Pristine lakes, wineries with breathtaking views, and an abundance of hiking trails are just the beginning of your adventure in Traverse City.
Located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan, or, as Michiganders would say …”Up North”, Traverse City, known as the Cherry Capital of the world, and, more recently for its award winning wineries, offers an abundance of activities for outdoor enthusiasts including kayaking, boating, hiking, golfing, skiing and biking. Traverse City also boasts a vibrant food scene which foodies will definitely enjoy!
What would four fabulous days look like? See my sample itinerary below.
Day 1 — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Leelanau Peninsula wineries. 
Pack your picnic lunch and take a day trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with panoramic views of Lake Michigan from high bluffs and dunes. Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4 mile loop with amazing views of the dunes, Lake Michigan, and the maple and birch forest. Hike the 1.5 mile Empire Bluff Trail. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many picnic areas. Then, take a leisurely afternoon exploring some of the many unique wineries on Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Two of our favorites are Black Star Farms , where you can sip wine and watch the horses graze at the equestrian center, and Bel Lago (pictured above), with views of the lake.
Treat your tastebuds to a delectable farm to table dinner at Martha’s Leelanau Table in Suttons Bay, which features live music on most Friday evenings.Reservations recommended.
Day 2 : Explore Front Street and Grand Traverse Bay
Start your morning with a French press coffee and a delicious made to order omelet or the blueberry lemon ricotta pancakes at the Omelette Shoppe. (Tip: Get on the waitlist on the website before you leave your hotel). Enjoy the chic boutiques, quaint shops, and unique eateries on Front Street. Take a boat ride or frolic on the sandy beaches of Grand Traverse Bay. Enjoy a delectable dinner at Boones Long Lake Inn or waterfront at the Apache Trout Grill.
Day 3: Lighthouse, Wineries, and Culinary Delights
Drive to the tip of Old Mission Peninsula to the Mission Point Lighthouse, built in 1870 and take the self guided tour. Meander back along M-37 enjoying the picturesque scenery, stopping at some of the award winning wineries. One of our favorites is the Frose, a refreshing wine slushy, with the Cheese and Charcuterie Board at Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery (Tip- make reservations). Mari Vineyards is another favorite for touring the wine cave and wine tasting on the patio with stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay. Enjoy a leisurely dinner as you watch the sunset over Bowers Harbor at the Boathouse Restaurant.
Day 4: Kayak on Boardman Lake and Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
Kayak or paddleboard on the Boardman Lake. Prefer to keep your feet on dry land? Hike the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, a beautiful paved trail around scenic Boardman Lake.
Then head over to the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons, formerly the Traverse City State Hospital and the Northern Michigan Asylum. Glimpse back in time and admire the fascinating architecture with a tour.
Grab lunch at one of the restaurants and have a picnic on the piazza under the pavilion. Play Bocce ball on the piazza. Stroll through the shops. Take a hike on one of the nine scenic hiking trails.
And no trip to Traverse City is complete without a yummy homemade ice cream at the iconic Moomers, which features 150 flavors!
Where to stay – so many choices!
Cherry Tree Inn and Suites – beachfront
Great Wolf Lodge – indoor water park
Delamar Traverse City- Deluxe Waterfront
Tru by Hilton – centrally located
Brys Estate Guesthouse – unique stay at the winery, great for four people.
The Inn at Black Star Farms – luxury boutique hotel at the winery