Rachel's Northern MI Guidebook
Food scene
The Omelette Shoppe
124 Cass StExcellent cinnamon rolls! They have two locations in town.
Trattoria Stella
830 W Eleventh StAmazing food and atmosphere.
The Little Fleet
448 E Front StCool bar with food trucks right downtown TC.
Red Mesa Grill
1544 US-31Food and service are exceptional!
Blue Tractor Barbeque
423 S Union StYummy!
Slabtown Burgers
826 W Front StA cute place with delicious burgers, shakes, and fries!
Great take out and they also own Bubba's and FireFly (dine ins) in TC- all 3 have great food!
8 locals recommend
Kitchen
1249 Woodmere AveGreat take out and they also own Bubba's and FireFly (dine ins) in TC- all 3 have great food!
Drinks
Amazing cocktails and vibe. Ask for a "tasting", you won't be disappointed.
22 locals recommend
Ethanology
127 OldsAmazing cocktails and vibe. Ask for a "tasting", you won't be disappointed.
Sightseeing
Check out the shops and take the tour. You won't be disappointed!
130 locals recommend
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
1200 W Eleventh StCheck out the shops and take the tour. You won't be disappointed!
A locals favorite (and secret, sort of). The lake drops off quickly like a bowl but has a shallow "river" connecting it to Lake MI. This is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and does require a parking pass. It's a short hike around the lake or a nice refreshing swim across the lake.
34 locals recommend
North Bar Lake Access
A locals favorite (and secret, sort of). The lake drops off quickly like a bowl but has a shallow "river" connecting it to Lake MI. This is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and does require a parking pass. It's a short hike around the lake or a nice refreshing swim across the lake.
Nauti Cat Cruises
615 E Front StA good time, great views, and yummy "cat nip".
Check out traversetrails org for several biking and hiking trails in the area.
25 locals recommend
Tart Trails Inc
148 E Front StCheck out traversetrails org for several biking and hiking trails in the area.
Maple Bay Natural Area
U.S. 31Our 18-year-old sons favorite nearby semi-secluded beach.
A drive with several stops to gawk at the stunning views within the Sleeping Bear National Park.
66 locals recommend
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Entrance
South Dune HighwayA drive with several stops to gawk at the stunning views within the Sleeping Bear National Park.
Dune Climb Lot station
A must to tire out the kids!
Shop local
Cherry Republic | Traverse City
154 E Front StTaste testing in the store!
DOG Bakery
1117 West South Airport RoadScrumptious treats made in house!
City advice
Getting around
BATA bus is the way to go during festivals
Parking during festivals can be tricky. The public bussing system, BATA (Bay Area Transportation Authority) offers free transportation along the bay Monday - Saturday's during the summer. If you see a blue Michigan shaped chair it's a stop and the bus will stop about every 20 minutes. Check out the website for details.
Travelling with kids
We have it ALL
We LOVE traveling and know how much stuff you need when you have little ones. So, if you are traveling with kids please let us know.. We can save you packing space by lending you everything from strollers, life jackets, bikes, toys, and more. We have 5 children ranging from 2 to 24. Let us help make your travel lighter and easier.
Useful phrases
Wanna sound like a "local"?
Around here, we call our tourists (who we LOVE BTW), "Fudgies" because they often buy fudge (which we also LOVE).
The Upper Peninsula folks call us Lower Peninsula folks "Trolls" and we call them "Yoopers". We also refer to the Upper Peninsula as the "U.P." and we are in the "L.P."
We call carbonated sugary beverages "pop" - not "soda" or "coke".
"Cabrewing" is canoeing, kayaking, tubing, or SUPing while drinking and a favorite in these parts.
When describing where a town or location is in Michigan, we use our hand and point. Why? Because MI is shaped like a mitten of course!
Ways to save
Lunch vs. Dinner out
Several of the more upscale restaurants offer the same or similar menus at lunch for less $$ than the dinner prices.