Alix & Shaun
Best of Northern Michigan
Hop Lot Brewing Company
Hop Lot is one of our very favorite breweries! Beyond having delicious brews, they also have a great atmosphere! Hop Lot is family-friendly with a spacious beer garden where you can play cornhole, roast marshmallows, and listen to live music. They also have igloos in case of rain or a chilly day.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
For the outdoor enthusiast, trek up the sand dunes for incredible lake views and sky-high bluffs. **Learn from our mistake and make sure to bring water with you for this hike!**
Cherry Republic | Traverse City
Visit Cherry Republic to sample all things cherry and all things delicious in the cherry capital of the world!
Right Brain Brewery
Another favorite brewery which has many unique brews that you won't find anywhere else. They also have a slew of games inside including multiple pinball machines (Alix's favorite is the Star Wars one). It's not possible to have a bad time here.
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Bowers Harbor Vineyards, located 12 miles north of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula, was established in 1991. Initially a horse farm, the estate now boasts 20 acres of vines. The vineyard is so inviting AND has vineyard dogs! The view of the Bay from the winery can't be beat, so make sure to get a picture while you are enjoying a glass of wine.
Red Ginger
This is one of Alix's favorite restaurants in Traverse City! Red Ginger has amazing Asian faire (definitely check out their sushi), and even better cocktails. The location is perfect for a dinner after strolling and shopping on Front Street in downtown Traverse City.
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
You can't go wrong with this Northern Michigan staple! A quaint, family-operated ice-cream shop on a dairy farm offering many homemade flavors. Once you have it you will be craving it when you are back home! (Cherry Moobilee is Alix's favorite)
Mission Point Lighthouse
A Northern Michigan icon! Mission Point Lighthouse has been a Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula icon for decades. Located at the north end of a picturesque drive along M-37 through cherry orchards and vineyards, Mission Point Lighthouse stands as a classic piece of Michigan history. While it no longer guides mariners through West Grand Traverse Bay as it did from September 10, 1870 until it was decommissioned in 1933, Mission Point Lighthouse now offers visitors a peek into what life was like around the turn of the century for lighthouse keepers and for others who lived and worked in the area at the time. The views here are amazing and it's a great place to look for petoskey stones on the beach!
Arcadia Scenic Turnout
One of the most scenic spots in Northern Michigan -- a must see if you are driving to Traverse City!
Front Street
Main Downtown street which is a perfect spot for shopping and dining.
Firefly
One of the best happy hours in a town, with a flavorful tapas-inspired menu.