Traverse City Travel Blog

Happy National Chocolate Day! This week, celebrate with heavenly chocolate treats from some of our favorite local businesses that cater to everyone’s sweet tooth. Take a page out of Willy Wonka’s book and embark on a Traverse City chocolate tour using the curated list below. 

I don’t have a culinary degree, but I do feel qualified to teach a master’s degree class on the subject of burgers. Recently, my wife and I embarked on a two-year-long effort to taste the top 22 burgers in Michigan based on a report by Thrillist. The concern at the time was that none of the burgers on the list were from Traverse City, yet this place is considered a “Foodie Town.”

After that two-year quest, we can report that many of the Thrillist burgers deserve to be on the list. Others? Not so much. At the same time, we concluded that the list was sorely lacking without important Traverse City burger joints.

Whether you’re searching for a radical lifestyle change or just looking to expand your palate, eating plant-based food is trendy, healthy, environmentally friendly, and delicious. In the past couple of years, plant-based dining options have grown exponentially in the Northern Michigan area. Not to mention, the food selection for people with other dietary restrictions has developed, as well.  

Across from the shores of Crystal Lake, just outside of the city deemed the “Cherry Capital of the World”, there lies the nationally recognized Cherry Hut – a Northern Michigan tradition since 1922. If you do the math, you’ll notice that the Cherry Hut is proudly celebrating its 100th season in business. Today, the Cherry Hut is both a restaurant serving classic American entrees and cherry-themed desserts and a retailer providing visitors with popular cherry goods and souvenirs.

With so many options, how do you choose a brewery to visit when you’re in Traverse City? Every brewery in the region has its own personality and style, and we’ve compiled a great selection for whether you're walking downtown or interested in a day trip outside of the city.

Pick a few from this list,

If you’re a visitor to the Traverse City area, you’re most likely acquainted with some of our bigger events, like Cherry Festival. But you may not know about the best time to be a foodie in Traverse City, which is indisputably Restaurant Week, which takes place from Feb. 20th until the 26th of this year.

Burgers? Check 
Steak? Check 
Sushi? Check 
Breakfast? Check 
Brewpub? Check 
Fish? Check 
Food trucks? Check 
Bar food? Check 
Vegan? Check 
Elegant? Check 
Ethnic? Check 

“If you can eat it, we can brew it.” At least that’s what Russell Springsteen of Right Brain Brewery says. 

Welcome to the second installment of Behind the Tasting Room! We are continuing our look behind the winemakers' curtain focusing on wineries and vineyards in the Traverse City region. Today's feature is covering 45 North Vineyard & Winery, enjoy a sneak peek of the future and an in-depth look at what's happening in the cellar.

Everyone loves to eat, but we all have that person in our lives who is obsessed with good food. This holiday season, you might be asking yourself: what do I give them? Well, we’ve brought together a simple list of five perfect gift ideas for food lovers. (Photo by: Idyll Farms)