On the Road Again Traverse City

A Traverse Urban center road trip around the lower peninsula of Michigan embodies everything a route tripper could want—at that place are curvy roads that induce a desire to see around the next bend; Roadside farm stands spilling over with fresh produce; Cobalt blue water set up against a backdrop of hardwood trees fix ablaze by the changing season—to dramatic Photoshopped-looking sunsets.

I spent iv days route tripping around the lower peninsula of Michigan, the following guide will assist you go the near out of a Traverse City road trip.

TRAVERSE City Route TRIP VEHICLE: Mazda 6 Signature
Elapsing: 4 Days

Traverse City Road Trip Twenty-four hour period One – Leelanau Peninsula

Drive due north along scenic highway 22 downwards the declension of the Leelanau peninsula. The coastal road is stunning and at that place are enough of places to pull over and take in the views. Some of the pullouts even take picnic tables. Depending on the fourth dimension of day, you can certainly rearrange the order of suggestions below that all-time suits your schedule.

Tandem Ciders – If you similar hard cider, this is the identify to go. Apples come in all different types and flavors, and Tandem Ciders, has done an splendid job of capturing the splendor and diversity of the apples in their ciders. With creative and reflective apple tree cider names, such every bit Crabster, Greenish Man and Smackintosh, Tandem Ciders is making it Difficult to resist this refreshing beverage.

M Traverse Lighthouse – This is the end of the road as they say, but then worth getting out and having a expect effectually. The lighthouse is set inside the Leelanau State Park where you'll observe a number of trails, both through the woods, and along the shore. Climb to the top of the lighthouse tower for a spectacular view of Lake Michigan, Cathead Bay and Grand Traverse Bay.

Suttons Bay – On your way back to Traverse City, exist sure to stop by Sutton's Bay. This is a fantastic identify to take hold of a bite to eat, or do a piffling shopping. At that place are hiking trails nearby at Bahle Park, and the TART trail (Traverse Area Recreation & Transport) is right on the edge of boondocks, where y'all tin can bike, hike or get for a run. You'll as well observe this area is surrounded by rolling vineyards which is in the centre of Michigan wine country. One of the best ways to see Suttons Bay is on bike. The folks at Grand Traverse Bike Tours tin can show you around, or, you can rent a bike from them and explore on your own like I did.

Distance: 80 miles circular trip.
Time: 2 hours of driving; 4-5 hours for experiences. vi-7 hours total.

Encounter lodging and restaurant recommendations below.

Traverse City Road Trip Day 2 – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Driving due westward of Traverse City is a place yous'll want to spend a practiced clamper of your day, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pierce Stocking Breathtaking Drive. On your way to Sleeping Bear, you may want to stop by 1 of the cocky-serve (honor system) fruit & produce stands to selection upwardly a few snacks for the day.

Pierce Stocking – This is a one incredible breathtaking bulldoze! The vii.4-mile drive loops through a Beech and Maple forest with sand dunes and stunning lake views. There are many pullouts and overlooks of Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan, then while the drive is just over seven miles, information technology will take yous a while depending on how enamored you are. You may want to take a dune hike forth the Cottonwood Trail, or stop for a picnic at one of the many spots forth the drive. You may even want to drive the loop twice, like I did.

Glen Haven – This is a small village about five miles north of Sleeping Acquit Dunes. Established in the mid 1860s, Glen Oasis was a fueling stop for steamships that were servicing the burgeoning fruit manufacture. Today, most of the quondam buildings take been restored and put to new use. For example, the blacksmith store is an interpretive heart, the full general shop is a park concession, and the quondam cannery is at present a museum. In addition to stepping back to yesteryear, at that place are walking/biking trails and beach access.

Pyramid Signal – This is virtually a one-half-mile hike (1 mile round trip) to a panoramic view of Lake Michigan.  It's i of the best views of the waters of the Manitou Passage and the Manitou Islands, which lie v miles offshore.  For a longer hike with some extended uphill heart-pumpers, turn eastward from the dune overlook for a winding walk through some meadows and hardwood forests.

Jacob's Subcontract – On your fashion dorsum to Traverse City you may want to stop past Jacob's Farm. Depending on the time of year, they offer dissimilar activities—from a massive corn maze, to you-pick fruit. They also have fresh apple cider and a farmers market on-site.

Altitude: 67 miles circular trip.
TIME: 1.v hours of altitude driving; iv-five hours for breathtaking driving and experiences. five.5-6.5 hours total.

Traverse Urban center Road Trip Day Three – Old Mission Peninsula

Jutting out right in the heart of the M Traverse Bay is the Old Mission Peninsula. This nineteen mile long, three-mile broad peninsula divides One thousand Traverse Bay into eastward and westward bays. The Peninsula offers scenic countryside views and beautiful nature walks with a slew of orchards, vineyards and roadside produce stands. There are numerous public parks with hiking trails through nature-enriched woods, to fresh water shorelines, and local roads providing breathtaking views.

Mission Betoken Lighthouse – Drive forth M-37 to the very end of the peninsula and yous'll find a lighthouse that dates dorsum to 1870. At that place are trails to explore around the property with beach admission. Yous can also go inside and make your mode to the elevation of the lighthouse to check out the views. They likewise have an interesting plan where you can be a lighthouse keeper for a week, which I retrieve would exist a lot of fun.

Old Mission General Store – This is like stepping back in time, when penny candy was actually a penny. A milkshake was simply $.x cents, and for 70 years, the price of a Coca Cola was just a nickel and came in that iconic glass bottle. This old General Shop has been in the aforementioned family unit for ix generations and dates back to the mid-1800s. While the prices are set a market rates, y'all can still become a fresh slice of pie or a Coke out of a classic auto. No doubt you will exist enticed to take some photos, merely be warned, enquire permission beginning as the owner is quite protective of his piece of Americana.

Chateau Chantal – Even if you merely stop by the overlook at this winery and Inn, information technology's worth it. The views of the G Traverse Bay are fantastic, and then too is the winery. Time permitting; finish by for a cellar tour, tasting, or dinner and wine pairing.

Mission Table – From Chateau Chantal y'all can drive downward the western side of Old Mission Peninsula and stop by the Mission Table. This wonderful venue is located correct along the coastal road and is a cluster of venues. The Mission Table itself is a scrap of a formal farm-to-fork dining experience, whereas the Jolly Pumpkin is casual pub-style dining. They as well take an on-site brewery and spirit-making facility, along with a tasting room and event center. The food is fantastic and the large grounds with lake views match the gastro experience.

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DISTANCE: 42 miles circular trip.
Time: one.25 hours of altitude driving; iii-iv hours for scenic driving and experiences. iv-five hours full.

Traverse City Road Trip 24-hour interval Four – Explore downtown

Traverse City has a slew of things to do correct in the center of town. For the following suggestions, you lot may want to ditch the auto and rent a bike, or just walk.

The Village at K Traverse Eatables – This is a fascinating place that was in one case an asylum, but has been nether going a massive restoration process over the by couple of decades. Opened in the 1880s, this wellness facility airtight about 100 years afterwards and the compound lay in ruin for many years until a redevelopment attempt got underway in 2000. While not yet completed, the Grand Traverse Commons is a place for living, working and playing right in the eye of town.

I of the all-time ways to learn about this restorative project is by taking a historic bout. On the tour yous'll see some of the buildings that are still slated for restoration, while too going down into the bowels of the compound within a labyrinth of mysterious tunnels. Many of these well-built buildings now breathe new life, such as the old laundry facility, which is at present a boutique winery and a coffee shop. And, the sometime firehouse next door, is now 1 of many restaurants on site.

Beer Tour – Downtown Traverse City has a wonderful drove of micro breweries. Here are a few I tried and tin recommend:

• Correct Brain Brewery – As the name implies, these folks are making some very creative concoctions.
• 7 Monks – These guys are very passionate nigh beer and have carved out a niche for featuring express run, or hard-to-find beer. sixty-70% of their beers are local or from within the state of Michigan.
• Workshop Brewing – This is a really casual identify for beer purists to hang out in the heart of the warehouse district. They will not enthuse you with newfangled brews, simply rather they cull to honor the more traditional arts and crafts of beer making.
• Filling Station – Located in the historic railroad district, within an old train depot, this is a place you can enjoy small batch ales on the rails.

While I did non participate, I did run into a couple brewery tour operators, such every bit Kayak, Bike & Brew, which would be a fun way to be agile, while too trying a number of different types of beers.

Cherry Commonwealth – The lower peninsula of Michigan, including Traverse Metropolis, is well know for existence the upper-case letter of the world for ruby production. At Cherry Republic, they embrace this heritage past offering cherry-lovers hundreds of products infused with the tart picayune scarlet fruit. The storefront in downtown Traverse City is fantastic and admittedly worth a stop. They have many products available to effort-earlier-yous-buy. From salsa, cookies, sauces, jams, vino to chocolate covered cherries and beyond.

TRAVERSE CITY LODGING

When you visit Traverse City, you lot'll find an assortment of different types of lodging, from luxurious resorts, familiar hotels and boutique inns and bed & breakfasts. Here is where I stayed and would recommend:

Grand Traverse Resort – Perched upon a hill just outside of boondocks, this resort has it all! From corking accommodations (many with views), wonderful amenities such every bit golf, indoor tennis, workout facility, puddle, spa, shopping and restaurants, with some stellar fine-dining and views from the 16^th floor.

Cambria Suites – This is a familiar name with many who travel. The rooms are quite spacious and wonderfully appointed. The staff is very friendly and helpful, including post-obit upwardly via text message to make certain your stay is going okay. The lounge and restaurant are also quite good. The location is closer to downtown Traverse City and they have a free shuttle that will accept yous there so you don't have to drive and park.

Inns & B&B'southward – While I did non stay at an Inn or bed and breakfast, I did come across a couple that looked really nice. Chateau Chantal and Old Mission Inn.  I am sure there are many others in the expanse, but these are two that I actually remembered every bit I stopped by both to check them out.

TRAVERSE City RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

Aerie – If you enjoy assuming, exciting flavors from locally grown providers, paired perfectly with accompanied ingredients, you'll love Aerie. The dishes boast an international flair, while each form tin can exist paired with local or regional wine with the help of an on-site sommelier. Located on the 16^th flooring of the Grand Traverse Resort, this is one stellar eating place for fine dining. And, the views aren't likewise bad either!

7 Monks – This is sort of an upscale pub in its atmosphere and the quality of food. I had an outstanding meal that consisted of Fried Brussels Sprouts with applewood bacon and balsamic drizzle. I too had a side of sweet potato chips. I have no thought what they did to them, simply they were some of the best I've ever had. For my entrée I had the blackened Ahi tacos with cucumber and carrot slaw with a sweet chili aioli. I done this down with a Blackrocks Coconut Brown Ale.

Jolly Pumpkin – Like to 7 Monks, this too is an upscale pub, but they as well accept a brewery on-site. Fantastic condolement food from soups, salads, pizza to pasta and much more. They are located within the Mission Tabular array compound, which is a more upscale restaurant adjacent to the Jolly Pumpkin.

Filling Station – I mentioned this place under the beer establishments. If you want to go somewhere really casual with some tasty flatbread pizza or a salad paired with some cracking beer, this is the place to do information technology. The Filling Station is located nearly the shores of Boardman Lake, so after your meal be certain to accept a walk and check out the views.

If you've ever been on a Traverse City road trip before, please leave a comment beneath and share some of your favorite sights or places. Click here if you'd like to come across more photos from Traverse Urban center.

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Source: https://mikesroadtrip.com/traverse-city-road-trip-guide/

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