Jeff's Guide to Enjoying TC Like a Local!




Hi! It's great to be connected! I'm truly excited to share some awesome experiences that our Northwest Michigan has to offer!

A LITTLE ABOUT ME: I was born and raised in Northern Michigan, then after graduating from Kalkaska High School, I went to Tennessee and received a degree in Business Marketing/Management. Next, I spent 7 yrs in Supply Chain working for Plastech engineering and Johnson Controls in Chicago, Romulus, and Louisville supplying Ford, Chrysler and GM. I moved back to Northern Michigan in 2010 to further my career in the oil and gas industry. In June 2018, I decided to followed my passion and started JJ's with the goal of providing safe and exceptional experiences to those wanting to enjoy our area!


If you wish to go on a tour our have transportation needs, PLEASE call me at JJ's!



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


Enjoy your time in TC!

~ Jeff
Downtown Traverse City

šŸ½ Dining
Most local options close by 9pm. Late night food options: Mode's Bum Steer, Lil Bo's

šŸ…æļø ParkingĀ (map)
Downtown and surrounding streets have metered parking and are strictly enforced (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm)
*FREE parking on Sundays, New Yearā€™s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, & Christmas Day

šŸš»Ā Public RestroomsĀ (map)

šŸš² TART Trails (maps)
A network of multi-use trails in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties as well as a cross-town bike route

ā›±ļøĀ Clinch Park
Metered parking
Splash Pad turns off at 6pm

šŸ· Area Wine Maps

Old Mission Peninsula Wineries (map)

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail (map)

 

MY LOCAL FAVORITES

Food

Boathouse Restaurant

Eurocentric "farm to table" restaurant
14039 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City
(231) 223-4030 (website)(info)
WHY WE RECOMMEND: The amazing waterfront views and delicious food make this a premier Northern Michigan dining experience.

Apache Trout Grill

Waterfront restaurant/bar
13671 S West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City
(231) 947-7097 (info)
WHAT WE RECOMMEND: The Sunday Brunch Buffet!

PepeNero

Upscale Southern Italian cuisine
800 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City

The Little Fleet

Open air bar & food truck lot
448 E Front St, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: Fun, outdoor venue with a variety of food trucks.Ā 

Red Ginger

Asian cuisine & sushi
237 E Front St, Traverse City
Local's tip: Elegant/casual dining room dress code. Casual attire accepted in the bar

The Omelette Shoppe

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

Drink

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: U&I Lounge, Union St. Station/Dillinger's Pub/Bootleggers & Kilkenny's

Short’s Brewing

Craft beer pub
121 N Bridge St, Bellaire

Hop Lot Brewing Company

Family-friendly brewery in the woods
658 S West Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay

Mammoth Distilling

Craft cocktail lounge
221 Garland Street, Traverse City
Local's tip: Try a La Picante!

Things to Do

Nauti-Cat Cruises
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
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
DON'T MISS: The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for amazing views, pictures, and selfies!

Turtle Creek Casino

Casino just minutes from Traverse City
7741 M72 East, Williamsburg

Central Coast Angling

Fishing charters and tours
13051 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Hotel, golf, dining, shopping, tennis, spa, & more
100 Grand Traverse Resort Blvd, Acme

Shopping

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.

Oryana

Health food & specialty grocery store
260 E 10th 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!

Kilwins Traverse City

Fudge, candy, & ice cream shop
129 E Front 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!

Fishtown

Woking fishing district with gift, clothing, art, & specialty food…
Leland, MI
AREA RESOURCES
LEAVE A REVIEW & FOLLOW JJ'S
I will greatly appreciate your review and follow!

Submit your review (here)

Facebook (here)

Instagram (here)

Thank you!

 

 
GUIDE TO THE TC AREA
CALENDARS OF EVENTS
Tour guests, you can Venmo me!

Don't hesitate to text me with any questions
(231)676-2470

Interested in a wine tour? Call me and let's get a tour booked!
(231) 676-2470
Book a tour with JJ's
Enjoy your time in Traverse City!
~ Jeff