Traverse City offers a variety of attractions beyond Front Street, including the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons, West Front Street, East Front Street, Warehouse District, and Eighth Street, all offering unique shopping, dining, and nightlife experiences.
There’s more to Traverse City than Front Street. Explore its outlying blocks and experience mouth-watering bites, historical gems, lively bars and enough nightlife to brighten the dark of winter.
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The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
New York has Central Park, London has Hyde Park and Traverse City has the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The historic Victorian complex is nestled on 480 acres of rolling hills and trails with boutiques, botanical gardens, and outdoor art exhibits.
Must-Do: Take a guided tour through the restored 19th-century buildings and tunnels and learn about the project’s thrilling history. Shop till you drop in the underground Mercato in Building 50—Sanctuary Goods, Moonstruck Gardens and Underground Toys are just a few beloved businesses to explore. Do breakfast right at the Red Spire Brunch House or Sugar 2 Salt and dine at two Italian fine-dining establishments—Trattoria Stella and PepeNero. Sample renowned wine at Left Foot Charley and O’Brien Vineyards, craft beer at Earthen Ales and spice up your appetite at Spanglish.
Shopping in the Commons
West Front Street
Landmarks such as Northpeak Brewing Company draw people in, and there’s plenty more to explore in this corner of downtown TC. Spend the day admiring industrial architecture and filling up at the ever-popular breweries and lunch spots.
Must-Do: Stroll through Hannah Park and see snow-covered Victorian homes on Sixth Street. Sample Folgarelli’s famous sandwiches like The Godfather and the West Bay and warm up over drinks at Lil Bo Bar and Restaurant. Bask in romantic ambiance and sensational seasonal dishes at Modern Bird. Or hustle into Loco Boys Brewing Company for birria tacos and plantains.
East Front Street
This neighborhood was once a sleepy residential district, but no more. Thanks to establishments like The Little Fleet and The Cook’s House, East Front Street is where foodies go for a taste of the nightlife.
Must-Do: Order Pho and other Vietnamese classics at The Good Bowl or sink your teeth into a slice at Paesano’s—an East Front Street staple since 1981. Find a new toy for your four-legged friends at Contigo Dogs boutique and sift through racks of vintage clothing at Penny Lane. Spend a memorable evening dinner at the Cook’s House and end the night having good-rollicking fun playing pinball at The Coin Slot.
Warehouse District
What used to be the industrial heart of the town in the 19th century is now one of its most prominent nightlife destinations. Skip into an abundance of boutique shops, cafes, breweries and restaurants from Union Street to Hall Street on the northern side of the Boardman River.
Must-Do: Paint your own pottery at Handz On Art. Shop at the Warehouse MRKT’s boutiques like Darling Botanical and Evil Queen and sit down for coffee at Water Bearer Coffee. Try your luck at Timewind Escape Rooms before quenching your thirst with craft beers at The Workshop Brewing Company or cocktails at Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge.
Darling Botanical
Eighth Street
Located on the south side of downtown, Eighth Street is constantly evolving. You’ll find breakfast and lunch hot-spots, bars, wine shops and endless entertainment.
Must-Do: Shop for vintage furniture at EB2 Vintage and select your favorite fine wines at Lake District Wine Co. Get a divine Italian lunch or takeout at Raduno, sample craft beer at Silver Spruce Brewing Company and catch a live performance at The Alluvion. Order inspiring main courses at NOBO Riverside before hitting the town on Lake Street, a back alley where nightlife mainstays Rare Bird Brewpub and The Parlor serve up American small plates alongside Michigan beers.
Dining and Cooking