Laurie’s Guidebook

Laurie
Laurie’s Guidebook

The BEST of TC's notorious FOOD SCENE

Fantastic breakfast, lunch, brunch and morning drinks in the historic Grand Traverse Commons! Reservations recommended, book online.
31 helybéli ajánlásával
Red Spire Brunch House
Main Entrance
31 helybéli ajánlásával
Fantastic breakfast, lunch, brunch and morning drinks in the historic Grand Traverse Commons! Reservations recommended, book online.
Another gem in the Grand Traverse Commons. Delicious tacos, tostadas, salsas.
51 helybéli ajánlásával
Spanglish
1333 Yellow Dr
51 helybéli ajánlásával
Another gem in the Grand Traverse Commons. Delicious tacos, tostadas, salsas.
Your diner style breakfast. Also serves cocktails, whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner!
The Original Flap Jack Shack
3980 US-31
Your diner style breakfast. Also serves cocktails, whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Grab a gobbler and some fresh fruit salad to go. Their chicken salad is amazing. Fill up your cooler for a day out!
21 helybéli ajánlásával
Mary's Kitchen Port
539 W Front St
21 helybéli ajánlásával
Grab a gobbler and some fresh fruit salad to go. Their chicken salad is amazing. Fill up your cooler for a day out!
Warm, griddled sandwiches and soups. Try the veggie sandwich but add turkey!
11 helybéli ajánlásával
The Chef's In
519 W Front St
11 helybéli ajánlásával
Warm, griddled sandwiches and soups. Try the veggie sandwich but add turkey!
European inspired food. Great brunch. I prefer it for breakfast and lunch. The olive twists, tomato bisque, the quiche, the coffee and desserts are top knotch! The seating is a little "cozy" but the food and outstanding service can't be beat.
86 helybéli ajánlásával
amical
229 E Front St
86 helybéli ajánlásával
European inspired food. Great brunch. I prefer it for breakfast and lunch. The olive twists, tomato bisque, the quiche, the coffee and desserts are top knotch! The seating is a little "cozy" but the food and outstanding service can't be beat.
A Traverse City tradition and long time favorite! This place is family owned and is always creative with their menu and craft cocktails. Fresh ingredients and inspired ideas. Cool art and mellow vibe. Local's love it here. They hand make their pasta as well. Try the tomato spinach swiss soup...you'll go back for more!
72 helybéli ajánlásával
Poppycocks
128 E Front St
72 helybéli ajánlásával
A Traverse City tradition and long time favorite! This place is family owned and is always creative with their menu and craft cocktails. Fresh ingredients and inspired ideas. Cool art and mellow vibe. Local's love it here. They hand make their pasta as well. Try the tomato spinach swiss soup...you'll go back for more!
Downtown shopping and need fuel? Brew offers coffee, and alcohol! Get a Twitchy Russian....A white Russian with a shot of espresso. Yes, it is a coffee shop and bar. Bring your laptop and join the locals at work!
61 helybéli ajánlásával
Brew
108 E Front St
61 helybéli ajánlásával
Downtown shopping and need fuel? Brew offers coffee, and alcohol! Get a Twitchy Russian....A white Russian with a shot of espresso. Yes, it is a coffee shop and bar. Bring your laptop and join the locals at work!
The street corn here is so good. These are pricier tacos, but they are paying for some serious real estate in the heart of Traverse City. Again, don't miss the street corn! Guac is pretty amazing too.
62 helybéli ajánlásával
Mama Lu's - A Modern Day Taco Shop
149 E Front St
62 helybéli ajánlásával
The street corn here is so good. These are pricier tacos, but they are paying for some serious real estate in the heart of Traverse City. Again, don't miss the street corn! Guac is pretty amazing too.
GRRRRREAT bar food. Totally cool dive-y scene. Classic rock, trivia. and signed photos of d -ist celebrities who have visited.
33 helybéli ajánlásával
U & I Lounge
214 E Front St
33 helybéli ajánlásával
GRRRRREAT bar food. Totally cool dive-y scene. Classic rock, trivia. and signed photos of d -ist celebrities who have visited.
Ah-mazing asian fusion. Upscale, metro scene. Professional staff, gorgeous, delicious food.
143 helybéli ajánlásával
Red Ginger
237 E Front St
143 helybéli ajánlásával
Ah-mazing asian fusion. Upscale, metro scene. Professional staff, gorgeous, delicious food.
Vietnamese food at it's freshest and finest. If they have the potstickers, splurge. They offer a limited craft cocktail selection. The Good Bowl donates $1 from each bowl to the charity of your choice on the World, National, or Local level. Beautiful!
31 helybéli ajánlásával
The Good Bowl
328 E Front St
31 helybéli ajánlásával
Vietnamese food at it's freshest and finest. If they have the potstickers, splurge. They offer a limited craft cocktail selection. The Good Bowl donates $1 from each bowl to the charity of your choice on the World, National, or Local level. Beautiful!
If you are visiting Northern Michigan for the first time, you'll want to try a pastie. Cornish heritage miners brought this food with them. Cornish wives, "Jennys" fill a savory pastry with meats and/or vegetables. Old school miners used to heat them up with the candles on their mining helmets.
8 helybéli ajánlásával
Cousin Jenny's Cornish Pasties
222 S Union St
8 helybéli ajánlásával
If you are visiting Northern Michigan for the first time, you'll want to try a pastie. Cornish heritage miners brought this food with them. Cornish wives, "Jennys" fill a savory pastry with meats and/or vegetables. Old school miners used to heat them up with the candles on their mining helmets.
At the Grand Traverse Commons, this is an absolutely gorgeous space, in the former State Hospital kitchen where the Italian food is absolutley amazing and artful. This is a special occasion restaurant as it is a bit more pricey, but so worth the splurge.
60 helybéli ajánlásával
PepeNero
700 Cottageview Dr
60 helybéli ajánlásával
At the Grand Traverse Commons, this is an absolutely gorgeous space, in the former State Hospital kitchen where the Italian food is absolutley amazing and artful. This is a special occasion restaurant as it is a bit more pricey, but so worth the splurge.
Go here for amazing happy hour deals. This is also an amazing steak and seafood place.
23 helybéli ajánlásával
Harrington's By The Bay
13890 S W Bay Shore Dr
23 helybéli ajánlásával
Go here for amazing happy hour deals. This is also an amazing steak and seafood place.
Yummy Thai.
Thai Kitchen
1133 W South Airport Rd
Yummy Thai.
Ridiculously huge steaks. AMERICAN steak house.
46 helybéli ajánlásával
Boone's Long Lake Inn
7208 Secor Rd
46 helybéli ajánlásával
Ridiculously huge steaks. AMERICAN steak house.
Yummy fresh food and award winning beer! VERY cool scene and German biergarten style seating. Fun music and activities!
103 helybéli ajánlásával
Rare Bird Brewpub
229 Lake Ave
103 helybéli ajánlásával
Yummy fresh food and award winning beer! VERY cool scene and German biergarten style seating. Fun music and activities!
Holy Moly! Detroit Pizza is having it's moment and it isn't done better than at Charles and Reid! Dan and Kristin are awesome folks too! Don't be a square, unless your a pizza!
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza
113 East State Street
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Holy Moly! Detroit Pizza is having it's moment and it isn't done better than at Charles and Reid! Dan and Kristin are awesome folks too! Don't be a square, unless your a pizza!
Super yummy and affordable homemade pasta. Casual, downtown.
7 helybéli ajánlásával
The Flying Noodle - Italian Pasta House
136 E Front St
7 helybéli ajánlásával
Super yummy and affordable homemade pasta. Casual, downtown.
DEEEEEELICIOUS crepes! Cute shop too!
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Millie and Pepper Creperie & General Store
120 S Union St
6 helybéli ajánlásával
DEEEEEELICIOUS crepes! Cute shop too!
The absolute premier market in town. Meats, cheeses, dips, wines, spreads, salads, deli, select groceries, sauces, etc. Fill your cooler.
34 helybéli ajánlásával
Burritt's Fresh Markets
509 W Front St
34 helybéli ajánlásával
The absolute premier market in town. Meats, cheeses, dips, wines, spreads, salads, deli, select groceries, sauces, etc. Fill your cooler.
Our natural foods co-op. Great deli and grocery items. Beer and wine. Fill your cooler for the beach!
13 helybéli ajánlásával
Oryana West
3587 Marketplace Cir
13 helybéli ajánlásával
Our natural foods co-op. Great deli and grocery items. Beer and wine. Fill your cooler for the beach!
Cool scene in a former depot. Often live music. Friendly staff. Good pizza.
106 helybéli ajánlásával
The Filling Station Microbrewery
642 Railroad Pl
106 helybéli ajánlásával
Cool scene in a former depot. Often live music. Friendly staff. Good pizza.
This is a special occassion favorite. Delicious, interesting food in an intimate, fresh setting.
67 helybéli ajánlásával
The Cook's House
115 Wellington St
67 helybéli ajánlásával
This is a special occassion favorite. Delicious, interesting food in an intimate, fresh setting.
Delicious breads and baked goods. Yummy sandwiches.
15 helybéli ajánlásával
Common Good Bakery
537 W Fourteenth St
15 helybéli ajánlásával
Delicious breads and baked goods. Yummy sandwiches.

Sweet Treats

Need something sweet?
Handcrafted chocolates, candies, popcorn, ice cream. It all started in this location...hundreds of stores worldwide now! I love the fancy caramel apples and the pretzel sticks!
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Kilwins Chocolates
129 E Front St
6 helybéli ajánlásával
Handcrafted chocolates, candies, popcorn, ice cream. It all started in this location...hundreds of stores worldwide now! I love the fancy caramel apples and the pretzel sticks!
Look over the dairy farm as you eat their nationally recognized ice cream with lots of flavors daily. Prepare for a line though!
86 helybéli ajánlásával
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
7263 N Long Lake Rd
86 helybéli ajánlásával
Look over the dairy farm as you eat their nationally recognized ice cream with lots of flavors daily. Prepare for a line though!
Pies, turnovers, muffins so good they're shipped around the country!
34 helybéli ajánlásával
Grand Traverse Pie Company
525 W Front St
34 helybéli ajánlásával
Pies, turnovers, muffins so good they're shipped around the country!
Traverse City Tradition and iconic figure, a block from the Bay and next to the dog park. What could be better!?! Get a turtle, but with butterscotch instead of caramel. Promise.
9 helybéli ajánlásával
Dairy Lodge
405 N Division St
9 helybéli ajánlásával
Traverse City Tradition and iconic figure, a block from the Bay and next to the dog park. What could be better!?! Get a turtle, but with butterscotch instead of caramel. Promise.
This is a fantastic European bistro, but I love to go here for coffee and to pick something from their beautiful dessert case.
86 helybéli ajánlásával
amical
229 E Front St
86 helybéli ajánlásával
This is a fantastic European bistro, but I love to go here for coffee and to pick something from their beautiful dessert case.
A local tradition! Pick something from their beautiful dessert case!
72 helybéli ajánlásával
Poppycocks
128 E Front St
72 helybéli ajánlásával
A local tradition! Pick something from their beautiful dessert case!
It's like Subway for donuts! Create your own tasty treat!
13 helybéli ajánlásával
Peace Love and Little Donuts of Traverse City
441 E Front St
13 helybéli ajánlásával
It's like Subway for donuts! Create your own tasty treat!

Bars and Breweries

TC has a great bar scene, lots of live music options and some dance/nightclub options. We run the gamut from cool dive bars, to fantastic, hand crafted cocktails! Something for everyone..
Award winning beer and cocktails! German style biergarten.
103 helybéli ajánlásával
Rare Bird Brewpub
229 Lake Ave
103 helybéli ajánlásával
Award winning beer and cocktails! German style biergarten.
Local food truck lot with an attached bar that excels at craft cocktails. Cool scene, usually music or another cultural event happening. Bring your kids and dog before 9pm.
172 helybéli ajánlásával
The Little Fleet
448 E Front St
172 helybéli ajánlásával
Local food truck lot with an attached bar that excels at craft cocktails. Cool scene, usually music or another cultural event happening. Bring your kids and dog before 9pm.
Our local arcade bar has pinball, skee ball and pool. 130 canned beverage options, outdoor area with food trucks. Super cool.
21 helybéli ajánlásával
The Coin Slot
346 E Front St
21 helybéli ajánlásával
Our local arcade bar has pinball, skee ball and pool. 130 canned beverage options, outdoor area with food trucks. Super cool.
Mammoth is a hiiiiigh quality local distillery where you will have your choice of locally distilled liquors that are thoughtfully mixed into amazing hand-crafted cocktails that absolutely do not disappoint! It is also situated in the newer, hip area of town called the warehouse district. Workshop brewery is next door if someone in your group prefers a local beer, or vice versa! This is almost a DO NOT MISS for me. They often have live music in both venues on weekends!
18 helybéli ajánlásával
Mammoth Distilling
221 Garland St
18 helybéli ajánlásával
Mammoth is a hiiiiigh quality local distillery where you will have your choice of locally distilled liquors that are thoughtfully mixed into amazing hand-crafted cocktails that absolutely do not disappoint! It is also situated in the newer, hip area of town called the warehouse district. Workshop brewery is next door if someone in your group prefers a local beer, or vice versa! This is almost a DO NOT MISS for me. They often have live music in both venues on weekends!
Local LGBTQ+, welcomes everyone. Dance Dance Dance! Sweaty! Stinky! Fun!
20 helybéli ajánlásával
SideTraxx Dance Bar
520 Franklin St
20 helybéli ajánlásával
Local LGBTQ+, welcomes everyone. Dance Dance Dance! Sweaty! Stinky! Fun!
Cool, dive-y bar in the heart of downtown. Features signed photos of d-list celebrities from 30+ years ago. Strong cheap drinks.
33 helybéli ajánlásával
U & I Lounge
214 E Front St
33 helybéli ajánlásával
Cool, dive-y bar in the heart of downtown. Features signed photos of d-list celebrities from 30+ years ago. Strong cheap drinks.
The Top of the Park has the very best views of West Bay and Traverse City. They make a some serious martinis!
19 helybéli ajánlásával
Park Place Hotel and Conference Center
300 E State St
19 helybéli ajánlásával
The Top of the Park has the very best views of West Bay and Traverse City. They make a some serious martinis!
Old timey bar with top knotch craft cocktails!
60 helybéli ajánlásával
The Parlor TC
205 Lake Ave
60 helybéli ajánlásával
Old timey bar with top knotch craft cocktails!
A ridiculous number of taps. So many beers and ciders, etc. And, good food.
74 helybéli ajánlásával
7 Monks Taproom
128 S Union St
74 helybéli ajánlásával
A ridiculous number of taps. So many beers and ciders, etc. And, good food.

Things to Do

Here are the things we like to do around town. Always check out the local rag, the Northern Express to be up to date on what is happening in town and all of Northern Michigan! There are many golf courses, fishing spots, kayak spots, sooooo many activities! Please ask if you need specific help!
It is a one of our National Parks National Lakeshore! You must spend some time hiking, biking or beaching here!
303 helybéli ajánlásával
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 W Front St
303 helybéli ajánlásával
It is a one of our National Parks National Lakeshore! You must spend some time hiking, biking or beaching here!
Take a booze cruise on west bay! Truly a must do!
28 helybéli ajánlásával
Nauti Cat Cruises
615 E Front St
28 helybéli ajánlásával
Take a booze cruise on west bay! Truly a must do!
This is one of the most unique places in Northern Michigan. A former State Mental Hospital, closed in the 80's sat and deteriorated for about 20 years...until a local visionary and developer saw it's unique beauty and decided to rennovate and reinvent the space. It is now full of bustling shops, restaurants, offices, condominiums and community spaces. You can spend an entire day here. Many of my restaurant recommendations are here!
130 helybéli ajánlásával
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
1200 W Eleventh St
130 helybéli ajánlásával
This is one of the most unique places in Northern Michigan. A former State Mental Hospital, closed in the 80's sat and deteriorated for about 20 years...until a local visionary and developer saw it's unique beauty and decided to rennovate and reinvent the space. It is now full of bustling shops, restaurants, offices, condominiums and community spaces. You can spend an entire day here. Many of my restaurant recommendations are here!
Our trail that covers TC for bikers, rollerbladers, skaters, walkers, runners. Safe and clean.
25 helybéli ajánlásával
Tart Trails Inc
148 E Front St
25 helybéli ajánlásával
Our trail that covers TC for bikers, rollerbladers, skaters, walkers, runners. Safe and clean.
Saturday morning coffee and the freshest fruits, veg, meat and breads the 45th parallel has to offer seasonally. Beautiful morning bay views too!
24 helybéli ajánlásával
Sara Hardy Farmers Market
Cass Street
24 helybéli ajánlásával
Saturday morning coffee and the freshest fruits, veg, meat and breads the 45th parallel has to offer seasonally. Beautiful morning bay views too!
Our city beach! This stretches through downtown to the warehouse district. There is a section for families further east, the marina, the open space great for a picnic or kite flying, then the "volleyball beach" where the younger set tend to tan.
89 helybéli ajánlásával
Clinch Park
111 E Grandview Pkwy
89 helybéli ajánlásával
Our city beach! This stretches through downtown to the warehouse district. There is a section for families further east, the marina, the open space great for a picnic or kite flying, then the "volleyball beach" where the younger set tend to tan.
Book my Airbnb Experience at the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area! I will lead you on a hike! Message me for details. There is an extensive trail system right within our city limits! Enjoy some hiking, walking or biking through the woods, along the creek, over hill and dale!
31 helybéli ajánlásával
Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area
Red Drive
31 helybéli ajánlásával
Book my Airbnb Experience at the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area! I will lead you on a hike! Message me for details. There is an extensive trail system right within our city limits! Enjoy some hiking, walking or biking through the woods, along the creek, over hill and dale!
Our in town executive course is friendly, convenient and let's you knock out a round in a couple hours.
8 helybéli ajánlásával
Bay Meadows Family Golf Course
5550 Bay Meadows Dr
8 helybéli ajánlásával
Our in town executive course is friendly, convenient and let's you knock out a round in a couple hours.
This is the MPAA#1 rated movie theater in the United States! Home to the now formerTraverse City Film Festival , this heart of our community hosts over free events per year. If you were lucky enough to be here during the Film Festival (always the last week of July into August) you were a part of history!
105 helybéli ajánlásával
State Theatre
233 E Front St
105 helybéli ajánlásával
This is the MPAA#1 rated movie theater in the United States! Home to the now formerTraverse City Film Festival , this heart of our community hosts over free events per year. If you were lucky enough to be here during the Film Festival (always the last week of July into August) you were a part of history!
Rainy day? Check out our Smithsonian Affiliate museum at Northwestern Michigan College!
30 helybéli ajánlásával
Dennos Museum Center
30 helybéli ajánlásával
Rainy day? Check out our Smithsonian Affiliate museum at Northwestern Michigan College!
Rain or shine this is a great place to stop in! Gorgeous gifts, plants and what-not. You can build your own terrarium! Explore some of the other shops in the "warehouse district"!
10 helybéli ajánlásával
Darling Botanical Company
144 Hall St
10 helybéli ajánlásával
Rain or shine this is a great place to stop in! Gorgeous gifts, plants and what-not. You can build your own terrarium! Explore some of the other shops in the "warehouse district"!

Várossal kapcsolatos tanácsok

Kihagyhatatlan

Airbnb Experience: Local's Favorites with a Favorite Local

I host an Airbnb Experience Local's Favorites with a Favorite Local. Join me as I take you through downtown Traverse City, sharing what I know about this place, it's people, history and favorite bites and bits from this Local's Favorite spots!!!
Kihagyhatatlan

Airbnb Experience: Trail Hike In City Limits-Dogs Welcome

Book my Airbnb Experience: Trail Hike In City Limits- Dogs Welcome Join me as we walk a hidden, in town trail system with bogs, fields, forest and creeks. As we go, I will share with you a little bit about the history of the property which was once a working commune; our local State Asylum for the Insane.