Leelanau County & Traverse City Michigan Travel Guide
A guide to shopping, restaurants, sightseeing, beaching, hiking in the Leelanau Peninsula of MichiganI grew up in Suttons Bay until I was 12 years old, and have lived in many places since. Leelanau County/Traverse City is and always will be my favorite place on earth. The crystal clear water, sandy beaches, amazing restaurants, insane views, snow, fall colors, cherry blossoms in the spring- it has everything that I need to be completely content.
Below are some of my favorite beaches, restaurants, hikes, stores, etc. The ones listed in pink are places that I’ve been going to since I was a child. The black ones are newer places that are now added to my list of favorites.
I hope this guide helps you have the best time in the most magical place on earth! 💖
Restaurants
Apache Trout Grill - fun vibe, waterfront, patio
Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop- chic market, specialty items, BEST sandwiches for a good price. Try The Rachel & The Bray! Good for picnics.
Farm Club- bike here via the TART Trail, great food & views & beer if you’re into that ;)
Poppycocks- downtown TC, DELICIOUS food! The free poppyseed rolls are everything!
Grand Traverse Pie Company- has grown into a full company since I was a kid. Cherry Crumb Pie & Peninsula Apple Crumb are my faves.
The Chef’s In- Delicious sandwiches. I like the Turkey Sandpiper.
Potter’s Bakery- Words can’t describe the love I have for this Bakery! I love the frosted designed cookies and butternut donut holes.
Amical- chic French restaurant- everything is perfection!
Nittolo’s Little Italy- new customer, delicious apps, pastas, pizzas, and also a patio. Downtown TC. I got fried fresh mozzarella, truffle fries, and mushroom ravioli.
Boathouse Restaurant- restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula on the water. Gorgeous views and higher-end dining.
Shopping
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- this used to be a state hospital that’s been turned into condos and shops/dining. Very fun!
M22- great store for m22 apparel
Golden Shoes- I’ve been going here since I was a kid. Best shoe store in Michigan!
Visit Michigan- GREAT Michigan/Traverse apparel & gifts.
Toy Harbor- fun toy store. My mom used to take me here on my birthday to pick out a present for myself.
American Spoon- GORGEOUS selections of jams, preserves, mixes!
Becky Thatcher Jewelry- local jewelry store. Lots of different stones, including Petoskey stones.
Ella’s- Love Love LOVE this store. Chic clothes, accessories, and furniture.
l.a. cool- Very cute clothes & accessories.
Horizon Books- been around forever. Great place to buy your beach read!
Fustini’s Olive Oil & Vinegar- really fun to go in and taste all of the oils and vinegars. Big selection!
Activities
State Theatre- a memorable place to watch a movie. Gorgeous!
Dennos Museum- my mom used to take me here for entertainment. There was a great kids interactive area.
Paddle TC- great place to rent kayaks, paddle boards, bikes, etc.
Clinch Park- large beach in Traverse with concessions, bathrooms, a splash pad, and a marina.
Mission Point Lighthouse- visit the lighthouse, views, beach, and trails!
West End Beach- smaller beach in Traverse with SANDY beach, clear water, parking & bathrooms.
Front Street Shopping & Eating- Front Street is full of cute shops & restaurants- definitely a MUST!
Traverse City
Suttons Bay
Restaurants
Roman Wheel- my introduction to pizza. It’s my favorite pizza place ever. Greasy & delicious pepperoni pizza with fluffy bubbly crust. Crazy parmesan breadsticks and I always get the Italian sub with extra Italian dressing on the side.
Boone’s- cozy restaurant in Suttons Bay. I always get a burger and onion rings.
Hop Lot- very fun outdoor setting tucked between pine trees. Good food and also a brewery if you’re into that ;)
Murdick’s Fudge Shop- I always stop by to get some fudge while I’m here- peanut butter chocolate and salted caramel are my faves.
Scoops 22 Ice Cream Shop- this place is packed like a club in NYC in the early & later evenings. Great place to get a scoop after spending the day shopping or at the beach. BEYOND nostalgic.
Hive Coffee Co.- newer coffee place- delicious coffee!
9 Bean Rows- A bakery, café and working farm located on the site of an old Leelanau farm market that I used to visit, incredible pastries, wood-fired pizza and seasonal produce.
Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern- Northport- I used to play Pac-Man here as a kid while waiting for a table! A classic, old-school Leelanau tavern that’s been there forever. It gets packed in the summer, and they’re currently only open Monday–Thursday.
Shopping
Front Porch Gift Shop- adorable little shop full of gifts, kitchen things, and they have these delicious little caramels in the front that you have to buy a couple of handfuls of ;)
Wild Lettie- fun shop with chic local gifts.
The Painted Bird- A colorful, eclectic Suttons Bay boutique filled with clothing, jewelry, accessories, home goods, and gifts.
Enerdyne- a fun science-y toy store for kids. I camped out on the sidewalk in the 90’s for beanie babies here!
Bay Wear- I always stop by here to get a couple of sweatshirts and t-shirts- great graphics and a cute store dog.
American Spoon- GORGEOUS selections of jams, preserves, mixes!
Sporck Tile Art- A great place to pick up handmade ceramic tiles and pottery, with tons of designs inspired by Northern Michigan and the Leelanau Peninsula. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Activities
Suttons Bay Bikes- Rent an e-bike for the day and ride the TART Trail into Traverse City, stopping at Farm Club along the way!
Suttons Bay Beach & Marina, Suttons Bay
416 Front Street, Suttons Bay- a beach I grew up at. Big beach with lots of room for kids/playing. Sandy & clear water with a marina adjacent.
The Bay Theatre- quaint theatre to see a movie- I saw Titanic here in the 90’s!
Black Star Farms- When I was a kid, Black Star Farms was a huge private home with horses that I dreamed about living in. Since then, it’s been transformed into a beautiful winery, restaurant and inn!
Leland & Fishtown
Restaurants
Village Cheese Shanty- open in the later spring through summer. An adorable place to get amazing sandwiches with pretzel buns to bring to the beach!
Carlson’s Fish- I’ve always loved smelling the smoked fish all throughout fish town due to this fish shack. Stop by to get some of their smoked fish & spreads- so good!
Morning on Main- this used to be a restaurant (The Early Bird) that I went to all of the time, but recently changed ownership and names. Stopped by and had an incredible stack of pancakes with really delicious sausage.
The Cove- classic fun restaurant with a lot of character. Great views of the river with fun outdoor seating if available. I always get the Whitefish & Chips.
Dick’s Pour House, Lake Leelanau- a fun local Michigan family restaurant. Been around forever- perch baskets, good ranch, burgers, etc. Very local.
Shopping
Historic Fishtown- everything below and almost everything above is in Fishtown.
Tug Stuff- cute shop full of apparel with the Leland tugboat logo.
Find North- chic shop with fun upscale gifts, apparel, kitchen stuff, etc.
Molly’s- fun store full of trinkets.
Dam Candy Store- a kid’s dream. Candy & treats beyond belief.
Activities
Manitou Island Ferry- Take a ferry to the Manitou Islands to see historic landmarks, shipwrecks and lighthouses, or spend the day hiking and swimming!
Van’s Beach, Leland- a cute beach in Leland on Lake Michigan that is sandy.
Nedow’s Bay Beach- a smaller beach on Lake Leelanau in Leland that is warm and sandy.
Pyramid Point Trail, Maple City- popular hike for locals and tourists. A short but steep trek through the woods that leads to stunning views over Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands.
Good Harbor Beach- my ABSOLUTE favorite beach EVER! A large beach on Lake Michigan. One side dog-free, one side dog-friendly. Sandy & great for spending a day in the clear Lake Michigan water. Bon-fires at night.
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor- an activity that you need to experience at least once. Climb the massive sand dunes for sweeping views of Lake Michigan and a crazy workout, or take the scenic drive for an easier way to see the shoreline.
