Traverse City is a wonderful town with so much to offer! Wine tasting, festivals, shopping, and amazing scenery. Whether you’re going as a couple, with girlfriends, or the family, there’s something for everyone!
One of the biggest attractions in the area is the wine country. Traverse City is in the center of two peninsulas that are perfect for vineyards. There are tons of wineries, each unique and special in their own way.
Old Mission Peninsula is the smaller of the two peninsulas, but it is our favorite!
Tip: When you’re wine tasting you want to drive to the top (North Side) of the peninsula and work your way down, so the more intoxicated you are the closer you are to the hotel! There are also several bus tours that bring groups around to different wineries. Plan ahead and be safe so you can make the most of your time. If you don’t want to buy food throughout the day, we recommend keeping some bagels or crackers in the car to munch on between wineries to steady the buzz.
Mission Point Lighthouse
At the top of the peninsula is a lighthouse and small beach - it is a beautiful place to stretch and start the day.
Wineries
There are so many wineries with amazing views (not to mention the wine). While we highly recommend checking them out and creating your own favorites, here are our top three:
The first one of our favorites is Chateau Chantal. This winery is amazing. It has a grand, classic, feel with a beautiful balcony patio. The patio has ample seating, overlooks the vineyard and you can even see the bay. Check out their pricing and details, here.
Another favorite is Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. This one also has a beautiful deck to enjoy the view. You can also do the tasting inside and then enjoy a glass on the deck. It is a bright and airy atmosphere with beautiful views. Pricing and details, here.
Our final favorite is Chateau Grand Traverse and we buy their wine throughout the state. Their Late Harvest Riesling is my all-time favorite. They provide tours, tastings, and have great prices. Pricing and details, here.
BONUS FAVORITE! Another one of our favorites is Bowers Harbor Vineyards. This winery is quaint and has a beautiful garden. The staff were extremely knowledgeable on their wines and very helpful. They name their wines after their family dogs throughout the years. It is more tucked away, but worth the detour. Pricing and details, here.
Downtown
In town there is a lot of shopping, restaurants, bars, a farmers market and more. There is also a marina and a river, making great scenery for walking around. One of our favorite spots for drinks downtown is The Parlor. It has amazing drinks, with a fun mix of old and new vibes. They also have AMAZING pizza with creative flavors - don’t be shy, take a chance and order something crazy, you’ll enjoy every bite.
Cherry Festival
Traverse City is known for their cherries. Most wineries even incorporate cherries into some of their wines. In the spring the blossoms are a site to see in themselves. Over July 4th Traverse City has their annual Cherry Festival, a week long festival with activities, attractions, and a 10k.
Lodging
For lodging there are options for hotels, Air B&Bs, as well as camping at their state park.
Traverse City Bucket List
Have a piece of Cherry Pie Ala Mode
Buy a Souvenir Downtown
Catch a Sunset
Enjoy a glass of wine on a balcony with a view
Try as many wines on Old Mission Peninsula as possible!
Take a chance on a Pizza at The Parlor
Venture out to Sleeping Bear Dunes
Stop at Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor on the way back
Take a boat out on Torch Lake
Have Fun
Let us know if there’s something that should be on the list that we’re leaving out! What are your favorite activities to do while in the Traverse City Area? What attractions do you like best and most of all, what’s your favorite wine?! Comment below and let us know.
Comments