Only a 30-minute drive from Fountain Point, Traverse City is the mecca for Northern Michigan culture, art, shopping, and food. The vibrant downtown district is home to a myriad of restaurants, breweries, boutique shops, and entertainment. We could name a few of our favorite spots, but honestly you can't go wrong.
Old Mission Peninsula protrudes northward from Traverse City's downtown district and separates the West Arm Grand Traverse Bay from the East Arm Grand Traverse Bay. The peninsula has tons of natural beauty to offer with rolling hills and vineyards all surrounded by Lake Michigan's pristine blue waters. Old Mission Peninsula is great for a scenic drive and enjoying the many wineries that call this special place home. Some of our favorite wineries/breweries here are Mari Vineyards (8175 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686), Bonobo Winery (12011 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685), and Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant and Brewery (13512 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686).
Are there mountains in northern Michigan? You bet! We lightheartedly refer to them as “mountains of sand” otherwise known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Part of the national park system since 1970, Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of America’s most profoundly beautiful landscapes: a 64-mile curve of sweeping vistas, miles of perfect freshwater beaches, forested wilderness islands, miles of hiking trails and the paved Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, is a multi-use pathway that runs from the northern end of the park to a point just south of Empire. WARNING: These are not for the faint of spirit, if you plan on walking the dunes, plan on a 1-2 hour uphill hike.
Looking to venture out? Frankfort is a town about 30 minutes south of Lake Leelanau, home to picturesque sunsets, tasty treats, beautiful lakeshore and home to the Dillon family lakehouse. Some of our favorites include: Storm Cloud Brewery, Crescent Bakery, La Haim, and The Cabbage Shed.