Laurie’s Guidebook

Laurie
Laurie’s Guidebook

The BEST of TC's notorious FOOD SCENE

Fantastic breakfast, lunch, brunch and morning drinks in the historic Grand Traverse Commons! Reservations recommended, book online.
31 polecane przez mieszkańców
Red Spire Brunch House
Main Entrance
31 polecane przez mieszkańców
Fantastic breakfast, lunch, brunch and morning drinks in the historic Grand Traverse Commons! Reservations recommended, book online.
Another gem in the Grand Traverse Commons. Delicious tacos, tostadas, salsas.
51 polecane przez mieszkańców
Spanglish
1333 Yellow Dr
51 polecane przez mieszkańców
Another gem in the Grand Traverse Commons. Delicious tacos, tostadas, salsas.
Your diner style breakfast. Also serves cocktails, whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner!
The Original Flap Jack Shack
3980 US-31
Your diner style breakfast. Also serves cocktails, whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Grab a gobbler and some fresh fruit salad to go. Their chicken salad is amazing. Fill up your cooler for a day out!
21 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mary's Kitchen Port
539 W Front St
21 polecane przez mieszkańców
Grab a gobbler and some fresh fruit salad to go. Their chicken salad is amazing. Fill up your cooler for a day out!
Warm, griddled sandwiches and soups. Try the veggie sandwich but add chicken breast! You'll need extra napkins, but it is my favorite sandwich in town!
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The Chef's In
519 W Front St
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Warm, griddled sandwiches and soups. Try the veggie sandwich but add chicken breast! You'll need extra napkins, but it is my favorite sandwich in town!
European inspired food. Great brunch. I prefer it for breakfast and lunch. The olive twists, tomato bisque, the quiche, the coffee and desserts are top knotch! The seating is a little "cozy" but the food and outstanding service can't be beat.
86 polecane przez mieszkańców
amical
229 E Front St
86 polecane przez mieszkańców
European inspired food. Great brunch. I prefer it for breakfast and lunch. The olive twists, tomato bisque, the quiche, the coffee and desserts are top knotch! The seating is a little "cozy" but the food and outstanding service can't be beat.
A Traverse City tradition and long time favorite! This place is family owned and is always creative with their menu and craft cocktails. Fresh ingredients and inspired ideas. Cool art and mellow vibe. Local's love it here. They hand make their pasta as well. Try the tomato spinach swiss soup...you'll go back for more!
72 polecane przez mieszkańców
Poppycocks
128 E Front St
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A Traverse City tradition and long time favorite! This place is family owned and is always creative with their menu and craft cocktails. Fresh ingredients and inspired ideas. Cool art and mellow vibe. Local's love it here. They hand make their pasta as well. Try the tomato spinach swiss soup...you'll go back for more!
The street corn here is so good. These are pricier tacos, but they are paying for some serious real estate in the heart of Traverse City. Again, don't miss the street corn! Guac is pretty amazing too.
62 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mama Lu's - A Modern Day Taco Shop
149 E Front St
62 polecane przez mieszkańców
The street corn here is so good. These are pricier tacos, but they are paying for some serious real estate in the heart of Traverse City. Again, don't miss the street corn! Guac is pretty amazing too.
GRRRRREAT bar food. Totally cool dive-y scene. Classic rock, trivia. and signed photos of d -ist celebrities who have visited.
33 polecane przez mieszkańców
U & I Lounge
214 E Front St
33 polecane przez mieszkańców
GRRRRREAT bar food. Totally cool dive-y scene. Classic rock, trivia. and signed photos of d -ist celebrities who have visited.
Ah-mazing asian fusion. Upscale, metro scene. Professional staff, gorgeous, delicious food.
143 polecane przez mieszkańców
Red Ginger
237 E Front St
143 polecane przez mieszkańców
Ah-mazing asian fusion. Upscale, metro scene. Professional staff, gorgeous, delicious food.
Vietnamese food at it's freshest and finest. If they have the potstickers, splurge. They offer a limited craft cocktail selection. The Good Bowl donates $1 from each bowl to the charity of your choice on the World, National, or Local level. Beautiful!
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The Good Bowl
328 E Front St
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Vietnamese food at it's freshest and finest. If they have the potstickers, splurge. They offer a limited craft cocktail selection. The Good Bowl donates $1 from each bowl to the charity of your choice on the World, National, or Local level. Beautiful!
If you are visiting Northern Michigan for the first time, you'll want to try a pastie. Cornish heritage miners brought this food with them. Cornish wives, "Jennys" fill a savory pastry with meats and/or vegetables. Old school miners used to heat them up with the candles on their mining helmets.
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Cousin Jenny's Cornish Pasties
222 S Union St
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If you are visiting Northern Michigan for the first time, you'll want to try a pastie. Cornish heritage miners brought this food with them. Cornish wives, "Jennys" fill a savory pastry with meats and/or vegetables. Old school miners used to heat them up with the candles on their mining helmets.
At the Grand Traverse Commons, this is an absolutely gorgeous space, in the former State Hospital kitchen where the Italian food is absolutley amazing and artful. This is a special occasion restaurant as it is a bit more pricey, but so worth the splurge.
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PepeNero
700 Cottageview Dr
60 polecane przez mieszkańców
At the Grand Traverse Commons, this is an absolutely gorgeous space, in the former State Hospital kitchen where the Italian food is absolutley amazing and artful. This is a special occasion restaurant as it is a bit more pricey, but so worth the splurge.
Go here for amazing happy hour deals. This is also an amazing steak and seafood place.
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Harrington's By The Bay
13890 S W Bay Shore Dr
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Go here for amazing happy hour deals. This is also an amazing steak and seafood place.
Yummy Thai.
Thai Kitchen
1133 W South Airport Rd
Yummy Thai.
Ridiculously huge steaks. AMERICAN steak house.
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Boone's Long Lake Inn
7208 Secor Rd
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Ridiculously huge steaks. AMERICAN steak house.
Yummy fresh food and award winning beer! VERY cool scene and German biergarten style seating. Fun music and activities!
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Rare Bird Brewpub
229 Lake Ave
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Yummy fresh food and award winning beer! VERY cool scene and German biergarten style seating. Fun music and activities!
Holy Moly! Detroit Pizza is having it's moment and it isn't done better than at Charles and Reid! Dan and Kristin are awesome folks too! Don't be a square, unless your a pizza!
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Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza
113 East State Street
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Holy Moly! Detroit Pizza is having it's moment and it isn't done better than at Charles and Reid! Dan and Kristin are awesome folks too! Don't be a square, unless your a pizza!
Super yummy and affordable homemade pasta. Casual, downtown.
7 polecane przez mieszkańców
The Flying Noodle - Italian Pasta House
136 E Front St
7 polecane przez mieszkańców
Super yummy and affordable homemade pasta. Casual, downtown.
DEEEEEELICIOUS crepes! Cute shop too!
6 polecane przez mieszkańców
Millie and Pepper Creperie & General Store
120 S Union St
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DEEEEEELICIOUS crepes! Cute shop too!
The absolute premier market in town. Meats, cheeses, dips, wines, spreads, salads, deli, select groceries, sauces, etc. Fill your cooler.
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Burritt's Fresh Markets
509 W Front St
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The absolute premier market in town. Meats, cheeses, dips, wines, spreads, salads, deli, select groceries, sauces, etc. Fill your cooler.
Our natural foods co-op. Great deli and grocery items. Beer and wine. Fill your cooler for the beach!
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Oryana West
3587 Marketplace Cir
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Our natural foods co-op. Great deli and grocery items. Beer and wine. Fill your cooler for the beach!
Cool scene in a former depot. Often live music. Friendly staff. Good pizza.
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The Filling Station Microbrewery
642 Railroad Pl
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Cool scene in a former depot. Often live music. Friendly staff. Good pizza.
Delicious breads and baked goods. Yummy sandwiches.
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Common Good Bakery
537 W Fourteenth St
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Delicious breads and baked goods. Yummy sandwiches.
Nice little brunchy tasty goodness right downtown.
Archie's Social House
Nice little brunchy tasty goodness right downtown.
Truly one of the pioneers in our food scene, very special, thoughtful food from some of America's best chefs, and people! Call ahead.
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The Cook's House
115 Wellington St
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Truly one of the pioneers in our food scene, very special, thoughtful food from some of America's best chefs, and people! Call ahead.
Easygoing local deli and cafe featuring house made pasta, salads, sausages to eat in or take home.
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Raduno
545 E Eighth St
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Easygoing local deli and cafe featuring house made pasta, salads, sausages to eat in or take home.
A higher end dining experience inside the Delamar beach resort. It has a view of West Bay and very good food.
Artisan Restaurant Traverse City
A higher end dining experience inside the Delamar beach resort. It has a view of West Bay and very good food.
This location is directly across from the bay. It has a beautiful, light interior and outdoor seating. Excellent food and professional and friendly service!
The Burrow TC
This location is directly across from the bay. It has a beautiful, light interior and outdoor seating. Excellent food and professional and friendly service!
Specialty coffee shop in the hip Warehouse District. Palestinian influence- aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, vegan and dairy options.
23 polecane przez mieszkańców
Hexenbelle
144 Hall St
23 polecane przez mieszkańców
Specialty coffee shop in the hip Warehouse District. Palestinian influence- aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, vegan and dairy options.
Sichuan carry out restaurant that has almost a perfect 5 star rating. It offers food not found anywhere else in Traverse City Careful, it's spicy!
Crocodile Palace
Sichuan carry out restaurant that has almost a perfect 5 star rating. It offers food not found anywhere else in Traverse City Careful, it's spicy!
You gotta drive about 4 miles south to get the very best burgers in Traverse City. Walking in, it looks like your average 50s burger joint and soda fountain. But the records on the walls, and the music are distinctly 80s! More importantly, Chef Tim is creative and thoughtful with his menu, and offers a special item each week. He'll stop at your table and say hello. This man cares about your experience!
Bergstrom's Burgers
You gotta drive about 4 miles south to get the very best burgers in Traverse City. Walking in, it looks like your average 50s burger joint and soda fountain. But the records on the walls, and the music are distinctly 80s! More importantly, Chef Tim is creative and thoughtful with his menu, and offers a special item each week. He'll stop at your table and say hello. This man cares about your experience!
These sandwiches are ICONIC. The deli offers 100 cheeses, international foods, meats, wines, beers and pizza in downtown TC.
32 polecane przez mieszkańców
Folgarelli's Market & Wine Shop
424 W Front St
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These sandwiches are ICONIC. The deli offers 100 cheeses, international foods, meats, wines, beers and pizza in downtown TC.

Sweet Treats

Need something sweet?
Handcrafted chocolates, candies, popcorn, ice cream. It all started in this location...hundreds of stores worldwide now! I love the fancy caramel apples and the pretzel sticks!
6 polecane przez mieszkańców
Kilwins Chocolates
129 E Front St
6 polecane przez mieszkańców
Handcrafted chocolates, candies, popcorn, ice cream. It all started in this location...hundreds of stores worldwide now! I love the fancy caramel apples and the pretzel sticks!
Look over the dairy farm as you eat their nationally recognized ice cream with lots of flavors daily. Prepare for a line though!
86 polecane przez mieszkańców
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
7263 N Long Lake Rd
86 polecane przez mieszkańców
Look over the dairy farm as you eat their nationally recognized ice cream with lots of flavors daily. Prepare for a line though!
Traverse City Tradition and iconic figure, a block from the Bay and next to the dog park. What could be better!?! Get a turtle, but with butterscotch instead of caramel. Promise.
9 polecane przez mieszkańców
Dairy Lodge
405 N Division St
9 polecane przez mieszkańców
Traverse City Tradition and iconic figure, a block from the Bay and next to the dog park. What could be better!?! Get a turtle, but with butterscotch instead of caramel. Promise.
This is a fantastic European bistro, but I love to go here for coffee and to pick something from their beautiful dessert case.
86 polecane przez mieszkańców
amical
229 E Front St
86 polecane przez mieszkańców
This is a fantastic European bistro, but I love to go here for coffee and to pick something from their beautiful dessert case.
A local tradition! Pick something from their beautiful dessert case!
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Poppycocks
128 E Front St
72 polecane przez mieszkańców
A local tradition! Pick something from their beautiful dessert case!
It's like Subway for donuts! Create your own tasty treat!
13 polecane przez mieszkańców
Peace Love and Little Donuts of Traverse City
441 E Front St
13 polecane przez mieszkańców
It's like Subway for donuts! Create your own tasty treat!
Another nationally celebrated spot that started right here in Traverse City. They make absolutely fantastic pies, turnovers, pot pies and quiche!
34 polecane przez mieszkańców
Grand Traverse Pie Company
525 W Front St
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Another nationally celebrated spot that started right here in Traverse City. They make absolutely fantastic pies, turnovers, pot pies and quiche!

Bars and Breweries

TC has a great bar scene, lots of live music options and some dance/nightclub options. We run the gamut from cool dive bars, to fantastic, hand crafted cocktails! Something for everyone..
Award winning beer and cocktails! German style biergarten.
103 polecane przez mieszkańców
Rare Bird Brewpub
229 Lake Ave
103 polecane przez mieszkańców
Award winning beer and cocktails! German style biergarten.
Our local arcade bar has pinball, skee ball and pool. 130 canned beverage options, outdoor area with food trucks. Super cool.
21 polecane przez mieszkańców
The Coin Slot
346 E Front St
21 polecane przez mieszkańców
Our local arcade bar has pinball, skee ball and pool. 130 canned beverage options, outdoor area with food trucks. Super cool.
Mammoth is a hiiiiigh quality local distillery where you will have your choice of locally distilled liquors that are thoughtfully mixed into amazing hand-crafted cocktails that absolutely do not disappoint! It is also situated in the newer, hip area of town called the warehouse district. Workshop brewery is next door if someone in your group prefers a local beer, or vice versa! This is almost a DO NOT MISS for me. They often have live music in both venues on weekends!
18 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mammoth Distilling
221 Garland St
18 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mammoth is a hiiiiigh quality local distillery where you will have your choice of locally distilled liquors that are thoughtfully mixed into amazing hand-crafted cocktails that absolutely do not disappoint! It is also situated in the newer, hip area of town called the warehouse district. Workshop brewery is next door if someone in your group prefers a local beer, or vice versa! This is almost a DO NOT MISS for me. They often have live music in both venues on weekends!
Local LGBTQ+, welcomes everyone. Dance Dance Dance! Sweaty! Stinky! Fun!
20 polecane przez mieszkańców
SideTraxx Dance Bar
520 Franklin St
20 polecane przez mieszkańców
Local LGBTQ+, welcomes everyone. Dance Dance Dance! Sweaty! Stinky! Fun!
Cool, dive-y bar in the heart of downtown. Features signed photos of d-list celebrities from 30+ years ago. Strong cheap drinks.
33 polecane przez mieszkańców
U & I Lounge
214 E Front St
33 polecane przez mieszkańców
Cool, dive-y bar in the heart of downtown. Features signed photos of d-list celebrities from 30+ years ago. Strong cheap drinks.
The Top of the Park has the very best views of West Bay and Traverse City. They make a some serious martinis!
19 polecane przez mieszkańców
Park Place Hotel and Conference Center
300 E State St
19 polecane przez mieszkańców
The Top of the Park has the very best views of West Bay and Traverse City. They make a some serious martinis!
Old timey bar with top knotch craft cocktails!
60 polecane przez mieszkańców
The Parlor TC
205 Lake Ave
60 polecane przez mieszkańców
Old timey bar with top knotch craft cocktails!
A ridiculous number of taps. So many beers and ciders, etc. And, good food.
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7 Monks Taproom
128 S Union St
74 polecane przez mieszkańców
A ridiculous number of taps. So many beers and ciders, etc. And, good food.
This is our old, small, Irish bar. Bar food, a couple pool tables, and cheap drinks.
14 polecane przez mieszkańców
Brady's Bar
401 S Union St
14 polecane przez mieszkańców
This is our old, small, Irish bar. Bar food, a couple pool tables, and cheap drinks.
Lively, underground Irish bar with pool and live music. Party and dance!
27 polecane przez mieszkańców
Kilkennys Irish Public House
400 W Front St
27 polecane przez mieszkańców
Lively, underground Irish bar with pool and live music. Party and dance!
Rooftop cocktails in the absolute center of downtown Traverse City. Sexy atmosphere.
North Bar
Rooftop cocktails in the absolute center of downtown Traverse City. Sexy atmosphere.
Local food truck lot with an attached bar that excels at craft cocktails. Cool scene, usually music or another cultural event happening. Bring your kids and dog before 9pm.
172 polecane przez mieszkańców
The Little Fleet
448 E Front St
172 polecane przez mieszkańców
Local food truck lot with an attached bar that excels at craft cocktails. Cool scene, usually music or another cultural event happening. Bring your kids and dog before 9pm.

Things to Do

Here are the things we like to do around town. Always check out the local rag, the Northern Express to be up to date on what is happening in town and all of Northern Michigan! There are many golf courses, fishing spots, kayak spots, sooooo many activities! Please ask if you need specific help!
It is a one of our National Parks National Lakeshore! You must spend some time hiking, biking or beaching here!
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 W Front St
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It is a one of our National Parks National Lakeshore! You must spend some time hiking, biking or beaching here!
Take a booze cruise on west bay! Truly a must do!
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Nauti Cat Cruises
615 E Front St
28 polecane przez mieszkańców
Take a booze cruise on west bay! Truly a must do!
This is one of the most unique places in Northern Michigan. A former State Mental Hospital, closed in the 80's sat and deteriorated for about 20 years...until a local visionary and developer saw it's unique beauty and decided to rennovate and reinvent the space. It is now full of bustling shops, restaurants, offices, condominiums and community spaces. You can spend an entire day here. Many of my restaurant recommendations are here!
130 polecane przez mieszkańców
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
1200 W Eleventh St
130 polecane przez mieszkańców
This is one of the most unique places in Northern Michigan. A former State Mental Hospital, closed in the 80's sat and deteriorated for about 20 years...until a local visionary and developer saw it's unique beauty and decided to rennovate and reinvent the space. It is now full of bustling shops, restaurants, offices, condominiums and community spaces. You can spend an entire day here. Many of my restaurant recommendations are here!
Our trail that covers TC for bikers, rollerbladers, skaters, walkers, runners. Safe and clean.
25 polecane przez mieszkańców
Tart Trails Inc
148 E Front St
25 polecane przez mieszkańców
Our trail that covers TC for bikers, rollerbladers, skaters, walkers, runners. Safe and clean.
Saturday morning coffee and the freshest fruits, veg, meat and breads the 45th parallel has to offer seasonally. Beautiful morning bay views too!
24 polecane przez mieszkańców
Sara Hardy Farmers Market
Cass Street
24 polecane przez mieszkańców
Saturday morning coffee and the freshest fruits, veg, meat and breads the 45th parallel has to offer seasonally. Beautiful morning bay views too!
Our city beach! This stretches through downtown to the warehouse district. There is a section for families further east, the marina, the open space great for a picnic or kite flying, then the "volleyball beach" where the younger set tend to tan.
89 polecane przez mieszkańców
Clinch Park
111 E Grandview Pkwy
89 polecane przez mieszkańców
Our city beach! This stretches through downtown to the warehouse district. There is a section for families further east, the marina, the open space great for a picnic or kite flying, then the "volleyball beach" where the younger set tend to tan.
Book my Airbnb Experience at the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area! I will lead you on a hike! Message me for details. There is an extensive trail system right within our city limits! Enjoy some hiking, walking or biking through the woods, along the creek, over hill and dale!
31 polecane przez mieszkańców
Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area
Red Drive
31 polecane przez mieszkańców
Book my Airbnb Experience at the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area! I will lead you on a hike! Message me for details. There is an extensive trail system right within our city limits! Enjoy some hiking, walking or biking through the woods, along the creek, over hill and dale!
Our in town executive course is friendly, convenient and let's you knock out a round in a couple hours.
8 polecane przez mieszkańców
Bay Meadows Family Golf Course
5550 Bay Meadows Dr
8 polecane przez mieszkańców
Our in town executive course is friendly, convenient and let's you knock out a round in a couple hours.
This is the MPAA#1 rated movie theater in the United States! Home to the now formerTraverse City Film Festival , this heart of our community hosts over free events per year. If you were lucky enough to be here during the Film Festival (always the last week of July into August) you were a part of history!
105 polecane przez mieszkańców
State Theatre
233 E Front St
105 polecane przez mieszkańców
This is the MPAA#1 rated movie theater in the United States! Home to the now formerTraverse City Film Festival , this heart of our community hosts over free events per year. If you were lucky enough to be here during the Film Festival (always the last week of July into August) you were a part of history!
Rainy day? Check out our Smithsonian Affiliate museum at Northwestern Michigan College!
30 polecane przez mieszkańców
Dennos Museum Center
30 polecane przez mieszkańców
Rainy day? Check out our Smithsonian Affiliate museum at Northwestern Michigan College!
Rain or shine this is a great place to stop in! Gorgeous gifts, plants and what-not. You can build your own terrarium! Explore some of the other shops in the "warehouse district"!
10 polecane przez mieszkańców
Darling Botanical Company
144 Hall St
10 polecane przez mieszkańców
Rain or shine this is a great place to stop in! Gorgeous gifts, plants and what-not. You can build your own terrarium! Explore some of the other shops in the "warehouse district"!
This is the MPAA#1 rated movie theater in the United States! Home to the now formerTraverse City Film Festival , this heart of our community hosts over free events per year. If you were lucky enough to be here during the Film Festival (always the last week of July into August) you were a part of history!
State Theatre
This is the MPAA#1 rated movie theater in the United States! Home to the now formerTraverse City Film Festival , this heart of our community hosts over free events per year. If you were lucky enough to be here during the Film Festival (always the last week of July into August) you were a part of history!

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