Northern Communities
Discover the treasures of Northern Michigan Communities, where wine tasting pairs with stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and year-round activities. Traverse City hosts a charming downtown and provides close access to incredible outdoor recreation, including the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Nearby is the city of Glen Arbor, bustling with fun for all, with miles and miles of paved recreational trails, kayaking down the Crystal River, and incredible shopping and dining. Experience endless exploration in Ludington with over 28 miles of sandy shoreline, Michigan’s #1 salmon fishing port, and entertainment for the whole family.
Restaurants
Traverse City
Poppycocks: A New American cuisine restaurant with live jazz and a large martini menu.
Apache Trout Grill: Featuring a chic hunting lodge aesthetic, this restaurant is known for seafood & ribs, offering bayside patio dining.
Firefly: A unique and eclectic dining experience featuring small, shareable plates, sushi, and fondue.
Boathouse Restaurant: A welcoming restaurant with cottage decor & bay views serving eclectic fare, including produce from the owner’s farm.
Mama Lu's: A modern-day taco shop in a cozy space serving gourmet tacos & margaritas.
Ludington
Cafe 106: A local hidden gem serving breakfast & brunch dishes from stuffed French toast to biscuits and gravy.
Table 14: A warm atmosphere restaurant serving elevated Southern cuisine, including scallops, mussels, and fried chicken.
Jamesport Brewing Company: A welcome and rustic gastropub featuring diverse beers and hearty grub.
Chuck Wagon: A family-owned, old-school pizza nook serving sizable pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and beer & wine.
Chef John's Bakery & Cafe: Quaint eatery open for breakfast & lunch, featuring European baked goods, quiche, and sandwiches.
Glen Arbor
Blu: Upscale and chic restaurant with panoramic water views, serving New American cuisine & wine pairings.
Art's Tavern: A legendary watering hole serving American bar food and beer, offers outdoor patio seating.
Good Harbor Grill: A nautical-themed restaurant serving fresh and local American fare, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse: Located right on the water serving specialty drinks and food such as blue crab cake burgers, mussels, and other classic seafood style dishes.
Cherry Public House: A laid-back brewery serving classic pub food alongside seasonal local drafts and wines.
Pentwater
Cottage Garden Cafe: A cozy and charming dining experience with a focus on fresh, home-cooked meals in a picturesque garden setting.
Goodstuffs: Home of the Pentwater Preserves, this deli cafe is known for their homemade soups, sandwiches, and pickled products.
The Antler Bar: A rustic and welcoming establishment where locals and visitors gather to enjoy a selection of beverages and a friendly atmosphere.
Gull Landing: Premier lakeside dining destination that offers a diverse menu and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
The Village Cafe and Pub: A cozy neighborhood eatery where friends and family gather to savor delicious comfort food in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Things To Do
Traverse City
Sleeping Bear Dunes: Explore this National Lakeshore, known for its incredible dunes, beaches, and hiking & biking trails.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse: Enjoy the beauty and history while taking a tour; even climb the Lighthouse Tower for amazing views of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.
Great Wolf Lodge: Endless family fun, including an indoor waterpark, arcade, MagiQuest, and dining.
The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park: This beautiful 25-acre botanic garden offers a visitor center, workshops, and guided tours. Features a wedding venue & event space.
The State Theatre: Owned and operated by the Traverse City Film Festival, this theater provides the classic hometown movie palace experience, showing only the best new releases and independent films.
Ludington
Ludington Waterfront Park: A favorite park spot, including a playground, picnic tables, scenic pathways, restrooms, and amphitheater for summer concerts.
Ludington State Park: Featuring beautiful sand dunes, three campgrounds, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, 21 miles of hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing, paddling, & tubing.
Stearns Park: Explore the 2,500 feet of sandy shoreline, including three accessible walkways, picnic areas, concession stands, and free parking.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse: Climb to the top of this 112-foot lighthouse located at Ludington State Park. Tours are open daily in the summer from 10 am-5 pm, and Tuesday-Sunday from May 9 - October 22, 2023.
Historic White Pine Village: Take a living history, fun-filled tour of a late 19th-20th century pioneer village. Open from early May through October and takes around 2 hours to tour.
Glen Arbor
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail: Explore this hard-surfaced, non-motorized, multi-use trail that covers 27 miles. This trail is perfect for walkers, runners, cycling, rollerblading, and strollers, and is handicap accessible.
Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum: Learn about the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, U.S. Coast Guards, and Great Lakes shipping.
Cherry Republic of Glen Arbor: Shop the incredible cherry goodies from jams to salsas, enjoy cherry ice cream from the Red Box Creamery, or try a variety of unique cherry beer and wines.
Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District: Explore the beautiful Glen Arbor area via bike rentals, kayak & SUP rentals, or take a kayak trip down the Crystal River. Open year-round, offering winter rentals, including fat tire bikes, cross-country skis, and snowshoes.
Glen Arbor Wines: Relax in the vintage-style tasting room while enjoying local wines.
Pentwater
Charles Mears State Park: Enjoy the natural beauty of Pentwater by visiting Charles Mears State Park, where you can swim, sunbathe, hike, and picnic along Lake Michigan's shoreline.
Pentwater Public Beach: Spend a day at the pristine Pentwater Public Beach, known for its sandy shores and clear waters, perfect for swimming and building sandcastles.
Pentwater Pierhead Lights: Take a stroll to the iconic Pentwater Pierhead Lights, offering picturesque views of Lake Michigan and the charming village.
Pentwater Historical Society & Museum: Dive into the town's history at the Pentwater Historical Society & Museum, featuring exhibits and artifacts that showcase the area's rich heritage.
Downtown Shopping and Dining: Explore the quaint shops and dine at local eateries in Pentwater's downtown area, experiencing the town's vibrant culture and culinary delights.
