Cherries, Cheers, and Charm
The ultimate guide for first-time visitors, from arrival to departure.
A start-to-finish guide is designed to help first-time visitors experience the absolute best of Northern Michigan with ease and confidence. Whether you are drawn by the crystal-clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay, a vibrant downtown filled with local shops and restaurants, this quick guide will walk you through what to see, and how to make the most of every moment in Traverse City—no guesswork required.
Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Charm
Morning:
Land at Cherry Capital Airport and grab a coffee at Mundo’s before checking in to the Alexandra Inn, your cozy home base for the next few days. Explore the quaint Inn and it is sunny beach.
Afternoon:
Head to Little Fleet for lunch as they have all the options and atmosphere then wander downtown Traverse City taking in the shops and downtown area.
Evening:
Dinner at Modern Bird or award winning The Cooks’ House for a taste of Northern Michigan cuisine followed by a sunset cruise around Grand Traverse Bay.
Day 3: Local Flavors & Farewell
Morning:
Grab souvenirs from the lobby Market before checking out of the hotel. Go downtown to the Sara Hardy Farmers Market for fresh produce and local goodies before heading over to The Village ay Traverse City Commons for brunch at Red Spire and a stroll through the halls to take in the history of the buildings and visit the shops.
Day 2: Dunes, Kayaking and Live Music
Morning:
Head down to the Café in the lobby of the Alexandra Inn for hot coffee before the short drive over to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Spend the morning exploring the dunes and walking trails.
Optional: scenic drive along M-22 to see rolling vineyards and coastline.
Afternoon:
Kayak or paddle board down the Boardman River or along Grand Traverse Bay. Rental options are found all across town.
Evening:
It is a beautiful Monday night so that means live music at Blush Rooftop Terrace. Sip a cocktail, eat a delicious meal prepared with local ingredients, soak in bay views, and unwind from your day. Head to the beach after for a bonfire by the bay. Do not forget the cookies!
Notes for Next time: Do not forget your fishing gear! The next meal you eat at Blush could be the very fish you caught that day with the Michigan Catch to Cook partnership with Reel Addiction Sport Fishing.
By the time it is time to head back to Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City no longer feels like a destination you simply visited—it feels like a place you connected with. Whether you are already planning your return or simply savoring the memories, Traverse City has a way of leaving first-time visitors with the same thought: this will not be your last visit to Northern Michigan.