Bob's Guide to Enjoying TC Like a Local!

I'm glad we've connected! As a 3rd generation Traverse City native, I'm excited to share my personally curated guide to help you to discover my favorite local places to eat, drink, shop & experience. Enjoy!
Downtown Traverse City

🍽 Dining
Most local options close by 9pm. Late night food options: Mode's Bum Steer, Lil Bo's
Tip: Make reservations for weekends and summer months as early as possible

🅿️ Parking 
Downtown and surrounding streets have metered parking and are strictly enforced (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm)
*FREE parking on Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, & Christmas Day

🚻 Public Restrooms (map)

🚲 TART Trails (maps)
A network of multi-use trails in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties as well as a cross-town bike route

⛱️ Clinch Park
Metered parking
Splash Pad turns off at 6pm

🚗 Transportation
Traverse City has both Lyft and Uber as well as various local taxi companies

MY LOCAL FAVORITES

Seasonally driven breakfast menu - Sugar 2 Salt

Food

Apache Trout Grill

Waterfront restaurant/bar
13671 S West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City
(231) 947-7079
Local's tip: Enjoyable outdoor bayfront bar. Beautiful views of W. Grand Traverse Bay.

Artisan

Fine dining restaurant
615 E Front St, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: Waterfront seating. Great cocktails and wonderful food.

Charles and Reid Detroit Pizza

Pizza, salads & sandwiches. Beer & wine to go
113 E. State Street, Traverse City
(231) 252-3497 (website)
Local's tip: They have a great $7 beer & slice Lunch Special!

Cousin Jenny’s Cornish Pasties

Family restaurant
222 E State St, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: The Pasties are delicious!

Modes Bum Steer

Steakhouse
125 E State St, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: Delicious steak downtown TC. Open late.

Poppycocks

New American restaurant
128 E Front St, Traverse City
WHAT TO TRY: Their tomato soup is the best ever!

Red Ginger

Asian cuisine & sushi
237 E Front St, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: The Thai Curry is to die for! Don't miss the Dragon Wings!

The Burrow

California-inspired restaurant
12930 S W Bayshore Dr, Traverse City

The Omelette Shoppe

Breakfast & brunch restaurant
124 Cass St, Traverse City
WHY I RECOMMEND: Every kind of omelette you can imagine. Don't miss the Pecan Rolls!
Craft Cocktails - Mammoth Distilling

Drink

Bonobo Winery

Old Mission Peninsula Winery
12011 Center Rd, Traverse City

Left Foot Charley

Urban winery & tasting room
806 Red Dr Suite #100, Traverse City
(website)
Local's tip: Great patio. Try the Cinnamon Girl cider. Delish!

Mundos 305

Coffee bar
305 W Front St, Traverse City
(website)
Local's tip: Try the Cheddar Lime Hash Burrito!

North Bar TC

TC’s only year round rooftop lounge
160 E Front St, Traverse City
(menu)
Local's tip: Great place to watch sports

The Parlor

Craft cocktails, wine, MI beers & food
205 Lake Ave., Traverse City
(menu)(website)
Locals Tip: TC's best Happy Hour. 1/2 OFF Cocktails 4-6pm. Live music Thurs, Fri, Sat
Scenic Drive - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Things to Do

Clinch Park

Beach, splash pad, restrooms, cafe & more
161 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City
Local's Tip: Great place to enjoy a beautiful sunrise

Sara Hardy Farmers Market

Local produce, baked goods, flowers & more
Parking Lot B, Corner of E Grandview Pkwy @ Cass St, Traverse City
Local's tip: Open Saturdays 730am-12pm(May-Oct) & Wednesdays 8am-12pm(June-Oct)

TART Trails

Network of multi-use trails
Grand Traverse & Leelanau counties

State Theatre and Bijou by the Bay

Local downtown movie theaters
Downtown Traverse City
(website)
Local's tip: Saturday 10am Kids’ Matinees(State Theatre). All tickets only $1!!!

Traverse City Beach Volleyball Courts

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri evenings reserved for
314 US-31, Traverse City

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Beaches, hiking & dunes along Lake Michigan
6748 S Dune Hwy, Glen Arbor
Local's tip: Dunes get hot. Morning climbs in Summer are best. Don't miss the Pierce Stocking scenic drive!

Veterans’ Memorial Park

Wide sandy beach, playground & sports courts
410 River St, Elk Rapids
Fresh produce & meats - Oryana

Shopping

Bay Bread Co

Local artisan bakery
601 Randolph St, Traverse City
Local's tip: If you like cheese, try the Cheddar Cheese & Onion Loaf!

Burritt’s Fresh Markets

Specialty Grocery & Meat Market
509 W Front St, Traverse City
Local's tip: Fresh seafood and great brats for the grill

Cherry Republic

Cherry products & gifts
154 E Front St, Traverse City
(website)
Local's tip: Make sure to sample the cherry salsa and BBQ sauces!

Folgarelli’s

Gourmet sandwiches, Italian market & wine
424 W Front St, Traverse City
(231) 941-7651 (menu)
Local's tip: Grab their pasta, sauce, meatballs & focaccia for a quick authentic meal!

Oryana

Organic Grocery Store and Café
260 E. 10th Street, Traverse City
(website)
Local's tip: The $5 Roasted Chickens on Wednesdays are the best in TC! Get them early!

Picnic

Gourmet market, sandwiches & ice cream
102 N Main Street, Leland
(231) 994-2169
Local's tip: Their custom charcuterie boards are perfect for the beach, boat or hike!

Sara Hardy Farmers Market

Local produce, baked goods, flowers & more
Parking Lot B, Corner of E Grandview Pkwy @ Cass St, Traverse City
Local's tip: Open Saturdays 730am-12pm(May-Oct) & Wednesdays 8am-12pm(June-Oct)

The Candle Factory

Candles & home decor
301 W Grandview Parkway, Traverse City

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Shopping, dining, tours & more
1200 W Eleventh St, Traverse City
(website)
Local's tip: Don't miss the tunnel tours.
Bike & XC ski rentals, sales & service - Brick Wheels

Services/Rentals

Brick Wheels

Bike service, sales & rentals
736 E 8th St, Traverse City

Northern MI Real Estate

Peck Island (near Drummond Island)

Vacant Land - Timberlee

Vacant Land - Traverse City

Downtown - Traverse City

Click image for property details

Interested in owning in Northern MI?
Send me an email

Don't hesitate to text me with any questions
(231) 342-3232

Want to talk real estate? Give me a call!
(231) 342-3232

Enjoy your time in Traverse City!
~ Bob