Continuing from Weekend in Traverse City Part 1, where we explored the activities and attractions that make Traverse City the perfect summer getaway…
Welcome back to my WETSU paradise, Part 2 of your weekend in Traverse City! In Part 1, I shared all the incredible things to do during your weekend in Traverse City – from wine tasting on Old Mission Peninsula to floating down the Platte River. Now let’s talk about the two essentials that will make or break your trip: where to eat and sleep.
Where to Eat
Traverse City’s food scene has absolutely exploded in recent years, and I’m convinced Mario Batali’s presence in nearby Northport has elevated everyone’s game. The farm-to-table movement thrives here, with restaurants showcasing the incredible bounty of Northern Michigan’s farms, vineyards, and waters. There are a ton of great options, I’m going to focus on my favorites.
Fine Dining: Special Occasion Spots
Boathouse Restaurant
Perched right on the water in Bower’s Harbor on the West Bay, The Boathouse represents everything magical about Traverse City dining. Their menu changes seasonally, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and fresh fish. The deck seating at sunset is pure WETSU territory – you’ll find yourself lingering over wine long after your meal is finished. We did my Dad’s 90th birthday here and the food was great — but pictures against the water at sunset made it a truly memorable evening.
Farm Club
Farm Club is true farm-to-table as they organically grow all their own vegitables and herbs. They also have a market where you can buy the produce. They do not take reservations, but half the fun is putting your name in and going out to the lawn for a drink and snacks while you wait. It’s a gorgous setting with a celebratory feel and great food.
Apache Trout Grill
Apache Trout Grill is another personal favorite. It’s right on the west bay and, given the location on the water I never mind if our table isn’t ready right away. It has excellent food — of course, fish (local Trout, Walleye and White Fish) and really good steaks!
Fire Fly
Fire Fly is a great spot in downtown Traverse City on the Boardman River. They have small sushi and very flavorful, almost “fusion” food. This is my sister’s #1 recommendation.
Trattoria Stella
Housed in the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons (the former state hospital), Trattoria Stella serves exceptional Italian cuisine in a setting steeped in local history. The building’s fascinating past adds layers to your dining experience, and their wine list heavily features local selections alongside Italian classics.
Casual Favorites: Everyday Eats
The Little Fleet
The Little Fleet is more than just a collection of food trucks, it’s a destination! This rotating collection of food trucks, surrounding a central bar creates a festival atmosphere perfect for summer evenings. The communal picnic tables buzz with conversation, and the ever changing selection of cuisines means there’s always something new to try. It’s a central gathering spot where locals and visitors mix naturally over craft cocktails and creative comfort food.
Rare Bird
If you like breweries, there are a few great ones. And Rare Bird is one of them. The beer is great and the food is awesome!! I love the soft pretzle bites and the burgers. They have a nice outdoor patio that feels very festive.
North Peak Brewing Company
Another one of Traverse City’s original craft breweries, North Peak offers solid pub fare alongside their excellent beers. The pizza is particularly good and I love their salads, in particular the Cherry Chicken Salad and the Black & Blue Salads are my favorite.
Oaky’s Tavern
Located in Grawn, close to Interlochen, is Oaky’s Tavern. It’s a super casual place — with a neighborhood restaurant and bar feel. In summer it has a great outdoor space and porch — and a cozy indoor area for the colder months. Great food and a really friendly atmosphere for families with kids.
Sweet Treats and Local Specialties
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
Moomers is an absolute MUST. Just a short 15 minute drive northeast in Traverse City, Moomers has achieved legendary status. Their ice cream is made on-site using milk from their own dairy cows (which you can see from the deck while you eat your ice cream).
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Grand Traverse Pie Company is another must-do! There are multiple locations serve up the pies that put this company on the national map. The cherry crumb is mandatory – this is the Cherry Capital of the World, after all. But they have many great flavors, in addition to multiple varities of cherry pie. They also make smaller pies if you want to try a few, which I highly recommend.
Local Produce
As much as I like to go out to eat out (clearly!) my absolute favorite thing to do is spend the day on the lake and then grill food at home. The local produce is bountiful and so good!!
Downtown Traverse City Farmers Market
The Farmer’s Market is located in Parking Lot B at Cass Street and Grand View Parkway and open Wednesday’s and Saturdays 8-12:00, June- October. It has great produce by local farmes and other great local vendors.
Gallagher’s Farm Market & Bakery
Gallagher’s is worth the trip! It is a working farm, has great produce –and also really good pies. Bring the kids and they’ll be able to visit pigs and chickens behind the barn.
Hall’s Sweet Corn
During sweet corn season, “You haven’t lived until you’ve had Hall’s sweet corn” (to quote my Dad). Hall’s doesn’t have a website, but they do have a Facebook page — when the corn comes in it is AMAZING! Go early!
Where to Stay (When Your Parents Don’t Have a Lake House)
While I’m incredibly fortunate to have my parents’ lakeside retreat as home base, I understand not everyone has that luxury. The good news? Traverse City offers accommodations for every style and budget, and honestly, some of these options might make you forget all about staying with family.
Vacation Rentals: Your Home Away From Home
VRBO and Airbnb Options
The vacation rental game in Traverse City is strong, and for good reason. Nothing beats having your own space with a kitchen to cook the farmer’s market bounty, a deck for morning coffee, and the freedom to hang out in your own space.
Inland Lakes
With over 150 inland lakes in the Traverse City area, these properties provide a more secluded experience that might be a little better for kids with families. Lakes like Silver, Long Lake, Spider, Duck, or Arbutus offer crystal-clear swimming without the crowds of the main bays. These rentals often include pontoon boats or other watercraft (if not, you can rent and have the boats and toys delivered to you), and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret paradise.
Big Water on the Bays
If you’re looking for more of a ‘big water” experience with great sunrises and sunsets, you can look for properties directly on Grand Traverse Bay. These waterfront rentals often come with private beach access, docks, and sometimes even kayaks or paddleboards included. Expect to pay premium prices during peak summer months (July-August), but it’s worth every penny for those sunrise paddles and sunset wine sessions.
I’m told that East Bay properties tend to offer better value than West Bay, with equally stunning views and often sandier beaches – perfect for families. Many of these rentals feature large decks, outdoor grills, and multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for groups looking to split costs.
Pro tip: Book early for summer stays. The best waterfront properties get snapped up by January for peak season.
Hotels: From Boutique Charm to Budget-Friendly
Boutique and Luxury Options
The Hotel Indigo downtown offers the perfect blend of modern amenities and local character. Their rooftop bar provides panoramic bay views that rival any vacation rental deck, and you’re walking distance to Front Street shopping and restaurants. The property features locally-inspired design elements and often partners with area wineries for special packages.
The Alexandra Inn is a relatively new property directly on the beach of the east bay. It has great rooms, with amazing views and a very hot roof bar.
For true luxury, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa sits on the East Bay with three golf courses (including The Bear, designed by Jack Nicklaus), multiple restaurants, and a spa.
Budget-Friendly Options
The north side of Traverse City along US-31 hosts several reliable chain hotels that won’t break the bank. Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Country Inn & Suites (Across from a great breakfast place called The Cottage) all offer clean, comfortable accommodations with pools – a nice bonus after long days in the sun.
These properties typically run $100-150 per night during peak season (compared to $300+ for waterfront options) and provide easy access to the main attractions via a short drive or bike ride.
Unique Stays
If you’re in to camping, there are a lot of options, state parks like Traverse City Sate Park, which offers both tent sites and RV spots right on East Bay. There is camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes, but you need to plan far in advance to reserve a spot. And, more my speed, there are even some “glamping” options like Silver Birch Resort Weekend
Let the WETSUing Commense!
Between the stunning accommodations options and the incredible dining scene, Traverse City provides everything needed for the perfect summer getaway. Whether you’re sipping wine on The Boathouse deck while watching sailboats drift by, sharing laughs over pizza at The Little Fleet, or starting your day with perfect coffee overlooking the bay, every moment invites you to fully embrace that WETSU spirit.
My dad’s voice echoes in my head as I write this: “Are you WETSUing??” And after a weekend of Traverse City’s perfect blend of natural beauty, incredible food, and warm hospitality, the answer is always an enthusiastic “YES, we’re definitely WETSUing!”
Pack your appetite along with your paddleboard – Traverse City is ready to feed both your soul and your stomach. And, once you experience one weekend in Traverse City, something tells me you’ll be back.
WETSU! WETSU!
XO JT
