Mike's Guide to Enjoying TC Like a Local!



For a more complete list of local favorites click  “Guide to our Area”. For area events to enhance your experience, click “Calendar of Events”.


Please feel free to text me with any questions you may have and be certain to keep this link:  https://enjoyyourstay.today/mikes-guide-to-tc



Don't hesitate sharing my guide with your family and friends that may be visiting the area.


Enjoy your time in TC!

~ Mike

Reviews: READ our reviews or leave us one! (here)

Chateau Chantal: (book now)

Old Mission Peninsula Wineries (map)

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail (map)

 
Downtown Traverse City

🍽 Dining
Most local options close by 9pm. Late night food options: Mode's Bum Steer, Lil Bo's

🅿️ Parking (map)
Downtown and surrounding streets have metered parking and are strictly enforced (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm)
*FREE parking on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, & Christmas Day

🚻 Public Restrooms (map)

🚲 TART Trails (maps)
A network of multi-use trails in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties as well as a cross-town bike route

⛱️ Clinch Park
Metered parking
Splash Pad turns off at 6pm

🚗 Transportation
Traverse City has both Lyft and Uber as well as various local taxi companies

 

MY LOCAL FAVORITES

Food

Nittolo’s Little Italy

Classic New York-style Italian eatery
155 Garland St, Traverse City
(reservation) (info)
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TRY: The New York Style Happy Hour is one of the area's best food deals! Great take-out pizzas!

Sugar 2 Salt

Locally sourced & seasonally driven breakfast
1371 Gray Dr, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: Great brunch and desserts! 

Charles and Reid

Detroit-style pizza
113 E State St, Traverse City
(231) 252-3497
WHY I RECOMMEND: Delicious Detroit-style pizza! Gluten-free options available.

Mama Lu’s

A modern day taco shop
149 E Front St, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: Excellent tacos!

Poppycocks

New American cuisine
128 E Front St, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: Reasonably priced “New-American” food. Can accommodate larger groups.

Taproot Cider House

Restaurant & cider bar
300 E Front St, Traverse City
(231) 943-2500 (info)
WHY WE RECOMMEND: Delicious ethically sourced, locally focused menu with something for everyone! Call for reservations.

The Filling Station Microbrewery

Wood-fired pizzas & hand-crafted microbrews
642 Railroad Pl, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: Delicious thin crust pizza! GF option. Great selection of craft beer.

Drink

CRAFT BEERS

Breweries, taprooms, & brew pubs
Traverse City
SOME OF MY FAVORITES: The Filling Station, Right Brain Brewery, Brewery Terra Firma, Rare Bird, & The Workshop

CRAFT COCKTAILS

Distilleries & tasting rooms
Traverse City
MY FAVORITES: TC Whiskey, Northern Latitiudes Distillery, & Old Mission Distilling

OLD MISSION PENINSULA WINE TRAIL

Local wineries & tasting rooms
Old Mission Peninsula
FOR HELP SELECTING YOUR PERFECT WINERIES: Click my mobile number at the bottom of this guide to text me

LEELANAU PENINSULA WINE TRAIL

Local wineries & tasting rooms
Leelanau Peninsula
FOR HELP SELECTING YOUR PERFECT WINERIES: Click my mobile number at the bottom of this guide to text me

BARS

Local bars
Traverse City
SOME OF MY FAVORITES: North Bar(rooftop), The Parlor(music & happy hour), & Low Bar(craft cocktails). LATE NIGHT: Brady's Bar, U&I Lounge, Union St. Station/Dillinger's Pub/Bootleggers & Kilkenny's

Things to Do

Grand Traverse Tours
Grand Traverse Tours

Wine, beer, distillery tours, & transportation
Traverse City, Leelanau Peninsula & Old Mission Peninsula
(231) 947-7433 (reservation) (info)
WHAT I RECOMMEND: Let me take you on a wine tour! ;)

Discovery Cruises
Discovery Cruises

West Grand Traverse Bay tours & cruises
13170 S West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City
(reservation) (info)
WHAT WE RECOMMEND: Happy Hour on the Water!!!

MI Sauna

Finnish Sauna experience
Traverse City State Park Beach
(231) 620-1326 (website)
LOCAL'S TIP: Check out the Wednesday sessions. For an extra exhilirating experience, try it in the winter!

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Miles of sandy beaches, hiking, lakes & dunes along Lake…
6748 S Dune Hwy, Glen Arbor

TART Trails

Multi-use recreation & transportation trails
Traverse City & Leelanau Peninsula

Clinch Park

Huge sandy beach, splash pad, marina, volleyball courts & more
111 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City

Mission Point Lighthouse

Historic site with great sunset views
20500 Center Road, Traverse City

Shopping

Sara Hardy Farmers Market

Local produce, baked goods, flowers, & more
Cass St & E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City
LOCAL'S TIP: Open Saturdays 730am-12pm(May-Oct) & Wednesdays 8am-12pm(June-Oct)

Burritt’s Fresh Markets
Burritt’s Fresh Markets

Specialty grocery, wine, fresh meat & fish
509 W Front St, Traverse City
(231) 946-3300 (info)
WHY WE RECOMMEND: TC's place for fresh seafood and hand cut fresh Black Angus steaks! Great wine selection and delicious house prepared foods for easy meals.

Cherry Republic

Cherry products & gifts
154 E Front St, Traverse City
Local's tip: Make sure to sample the cherry salsa and BBQ sauces!

Oryana

Health food & specialty grocery store
260 E 10th St, Traverse City

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Historic place to eat, drink, shop, tour, & more
830 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: This former Traverse City State Hopsital has great restaurants, a winery, brewery, shops & so much more!

Downtown Leland & Fishtown

Active fishing village full of great shops
Leland, MI

Services/Rentals

*Stocked
*Stocked

Local grocery delivery company
Northern MI
(231) 590-8072 (delivery)(info)
WHY WE RECOMMEND: Stocked will deliver your groceries into your home or rental and directly into the refrigerator!

Grand Traverse Tours

Transportation services and guided tours
Traverse City, Leelanau, & Old Mission
(231) 947-7433 (website)
AREA RESOURCES
LEAVE ME A REVIEW!
I will greatly appreciate your review!

Submit your review (here)

Thank you!
GUIDE TO THE TC AREA
CALENDARS OF EVENTS

Don't hesitate to text me with any questions
(231)342-4952

Interested in a wine tour? Call Grand Traverse Tours and ask to book a tour with Mike!
(231) 947-7433
GRAND TRAVERSE TOURS
Enjoy your time in Traverse City!
~ Mike