Must Visit Places for All Catered Stays Homes
Regardless of whether you are staying at the Vasa Visit, Cater Casa, or the Lincoln Lodge, these are the MUST SEE attractions for Northern Michigan.
World Famous Ice Cream! The line may be long, but it goes quickly and is worth the wait! Dangerously close to the Cater Casa!
86 locals recommend
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
7263 N Long Lake RdWorld Famous Ice Cream! The line may be long, but it goes quickly and is worth the wait! Dangerously close to the Cater Casa!
Let's be honest, this is why you're vacationing in Northern Michigan! Some of our favorite spots:
Driving: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (an 8 mile loop with lots of scenic overlooks and picnic areas).
Hiking: Pyramid Point, Empire Bluff Trail, Alligator Hill, Dune Climb (Great for families!)
Beaches: North Bar (if you are up for a jaunt from the car to the beach, it is so worth it!), Empire Beach (playground, parking right up to the beach)
Food Nearby:
Empire: Village Inn Pizza and Market
Glen Arbor: Boonedock's (Huge Outdoor Deck!), Art's Tavern (Cash Only), Cherry Republic (Snacks, Ice Cream)
Leland aka "Fishtown:" The Cove (Dining by the Dam), Trish's Dishes (Sandwiches), The Cheese Shanty (Sandwiches and Cheese Curds - Go early as they close once sold out for the day!)
232 locals recommend
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Let's be honest, this is why you're vacationing in Northern Michigan! Some of our favorite spots:
Driving: Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (an 8 mile loop with lots of scenic overlooks and picnic areas).
Hiking: Pyramid Point, Empire Bluff Trail, Alligator Hill, Dune Climb (Great for families!)
Beaches: North Bar (if you are up for a jaunt from the car to the beach, it is so worth it!), Empire Beach (playground, parking right up to the beach)
Food Nearby:
Empire: Village Inn Pizza and Market
Glen Arbor: Boonedock's (Huge Outdoor Deck!), Art's Tavern (Cash Only), Cherry Republic (Snacks, Ice Cream)
Leland aka "Fishtown:" The Cove (Dining by the Dam), Trish's Dishes (Sandwiches), The Cheese Shanty (Sandwiches and Cheese Curds - Go early as they close once sold out for the day!)
Created from the ruins of the Historical Traverse City State Hospital, this beautiful compound hosts a multitude of delicious restaurants, bakeries, local retailers, coffee shops, a brewery and a winery!
Some of our favorites:
Red Spire Brunch
Spanglish Mexican Food
Left Foot Charlie's Winery
Higher Grounds Coffee
Sugar 2 Salt Breakfast/Brunch
130 locals recommend
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
1200 W Eleventh StCreated from the ruins of the Historical Traverse City State Hospital, this beautiful compound hosts a multitude of delicious restaurants, bakeries, local retailers, coffee shops, a brewery and a winery!
Some of our favorites:
Red Spire Brunch
Spanglish Mexican Food
Left Foot Charlie's Winery
Higher Grounds Coffee
Sugar 2 Salt Breakfast/Brunch
If you are looking for an all-day activity, renting kayaks, canoes, or tubes and floating down the Platte River is sure to be a hit! At the end of the river, the Platte opens up into Lake Michigan with a view of the Sleeping Bear Dunes in the distance.
58 locals recommend
Riverside Canoe Trips
5042 N Scenic HwyIf you are looking for an all-day activity, renting kayaks, canoes, or tubes and floating down the Platte River is sure to be a hit! At the end of the river, the Platte opens up into Lake Michigan with a view of the Sleeping Bear Dunes in the distance.
Spots Accommodating Specific Dietary Needs
Whether you've got some specific dietary needs, allergies, or preferences (Vegan, Vegetarian, etc.), these are the spots we've picked to best suit you!
Sugar to Salt is unbelievably accommodating to all diets, allowing for customization to address allergies, restrictions, and preferences. On top of that, the food is outstanding! Located in the Grand Traverse Commons and walkable to other attractions in that area.
29 locals recommend
S2S Sugar to Salt
1371 Gray DrSugar to Salt is unbelievably accommodating to all diets, allowing for customization to address allergies, restrictions, and preferences. On top of that, the food is outstanding! Located in the Grand Traverse Commons and walkable to other attractions in that area.
We aren't kidding when we say that Third Coast makes gluten-free, soy-free, vegan options that are even more delicious than traditional baked goods! Also a coffee shop!
11 locals recommend
Third Coast Bakery
523 Munson AveWe aren't kidding when we say that Third Coast makes gluten-free, soy-free, vegan options that are even more delicious than traditional baked goods! Also a coffee shop!
Housed inside Stone Hound Brewing Company (and right down the road from the Vasa Visit), RAD.ish provides delicious plant-based Mexican Street Food options that you can enjoy alongside your craft beer.
Rad.ish Mexican Street Food
Housed inside Stone Hound Brewing Company (and right down the road from the Vasa Visit), RAD.ish provides delicious plant-based Mexican Street Food options that you can enjoy alongside your craft beer.
Lincoln Lodge Specific
For our guests at the Lincoln Lodge, these are our recommendations if you want to stay close and get the local experience!
A local hidden gem! During the summer you can dine right on the water. Hint: they are known for their cheese curds!
Paradise Cove Bar & Grill (South End Tiki)
9851 S Perrins Landing DrA local hidden gem! During the summer you can dine right on the water. Hint: they are known for their cheese curds!
Equidistant between Cater Casa and Lincoln Lodge is the newly renovated Jacob's Farm. Pumpkin donuts or pizza for the kiddos, cocktails for the adults, and a corn maze for everyone - it's sure to be a hit with the whole family.
28 locals recommend
Jacob's Corn Maze
Michigan 72Equidistant between Cater Casa and Lincoln Lodge is the newly renovated Jacob's Farm. Pumpkin donuts or pizza for the kiddos, cocktails for the adults, and a corn maze for everyone - it's sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Great nearby public beach and playground with charcoal grills - less busy option compared to the downtown beaches.
8 locals recommend
Greilickville Harbor Park
13133 S W Bay Shore DrGreat nearby public beach and playground with charcoal grills - less busy option compared to the downtown beaches.
If you are looking for a food option outside of the hustle and bustle of Traverse City, Broomstack is a great option near the Lincoln Lodge that offers an impressive lineup of local brews and tasty food options to pair with them.
29 locals recommend
Broomstack Kitchen and Taphouse
172 W Burdickville RdIf you are looking for a food option outside of the hustle and bustle of Traverse City, Broomstack is a great option near the Lincoln Lodge that offers an impressive lineup of local brews and tasty food options to pair with them.
Farm Club is a local goods-focused market and taproom with essentially unlimited outdoor seating. Bring a blanket to sit on or snag one of the picnic tables on the hilltop.
88 locals recommend
Farm Club
10051 Lake Leelanau DriveFarm Club is a local goods-focused market and taproom with essentially unlimited outdoor seating. Bring a blanket to sit on or snag one of the picnic tables on the hilltop.
Vasa Visit Specific
For our guests at the Vasa Visit, these are our recommendations if you want to stay close and get the local experience!
Sayler Park is just around the corner and is a lesser-known option than some of the beaches downtown. It has a bunch of little picnic areas, charcoal grills, fun little trails, and a gorgeous stretch of beach!
6 locals recommend
Sayler Park
5923 Yuba Park RdSayler Park is just around the corner and is a lesser-known option than some of the beaches downtown. It has a bunch of little picnic areas, charcoal grills, fun little trails, and a gorgeous stretch of beach!
Whether you are hungry after spending the day on the slopes in the winter or looking for a less chaotic Sunday brunch option during the summer, Mt. Holiday's T-Bar is a great option with a local vibe.
Mt. Holiday T-Bar
3100 Holiday RoadWhether you are hungry after spending the day on the slopes in the winter or looking for a less chaotic Sunday brunch option during the summer, Mt. Holiday's T-Bar is a great option with a local vibe.
Stone Hound is the closest brewery to the Vasa Visit. It's a great local spot right next to the TART trailhead. A great location to end a bike ride!
11 locals recommend
Stone Hound Brewing Company
3593 Bunker Hill RoadStone Hound is the closest brewery to the Vasa Visit. It's a great local spot right next to the TART trailhead. A great location to end a bike ride!
Staying at the Vasa Visit means you can walk (or bike or cross country ski) right out the front door to the VASA pathway!
12 locals recommend
Vasa Pathway Trailhead
Staying at the Vasa Visit means you can walk (or bike or cross country ski) right out the front door to the VASA pathway!
Golf, Spa Services, Aerie Restaurant (and much more!) is located less than five minutes away from the Vasa Visit!
33 locals recommend
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village BlvdGolf, Spa Services, Aerie Restaurant (and much more!) is located less than five minutes away from the Vasa Visit!
Cater Casa Specific
For our guests at the Cater Casa, these are our recommendations if you want to stay close and get the local experience!
A two minute skip over to the Timbers from Cater Casa will give you a beautiful walk around three lakes to help you take in all the beauty of the Long Lake Area.
Timbers Recreation Area
8195 Timbers TrailA two minute skip over to the Timbers from Cater Casa will give you a beautiful walk around three lakes to help you take in all the beauty of the Long Lake Area.
This is the go-to market for the Cater Casa (right across from Moomers!) for any essential needs or quick meals. There's also a little coffee shop, deli, and a walk-in beverage cooler.
21 locals recommend
Fresh Coast Market
7270 N Long Lake RdThis is the go-to market for the Cater Casa (right across from Moomers!) for any essential needs or quick meals. There's also a little coffee shop, deli, and a walk-in beverage cooler.
Equidistant between Cater Casa and Lincoln Lodge is the newly renovated Jacob's Farm. Pumpkin donuts or pizza for the kiddos, cocktails for the adults, and a corn maze for everyone - it's sure to be a hit with the whole family.
28 locals recommend
Jacob's Corn Maze
Michigan 72Equidistant between Cater Casa and Lincoln Lodge is the newly renovated Jacob's Farm. Pumpkin donuts or pizza for the kiddos, cocktails for the adults, and a corn maze for everyone - it's sure to be a hit with the whole family.
This is one of our favorite places to frequent in all of Northern Michigan because of the local music, great brews, and it's proximity to Stone Oven Pizza and the Corner Cone Ice Cream Shop. It's perfect for a more laid back, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
57 locals recommend
Lake Ann Brewing Company
6535 First StThis is one of our favorite places to frequent in all of Northern Michigan because of the local music, great brews, and it's proximity to Stone Oven Pizza and the Corner Cone Ice Cream Shop. It's perfect for a more laid back, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
Wineries: Old Mission Peninsula
Mari is a stunning winery that boasts an impressive tunnel system with tours available.
58 locals recommend
Mari Vineyards
8175 Center RdMari is a stunning winery that boasts an impressive tunnel system with tours available.
Bonobo is one of our favorites because it offers much more than just wine -often sporting local musical artists and providing hot chocolate as a non-alcoholic option in the Winter.
70 locals recommend
Bonobo Winery
12011 Center RdBonobo is one of our favorites because it offers much more than just wine -often sporting local musical artists and providing hot chocolate as a non-alcoholic option in the Winter.
Wineries: Leelanau Peninsula
Red wine lovers: Shady Lane is a must-see! This gorgeous venue and the unbeatable wine selection will have you coming back time and time again.
25 locals recommend
Shady Lane Cellars
9580 E Shady LnRed wine lovers: Shady Lane is a must-see! This gorgeous venue and the unbeatable wine selection will have you coming back time and time again.
This local cider house has the most impressive view! Great for group photos to remember your wine-tasting experience!
37 locals recommend
Suttons Bay Ciders
10530 E Hilltop RdThis local cider house has the most impressive view! Great for group photos to remember your wine-tasting experience!