One of the Coolest Cities You’ve Never Been To: Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is one of those places that locals have always loved. But as word about this charming northern Michigan town has started to spread (the Travel Channel recently named it one of the country’s top 10 cities for wine snobs), travelers have started to pay more attention. So whether you’re in the mood to bike the hills of the Old Mission Peninsula, wine and dine at some of the best restaurants in the Midwest or introduce your kids to the Great Lakes—here are five things to do in Traverse City.

Bike and hike with a view

Traverse City has a trail for everyone, from the most avid of race cyclists to folks seeking a leisurely stroll along the water. Mountain bikers, snowshoers and hikers can take a quick jaunt along the many trails at the Village of Grand Traverse Commons, and road bikers will feel the burn riding hilly Center Road on the Old Mission Peninsula. If getting—or staying—downtown is more your speed, hopping on the TART Trails network can take you through Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties, as well as the miles of waterfront trails in between.

Drink local: Sip a pint or savor some wine

If you hit the Traverse City Ale Trail, try the Rare Bird Back Paddle at Rare Bird Brewpub to enjoy a refreshing lemon hefeweizen that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Photo credit: TraverseCity.com

There’s a local libation for every kind of celebration in Traverse City—and even a few that pair perfectly with a simple, quiet weeknight. The favorite attraction for romantic summer day dates and bachelorette parties are the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula, a network of nine wineries that features boutique wines and heavy hitters that drive the industry in the state of Michigan. Each winery offers tastings of award-winning rieslings and pinot noirs, and many also offer wine by the glass, light bites and unparalleled views of Grand Traverse Bay. For those interested in a brew or two, a trip along the Traverse City Ale Trail will give you the chance to taste the area greats, like Right Brain Brewery, Workshop Brewing Company and Rare Bird Brewpub. In search of a cocktail? You’ll find distilleries dotting the city from downtown to Old Mission.

Splish, splash and more in the water

Michiganders enjoy the rivers and inland lakes around Traverse City throughout the year. The star attraction is West Grand Traverse Bay, an inlet of Lake Michigan that is insulated by the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas. When entering downtown, the mile-long drive down Grandview Parkway will give you a view of freshwater activities that might include ice fishing shanties, brave spring kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders, or the summertime hustle of shore-docked boats and beachgoers. No matter the season, all are welcome to cross the parkway and join in the fun. Those interested in enjoying a sunset over the water can find one most summer nights over the bay or one of the many inland lakes in the area.

Taste the World

Beautiful produce? Traverse City’s got it, and these gorgeous offerings from Providence Organic Farm at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market are proof. Photo credit: Providence Organic Farm & CSA

On a single block of Front Street in downtown Traverse City, you’ll find eclectic European cuisine at Amical, the famed Asian-Latin restaurant Georgina’s, and the Red Ginger sushi bar. Walk half a mile to arrive at The Little Fleet, where a seasonal food-truck park sits outside an open-air cocktail bar. Just across Front Street, you can get New York-style pizza at Paesano’s and French pastries from Sweet Tartlette. Head west to the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, where PepeNero’s old-world Italian ristorantino can be found alongside the new-world flavors of Trattoria Stella. Ready to create a locally sourced picnic or meal of your own? Head to the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market, which attracts growers far and wide to the middle of the city.

Delight Kiddies of all ages

Enjoying a movie on the lawn during the Traverse City Film Festival is just one way to take in the city’s arts and culture offerings. Photo credit: TraverseCity.com

Beyond the hiking, biking and water play that drive family vacations to Traverse City, the area also hosts a collection of indoor activities that are sure to wow kids of all ages. Take in a Saturday morning film at the State Theatre or Bijou by the Bay, two downtown movie houses that have been thoughtfully renovated to their former glory by the nonprofit Traverse City Film Festival. A few miles west along the shoreline of the bay, families will find the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, a freshwater-focused learning center where kids can experiment with water and examine the physics of sailing.

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