Attractions
Explore the best of Traverse City—beaches, wineries, breweries, and local favorites—all just minutes from 28 North Suites.
Northern Michigan Attractions
Very Nearby (Within 2 minutes)
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
A beloved family-run dairy farm and ice cream parlor just minutes from 28 North Suites—voted among America’s top ice cream shops.
Fresh Coast Market
Convenient grab-and-go deli and grocery items, perfect for fresh meals and snacks during your stay.
The Dojo Sushi
Local favorite in Traverse City featuring creative sushi rolls and an inviting atmosphere just a short drive away.
Less than a quarter-mile from 28 North Suites, Twin Lakes Park is a peaceful, dog-friendly escape offering playgrounds, a swimming area, scenic hiking trails, and beautiful views of both North and South Twin Lakes. Follow the easy walking path in the corner of the meadow, and in just a few minutes you’ll arrive at this serene waterfront spot. Often quiet and uncrowded, Twin Lakes Park is the perfect place to relax, explore nature, and enjoy a tranquil Up North experience—sometimes with the entire park to yourself.
Traverse City
Known as the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City hosts the annual National Cherry Festival each July—featuring concerts, air shows, parades, cherry treats, pie-eating contests, and lakeside celebrations. Each year, more and more visitors flock to Traverse City to explore its famous beaches and wineries. Come see what all the hype is about!
Downtown Traverse City
Downtown TC delivers a vibrant blend of boutique shops, excellent restaurants, and local breweries. Stroll Front Street and see what catches your eye, or check out the downtown shops prior to your visit. For lunch or dinner, visit The Little Fleet, a food truck hub with something for everyone. Don’t miss notable breweries like Loco Boys Brewing Company, The Workshop Brewing Company, and MiddleCoast Brewing Co.
Cherry Republic is a must-see for cherry-themed gifts and treats. The lively Clinch Park Beach is centrally located and includes concessions, a splash pad, marina, and rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and bikes from Paddle TC.
Old Mission Peninsula
Famous for its scenic wineries and lake views, Old Mission Peninsula is a short drive from 28 North Suites. Be sure to visit Mari Vineyards, with its European-style estate and sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery offers a beautiful upper deck, lavender gardens, and luscious frosé. Don’t miss the Secret Garden gift shop and ice cream at Brys. Bonobo Winery is another local favorite with craft wine and community vibes. Want to see all the wineries, but don't have a sober driver? Check out these unique wine tours!
The peninsula also features exceptional dining choices: Peninsula Grill, Bad Dog Deli, and The Boathouse Restaurant nestled on the shores of Bowers Harbor Yacht Club. Peninsula Grill serves smoked local fare and offers drinks in a relaxed setting, while Bad Dog Deli is perfect for beach-side sandwiches. The Boathouse specializes in eclectic, farm-sourced dishes with marina views.
Haserot Beach is one of our favorite Old Mission spots—a quieter beach with shaded picnic areas and a playground. After some fun in the sun, stop at the Old Mission General Store for local ice cream or try their sweet cream cheese-stuffed soft pretzel.
For additional waterfront dining near Traverse City, check out West End Tavern overlooking the private Harbor West Yacht Club or Apache Trout Grill, known for seafood and sunset views.
Golf Courses
Bay Meadows is a family-owned, public golf facility located just five minutes west of downtown Traverse City. The course includes two 9-hole options—an executive-style regulation course (Blue, Par 34) and an all-Par-3 course (Green)—as well as three practice greens, a practice hole, and a spacious driving range with grass tees and multiple mat stations. Bay Meadows also hosts the region's premier Indoor-Outdoor Learning Center, featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan 4 launch monitors, K-Motion body sensors, and PGA instruction—perfect for beginner and advanced players alike
The Crown Golf Club is a scenic 18-hole public championship golf course located less than 10 minutes from 28 North Suites. This course features rolling terrain, scenic vistas, elevation changes, and water hazards that offer a rewarding challenge for every skill level. The Crown also offers a pro shop, driving range, putting green, PGA professional staff, and Mulligan’s Pub & Grill on-site for a post-round meal.
Mistwood Golf Course, the most affordable option, is a 15-minute drive from our rental condos. Mistwood offers 27 championship golf holes—three distinct nines—perfect for golfers of all levels. Designed by Jerry Matthews and Ray Hearn, this public course spans nearly 6,700 yards and maintains a par of 71. The clubhouse includes a full-service restaurant and lounge (The Sunset Bar & Grill), plus behind-the-scenes practice facilities like a driving range and putting greens.
While Traverse City offers diverse attractions, some of our most treasured places are just a short drive away in Leelanau County. Here are a few must-visit spots:
Leelanau County
Sleeping Bear Dunes & Scenic Trails
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a stunning region on Michigan’s northwestern Lower Peninsula, celebrated for its towering dunes, pristine beaches, and Great Lakes history. Stretching 35 miles along Lake Michigan, it includes opportunities for swimming, hiking, and visiting historic landmarks. This must-see spot is just a 25-minute drive from 28 North Suites!
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a 7.4-mile coastal loop with panoramic dune and lake vistas—consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful drives.
Pyramid Point Trail leads hikers to a dramatic sandy cliff overlooking Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands, and sometimes a Great Lakes freighter. Pyramid Point is a peaceful spot for photographers and nature lovers, with some of the most stunning blue hues.
Empire Bluff Trail is a moderate 1.5-mile loop through beech-maple woods to a cliff-top viewpoint ideal for watching sunsets. This might be the most breathtaking panoramic view you've ever seen. Don't skip this spot! Pro tip: bring a blanket to enjoy the view and avoid climbing down—you won’t want to risk rescue fees.
Esch Beach is a local beach favorite with tranquil waters, nearby dunes, and no boat traffic. Dogs are welcome; the scenic views are unmatched. Be mindful of steep dunes if accompanying elderly guests. We ask all visitors to help protect Northern Michigan by cleaning up after themselves.
Suttons Bay
Charming, walkable, and full of local flavor, Suttons Bay sits on beautiful Lake Michigan and is just 25 minutes from your extended stay property. Explore shops, cafes, and scenic views. Visit Front Porch Gift Shop, and relax at Hop Lot Brewing Co. & Beer Garden—a family-friendly destination with picnic tables, games, and campfires. Suttons Bay Ciders offers cider tastings and a hilltop view of the lake.
Leland (Fishtown)
Leland is a coastal gem on the Leelanau Peninsula, home to historic Fishtown—a preserved commercial fishing village featuring weathered shanties, smokehouses, and waterfront docks.
Stop by the Village Cheese Shanty for yummy artisan sandwiches perfect for a beach lunch. Nearby, Van’s Beach offers sunny sand shores, crystal waters, and excellent chances to find Petoskey stones or Leland Blue stones.
Elk Rapids
Though outside Leelanau County, Elk Rapids is a serene lakeside village worth visiting. Located along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, it features clean beaches like Elk Rapids Sand Bar (aka Veterans Memorial Park), Dam Beach, and Elk Rapids Day Park. Order a scoop of ice cream or lunch in town, and consider a visit to Short’s Brewing Co. or Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen for craft beer or authentic southern specialties.
We hope these local recommendations help you discover the best of Northern Michigan during your stay. Whether you’re here for wine, water, or relaxation, we’d love to host you again at 28 North Suites!