EXPLORE TRAVERSE CITY
Traverse City is a picturesque northern getaway that draws Chicagoans to take the 5-6 hour drive with its blend of lakeside beauty, vibrant food scene, and outdoor activities. Famous for its wineries along the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, the area offers an array of tasting rooms paired with farm-to-table dining that highlights the region’s agricultural bounty. Visitors can stay at charming inns, modern hotels, or lakeside cottages, each offering a perfect base for exploring the region. Check out our favorite places to eat, drink, stay and play around Traverse City below and let us know your favorite local spots here.
EAT
Modern Bird (Traverse City), one of the hottest reservations in town run by two chefs that came up at Michelin star restaurants in Chicago
Hexenbelle (Traverse City), Palestinian-inspired café and coffee shop serving breakfast and lunch
Farm Club (Traverse City), modern Scandinavian-inspired barn and beer garden that is equal parts working farm, market, restaurant, and brewery
Forrest (Traverse City), natural wine shop that morphs into a restaurant on weekends, offering a multi-course prix fixe dinner menu that changes monthly
NoBo (Traverse City), curated marketplace menu with delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring special chef pop-ups
Wren (Sutton’s Bay), creative menu and beautifully plated dishes influenced by seasonal locally sourced ingredients
Artisan (Traverse City), upscale restaurant located inside the Delamar Hotel with an experienced team and incredible location
Bubbie’s Bagels (Traverse City), best bagels in Northern Michigan that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, along with coffee and pastries
The Good Bowl (Traverse City), modern Vietnamese cuisine, specialty cocktails and a good cause with $1 from each bowl served going to charity
The Little Fleet (Traverse City), collection of food trucks in downtown Traverse City with an outstanding bar and patio
The Cooks House (Traverse City), 24-seat fine dining restaurant run by top chefs with both a la carte and tasting menu options
Crocodile Palace (Traverse City), delicious Sichuan takeout from three classically-trained west coast chefs
Modes Bum Steer (Traverse City), old school restaurants serving classic steaks, seafood, ribs and cocktails
Oakwood Proper Burgers (Traverse City), our favorite burgers in Traverse City made with quality local ingredients
Trattoria Stella (Traverse City), romantic Italian restaurant with an exquisite wine list that is perfect for special occasions
Mama Lu’s Taco Shop (Traverse City), a modern taco shop with a variety of delicious tacos and margaritas
DRINK
Coffee
Higher Grounds Coffee (Traverse City), exceptional organic coffee sourced directly from small scale farmers, roasted daily
Mundos Coffee (Traverse City), local coffee roaster with three locations across Traverse City
Spirits
Traverse City Whiskey (Traverse City), local distillery specializing in whiskey, offering samples, artisan cocktails, appetizers, and bottle to-go
Wine
Bos Wine (Traverse City), small batch winery with wines from both Michigan and California that can be enjoyed in their wine garden
Mari Vineyards (Traverse City), beautiful vineyard and tasting room where you can tour their wine caves with a glass of red or white
Boathouse Vineyards (Traverse City), situated on The Narrows, a beautiful waterway connecting North and South Lake Leelanau
Dunebird Winery (Traverse City), a unique winery with a craft espresso bar, small plates, hard cider and more
2 Lads Winery (Traverse City), industrial-chic tasting room with beautiful views of their 58 acres where they make exceptional wines
Black Star Farms (Traverse City), a 160-acre family-owned estate with an award-winning winery, a palatial Inn, a seasonal café, hiking trails, and an equestrian facility
Bonobo Winery (Traverse City), a stylish artisan winery opened by former HGTV star Carter Oosterhouse and his brother
STAY
Coming soon!
PLAY
Coming soon!
