A Food Town Built on the Water
Traverse City has quietly become one of the best food towns in the Midwest, and after years of staying, hosting, and eating our way through it, our family has a running list of favorites we point every guest toward. Whether you’re staying in one of our downtown-adjacent homes or driving in from Elk Rapids or Bellaire for the day, this is where we’d send you.
Breakfast and Coffee
Start your morning at a local coffee counter on Front Street before the crowds arrive, then grab a pastry from one of the bakeries near the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. If you’re traveling with kids, the outdoor seating around the Commons lawn gives them room to run while you finish your coffee.
Lunch on the Water
Nothing beats a lunch table with a view of West Grand Traverse Bay. Order the whitefish — it’s caught locally and shows up on menus all over town for good reason. Several waterfront spots along the Boardman River are an easy walk from the marina, so plan to stroll after you eat.
Dinner Worth Booking Ahead
Traverse City’s dinner scene leans into what the region grows and catches: Michigan cherries, Great Lakes fish, and produce from farms just outside town. Reservations fill up fast in the summer months, especially on weekends, so we always tell our guests to book a table before they book their activities.
Cherries, Wine, and a Sweet Ending
You can’t visit Traverse City without cherry pie, and a stop at a roadside stand or bakery is practically a rite of passage. Pair it with a glass of something from the Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsulas, both a short drive from town and home to dozens of wineries with lake views that rival the tasting rooms themselves.
Stay Close to All of It
Our Traverse City-area properties put you within easy reach of downtown, the bay, and both wine peninsulas, so you can spend your evenings at dinner instead of in the car. Browse our Traverse City properties and find the home base for your next food-focused trip Up North.
