The crown jewel of the north, Traverse City is the largest and most active city north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Even though downtown Traverse City is only two miles from the Bay Breeze base, it should be experienced by boat. Downtown Traverse City features dining, shopping, beaches, things to do for the kids and nightspots for the grown-ups. Great coffee shops, a playhouse and brewpubs are just a few of the highlights of this up-and-coming Great Lake city.
Food & Drink
The most difficult part about your stay in Traverse City will be choosing where to eat. It has every choice from fine dining to local hot spots to quick, delicious delis and more. Here are just a few of the most notable dining spots in Traverse City:
Apache Trout Grill: Located right on the Bay, this restaurant accommodates the couple looking for the perfect date and the group looking for the perfect outing with friends. You can choose from an array of local wines at your table or join the tiki bar for a good time. The menu includes seafood, award-winning BBQ ribs, and the finest choice meats.
Grand Traverse Pie Company: The founders of the Grand Traverse Pie Company feel pie is a celebration of family and tradition, and this is certainly the feeling you get when dining at this casual place. Serving its famous pies, stacked sandwiches and Traverse-City-cherry-everything, the Grand Traverse Pie Company is a must see in Traverse City.
Mackinaw Brewing Company: Join the locals at this popular joint for fish and beer downtown. Mackinaw Brewing Company proudly serves its hand-crafted microbrews every night.
Trattoria Stella: For a unique, fine-dining experience, dine in at Trattoria Stella, a restaurant located in Traverse City’s historic State Hospital. With a new menu each night and walking-grounds exploring the remnants of the abandoned State Hospital, Trattoria Stella promises to be a memory you talk about for years to come.
The Soul Hole: The name should give you a good idea of what to expect at this hole-in-the-wall restaurant: soul food. The menu is full of every Southern comfort food you can imagine, including catfish, hush puppies, po boys, ribs and fried green tomatoes. Located just off of Front Street, The Soul Hole will satisfy your deepest craving.
Moomers Homemade Icecream: Enjoy a little taste of country with this homemade ice cream shop. Located right on the farm where you watch the cows pasture as you eat the ice cream their milk produced, Moomers is an experience–and a taste–you’ll never forget!
Activities & Events
Traverse City is bursting with options for those on a family vacation, a romantic getaway or just a relaxing time. The winery tour takes you through many of the local vineyards where you have the opportunity for wine tasting at each stop. The scenic, walk-able downtown area is always busy and beautiful, and the waterfront is breathtaking and always accessible.
Traverse City constantly has events happening throughout the year. The Traverse City Film Festival and the National Cherry Festival are just a couple of the unique events you may want to experience. Stop to see a movie at the State Theater downtown, a renovated, old-school theater, or see a stage performance at the Old Town Playhouse.
For more information on Traverse City, visit the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce website.
