1. Red Spire Brunch House
LGBTQ+ owned
Down at the old Traverse City State Hospital, beauty is therapy and so is brunch. Take your croissant French toast with a side of history at Red Spire Brunch House. Plus, a full menu of handcrafted libations? You better book your reservations now!
2. My Secret Stash
LGBTQ+ and woman-owned
This stash might be secret, but we simply must share about it! Identity flags proudly hang from the ceiling welcoming guests to this firehouse-turned-distributor of delights. My Secret Stash’s inventory ranges from astrological fragrances to locally crafted goods, to home décor and MI souvenirs. Also, the best-kept secret? Head upstairs to their garden oasis – plant queens better bring a car!
3. Higher Art Gallery
LGBTQ+ and woman-owned
Love can take you higher, but so can art! Higher Art Gallery features fun, curated, local and regional artists. It’s also the only art gallery in downtown Traverse City. Adore what you find? Take it home! In fact, all pieces in the gallery are available for sale if they’re not already spoken for.
4. Kilwins
LGBTQ+ friendly / owned
This legendary confectionery has one of its LGBTQ+ owned storefronts in Frankfort, just west of Traverse City. Here you’ll find the freshest fudge, ice cream, chocolates, and more to satisfy your sweet tooth! We’re still dreaming of the peanut butter fudge and salted caramel ice cream!
5. Rare Bird Brewpub
LGBTQ+ owned
Owners Tina and Nate came together and made a business over their mutual love of beer and birds! We loved how numerous their beer offerings were, but we were quite impressed at their selection of cocktails on tap, including the Cold Brew Martini. And don’t fret about any dietary restrictions! They have an extensive vegan and gluten-free menu.
6. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
LGBTQ+ owned
Out on Old Mission Peninsula is a winery that blends unconventionality and tradition as smoothly as a glass of their award-winning wines. We can certainly “cheers” to that!
But how can one make this an even more queer experience? Add lavender, of course! During May through November, frolic about their Secret Garden and live out your lavender latte fantasies exploring the lush 12-acre lavender farm. They even use it to craft lavender cider you can try in their tasting room! Or heck, take some home with you in the form of lavender products.
7. Hexenbelle
LGBTQ+ friendly, Palestinian owned
Our days don’t start before a cup of coffee. Hexenbelle curates not only a fully vegetarian menu but also a community haven. This Palestinian-owned cafe is the only one of its kind in Traverse City, and it proudly welcomes all walks of life into its doors.
8. Oryana Community Co-op
LGBTQ+ friendly
Just in time for Up North Pride week, Oryana proudly serves up an “LGBT” sandwich. It consists of lettuce, guacamole, bacon, and tomato on a pretzel bun. Each sandwich purchase also donates $1 to a local LGBTQ+ organization - talk about a perfect pairing! Outside of pride, we were delighted by all the vegetarian, vegan, and scrumptious grab-n-go food options!
9. MiddleCoast Brewing Company
LGBTQ+ friendly
Nothing is more delicious than allyship! An extensive menu and assortment of homebrewed libations await you every day but be sure to stop by on a Friday for their LGBTQ+ Meet and Greet nights. MiddleCoast Brewing facilitates a casual safe space for the local community to hang out, conversate, and enjoy a brew or two!
10. Up North Pride
In late September, the Northern Michigan 2SLGBTQIA+ community gathers to celebrate pride. Hosted here in Traverse City, Up North Pride is the largest participant-driven LGBTQ+ Pride March in all of Michigan.
Emceed this year by local drag king favorite Ben Eaton, and headlined by RuGirl extraordinaires Nina West and Mrs. Kasha Davis. These ladies took the lead of the community march down Front Street all the way to Open Space Park. What struck a chord in us was seeing how much the queens integrated themselves into the festivities!
We might have been from out of town, but we were welcomed with open arms to the events. From afternoon to evening, we enjoyed food trucks, drag performances, the views of Grand Traverse Bay, and a silent disco as if we were locals ourselves. The sun might have set on Up North Pride, but every day is a chance to celebrate community and inclusivity in Traverse City!
