Grace’s Guidebook
Food scene
This is a great East Side restaurant (10 minutes from Chandler Cove)! They have a nice outdoor beer garden and a rustic indoor vibe! Great drinks and awesome food. They also offer winter igloos!
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hopscotch Brick Oven and Taproom
2032 US-31This is a great East Side restaurant (10 minutes from Chandler Cove)! They have a nice outdoor beer garden and a rustic indoor vibe! Great drinks and awesome food. They also offer winter igloos!
This is our little secret so consider yourself lucky! It's the best hole in the wall breakfast and lunch place right downtown!
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Traverse Bay Café
810 E Front StThis is our little secret so consider yourself lucky! It's the best hole in the wall breakfast and lunch place right downtown!
This is our favorite Leland lunch spot. We recommend calling ahead as the secret is out and this place is BUSY! Paying with cash is always easiest. Closed for winter.
58 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Village Cheese Shanty
199 W River StThis is our favorite Leland lunch spot. We recommend calling ahead as the secret is out and this place is BUSY! Paying with cash is always easiest. Closed for winter.
Another favorite sandwich shop in the Empire area! We recommend packing these sandwiches for a dune picnic or beach lunch!
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Shipwreck Cafe
11691 S Lacore RdAnother favorite sandwich shop in the Empire area! We recommend packing these sandwiches for a dune picnic or beach lunch!
If you're exploring Leelanau county, definitely make time to check out Glen Arbor area. Make plans with Crystal River Outfitters for all your outdoor adventure dreams, including paddling, biking, and more.
Seasonal only.
43 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District
6249 River RdIf you're exploring Leelanau county, definitely make time to check out Glen Arbor area. Make plans with Crystal River Outfitters for all your outdoor adventure dreams, including paddling, biking, and more.
Seasonal only.
The best local bar and food. Little fleet features an open air bar and a food truck court so you’ll find something for everyone - and it’s right downtown!
172 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Little Fleet
448 E Front StThe best local bar and food. Little fleet features an open air bar and a food truck court so you’ll find something for everyone - and it’s right downtown!
Head to one of the newest area hot spots for farm to table far, local brews, and great views right off the Tart Trail in Leelanau.
89 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Farm Club
10051 Lake Leelanau DriveHead to one of the newest area hot spots for farm to table far, local brews, and great views right off the Tart Trail in Leelanau.
A local family favorite! A family farm turned into a outdoor restaurant, brewery, and live music paradise. Rooms for kids and dogs to play, great pizza, and lots of seasonal activities including u-pick orchards and fall hay rides and corn mazes. Closed for winter.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jacob's Corn Maze
Michigan 72A local family favorite! A family farm turned into a outdoor restaurant, brewery, and live music paradise. Rooms for kids and dogs to play, great pizza, and lots of seasonal activities including u-pick orchards and fall hay rides and corn mazes. Closed for winter.
Hopscotch Brick Oven and Taproom
2032 US-31Live music in the summer, room for kids to run and play, access from the tart trail, and igloos and bonfires in the winter!
116 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hop Lot Brewing Company
658 S W Bay Shore DrLive music in the summer, room for kids to run and play, access from the tart trail, and igloos and bonfires in the winter!
North Bar
Awesome view downtown! We’ve brought our kids here for lunch!
West End Tavern
12719 S W Bay Shore DrOur favorite bay view restaurant.
Shopping
Suhm Thing
153 East Front StreetAnother local favorite with gifts for everyone.
The Warren Collective
106 North Main StreetRoth Shirt Co
Sightseeing & Hiking
If you're a history nerd, don't miss this place! It was the Old State Hospital and the buildings are being renovated to house local shops, restaurants, and condos. We recommend scheduling a tour of the barns or tunnels! The history is amazing!
130 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
1200 W Eleventh StIf you're a history nerd, don't miss this place! It was the Old State Hospital and the buildings are being renovated to house local shops, restaurants, and condos. We recommend scheduling a tour of the barns or tunnels! The history is amazing!
This is one of the most spectacular views Sleeping Bear Dunes has to offer. This is not a super easy hike so we recommend you wear comfortable shoes and take water. It's a clear path with built in steps but it's all uphill. The view is worth it!
93 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pyramid Point Trail
Basch RoadThis is one of the most spectacular views Sleeping Bear Dunes has to offer. This is not a super easy hike so we recommend you wear comfortable shoes and take water. It's a clear path with built in steps but it's all uphill. The view is worth it!
Miles of beautiful wooded trails and small lakes ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. 15 min east of the house.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sand Lakes Quiet Area
Broomhead RoadMiles of beautiful wooded trails and small lakes ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. 15 min east of the house.
A great spot for nature lovers and kids, this place features a nature center, life size birds nest for kids to play in, and miles and miles of trails along the beautiful boardman river.
Boardman River Nature Center
1450 Cass RdA great spot for nature lovers and kids, this place features a nature center, life size birds nest for kids to play in, and miles and miles of trails along the beautiful boardman river.
Another great hiking area on the boardman river and surrounding forest.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Brown Bridge Quiet Area
Brown Bridge RoadAnother great hiking area on the boardman river and surrounding forest.
This is the iconic drive through Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, pack a picnic, and bring your camera. Check out the National Park website for the current daily entrance fee.
66 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Entrance
South Dune HighwayThis is the iconic drive through Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, pack a picnic, and bring your camera. Check out the National Park website for the current daily entrance fee.
Empire Bluff Trailhead
Empire Bluff TrailSecret Garden at Brys Estate
3309 Blue Water RdA beautiful lavender garden!
You can’t get more northern michigan than a float down the platte river!
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sleeping Bear Dunes-Platte River Campground
5685 Lake Michigan RdYou can’t get more northern michigan than a float down the platte river!
City/town information
We highly recommend taking a day to your Leelanau and especially this historic fishing village. Bonus: call in your lunch order to The Cheese Shanty for the best sandwiches!
145 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Leland
We highly recommend taking a day to your Leelanau and especially this historic fishing village. Bonus: call in your lunch order to The Cheese Shanty for the best sandwiches!
Another little Northern MI small town gem. This historic town is at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula and features several great shops, restaurants, and Leelanau State Park which is great for dune hikes!
39 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Northport
Another little Northern MI small town gem. This historic town is at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula and features several great shops, restaurants, and Leelanau State Park which is great for dune hikes!
Elk Rapids is a quaint little beach town just 30 minutes East of Chandler Cover. It has several great restaurants, wineries, and beautiful lakes to explore.
53 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Elk Rapids
Elk Rapids is a quaint little beach town just 30 minutes East of Chandler Cover. It has several great restaurants, wineries, and beautiful lakes to explore.
Beer & Wine
Rove is our favorite local winery. It's close to town, family friendly, authentic, and they have THE best wines. Make sure to check their facebook page for their live music schedule and enjoy a glass on the patio watching the most amazing sunsets.
41 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rove Estate Tasting Room and Vineyard
7007 E Traverse HwyRove is our favorite local winery. It's close to town, family friendly, authentic, and they have THE best wines. Make sure to check their facebook page for their live music schedule and enjoy a glass on the patio watching the most amazing sunsets.
Dune Bird is Leelanau's newest winery and becoming one of the best! They have a unique, newly renovated tasting room, beautiful grounds, AND a coffee bar. They're family friendly too!
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Dune Bird Winery
5620 North Manitou TrailDune Bird is Leelanau's newest winery and becoming one of the best! They have a unique, newly renovated tasting room, beautiful grounds, AND a coffee bar. They're family friendly too!
Bonobo is where my Northern MI journey began and holds a special place in my heart! It's another family owned winery with great wine and stunning views over West Bay. Sunset here is not to be missed.
70 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bonobo Winery
12011 Center RdBonobo is where my Northern MI journey began and holds a special place in my heart! It's another family owned winery with great wine and stunning views over West Bay. Sunset here is not to be missed.
We love the relaxed feel of this winery. They've got a huge variety of wines so you'll find something for everyone - plus a wine pup!
44 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
2896 Bowers Harbor RdWe love the relaxed feel of this winery. They've got a huge variety of wines so you'll find something for everyone - plus a wine pup!
This is a must-visit if you're on the winery scene. It's a historic old school house with lots of Insta worthy scenes and great wine!
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Peninsula Cellars
11480 Center RdThis is a must-visit if you're on the winery scene. It's a historic old school house with lots of Insta worthy scenes and great wine!
This winery is on the Leelanau Peninsula and has a rustic vibe. They're wines are spectacular!
41 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
45 North Vineyard & Winery
8580 E Horn RdThis winery is on the Leelanau Peninsula and has a rustic vibe. They're wines are spectacular!
This cidery has incredible views of Lake Michigan, a gorgeous patio, and delicious ciders!
37 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Suttons Bay Ciders
10530 E Hilltop RdThis cidery has incredible views of Lake Michigan, a gorgeous patio, and delicious ciders!
A beautiful beer garden in Leelanau county along scenic M-22. This is a great place for families! They feature live music, yard games, lots of outdoor seating, great food, and they're even accessible by bike from the Tart Trail!
116 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hop Lot Brewing Company
658 S W Bay Shore DrA beautiful beer garden in Leelanau county along scenic M-22. This is a great place for families! They feature live music, yard games, lots of outdoor seating, great food, and they're even accessible by bike from the Tart Trail!
This is such a fun little bar that features mead and cyzer. It's a small space with a hippie vibe, board games, and usually a local musician.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Acoustic Tap Room
17140 S Maple StThis is such a fun little bar that features mead and cyzer. It's a small space with a hippie vibe, board games, and usually a local musician.
This brewery is within 10 minutes of Chandler Cove so if you're looking for something nearby and new - check it out!
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Stone Hound Brewing Company
3593 Bunker Hill RoadThis brewery is within 10 minutes of Chandler Cove so if you're looking for something nearby and new - check it out!
Mammoth is one of our favorite local distilleries and has the best vibe to go with it!
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mammoth Distilling
221 Garland StMammoth is one of our favorite local distilleries and has the best vibe to go with it!
A local brewery with industrial vibes in the heart of the warehouse district.
55 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Workshop Brewing Company
221 Garland StA local brewery with industrial vibes in the heart of the warehouse district.
Another great family friendly option featuring great beer, live music, and awesome takeout pizza next door.
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lake Ann Brewing Company
6535 First StAnother great family friendly option featuring great beer, live music, and awesome takeout pizza next door.
The Magic Shuttle Bus
10850 East Traverse HighwayBrys Estate Vineyard & Winery
3309 Blue Water RdRecreation & Rentals
This is one of our recommendations for local boat rentals!
Please note, we do not recommend jet skis on our lake to it's shape and size. Spider Lake and Arbutus lake are 5 minutes from Chandler Cove and have public launches and are great for jet skis!
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
TC Watersports
1773 US-31This is one of our recommendations for local boat rentals!
Please note, we do not recommend jet skis on our lake to it's shape and size. Spider Lake and Arbutus lake are 5 minutes from Chandler Cove and have public launches and are great for jet skis!
This is another great boat rental company. Please note, we do not recommend jet skis on our lake to it's shape and size. Spider Lake and Arbutus lake are 5 minutes from Chandler Cove and have public launches and are great for jet skis!
Shores Condominiums - Blue Sky Rentals
This is another great boat rental company. Please note, we do not recommend jet skis on our lake to it's shape and size. Spider Lake and Arbutus lake are 5 minutes from Chandler Cove and have public launches and are great for jet skis!
This is another great boat rental option. Please note, we do not recommend jet skis on our lake to it's shape and size. Spider Lake and Arbutus lake are 5 minutes from Chandler Cove and have public launches and are great for jet skis!
Sunset Watersports at Bayshore Resort
833 East Front StreetThis is another great boat rental option. Please note, we do not recommend jet skis on our lake to it's shape and size. Spider Lake and Arbutus lake are 5 minutes from Chandler Cove and have public launches and are great for jet skis!
This is your host! Grace has worked with visiting families for 6 years now, capturing their adventures and the special time of just being together. She offers sessions throughout the prime Northern MI locations, as well as a special Chandler Cove session available only to our guests. Please inquire for more info! Grace often books out weeks ahead of time, so please inquire asap if you know you'd to book a session.
Captured by Grace Photography
1485 Barlow StreetThis is your host! Grace has worked with visiting families for 6 years now, capturing their adventures and the special time of just being together. She offers sessions throughout the prime Northern MI locations, as well as a special Chandler Cove session available only to our guests. Please inquire for more info! Grace often books out weeks ahead of time, so please inquire asap if you know you'd to book a session.
Dharamsala on Front
319 East Front StreetOur favorite yoga studio with bay views and a downtown location!
We love this place for kiddos! It's a discovery, hands on museum that highlights all the special things about Traverse City! If you have littles, don't miss it!
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Great Lakes Children's Museum
13240 S W Bay Shore DrWe love this place for kiddos! It's a discovery, hands on museum that highlights all the special things about Traverse City! If you have littles, don't miss it!
We love this park for visitors of all kinds. It's got the most popular beach in TC within walking distance to downtown's Front St and all the shopping and restaurants. The park also features an awesome splash pad for kids, kayak and paddle board rentals, snacks and drinks, bathrooms, and lots of places to picnic and enjoy the views in the Open Space.
89 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Clinch Park
111 E Grandview PkwyWe love this park for visitors of all kinds. It's got the most popular beach in TC within walking distance to downtown's Front St and all the shopping and restaurants. The park also features an awesome splash pad for kids, kayak and paddle board rentals, snacks and drinks, bathrooms, and lots of places to picnic and enjoy the views in the Open Space.
This is another favorite spot for groups with kiddos. The Butterfly house has bugs of all kinds and lots of a whole butterfly room! It's amazing and you'll find something new every time you go!
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
GT Butterfly House & Bug Zoo
8840 M-72This is another favorite spot for groups with kiddos. The Butterfly house has bugs of all kinds and lots of a whole butterfly room! It's amazing and you'll find something new every time you go!
A great local farm market and U-Pick cherry orchard!
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
GALLAGHER'S FARM MARKET AND BAKERY
7237 E Traverse HwyA great local farm market and U-Pick cherry orchard!
Wunsch Farms
16888 Wunsch Roadhttps://www.cherryupick.com/
A great u-pick cherry orchard on Old Mission Peninsula
Blueberry U-pick and delicious ice cream on Old Mission Peninsula
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Buchan's Blueberry Hill
1472 Nelson RdBlueberry U-pick and delicious ice cream on Old Mission Peninsula
Hop on the tart trail near the house at 3 mile rd and bike it all the way to Suttons Bay! It’s a beautiful trail for walking, running, and biking with access points from Williamsburg on the East side, through downtown, and along the Leelanau countryside to Suttons Bay. You can even access several wineries and breweries right from the trail!
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tart Trails Inc
148 E Front StHop on the tart trail near the house at 3 mile rd and bike it all the way to Suttons Bay! It’s a beautiful trail for walking, running, and biking with access points from Williamsburg on the East side, through downtown, and along the Leelanau countryside to Suttons Bay. You can even access several wineries and breweries right from the trail!
Paddle TC
199 E Grandview PkwyTimberlee hills
10484 S Timberlee DrMemories Traverse City Rental LLC
A fun, hands on experience for all ages!
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center
232 N Michigan AveA fun, hands on experience for all ages!
ClaySpace TC
Perfect for group events or rainy days!
Arts for All of Northern Michigan
Coffee
Our favorite coffee shop! It's modern and great for remote workers with lots of room to spread out. They roast all their own beans and have a great lunch menu - perfect for coffee snobs!
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mundos Roasting & Co.
1238 Boon StOur favorite coffee shop! It's modern and great for remote workers with lots of room to spread out. They roast all their own beans and have a great lunch menu - perfect for coffee snobs!
Hexenbelle
144 Hall StEspresso Bay
202 E Front StA TC classic in the heart of downtown.
We recommend this place for wine, but they’re also the newest on the coffee scene in Northern MI! About 45 min from the house.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Dune Bird Winery
5620 North Manitou TrailWe recommend this place for wine, but they’re also the newest on the coffee scene in Northern MI! About 45 min from the house.