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Let’s Go Up North | Northern Michigan
19
items Traverse City & the Leelanau Peninsula are an absolute dream. Here are the best of the best for a weekend Up North.
Sections
3
Where to stay
What to eat and drink
What to do
Where to stay
Downtown Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Leland, & Glen Arbor
Sweet little cottage in the woods of Leelanau. Close to downtown Traverse while still feeling secluded. Easy drive to many wineries and restaurants. Beautiful space, clean, & relaxing. Great reviews. We loved our stay & would return!
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What to eat and drink
Just trust me.
My favorite spot to work remotely Up North. Restored mill with drool-worthy interiors. Serving coffee, pastry, lunch, & wine. Must stop on M22 tour.
The Mill Glen Arbor
Part farm, part brewery, part bakery. True farm to table. Featured nationally in the NYT & Bon Appetit. Lives up to the hype in every way.
Farm Club
Serving some of the best food on Leelanau. Perfect for a late lunch or glass of wine. Chic interior, friendly service, great local food.
Gilchrist Farm
Literally my blood pressure drops every time I come here. Absolutely stunning views, the best service, and great cider. Probably my favorite spot on Leelanau. Super dog friendly as well.
Sutton’s Bay Ciders | Cidery and Tasting Room near Traverse City, MI
Romantic little French-inspired spot in downtown Suttons Bay. Perfect for a birthday or date night. Patio is magical in the summer. Menu is seasonal and local. Great vibe.
Martha's Leelanau Table
Quintessential Up North experience. Brewery in the woods. Super chill, perfect way to spend an afternoon on Leelanau. Food, beer, and cider. Tons of seating.
Hop Lot Brewing Co. - Northern Michigan Brewery & Restaurant
Chic tasting room near Lake Leelanau. Incredible views & great wine. Perfect patio in the summer but great all year.
Blustone Vineyards
A Leland institution located right in Fishtown. Get the pretzel bread. My favorite sandwich is the North Shore. High quality ingredients & perfect beach lunch. Cash only.
Village Cheese Shanty
Romantic spot serving great food right on the river. Perfect for birthdays and anniversaries. Take a stroll to Fishtown after dinner for a Lake Michigan sunset.
The Riverside Inn — Restaurant and Tavern
Did you even visit Glen Arbor if you didn’t stop at Art’s? The perfect spot for a burger and a beer post dunes. Such an Up North vibe. Cash only.
Art’s Tavern | Glen Arbor
James Beard finalist. Get the tasting menu. Small, but so charming. Make a reservation in advance.
The Cooks' House
Recently named a 2025 Top 50 restaurant in the country. Lives up the the hype.
Modern Bird
What to do
Absolutely incredible Lake Michigan views. A true Pure Michigan experience. Can’t miss. Recommended hikes: Empire Bluff, Pyramid Point, Sleeping Bear Point
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)
Rent an e-bike and ride the Tart Trail to local Leelanau wineries. Perfect way to spend an afternoon.
SUTTONS BAY BIKES
The dreamiest bookshop in the woods. Incredible selection and even more perfect vibes. Located in downtown Glen Arbor.
Cottage Book Shop
Kayak the Crystal River. Lots of rentals. Right in downtown Glen Arbor.
Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District
A Northern Michigan rite of passage. Plenty of kids and families take it on. Incredible views at the top.
Dune Climb (U.S. National Park Service)
Perfect way to spend an afternoon. Breathtaking views, rolling orchards, and plenty of wineries and farm stands. Stop for lunch at Jolly Pumpkin.
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail | Visit Michigan Wineries