Welcome to part two of the Northern Michigan travel guide. As I mentioned in my last MI post, the Traverse City area is not only beautiful, but it’s full of amazing activities and has become the perfect travel destination. Today I am going to focus on local areas just outside of Traverse City including Glen Arbor, Suttons Bay and Elk Rapids. If you travel west from Traverse City to these areas you are on Leelanau Peninsula and if you head the other direction you wind up in Elk Rapids.

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Sutton’s Bay:

Sutton’s Bay, described as “the gateway to Leelanau County” is 30-minute drive northwest from Traverse City and is the perfect little village to spend a few hours exploring. I try to make my way up there every time I’m in town to hit up a few of my favorite spots:

Marina Park – This little park is right on the lake and is the perfect spot after driving into town to give your kids a little wiggle break. There is a small playground and most importantly, you can run directly into the lake. I also read that they recently installed more than 100 feet of mobi mat which allows wheelchairs access directly to the water which is amazing.
Brain Storm – This is a great toy store specializing in “smart fun.” They have an amazing selection for such a small store and I never leave empty handed.
At Home – This tiny home goods store is full of must-have gifts. The baby section is teeny tiny but extremely well-curated and I always leave with some Jelly Cat products and cute gifts for my littlest friends.
Martha’s Leelanau Table – This is one of my favorite little cafes in the area. They have a really nice selection of healthy foods – sandwiches, soup and salads.
Little Bee’s Italian Ice – This is one of my favorite dessert spots ever, but be warned, they have pretty limited hours. I was seriously distraught last time we took a drive to Sutton’s Bay (largely to go here) and they were closed!
Hop Lot – This is the perfect hangout spot. Bring your kids, parents, neighbors, friends, basically anyone to this beer garden. The patio is stunning and huge and perfect for all seasons. Although I have yet to experience this (but it’s top of my list for my next winter visit!) you can reserve an outdoor igloo for up to eight people.

Glen Arbor:

If you keep driving west, you will hit Glen Arbor. Glen Arbor is a super cute little town that I didn’t fully appreciate until recently. I always thought of it as a stopover on your way to Sleeping Bear Dunes but after spending some time downtown I realize what a vibrant village it really is.

Cherry Republic – Visit the original cherry republic location. Experience all the deliciousness spread out across multiple buildings connected by plant-lined pathways. Taste the wine, sample all the chocolate-covered cherries, visit the restaurants and then hang out in the adorable play area with your kids. Last time we were there the governor of Michigan was even giving a talk on environmental issues with was pretty cool.
Dune Dogs – I can’t say hotdogs are a staple of my diet, but I will never say no to Chicago-style hotdogs. And in Northern Michigan of all places! Grab some and enjoy this super unique outdoor eatery.

Glen Arbor Playground – This playground totally blew my mind! It’s beautifully designed, has multiple unique play areas to explore and equipment I had never seen before (like a swing for you and your kid to use simultaneously). I seriously can’t say enough about this park. Do yourself a favor and go here when you’re in the area.
Sleeping Bear Dunes – One of the key landmarks of Northern Michigan, this national park which covers over 35 miles of lakeshore, is most well-known for it’s dune climb. With a little kid in tow, we skipped the dune climb and focused on the many more kid-friendly spots. We first went to the Blacksmith Shop to see a demonstration and then parked down the street and walked out to the dunes. Once we were done exploring we did the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This 7.4 mile loop is the perfect way to experience all the different landscapes of the park without having to do extensive walking. Plus there are several scenic outlooks to hop out and take pictures.

Elk Rapids:

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I am definitely biased, but Elk Rapids is a true gem of town. My family has been going here my entire life and it’s also where I got married. In my opinion it’s the perfect example of a small village that has modernized but maintained it’s original charm.

Siren Hall – This is a must-visit restaurant in town. The design is modern and chic and the food is amazing. Siren Hall actually catered our wedding and our friends are still talking about that particular feast so I can definitely vouch for all the food.
Chef Charles – This low-key pizza spot is another safe bet if you’re in a hurry or just want a quick snack before heading to the beach or out for some winter snow activities. I’ve been going here my entire life and it always make me happy to revisit. (note- they are closed in the winter)

Public library – The Elk Rapids library is one of the best I’ve been to. It’s in the cutest little building in the marina and the selection is outstanding. The kids area is not only stacked to the rafters with books, it also has dolls, puzzles and other games so you can hang and play.
Beach – Grab some food or ice cream downtown and then walk the few blocks to the beach. It’s a nice to place to swim or kayak when the weather is warm and equally nice to stroll through in non-swimming weather. There is also a sizable playground for the kiddos.
Elk Rapids Cinema - This adorable single screen movie theater feels like you’ve stepped back in time in the very best way.
Townline Cider Works – This cider house is slightly out of town but well worth the very short drive. Set off of the main road, the view of the rolling hills below is stunning, the vibe is laidback and the cider samplers are delicious (and I say this as someone who generally does not like cider).
Maple Bay Natural Area – Another short drive out of town, this farmhouse and nature preserve has two miles of hiking trails and a short .3 mile trail down to the beach. One of my favorite hiking spots ever.