Traverse City | Marijuana Travel Guide

Source: Patronicity.com

Downtown Traverse City is a bustling center of commerce and culture that is pedestrian friendly and filled with unexpected attractions. In addition to natural wonders like a bay, a beach, a river and a lake, downtown boasts distilleries, gastropubs, restaurants, breweries and enough independently owned shops and markets to satisfy locals and tourists alike. The City Opera House runs a full schedule of performances, the State and Bijou Theaters show everything from first-run blockbusters to obscure indie films and there are festivals and events held throughout the year. The National Cherry Festival takes place here each July and is a must-see for any summertime visitors!

Source: Old Mission Peninsula Facebook page

A visit to Traverse City would not be complete without a drive up Old Mission Peninsula. It seamlessly splits Grand Traverse Bay by jutting 19 miles into its pristine turquoise waters. At the apex of the peninsula, the beautifully restored Old Mission Lighthouse welcomes boaters heading south to Traverse from Lake Michigan. The picturesque beach surrounding the lighthouse is a fabulous place to take a swim or float thanks to the friendly shallow waters and soft sand. On the way up the peninsula visitors will pass fruit stands selling apples, plums, peaches, apricots and – of course – several varieties of sweet cherries. There are a handful of wineries that are well worth a visit and Old Mission Scenic Overlook has captivating views of both arms of the bay.

Source: The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Facebook

The grounds of the former Northern Michigan Asylum are the setting for the city’s most surprising attraction and now home to an intriguing variety of shops, restaurants, wineries and over 450 acres of preserved parkland. Take a toke and wander around the late-19^th century structures built to emulate European castles prior to popping into some of the local boutiques. Then head back outside and hit the trails that are perfect for bird watching or more intense exercise like jogging or cross-country skiing. The Commons is home to the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival, an annual bocce tournament and a weekly farmers’ market. There is usually live music on weekends that can make for a great day out with friends and family.

Source: Tallshipsailing.com

Open water is the dominant feature surrounding Traverse City and getting out on it is an essential aspect of the Northern Michigan experience. The Scout is a 38-foot cutter with teak trim that effortlessly cruises Grand Traverse Bay; food and non-alcoholic beverages are provided and if you want to bring beer or booze you are more than welcome. Pop an edible and take a dip in the clear blue waters that reach a depth of 620 feet – or simply sunbathe on the deck and watch the wind in the trees. A variety of tour options are available.

Source: TraverseCity.com

This family-owned and operated winery occupies a prime spot about half way up Old Mission Peninsula and offers gorgeous views of both sides of the bay. Established in 1974, Chateau Grand Traverse was a pioneer in Michigan’s growing wine industry and produces some fine crisp Rieslings and balanced Pinot Noirs thanks to its unique location between two bodies of water. There are tours available and the tasting room with its lovely patio is a fine spot to sip and relax. The adjacent inn is a wonderful place to spend the night and enjoy the tranquil and wooded setting.

Source: Outdoors.org

This system of trails (paved and dirt) stretches across Northern Michigan and is the best way to enjoy the gorgeous countryside and forests that surround Traverse City. There are over 100 miles of trails in the network and the stretch around town is paved, hugs both sides of the bay and includes a route through downtown. Biking, walking and jogging are the way to go in the non-winter months and when it snows the trails are perfect for cross-country skiing alongside the frozen bay or through the silent woods.

Source: Northernexpress.com

Higher Art Gallery is a contemporary gallery in an inviting space on South Union St. in downtown Traverse City. It is well curated and showcases international artists along with local Michigan art enthusiasts. Most of the pieces are oil on canvas but there are also several striking sculptures and abstract 2D art. Best of all, Higher carries pieces across all price points, including an interesting collection of smaller works and prints that won’t break the bank.

Source: RPM Yelp page

Music lovers and vinyl geeks come from all over Michigan and beyond to spend time sifting through the stacks of records at RPM. The selection spans all genres but the rock and jazz titles are particularly impressive. You could easily spend a day here simply gawking at some of the rarities in RPM’s collection. High-end and vintage stereo equipment is also for sale, as well as plenty of CDs, cassettes and even reel-to-reel recordings.

Source: Michigan Artists Gallery

This gallery recently moved into downtown Traverse from neighboring Suttons Bay and the new space is perfect for displaying all types of art from across the state. The sheer variety of work is admirable, with everything from pottery to mixed media represented. There is a notable amount of local folk art but the gallery maintains a high standard and the quality of the collection is excellent. The locally crafted furniture and some of the regional photography is stunning.

Source: Horizon Books Yelp

Horizon Books is one of those great independent bookstores that thankfully figured out how to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. Beyond the impressive collection of Michigan authors is a massive non-fiction section, works in fiction from the alternative and obscure to The New York Times best sellers and plenty of indie periodicals and magazines that you would otherwise have to drive to Detroit to enjoy. There is also a cozy café with fresh baked goods and strong coffee.

Source: TripAdvisor

Tucked into The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, Trattoria Stella exudes a sleek sophistication you might not expect to find in a relatively small resort town. The food is delicious and expertly plated, the wine list is superb (the restaurant is listed in Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America for 2018) and the staff oozes class. The meats are locally and ethically sourced and the seafood dishes are divine. Stella is the perfect spot for a romantic evening or celebratory dinner.

Source: Folgarelli’s Facebook

This Traverse City stalwart opened as Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop back in 1978 and has been keeping northern Michiganders satiated ever since. It’s an old-school deli with delicious sandwiches (over 45 options), 2000 wines in stock and some of the best gourmet food options north of Detroit. The selection of charcuterie is massive and is complemented by around 100 different cheeses. It’s the ideal shop for stocking up for a picnic by the bay.

Source: Freeo.com

“Keep Beer Curious” is the motto of this eclectic and creative brewery just south of downtown that serves up delicious, yet odd (Thai Peanut) pints brewed on site. The space is airy, there are video games and board games to enjoy while eating and drinking and there is always a good atmosphere. The food is a perfect mix of assorted grilled sausages, sandwiches and some very good poutine with Right Brain’s Northern Hawk Owl Amber Ale braised beef shoulder gravy. Do not overlook the smoked whitefish dip – it’s delectable.

Source: Foodforalliance.com

Alliance opened in 2016 and quickly established itself as one of the better restaurants in the entire state. It is hip, casual and cool and the warehouse setting creates a buzzing atmosphere. Local legend Pete Peterson (former chef of legendary Tapawingo) assisted with the creation of Alliance and his influence can be seen in the sophistication of the dishes and the way in which they highlight seasonal local ingredients, such as beets with roti, yogurt and dill or cabbage with pastrami slices, caraway and beef cheek. The cocktails are carefully curated and creative and the wine list pairs well with the elegant and inspired food.