire every night, and cooked dinner a couple nights, too. I was in heaven! Though we did more cooking than eating out this time around we still did some restaurant hoping – and man did we have some good meals.

Traverse City Wine Country

For years Michigan fell under the radar as an excellent wine growing region. Slowly, the Great Lakes state is making a name for itself among wine connoisseurs. Traverse City is a key player in making Michigan one of the top grape producing state’s in the country. The nearby sprawling sand dunes, cool climate and location along the 45th parallel make the region a top-notch wine producing area. The 45th parallel also travels through Italy’s Piedmont region; the Rhone Valley and Bordeaux in France.

The Bay Shore and Eagle Airbnb we stayed at last month happened to be 5 minutes from our favorite TC winery: Brengman Brothers. We almost got married there. Not only does it have great wine, but it’s laid back, and an off the radar winery that sits a top a hill surrounded by sprawling vineyards. It’s stunning. This is our favorite place to go – especially in the fall and winter. We love to sit in front of the fireplace and enjoy a glass of wine.

The wineries are also a great place to enjoy local cheeses, meats and produce. We’ve actually enjoyed some of our favorite meals and snacks at the wineries. You will also find local wines on most of the restaurants menus in the TC region. It’s a true farm-to-table culture that is so incredibly nice.

Restaurant Picks:

So many places to choose from but here’s my short list:

• Patisserie Amie (great breakfast and lunch)
• Folgarellis (gourmet food store with great sandwiches – great place to grab and go to the beach).
• The Cooks House (top-Notch dinner place, reservations recommended – spent our 1^st anniversary here).
• Amical (great date night restaurant)
• Frenchies (known for breakfast but lunch is also great – you’ll have a wait but so worth it)
• Apache Trout (family friendly atmosphere, laidback with “up north” vibes, but great food)

Winery Picks:

Again lots of great options. I chose the ones below for a mix of good wine, fun vibes, and kid-friendly atmosphere – I know that sounds silly with a winery but many winery owners understand families are there together for a vacation and they welcome little ones by providing games, coloring books and some even have a kids menu).

• Brys Estate (Old Mission Peninsula)
• Brengman Brothers (Leelanau Peninsula)
• Bowers Harbor (Old Mission)
• French Valley Vineyards (Leelanau)
• Hop Lot Brewing (Leelanau)
• Leelanau Cellars  (Leelanau)

Things to do:

• Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park (you can make an entire day of this)
• Eat & Drink (recommendations above)
• Beach (in the summer)
  • There are several public beaches and parks in the region.
• Fall Color Drive (peak is usually second week in October-12^th to the 25(ish)
  • A bike ride along Old Mission Peninsula is a must at sometime in your life
  • Best viewing from your car is on M-22 on the Leelanau Peninsula
  • Shanty Cree in nearby Bellaire has great Mountain Top Views