4 day itinerary for Traverse City Michigan

Itinerary

Traverse City, Michigan is a beautiful destination with plenty of activities to keep you busy for four days. Here's an ideal itinerary for your trip:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

• Arrive in Traverse City and check into your hotel or Airbnb.
• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe, a local favorite.
• Head to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a stunning natural area with sand dunes and beaches. Spend the morning hiking, swimming, or just enjoying the scenery.
• For lunch, stop by The Cherry Hut, a classic Traverse City restaurant known for its cherry pie.
• In the afternoon, explore downtown Traverse City. Visit the shops and galleries on Front Street, and take a stroll along the waterfront.
• For dinner, try The Cooks' House, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves delicious seasonal cuisine.

Day 2: Wine Tasting and Beaches

• Start your day with breakfast at Patisserie Amie, a charming French bakery in downtown Traverse City.
• Spend the morning wine tasting on the Old Mission Peninsula. There are several wineries to choose from, but some favorites include Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and 2 Lads Winery.
• For lunch, pack a picnic and head to one of the many beaches in the area. Some great options include Clinch Park Beach, Bryant Park Beach, and West End Beach.
• In the afternoon, visit the Grand Traverse Commons, a former mental asylum that has been converted into a shopping and dining destination. Take a guided tour of the historic buildings, and browse the boutiques and galleries.
• For dinner, try Trattoria Stella, an Italian restaurant that serves delicious pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures

• Start your day with breakfast at The Dish Cafe, a cozy breakfast spot in downtown Traverse City.
• Spend the morning kayaking or paddleboarding on the Boardman River. You can rent equipment from Paddle TC or The River Outfitters.
• For lunch, stop by The Little Fleet, a food truck park that serves a variety of delicious dishes.
• In the afternoon, visit the Traverse City State Park. This beautiful park has hiking trails, a beach, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
• For dinner, try Red Ginger, an Asian fusion restaurant that serves sushi, noodles, and other delicious dishes.

Day 4: Cherry Picking and Local Culture

• Start your day with breakfast at The Towne Plaza, a cozy cafe in downtown Traverse City.
• Spend the morning cherry picking at one of the many orchards in the area. Some great options include Gallagher's Farm Market, King Orchards, and Friske Orchards.
• For lunch, stop by The Filling Station Microbrewery, a casual restaurant that serves wood-fired pizzas and craft beer.
• In the afternoon, visit the Dennos Museum Center, a museum that showcases art and culture from around the world. The museum has a great collection of Native American art and artifacts.
• For dinner, try Amical, a French-inspired restaurant that serves delicious seafood and steak dishes.

I hope this itinerary gives you some ideas for your trip to Traverse City!