Guidebook for Traverse City

Jim
Guidebook for Traverse City

Food Scene

Located at an old train station, this place serves delicious flat bread & lots of great microbrew beers. Kayaking rental is available at this location too with easy access to Boardman lake & river.
106 locals recommend
The Filling Station Microbrewery
642 Railroad Pl
106 locals recommend
Located at an old train station, this place serves delicious flat bread & lots of great microbrew beers. Kayaking rental is available at this location too with easy access to Boardman lake & river.
Need a late night bite? This local pizzeria, (opened in 1970), is open until 3am on Friday & Saturday, and 1am all other nights. Conveniently located, super friendly staff, and really yummy food! Very short walk from the apartment. Carry-out/delivery only.
10 locals recommend
Dino's Pizza
543 E Eighth St
10 locals recommend
Need a late night bite? This local pizzeria, (opened in 1970), is open until 3am on Friday & Saturday, and 1am all other nights. Conveniently located, super friendly staff, and really yummy food! Very short walk from the apartment. Carry-out/delivery only.
Fantastic food! Quaint French bistro offers house-made pastries to go, classic brunch fare & weekend dinner service.
39 locals recommend
Patisserie Amie
39 locals recommend
Fantastic food! Quaint French bistro offers house-made pastries to go, classic brunch fare & weekend dinner service.
This American cuisine restaurant (comfort food) usually has a line waiting during lunch or dinner time in the summer months. Fun atmosphere, a good line-up of local beer.
62 locals recommend
Bubba's
428 E Front St
62 locals recommend
This American cuisine restaurant (comfort food) usually has a line waiting during lunch or dinner time in the summer months. Fun atmosphere, a good line-up of local beer.
European dining with indoor and outdoor seating, (heat lamps are on during colder months when the patio is open). This is our favorite restaurant in town, Lindsey's favorite dish is the baked acorn squash (fall dish). Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, (brunch on Sunday). Dinner time could be a wait so RSVP would be a good idea.
86 locals recommend
amical
229 E Front St
86 locals recommend
European dining with indoor and outdoor seating, (heat lamps are on during colder months when the patio is open). This is our favorite restaurant in town, Lindsey's favorite dish is the baked acorn squash (fall dish). Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, (brunch on Sunday). Dinner time could be a wait so RSVP would be a good idea.
We frequent this restaurant which has a great cocktail menu and offers a nice view of the Boardman River from the outdoor seating area. It doesn't hurt the menu is extensive, (small plates, large plates, sushi, YUM!). Definitely a date night kind of place.
53 locals recommend
Firefly Restaurant
310 N Cass St
53 locals recommend
We frequent this restaurant which has a great cocktail menu and offers a nice view of the Boardman River from the outdoor seating area. It doesn't hurt the menu is extensive, (small plates, large plates, sushi, YUM!). Definitely a date night kind of place.
Casual atmosphere with lots of seating, a large bar & good comfort food. Local Tip: There is a small outside balcony in the back with a view of the bay. The host/ess that seats you likey won't mention it, and most people are not aware of it. Ask if there is space and s/he will seat you there if the balcony is open. :)
35 locals recommend
Mackinaw Brewing Company
161 E Front St
35 locals recommend
Casual atmosphere with lots of seating, a large bar & good comfort food. Local Tip: There is a small outside balcony in the back with a view of the bay. The host/ess that seats you likey won't mention it, and most people are not aware of it. Ask if there is space and s/he will seat you there if the balcony is open. :)
Opened in 1989 this is a favorite spot for locals. Great cocktail list, and a menu with great variety, (vegetarian, vegan, & gluten free offerings are marked on the menu). Live music on Friday nights. Open until 11pm Fri-Sat, 10pm all other nights, (sometimes stays open later during the Film Festival).
72 locals recommend
Poppycocks
128 E Front St
72 locals recommend
Opened in 1989 this is a favorite spot for locals. Great cocktail list, and a menu with great variety, (vegetarian, vegan, & gluten free offerings are marked on the menu). Live music on Friday nights. Open until 11pm Fri-Sat, 10pm all other nights, (sometimes stays open later during the Film Festival).
The oldest restaurant & bar in Michigan! Sleder's has been operating continuously since 1882. A local favorite, tourists have slowly been finding this place over the years. A wide variety of American fare. Open until 10pm Mon-Thurs, 11pm Fri, midnight Sat, and 9pm Sun. Don't be surprised if you see people "Smooch the Moose!" ;)
28 locals recommend
Sleder's Family Tavern
717 Randolph St
28 locals recommend
The oldest restaurant & bar in Michigan! Sleder's has been operating continuously since 1882. A local favorite, tourists have slowly been finding this place over the years. A wide variety of American fare. Open until 10pm Mon-Thurs, 11pm Fri, midnight Sat, and 9pm Sun. Don't be surprised if you see people "Smooch the Moose!" ;)
Exceptional restaurant. Menu changes regularly using many locally grown & seasonal ingredients. Located at the old State Hospital, (an asylum), that closed in the early 90's. The hospital has since been renovated and now contains many restaurants & shops. Trattoria Stella's offers a very unique atmosphere that is hard to authentically replicate.
132 locals recommend
Trattoria Stella
830 W Eleventh St
132 locals recommend
Exceptional restaurant. Menu changes regularly using many locally grown & seasonal ingredients. Located at the old State Hospital, (an asylum), that closed in the early 90's. The hospital has since been renovated and now contains many restaurants & shops. Trattoria Stella's offers a very unique atmosphere that is hard to authentically replicate.
Upscale, chef-owned spot offers small plates of light Asian Fusion cuisine, as well as salads, main plates, & signature cocktails. Happy Hour is 3pm -5pm, (that's when we go!), during that time you get 1/2 off small plates & cocktails. Open until 11pm.
143 locals recommend
Red Ginger
237 E Front St
143 locals recommend
Upscale, chef-owned spot offers small plates of light Asian Fusion cuisine, as well as salads, main plates, & signature cocktails. Happy Hour is 3pm -5pm, (that's when we go!), during that time you get 1/2 off small plates & cocktails. Open until 11pm.
This chef-owned restaurant is all about farm-to-fork. The menu offers soups, salads, appetizers, entrees, as well as a Tasting Menu, (5 course or 7 course). Guest Chef Dinners & Cooking classes are also offered, (see their website for times, prices, and chef list). Reservations are recommended.
67 locals recommend
The Cook's House
115 Wellington St
67 locals recommend
This chef-owned restaurant is all about farm-to-fork. The menu offers soups, salads, appetizers, entrees, as well as a Tasting Menu, (5 course or 7 course). Guest Chef Dinners & Cooking classes are also offered, (see their website for times, prices, and chef list). Reservations are recommended.

Drinks & Nightlife

An open air bar with a food truck lot that features a variety of culinary offerings. The place is usually hopping in the summer & has live music on the weekends.
172 locals recommend
The Little Fleet
448 E Front St
172 locals recommend
An open air bar with a food truck lot that features a variety of culinary offerings. The place is usually hopping in the summer & has live music on the weekends.
Gay-friendly bar & dance spot featuring DJs, music videos, karaoke nights & a patio.
20 locals recommend
SideTraxx Dance Bar
520 Franklin St
20 locals recommend
Gay-friendly bar & dance spot featuring DJs, music videos, karaoke nights & a patio.
Open until 2am on Fridays & Saturdays. Rustic, beer hall–style brewpub serving an array of craft beers with global appetizers & entrees.
103 locals recommend
Rare Bird Brewpub
229 Lake Ave
103 locals recommend
Open until 2am on Fridays & Saturdays. Rustic, beer hall–style brewpub serving an array of craft beers with global appetizers & entrees.
Hip bar offering craft cocktails & American small plates in a warehouse space with exposed beams. Great atmosphere! Open until midnight.
60 locals recommend
The Parlor TC
205 Lake Ave
60 locals recommend
Hip bar offering craft cocktails & American small plates in a warehouse space with exposed beams. Great atmosphere! Open until midnight.
A local hang-out, not touristy though tourists sometimes wander in. :) This place is known for their Gyros & Greek Pizza. Very friendly staff & great prices. Expect a dive-bar atmosphere. Open until 2am.
33 locals recommend
U & I Lounge
214 E Front St
33 locals recommend
A local hang-out, not touristy though tourists sometimes wander in. :) This place is known for their Gyros & Greek Pizza. Very friendly staff & great prices. Expect a dive-bar atmosphere. Open until 2am.
Absolutely our most favorite place to go when we want to get a drink. Tucked away on the 16th St next to the Boardman Lake, it offers a huge selection of original brews, a small food menu, and a large lounge that is filled with games. Have a drink then go out for romantic walk along the lake. :)
61 locals recommend
Right Brain Brewery
225 E Sixteenth St
61 locals recommend
Absolutely our most favorite place to go when we want to get a drink. Tucked away on the 16th St next to the Boardman Lake, it offers a huge selection of original brews, a small food menu, and a large lounge that is filled with games. Have a drink then go out for romantic walk along the lake. :)
Voted One of the Best 100 Beer Bars in America by `DRAFT` magazine in 2014, 2015, & 2016! Massive international beer menu, with 46 beers on tap! Has a great food menu as well, and often features live music in the summer. Open until midnight.
74 locals recommend
7 Monks Taproom
128 S Union St
74 locals recommend
Voted One of the Best 100 Beer Bars in America by `DRAFT` magazine in 2014, 2015, & 2016! Massive international beer menu, with 46 beers on tap! Has a great food menu as well, and often features live music in the summer. Open until midnight.

Parks & Nature

Walk or bike along the scenic trail around Boardman lake.
9 locals recommend
Boardman Lake Trail
Boardman Lake Trail
9 locals recommend
Walk or bike along the scenic trail around Boardman lake.
Sandy beach, park with splash-pad, public restrooms, and quick service foods.
6 locals recommend
Duncan L Clinch Marina
111 E Grandview Pkwy
6 locals recommend
Sandy beach, park with splash-pad, public restrooms, and quick service foods.
Access to the Boardman Lake for kayaking & canoeing. Parking, public restrooms, and picnic areas available. Access to the Tart Trail for walking, running, and biking.
8 locals recommend
BLT Park & Kayak Launch
Boardman Lake Trail
8 locals recommend
Access to the Boardman Lake for kayaking & canoeing. Parking, public restrooms, and picnic areas available. Access to the Tart Trail for walking, running, and biking.
Voted "Most Beautiful Place in America" on ABC's Good Morning America. Climb the sand dunes or just take in the gorgeous views.
303 locals recommend
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 W Front St
303 locals recommend
Voted "Most Beautiful Place in America" on ABC's Good Morning America. Climb the sand dunes or just take in the gorgeous views.

Arts & Culture

Opened in 1892, the theater now hosts musical performances as well as comedy acts, book readings, and theatrical plays. This location is also a venue for the Traverse City Film Festival.
32 locals recommend
City Opera House
106 E Front St
32 locals recommend
Opened in 1892, the theater now hosts musical performances as well as comedy acts, book readings, and theatrical plays. This location is also a venue for the Traverse City Film Festival.
Historic volunteer-run theater showcases an array of classic & original performances, fall-spring. Also a venue for the Traverse City Film Festival.
29 locals recommend
Old Town Playhouse
148 E Eighth St
29 locals recommend
Historic volunteer-run theater showcases an array of classic & original performances, fall-spring. Also a venue for the Traverse City Film Festival.
Traverse Area District Library. Books, music, movie, and game rentals. Free computer use.
12 locals recommend
Traverse Area District Library
610 Woodmere Ave
12 locals recommend
Traverse Area District Library. Books, music, movie, and game rentals. Free computer use.
On permanent display is the Inuit Gallery featuring Inuit stonecut, stencil, lithograph, etching, aquatint and chine-collé prints, tapestries, sculptures and artifacts. Different exhibitions are on display throughout the year. Check the Dennos website for current installations.
30 locals recommend
Dennos Museum Center
30 locals recommend
On permanent display is the Inuit Gallery featuring Inuit stonecut, stencil, lithograph, etching, aquatint and chine-collé prints, tapestries, sculptures and artifacts. Different exhibitions are on display throughout the year. Check the Dennos website for current installations.

Essentials

Organic grocery and essentials. It has a diner and a coffee shop (Oryana Cafe).
79 locals recommend
Oryana Community Co-op
260 E Tenth St
79 locals recommend
Organic grocery and essentials. It has a diner and a coffee shop (Oryana Cafe).
Laundromat next to Tom's Food Market.
14 locals recommend
Kardes Laundry
1201 S Division St
14 locals recommend
Laundromat next to Tom's Food Market.
Everyone should know where the nearest Target is located, this is where ours is. ;)
10 locals recommend
Target
3130 W South Airport Rd
10 locals recommend
Everyone should know where the nearest Target is located, this is where ours is. ;)
Gas station next door. :) Has wine, beer (by the can or in packs, both local & national brands, cold too!), ice, kitchen essentials, snacks (or course), medicine, & ready-made sandwiches. Oh...and gas, haha.
6 locals recommend
Marathon Gas
501 E Eighth St
6 locals recommend
Gas station next door. :) Has wine, beer (by the can or in packs, both local & national brands, cold too!), ice, kitchen essentials, snacks (or course), medicine, & ready-made sandwiches. Oh...and gas, haha.
Laundromat; it's easier to find parking in the back parking lot, front parking is very limited.
12 locals recommend
Eastfield Laundry
1122 E Eighth St
12 locals recommend
Laundromat; it's easier to find parking in the back parking lot, front parking is very limited.
Chain organic grocery store. Offers a lot of local brands, which are marked with a "Local" sign on the shelves.
17 locals recommend
Lucky's Market
3587 Marketplace Cir
17 locals recommend
Chain organic grocery store. Offers a lot of local brands, which are marked with a "Local" sign on the shelves.

Entertainment & Activities

Lovely local theater operated by volunteer staff. Best movie theater popcorn you'll ever have! This theater screens international films and limited release films normally only screened in very large cities. 25 cent kids movie matinees on Saturday mornings, and cheap midnight movies on Friday nights.
105 locals recommend
State Theatre
233 E Front St
105 locals recommend
Lovely local theater operated by volunteer staff. Best movie theater popcorn you'll ever have! This theater screens international films and limited release films normally only screened in very large cities. 25 cent kids movie matinees on Saturday mornings, and cheap midnight movies on Friday nights.
Michael Moore spearheaded the renovation of this historic art house movie theater on the waterfront. Unlike the State Theater, this theater screens big block buster films. Bust just like the State Theater it is operated by a volunteer staff and has fantastic popcorn. :)
56 locals recommend
Bijou by the Bay Movie
181 E Grandview Pkwy
56 locals recommend
Michael Moore spearheaded the renovation of this historic art house movie theater on the waterfront. Unlike the State Theater, this theater screens big block buster films. Bust just like the State Theater it is operated by a volunteer staff and has fantastic popcorn. :)
New location is 346 East Front #7. Classic arcade game & pinball machine lounge. No need for quarters, all machines are set to 'free play'. Buy a pass for the day and play all you want! :) Open from noon - midnight Friday & Saturday, noon - 11pm all other days.
21 locals recommend
The Coin Slot
346 E Front St
21 locals recommend
New location is 346 East Front #7. Classic arcade game & pinball machine lounge. No need for quarters, all machines are set to 'free play'. Buy a pass for the day and play all you want! :) Open from noon - midnight Friday & Saturday, noon - 11pm all other days.
AMC chain theater. Stadium seating for all screens, IMAX is also available.
34 locals recommend
AMC CLASSIC Cherry Blossom 14
3825 Marketplace Cir
34 locals recommend
AMC chain theater. Stadium seating for all screens, IMAX is also available.
Bowling, Arcade Games, Laser Tag, and more! :) Food, various beverages, and alcohol served.
16 locals recommend
Lucky Jack's Bowling Center
1705 S Garfield Ave
16 locals recommend
Bowling, Arcade Games, Laser Tag, and more! :) Food, various beverages, and alcohol served.
Pirate's Cove is a chain park, but this is the ORIGINAL! :) Two mini golf courses, bumper boats, zip-line, rope course, go-charts, kiddie go-carts, and arcade. *Closed in the winter*.
29 locals recommend
Pirate's Cove Adventure Park
1710 US-31
29 locals recommend
Pirate's Cove is a chain park, but this is the ORIGINAL! :) Two mini golf courses, bumper boats, zip-line, rope course, go-charts, kiddie go-carts, and arcade. *Closed in the winter*.

Getting Around

Bay Area Transportation hub location. There are BATA stops all around downtown, two stops within walking distance to our building location.
8 locals recommend
Bay Area Transportation Authority
3233 Cass Rd
8 locals recommend
Bay Area Transportation hub location. There are BATA stops all around downtown, two stops within walking distance to our building location.
Bay Area Transportation hub location. There are BATA stops all around downtown, two stops within walking distance to our building location.
18 locals recommend
BATA
115 Hall St
18 locals recommend
Bay Area Transportation hub location. There are BATA stops all around downtown, two stops within walking distance to our building location.
Near-by location for bicycle rentals. Road & Mountain bike rentals include "Flat Kits".
18 locals recommend
McLain Cycle & Fitness on E. 8th St.
750 E Eighth St
18 locals recommend
Near-by location for bicycle rentals. Road & Mountain bike rentals include "Flat Kits".
Near-by location for bicycle rentals & motor scooters rentals. Lots of different types & models to choose from.
39 locals recommend
Brick Wheels
736 E Eighth St
39 locals recommend
Near-by location for bicycle rentals & motor scooters rentals. Lots of different types & models to choose from.
Lyft ride-sharing service is available in Traverse City. Just download the app to get a ride. :)
15 locals recommend
Lyft
15 locals recommend
Lyft ride-sharing service is available in Traverse City. Just download the app to get a ride. :)
Uber is a ride-sharing service is available in Traverse City. Just download the app to get a ride. :)
10 locals recommend
Uber Greenlight
1401 W North Ave
10 locals recommend
Uber is a ride-sharing service is available in Traverse City. Just download the app to get a ride. :)