Greg's Guide to Enjoying TC Like a Local!




Welcome! I truly ENJOY highlighting some of my favorite experiences that Northwest Michigan has to offer!
If you are interested in a wine, beer and/or distillery tour, PLEASE call me at Grand Traverse Tours.





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



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


Enjoy your time in TC!

~ Greg, owner Grand Traverse Tours

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
(menu)(reservation) (info)
COMING APRIL 2025!!!

Sugar 2 Salt

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

The Omelette Shoppe

Breakfast & brunch restaurant
1209 E Front St, Traverse City
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TRY: Don't the miss delicious homemade Cinnamon and Pecan Rolls!!!

Apache Trout Grill

Waterfront restaurant/bar
13671 S West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City
WHAT WE RECOMMEND: The Sunday Brunch Buffet! The Tiki Bar is a TC favorite!!!

West End Tavern

Waterfront restaurant & bar
12719 S West Bayshore Drive, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: Great food. Enjoy beautiful bay views from both the deck and dining room!

Boone’s Long Lake Inn

Legendary steaks, seafood, & prime rib
7208 Secor Rd, Traverse City

Drink

Mundos

Local coffee shops
3 Traverse City locations

H&L Social

Rooftop bar (located at Hotel Indigo)
263 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City
Local's tip: Located on the top of Hotel Indigo. Great views!

North Bar TC

Traverse City's only year-round rooftop bar
160 E Front St, Traverse City
Local's tip: This rooftop bar is open all year round!

Low Bar

Craft cocktail lounge
128 S Union St, Traverse City
(menu)

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

OLD MISSION PENINSULA WINE TRAIL

Local wineries & tasting rooms
Old Mission Peninsula
FOR HELP SELECTING YOUR PERFECT WINERIES: Click our phone number at the bottom of this guide to give us a call

LEELANAU PENINSULA WINE TRAIL

Local wineries & tasting rooms
Leelanau Peninsula
FOR HELP SELECTING YOUR PERFECT WINERIES: Click our phone number at the bottom of this guide to give us a call

Things to Do

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! ;)

*Nauti-Cat Cruises

4 unique West Grand Traverse Bay cruises
615 E Front St, Traverse City
(231) 947-1730 (reservation) (info)(deal)
LOCAL'S TIP: Pack some snacks to enjoy onboard. Don't miss the Cat-Nip!!!

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!!!

Mt. Holiday

Ski & snowboarding, tubing, ziplines & bar
3100 Holiday Road, Traverse City

Timberlee Hills

Snow tubing
10484 S Timberlee Dr, Traverse City

TART Trails

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

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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

Shopping

Burritt’s Fresh Markets

Specialty grocery, wine, fresh meat & fish
509 W Front St, Traverse City

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

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)

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!

Great Lakes Bath & Body, Inc.

Locally-made, handcrafted bodycare products
110 E Front St, Traverse City

The Candle Factory

Candles & home decor
301 W Grandview Parkway, Traverse City

Services/Rentals

*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 US A REVIEW!
We will greatly appreciate your review!

Submit your review (here)

Thank you!
GUIDE TO THE TC AREA
CALENDARS OF EVENTS

Interested in a wine tour? Call Grand Traverse Tours!
(231) 947-7433
GRAND TRAVERSE TOURS
Enjoy your time in Traverse City!
~ Greg