This blog post may contain affiliate links, which may reward me in the event of a sale. I use these funds to reinvest in my blog and to create more great content like this article to share with you! My visit to Traverse City was sponsored by Traverse City Tourism, however all thoughts & opinions are my own. Disclaimer here.
Come with my family and I as we take you through a hidden gem tour of Traverse City. Traverse City and its surrounding communities are some of the most popular destinations for people (including myself) to visit in Michigan, particularly in summer. But for a long while now, the vision of going on an unconventional weekend getaway started brewing. I craved diving a little deeper into this picturesque region’s history. At the same time, we didn’t want to sacrifice fun, family friendly activities.
After months of planning and researching, we finally went on the tour. Below, I’ve shared our travel plan with you to potentially include in your next visit. The nice thing about this hidden gem tour of Traverse City is that it’s something anyone can follow any time of year.
Quick Overview on the Traverse City Area
Traverse City and its surrounding communities consist of three counties. First is Grand Traverse, which includes Traverse City proper plus the Old Mission Peninsula. This county is the area’s most populous and is a great spot for people looking to visit many local wineries within a day trip. Downtown Traverse City’s Front Street is a great place for first time visitors to come to. With many boutiques, galleries and independent restaurants, you could easily spend a full day hanging out here. It’s also within walking distance to Clinch Park. In the summer, it is a great family friendly spot with a splash pad, swimming beach, stand up paddle board rentals, and concessions.
Next, Northwest of Grand Traverse County is Leelanau County. If you’re looking for scenic views and rolling hills, Leelanau County is the place to be! It’s its own Peninsula with several beaches and overlook trails on both sides. Plus, it’s also home to many other local wineries, but here, you can find a number of cideries to enjoy as well. Cute lakeside small towns dot the county including Suttons Bay, Northport, Leland, and Glen Arbor. And I certainly can’t forget, it’s home to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is located along most of Leelanau County’s southwestern shoreline. This also includes the North and South Manitou Islands.
And the third county is Benzie County, south of Leelanau County and West of Grand Traverse. Benzie County of all three, is the region’s hidden gem. It’s got many amazing destinations and attractions within it. These include Crystal Mountain, Point Betsie Lighthouse (my favorite lighthouse), and a billion trails with views on views on views. (That is definitely an exaggeration, but you catch my drift… a lot!) Within the interior of the county, there’s a lot of up and coming spots worth visiting. Some of these are Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville and St Ambrose Cellars for mead in Beulah.
Inspiration Behind This Hidden Gem Tour of Traverse City
This adventure takes us beyond the obvious northern Michigan hot spots to lesser known scenic, historic and family friendly places. And we’re doing all this during an extremely underrated season to visit Traverse City – winter! Winter is one of my favorite times to visit popular travel destinations in Michigan as the crowds clear out and it gives us a chance to explore deeper.
This is a trip my family and I wanted to take for a couple years. The last time, all of us went to Traverse City was during the pandemic lockdown. During that time, we were forced to get creative in our sightseeing as we could only be outside. Read more about the unique ways we embraced Traverse City during the pandemic here. (Note, many of those sights you can still experience today!)
Summary of the Hidden Gem Tour of Traverse City
When: A weekend in Winter
Why: To go on a fun, unique, family friendly adventure throughout the Traverse City region.
Time Traveled (one way): 2.5 hours from Grand Rapids, 3 hours from Lansing, 3 hours from Kalamazoo, 3.5 hours from Detroit, 4 hours from Chicago, 4.5 hours from Toledo, 6.5 hours from Indianapolis
Time Spent at Destination: 3 days, 2 nights
Budget: $$$ – hotel, food, admission, gas, wine tasting
Getaway Details of Our Hidden Gem Tour of Traverse City
During our hidden gem tour of Traverse City, each day, we explored a different county by Traverse City. Coming up from Grand Rapids, we started off in Benzie County on day one. Then, after spending the night at the Delamar in Traverse City, we explored Leelanau County the second day. And to conclude our trip, we took our adventure to Grand Traverse County.
Day One: Benzie County
COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center
After heading out from home around lunchtime, we set our sights for Benzie County. Stop one during our tour was to a destination for Winston to get some wiggles out – the COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center! Part Children’s Museum, part STEM activity center, it’s a very hands on place to play and learn.
This center was founded in 2017 by a local mother and daughter duo. Originally, it was set up small scale in a small location but offered local families a fun, educational place to visit and play. Two years later, its need has broadened and the center was gifted its current building allowing it to expand.
Today, the museum is still relatively small compared to the children’s museums downstate. However, COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center is extremely organized with clear signs hanging from the ceiling naming the play and activity stations available. And it packs a lot of activities within it. Some of the activities here include a build it corner, circuit wall, static station, snap circuits, discovery tree, makers space, mining cafe and store for pretend play, play scape, and rocks and gems. There are also a number of animals here that you can even hold (with assistance).
There is also a planetarium here, although it has specific dates and hours. For those, please check out COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center’s website.
Elberta’s Waterfront Park
Our next stop before dusk set in was to Elberta’s Waterfront Park. Located on the opposite side of Betsie Lake from the more populous Frankfort if the quieter town of Elberta. Within this park there is a spacious playground, picnic pavilion, waterfront paved trail, event rental space, and amphitheater. Part of the 22 mile Betsie Valley Trail runs through this park as well.
The history behind this park is what really sets it apart. Tucked into the hill and cordoned off with fencing are the ruins of what once was the Frankfort Iron Works. This company operated from 1870 to 1883. It went under after the company couldn’t procure enough firewood to operate its furnaces.
Shortly after, the Ann Arbor Railroad purchased this land and building and used it to load ferries with rail freight. This kept the original building in tact. This site was used for ferry service across Lake Michigan until 1982. A short while later, the site wad converted into a public park with many of its structures remaining. This also includes the railway turntable and US Life Saving Station, which was built in 1887. This station is now an event venue available for rentals all year long.
It’s an incredibly unique park and as a history lover, I’m appreciative that Elberta kept these sites preserved. It adds to the character and history of this public space. To learn more, go check it out! There are also historic signs explaining the history of Frankfort Iron Works and Ann Arbor Railroad at this location.
Mayfair Burger Bar
For dinner, we intended on visiting another restaurant, but on our way to Elberta’s Waterfront Park we saw a charming building with a banner reading “New” across it. The building’s sign stated it is a burger bar. This is my husband’s interest so we tried this place out.
Upon further research, the Mayfair Burger Bar opened up in November 2023. It is owned locally by the same folks who own two other restaurants in Frankfort. The restaurant is fast casual and operates kind of like Culvers. Order your burger at the register, pay, take a number and find a seat, then they’ll deliver to your table when it’s ready. Unlike a Culver’s, the menu is specialized with several unique burger options, and there is alcohol served.
I craved something sweet and tangy so ordered the E Beach Burger, which included mango chutney, blue cheese, bacon, lettuce, and pineapple mayo. The food tasted fresh, hot and delicious.
While this is not a kids menu here, there are many options available kids may enjoy. Our son tried the Mac and cheese bites with ranch and enjoyed them. For beverages, there are pops as well as some “Tractor” brand juice and lemonade fountain drinks. The interior of the restaurant was bright and had several available tables. There are booth and table options, plus some high tops. While this restaurant hasn’t operated during the summer yet, there is an area facing the main road that is sectioned off that looks like outdoor seating may be available sometime.
Other Recommendations in Benzie County
This past year, my family and I visited Benzie County a few times and enjoyed a number of other hidden gem sights and attractions. Consider adding the following unique places to your trip:
- Hike the Green Point Dunes Trail – located off M22 south of Elberta. Free! This trail is overlooked in the area as there are many great hikes to Lake Michigan here. Altogether, the trail is almost a two miles looping trail with an outlet to Lake Michigan. There are lots of exposed roots and many hills – often steep to be mindful of. But both my toddler son and I had no issue hiking the whole way.
- Visit the Oliver Center for the Arts in Frankfort. Free and open year round. Exhibits change often and many local works of art are shown here. Upstairs is a fabulous place for kids to make their own creations. There is a room filled with materials and supplies for kids to color, paint, paste, cut, tie, glue, and whatever their heart decides to create.
- Gwen Frostic Prints in Benzonia. Free to visit, but with stationary and prints for sale. Open year round! This spot is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Crystal Gardens north of Frankfort. Open from spring through fall and mostly free to visit. There are shops for both antiques, rocks and gems, plants and a boutique on site. We visited in fall so didn’t get the opportunity to see the animal section. But the zen garden in the front of the gardens by the boutique and antique store was beautiful. There’s a little river that runs through it with bridges and a waterwheel. It’s such a tranquil little gem of a stop.
Day Two: Leelanau County
Polish Art Center in Cedar
After enjoying some breakfast back at the hotel, we bundled up and headed out for our first stop in Leelanau County.
First, we visited the small town of Cedar, which is located in the interior of the county. Like many other towns in Michigan, Cedar was founded by a lumber prospector. Even its name from that time stuck around – it is named after the cedar forest it was founded in. Over the years since, many people of Polish ancestry moved here. In fact, its home to an annual Polka Festival that’s been held every August for over 40 years.
So its fitting that for our first stop, we went to the Polish Art Center in Cedar. While this center was originally founded in Hamtramck in 1958, it expanded to Cedar in 2004 given its Polish roots. Here you can find all kinds of imported Polish items. This includes ceramics, shelf stable food and snacks, traditional attire, toys, books, and more. Plus there is a section with imported amber stones and jewelry with amber in it.
Cedar River Coffee Co
Walking down the street in Cedar, it surprised me to see many other boutiques and shops. Considering this town is a one stop sign (not even stop light) kind of town, it is fun to see many local businesses to shop at. Walking from one side of town to the other (aka between the Polish Art Center and the coffee shop), we also popped into a shop called the Cedar Emporium. Here, we enjoyed checking out handmade jewelry made out of locally gathered stones, gems and fossils found at the beach. This is where I purchased a ring with an Isle Royale Greenstone in it!
Finally, we made it to Cedar River Coffee Co. Upon entering we were greeted by another friendly person and immediately got to chatting. So much so, I didn’t even take any pictures from our time here. Not a bad problem to have as it’s always nice to be able to connect with people!
Cedar River Coffee Co was founded in 2021 after its owner dreamed to one day own a small coffee shop. Her dream started to form after the local Chase Bank shut down in 2019 and a friend purchased the building, offering her space to set up a coffee shop.
Today this shop is decorated using recycled materials and uses compostable serve ware. Coffee, tea, lattes – all hot, iced or frappe are available here. Plus they stock pastries and sandwiches from fellow Leelanau County businesses 9 Bean Rows and Trishes Dishes.
Slabtown Burgers
For lunch, we backtracked slightly to pick up some burgers from Slabtown Burgers in Traverse City for lunch. This place has always been on my bucket list of places to dine in Traverse City. And with my husband a huge burger fiend, I knew we needed to make this happen.
When we arrived right around noon, every seat was taken in the small dining area Slabtown Burgers has. But the tables also turn around quickly too. Few things have changed since Slabtown Burgers was founded over 15 years ago. The business model remains the same – provide handmade burgers at a value and fast! To do this, you order at the counter where they write each persons order on a paper bag, make the order, then call your name or deliver it to your table when its ready.
The number of items on the menu has expanded since the restaurant was founded. There is also a kids menu here, which is great, since Winston is more a hot dog rather than hamburger kind of guy. We definitely don’t regret backpedaling to try out these burgers. The Sweet Lincoln I ordered was juicy and delicious. It came with bacon, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, and garlic honey mustard on it. And Tony went with his usual Rodeo style which is topped with BBQ Sauce, cheddar cheese, and onion rings.
Ghost Town Spotting: Good Harbor
Following lunch, we headed back into Leelanau County where we enjoyed some historic sights and connected past to present. There are so many gems throughout Leelanau County – places where you might be standing and appreciating a beautiful view, but many fail to realize what once stood in that same spot decades before.
Rather than exhaust ourselves trying to explore all of the many ghost towns or historic attractions within Leelanau County, we stuck with one – Good Harbor. And for this, we headed first to the beach. Good Harbor Beach is located on the far eastern edge of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is also the site of the village of Good Harbor, which existed between the 1870s and 1920s.
Besides the beautiful beach, there isn’t much evidence of a former town. However, if you look out into Lake Michigan, you will notice some old dock pilings sticking up. Those are from the former dock where freighters once picked up lumber that was harvested from the area saw mill.
At one point in Good Harbor, there was a school, saloons, stores, lodging, houses and more. But after the sawmill burnt down in 1905, its owners did not rebuild. After a few years of dwindling population, a businessman purchased the remaining properties in Good Harbor, dismantled everything, and sold it off for scrap, leaving nothing.
The only building spared is St Paul’s Lutheran Church which still remains. It’s also the sight of a graveyard that houses many of Good Harbor’s settlers and former residents.
Good Harbor Vineyards
After all the old, we leaned into the new and drove up M 22 to Good Harbor Vineyards. While not related to the ghost town of Good Harbor, some of the grapes in the wines grow where the town was. Fun Fact! Good Harbor Vineyards is one of the first four wineries in the Leelanau Peninsula when it opened in 1980.
While I was nervous going wine tasting with my son, the team at Good Harbor Vineyards was extremely welcoming and friendly. And my son had been just as active as us for the first part of the day, running around the beach, perusing the shops so he was content with a little screen time while Tony and I participated in wine tasting.
The wines at Good Harbor Vineyards are all refreshing and tasty. Northern Michigan is known for its white wines, which is what I stuck with. And if you’re new to wine tasting or are unfamiliar with what to try out, many of their wines have won awards and the tasting menu makes note of that.
Historic Fishtown and Leland
Then, we headed into Leland to check out historic Fishtown. A few years ago, we visited Fishtown in winter and it was a magical experience to see everything quiet and snow covered.
Fishtown is the sight of so much history! Originally it was the location of the Leelanau Peninsula’s largest Ottawa village. Then, in 1853 European settlers came and constructed a dam, sawmill and docks along with wooden fishing shanties. A lot of this (minus the mill) is still there to this day.
The shops and restaurants within Fishtown are closed in the winter. However, the historic and informative signs are up, making it a peaceful, easy, outdoor museum to explore as you take it in. Winter, especially feels like you come across a village stuck in time.
After spending a little time in Fishtown, we went to the Leland Village Green. This little park is managed by the Leelanau Conservancy since it was donated in 1990 to be used as a village green space. Throughout the park are some gardens to enjoy in the warmer months. And, in the center are commemorative tiles made by the local Sporck Tile Art.
Clay Cliffs Natural Area
Our last stop while there was still daylight was the Clay Cliffs Natural Area. This 104 acre piece of land is managed by the Leelanau Conservancy. Clay Cliffs has a 1.5 mile looping trail with a 200 foot tall overlook of Lake Michigan halfway through. The trail starts off flat for the first half of it. Then, about a quarter mile in, it starts to curve upwards. Altogether, it wasn’t a tough hike, even with kids. Winston hiked the whole way without asking to be held. With the trail covered in snow, neither of us slipped!
Tandem Ciders
As dusk hit, we had enough time to pop into one place before our dinner reservation. So for that, we stopped at Tandem Ciders in Suttons Bay.
We thought we would enjoy a polite drink before continuing on our way. But oh no. As we turned into the parking lot, several other cars also followed us in. We thought it curious given the Cidery was closing in about 40 minutes. But when we walked in, we learned we actually arrived just before Tandem Cider kicked off their Wassail Celebration.
Before this, I didn’t know what ‘Wassail’ meant. Wassail festivals usually take place in the winter and are a chance for people to get together to wake up the roots of plants (usually trees) to get them to start growing again. By being lively, making noise, and playing music, this helps bless the trees to ensure the next season brings a bountiful crop.
After ordering a couple glasses of cider indoors, we gathered around the fire pits they had roaring outside. I tried the Summer Camp – and Tony, the Summer Day (we can dream!). And Winston started to fit right in among some of the local kids that were running around, playing and enjoying a good time with their friends and family.
Unfortunately we couldn’t stick around for the full festival – which included fireworks at 7:30 pm. But it was still a fun experience, the little we arrived to enjoy.
The Burrow TC
Our final stop of the evening before heading back to the Delamar for a dip in the heated outdoor pool was dinner at The Burrow TC.
The Burrow TC is a California-inspired open concept kitchen. The menu includes a variety of fresh items all prepared and cooked on site.
We set up a reservation through Resy and were quickly seated. There is a children’s menu, which was a nice draw for us when looking at more upscale restaurants to try in the area. Plus, instead of a coloring book and crayons, they give out Wikki Stix! These sticky, bendable, colorful sticks were a hit not just with Winston, but Tony wanted to get in on the fun and make a creation too. It was a fun, screen free way to pass time as the food was prepared.
For our meals, Tony ordered the salmon and Winston the chicken fingers with cut veggies (carrots and cucumber) with ranch. I ordered the beef short ribs which came with some veggies on rice. My meal was melt in your mouth delicious! I loved the consistency, texture and taste of each bite I got. And the meat paired with those veggies made my meal taste extra delicious but I felt guilt-free enjoying it too.
Other Recommendations in Leelanau County
Here are additional hidden gems to visit in Leelanau County during your trip:
- Looking for a quick, beautiful view to take in? Especially one that’s easy to access if you’re with a little one or have limited mobility? The Inspiration Point Glen Lake Overlook is the sight for you! This hidden gem is a quick turnoff near the Glen Lake narrows that offers an expansive view of Glen Lake and the Sleeping Bear Dunes in the distance. There’s also a stone bench to sit at to enjoy the view if you do have time.
- Or, enjoy boutique shopping in Suttons Bay! The cute small town of Suttons Bay is located right along M-22 along the east side of the Leelanau Peninsula. It’s got several boutiques all within a short walking distance. Don’t miss shops like the Instagrammable Bayside Gallery, historic department store Bahle’s of Suttons Bay, and Enerdyne toy store.
- Especially beautiful spring through fall is the Leo Creek Preserve. Access is only available by bike or foot off the Leelanau Trail. It’s a magical place with trails, sculptures, gardens, and history. In the past, this site was once home to a Montessori school, but after the school moved, a private family foundation donated the land to keep it protected from development.
- Finally, don’t miss Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Empire! Grocer’s Daughter is a women owned business founded in 2004. This gourmet chocolate shop uses only ethically traded ingredients which provides you with the tastiest chocolate you can find in Northern Michigan. During the summer months, you may also enjoy tasty gelato here.
Day Three: Grand Traverse County
Warehouse Mrkt
After checking out and before heading home, we still had some stops to make in Grand Traverse County. To get our day started, we headed into downtown Traverse City to check out the shops within Warehouse Mrkt. First up, is Rough Pony. Rough Pony offers a selection of caffeinated drinks plus better for you, yet tasty menu items. This cafe is also super Instagrammable. There are bright colors, lights, and neon making it a fun, eclectic space to start your day. Up by the register there are also gifts and trinkets for sale. And tucked in the corner is a free little library for kiddos to grab a book to enjoy while having breakfast.
There was also a rolling door along the wall which I thought was just for looks, until it slid open! That was when its neighbor next door, Darling Botanical opened up. Naturally, as soon as it opened, Winston lost all interest in his book and wandered in. I followed him. Darling Botanical is both a plant shop and a gift boutique with both plants, home decor and gifts throughout the store.
In one section, there is an area you can make your own terrarium, which is an activity we did. First, pick a vessel, then add a base/filter layer, then dirt, plant the plant you pick out, then add any “toppings” and décor. Winston helped me out and I let him do all the scooping and picking out the decorations. This was a fun hands on activity we enjoyed!
Dennos Museum Center
Rather than the Children’s Museum, we opted to visit the Dennos Museum Center, which I read has a great kid friendly section. And wow! It sure did! It really blew us away and it wasn’t busy at all when we visited. And the best part is, admission to the museum is $8 per person age 5 and up. Since Winston was 4, he got in for free!
So first, we spent the better part of our time in the hands on activity area for kids which included attractions that invoke most of the senses like touch, vision, and sound. There is a wall with a bunch of twist lights. The more you twist the light, the more the color changes. And after some time of inactivity, the lights turn off and reset. There’s also a dinosaur, fun mirrors, a sound wall, giant foam set you can build, and a room that blew me away! The room is completely dark when you enter, then sensors pick up on your movement and display them across a screen in a colorful, fun pattern. Winston and I cracked up at ourselves as we danced and watched our patterns move across the screen.
After awhile, we explored the other areas of the museum as well. To make the art fun and interactive for kids, there is a scavenger hunt you can pick up from the front desk. During our visit the scavenger hunt involved looking for the polar bears hidden within the Inuit art collection.
Speaking of Inuit Art, the Dennos Museum Center houses one of the US’ largest collections of Inuit art. The museum also has two other wings which with rotating exhibits. This is truly a hidden gem museum to check out with something for all ages.
Historic Sights on the Old Mission Peninsula
Our final few stops we made on our hidden gem tour of Traverse City were to the historic sights on the Old Mission Peninsula. Many people come to the Old Mission Peninsula because it’s a great destination to check out a number of wineries all within close proximity to each other. But before it was a hot spot for wine and growing other fruits, the Old Mission Peninsula was settled by local native Americans. After the Treaty of Washington in 1836, the US Federal Government agreed to provide the local tribes a mission and school in this area.
Today, you can visit some of the original buildings from this era including Dougherty Mission House. This house, also known as the Rushmore House and Inn was built in 1942 and is a part of the National Registrar of Historic Places and Michigan State Historic Sites. This house is thought to be the first post and beam house in the northern lower peninsula.
While the house is open to tour during the summer months, you can still tour the grounds any time of year. There’s a two faced historic marker in the front of the house with information on the history of this site. As you continue along the path to the back yard, there are several outbuildings and a small stage. There is also a trail marker and map showing that there is a trail that goes through the 16 acres of property behind the house. Along the trail, you’ll find scenic overlooks, a bridge and barn foundation.
During a past visit to the Old Mission Peninsula, we checked out a few other historic spots we recommend – including the Old Mission Lighthouse and Hesler Log House. If you’re planning on visiting the historic gems located on the Old Mission Peninsula, you must include those as well!
Peninsula Grill
Our last stop before heading home was the Peninsula Grill for a late lunch/early dinner. This restaurant is spacious with several sections to sit at. It wasn’t too busy when we visited, but we came at an odd hour. On the menu is a variety of people pleasing menu options. This restaurant is known for its steaks and seafood, however, since I wanted something a little lighter – I opted for a burger (nope, I was not burgered out by this point!). And it was super delicious! The burger uses fresh ground beef patties from a local Traverse City meat shop, bacon, lettuce and tomato. And Winston ordered from the kids menu a cheese pizza which he devoured.
All in all, a great, family friendly meal with speedy, friendly service before the journey back downstate!
Other Recommendations in Grand Traverse County
Finally consider adding the below additional hidden gem sights and attractions to your hidden gem tour of Traverse City:
- Hike along the trails behind the Grand Traverse Commons to see the vibrantly colored Hippie Tree.
- If you’re visiting between May and October, stop by the Butterfly House at the Bug Zoo in Williamsburg. Read more about this here.
- Pay your respects and reflect when you visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department.
- And finally, a unique gem to go wine tasting at is the Barrel Room at Left Food Charlie’s. It located at The Grand Traverse Commons, but separate from the LFC’s tasting room. It’s actually the former root cellar of the old hospital that is used to age barrels of wine for LFC’s.
Where We Stayed During Our Hidden Gem Tour of Traverse City – Delamar
The best hotel to book when visiting Traverse City is Delamar. It does not matter the reason or season, Delamar is the perfect option for whatever you’re looking to do. During this trip, this was our second time staying at the Delamar. We love it there!
Checking Into the Delamar
When you check in, you’re provided a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. There is a lot of lovely art in the lobby. And the neon “hello world” sign as you walk into the entrance of the hotel makes for a great boomerang background.
Rooms and Amenities at the Delamar
Now for the rooms, we booked a 2 queen room. All of the rooms are located on the second to fourth floors. While our room was on the second floor, that made it easy for us as Winston likes to run around so we didn’t worry about people hearing his footsteps as he played. Now for a nice perk – all the rooms have a view of the water! Some might have some other views mixed in, but the windows slant in a way that everyone sees the water.
During my husband and my stay last year, we stayed in a king room. Both the king room and 2 queens were the same size and had the same amenities. There’s fridges in all rooms, no microwaves. Fridges all have pop and other drinks in it, but there’s still room if you have other refrigerated drinks or leftovers carried in. There is both coffee and tea in the room.
If you are visiting with toddlers or young kids, hide the nosh snacks they put in the room. Winston sniffed out those snacks right away as it was right at his level in the TV console.
The Delamar’s Breakfast and Dining Options
In the morning, breakfast is free with your stay between 7-10 am! It is one of the best quality continental breakfasts I’ve ever had. All of the options are spread out across the bar. For food, there are 2 types of breakfast sandwiches- one meat and one vegetarian. There are a variety of regular and gluten free muffins available. Plus a big bowl of yogurt with granola on the side. Add some fruit to add to your yogurt or in a cup on its own. There are two bowls of fruit – one with chopped up melons and another, berries. A variety of juices and coffee and tea are also available.
Later in the day, the same space that’s used for breakfast is transformed into one of Traverse City’s top restaurants – Artisan. Don’t worry, it is a top notch dining experience with a focus on showcasing Northern Michigan’s flavors. While we did not dine at Artisan with Winston on this trip, my husband and I ate here during our romantic getaway last winter. Reservations are available via Open Table.
During the cooler months, consider renting a heated cabana by the Delamar’s pool to hang at. Cabana’s are rented in two hour tranches between 12-8pm daily. It costs $15-$30 per person to rent depending on the day of the week. And during that time, there is a food and beverage minimum. The cabana’s get their food from Artisan and use a special menu which includes everything from a fun fondue to healthy salads to flatbread. Plus there are a variety of drinks available to order, including fun winter cocktails.
And for the little ones, there’s a cafe within the Delamar too. Here you can order supplies to make your own s’mores on the outside pool patio!
Other Perks of Staying at the Delamar
Beyond the incredible rooms and dining options at the Delamar, there are a few other extra perks of staying here:
- The outdoor pool is open for swimming in all year round. The pool stays at 93 degrees and feels amazing. The whole outside pool patio is a vibe with neon signs, heat lanterns, fire’s blazing and the cozy cabana’s.
- If you don’t want to feel the chill of winter at all, there is also an indoor pool and hot tub to visit.
- The fitness center is available on the second floor.
- There is also a yoga studio on site that offers 60 fitness classes in a week.
- If you are traveling to the area with a Tesla, there are four Tesla chargers at the Delamar.
- Because traffic in downtown Traverse City can get bad, skip worrying about parking and use the Delamar’s complimentary shuttle service. It will drop you off and then, call and pick you back up when you’re ready.
Finally, a big reason to visit Traverse City in the winter includes taking advantage of some great deals. During the cooler, shoulder season, Delamar offers a Michigan neighbor’s discount for residents of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin for 15% off your stay!
Complete Itinerary for a Hidden Gem Tour of Traverse City
Here’s my family’s itinerary for how we enjoyed our hidden gem tour of Traverse City
On day one, when we drove up and explored Benzie County:
- 1:00 pm: Leave home
- 3:30 pm: Play and learn at the COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center
- 5:00 pm: Elberta Waterfront Park
- 5:45 pm: Dinner at the Mayfair Burger Bar
- 7:00 pm: Check into the Delamar Traverse City
Our second day, we spent most of our time in Leelanau County:
- 10:00 am: Slabtown Cookie Company
- 10:45-11:30: Shopping and coffee in Cedar, where we went to the Polish Art Center, shopped at Cedar Emporium, and grabbed a latte from the Cedar River Coffee Company
- 12:00 pm: Lunch at Slabtown Burger
- 1:00 pm: Explored sights you can see today of the historic town of Good Harbor. Visited Good Harbor beach, which is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Then took a brief stop at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and connected the past to present by wine tasting at Good Harbor Vineyards.
- 2:30 pm: Checked out the historic village of Fishtown in Leland in winter
- 3:00 pm: Leland Village Green
- 3:30 pm: Hike the Clay Cliffs Natural Area
- 5:20 pm: Tandem Ciders to try some cider
- 6:30 pm: Dinner at The Burrow TC
- 7:45 pm: Delamar Traverse City for some swimming and relaxing
Finally, after checking out, we checked out some unique sights in Grand Traverse County:
- 10:00 am: Breakfast and coffee at Rough Pony in the Warehouse Mrkt
- 11:00 am: Darling Botanical within the Warehouse Mrkt to make our own terrarium
- 12:00 pm: Dennos Museum Center
- 1:30 pm: Explore some historic gems within the Old Mission Peninsula
- 3:00 pm: Late lunch/early dinner at the Peninsula Grill
Map of Our Hidden Gem Tour of Traverse City
Thank you for coming along on our hidden gem tour of Traverse City. There is an almost overwhelming amount of things to do in the wider Traverse City area all year round. Through this article I hope you’re equipped with some new ideas of places to visit and attractions to include on your travel plan. (And the history and context behind each of these sights!).
From Michigan with Love,
Jackie
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