Traverse City with an Infant
October 10, 2010 5:45 PM Subscribe
What are some family friendly things to see/do/eat in Traverse City, MI in October?
We're headed up next week, and will be there for 7 days. My husband, 10 month old daughter and I will be staying just outside town, but are looking great ways to fill the week. The only thing we have nailed down is that we'll make the trip to Sleeping Bear. We hope there will still be a little bit of color left on the trees.
I found this previous question, but we're traveling with an infant, and so sea kayaking is probably not on the agenda.
Thanks!
We're headed up next week, and will be there for 7 days. My husband, 10 month old daughter and I will be staying just outside town, but are looking great ways to fill the week. The only thing we have nailed down is that we'll make the trip to Sleeping Bear. We hope there will still be a little bit of color left on the trees.
I found this previous question, but we're traveling with an infant, and so sea kayaking is probably not on the agenda.
Thanks!
I enjoyed visiting the Dennos Museum at NW Michigan College.
posted by BlooPen at 6:23 PM on October 10, 2010
posted by BlooPen at 6:23 PM on October 10, 2010
Best answer: Certainly see the World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan and go have cherry crumb pie at Grand Traverse Pie Co. Yum! And go shopping downtown at the various cherry stores to sample a huge variety of cherry items. The Cherry Stop is one such store, but there are several within a block or two of each other. Have a great time! Traverse City is rather lovely.
posted by hansbrough at 6:24 PM on October 10, 2010
posted by hansbrough at 6:24 PM on October 10, 2010
The Cherry Hut (mentioned in the other thread) is my favoritest, even over GTPC, though that may be childhood bias. My parents have so many pictures of me (and my brothers) covered in pie.
Point Betsie in Frankfort is very pretty, too, if you're by Sleeping Bear anyway.
posted by Uniformitarianism Now! at 6:39 PM on October 10, 2010
Point Betsie in Frankfort is very pretty, too, if you're by Sleeping Bear anyway.
posted by Uniformitarianism Now! at 6:39 PM on October 10, 2010
There's a small museum with neat old boats & such near Empire, and Friendlys Tavern in Empire.
North of TC, Leland is a sort of fishing village/town with shops & restaurants.
There are wineries all up and down the peninsulas.
Pick up a local paper when you arrive & I'm sure you'll find plenty to fill your week.
posted by bricksNmortar at 6:39 PM on October 10, 2010
North of TC, Leland is a sort of fishing village/town with shops & restaurants.
There are wineries all up and down the peninsulas.
Pick up a local paper when you arrive & I'm sure you'll find plenty to fill your week.
posted by bricksNmortar at 6:39 PM on October 10, 2010
Best answer: If you like history of the region, you can also spend some of your downtime with Bruce Catton's autobiography. (I guess that's kind of a self-link, because my grandmother's family is in it, but it's still a nice read if you are a history buff. If you get any cold, rainy days and decide to hole up for a bit--it goes well with a mug of fresh cider or Leelanau wine. )
Here's a link to Traverse magazine with plenty of local, non-Benzie-related ideas.
posted by Uniformitarianism Now! at 7:15 PM on October 10, 2010
Here's a link to Traverse magazine with plenty of local, non-Benzie-related ideas.
posted by Uniformitarianism Now! at 7:15 PM on October 10, 2010
Best answer: ooh ooh! I grew up in TC! This question was asked of me all the time when I worked service jobs.
A few different good things, though it is harder with an infant than a little bigger little one.
There are these cool maps that came out recently that are pretty useful- grab one at the visitor's bureau right downtown on Union St.- or at a bunch of different places around town.
The Dennos Museum is fun- they have some cool hands on things for little kids, and also generally some sort of really decent stuff for both of you adult folks.
The Great Lakes Children's Museum is good too- lots of cool hands-on stuff.
After you go there, swing up the road to Scott's Harbor Grill and have lunch overlooking the harbor and bay.
The Grand Traverse Heritage Center is on Sixth Street downtown. I was taken there as a wee one (when it was in a different building) and have vivid memories of moving dioramas of logging and such. There are also some good tactile things- feel the beaver fur! feel the mink! You are also downtown then, so can hit up some good food down there. I really like Poppycocks for really tasty food.
Moomers! Best ice cream! On an actual working dairy farm and creamery! You can get it a lot of places, but go out to the actual store.
The State Hospital Grounds are cool, and getting better, and would be great if there are still colors
Finally, the Music House is kind of cool, and might be fun for a baby- it is a museum of all sorts of working player pianos and other mechanical instruments. You want to hear how gershwin actually played the piano? They have a piano that will do that!
Beaches and stuff are out, mostly likely. Go for a drive up the Old Mission Peninsula, all the way to the end. Nice lighthouse, and other stuff up there in a little state park.
ok, that's good for now. Have fun!
posted by rockindata at 8:17 PM on October 10, 2010
A few different good things, though it is harder with an infant than a little bigger little one.
There are these cool maps that came out recently that are pretty useful- grab one at the visitor's bureau right downtown on Union St.- or at a bunch of different places around town.
The Dennos Museum is fun- they have some cool hands on things for little kids, and also generally some sort of really decent stuff for both of you adult folks.
The Great Lakes Children's Museum is good too- lots of cool hands-on stuff.
After you go there, swing up the road to Scott's Harbor Grill and have lunch overlooking the harbor and bay.
The Grand Traverse Heritage Center is on Sixth Street downtown. I was taken there as a wee one (when it was in a different building) and have vivid memories of moving dioramas of logging and such. There are also some good tactile things- feel the beaver fur! feel the mink! You are also downtown then, so can hit up some good food down there. I really like Poppycocks for really tasty food.
Moomers! Best ice cream! On an actual working dairy farm and creamery! You can get it a lot of places, but go out to the actual store.
The State Hospital Grounds are cool, and getting better, and would be great if there are still colors
Finally, the Music House is kind of cool, and might be fun for a baby- it is a museum of all sorts of working player pianos and other mechanical instruments. You want to hear how gershwin actually played the piano? They have a piano that will do that!
Beaches and stuff are out, mostly likely. Go for a drive up the Old Mission Peninsula, all the way to the end. Nice lighthouse, and other stuff up there in a little state park.
ok, that's good for now. Have fun!
posted by rockindata at 8:17 PM on October 10, 2010
Seconding Grand Traverse Pie Co.
I'd also like to throw in Sleders which is a great old restaurant where you kiss the moose!
Oh and if you feel like seeing some beautiful colors and watching a nice sunset (weather permitting, not sure how cold its getting) look into Cross Village and my favorite restaurant Leggs Inn. You would not be disappointed!
posted by handbanana at 8:33 AM on October 11, 2010
I'd also like to throw in Sleders which is a great old restaurant where you kiss the moose!
Oh and if you feel like seeing some beautiful colors and watching a nice sunset (weather permitting, not sure how cold its getting) look into Cross Village and my favorite restaurant Leggs Inn. You would not be disappointed!
posted by handbanana at 8:33 AM on October 11, 2010
I was in Traverse City for the first time a few weeks ago, and can't recommend Amical restaurant highly enough! The food and atmosphere were wonderful, and although I didn't see any children there while I was dining, I can't imagine they would be unwelcome there. Have fun; it's such a beautiful little town.
posted by lagreen at 12:31 PM on October 11, 2010
posted by lagreen at 12:31 PM on October 11, 2010
(Depending on the fall color timing as you've mentioned... I've been away from the area for 6 years...) Go to Grand Traverse Resort and eat on the top floor and witness the lovely views.
posted by getawaysticks at 5:49 AM on October 12, 2010
posted by getawaysticks at 5:49 AM on October 12, 2010
Best answer: If you're going up to the dunes, be sure to take the trip to Pyramid Point.
The color up here is really nice now. It should stick around for the next week or two as long as we don't get any heavy storms. I'd say take M-72 out to Empire, then take M-22 back through Suttons Bay for a nice drive.
Bubba's is a favorite downtown restaurant. Check out The Dish for a nice vegetarian/vegan menu.
They're having a sing-along to the Sound of Music at the State Theater next Tuesday. That might be fun.
Definitely take in the sights at the State Hospital grounds (now known as the Village at the Grand Traverse Commons).
BTW Cross Village is a drive from here- about an hour and a half one-way. I'd save it for a dedicated trip if you want to check it out.
posted by Dr-Baa at 5:56 AM on October 12, 2010
The color up here is really nice now. It should stick around for the next week or two as long as we don't get any heavy storms. I'd say take M-72 out to Empire, then take M-22 back through Suttons Bay for a nice drive.
Bubba's is a favorite downtown restaurant. Check out The Dish for a nice vegetarian/vegan menu.
They're having a sing-along to the Sound of Music at the State Theater next Tuesday. That might be fun.
Definitely take in the sights at the State Hospital grounds (now known as the Village at the Grand Traverse Commons).
BTW Cross Village is a drive from here- about an hour and a half one-way. I'd save it for a dedicated trip if you want to check it out.
posted by Dr-Baa at 5:56 AM on October 12, 2010
Best answer: Oh, and seconding the drive up Old Mission Peninsula.
posted by Dr-Baa at 5:59 AM on October 12, 2010
posted by Dr-Baa at 5:59 AM on October 12, 2010
You'll also be near Jacob's Corn Maze when heading out to the dunes.
posted by Dr-Baa at 6:06 AM on October 12, 2010
posted by Dr-Baa at 6:06 AM on October 12, 2010
Response by poster: Thank you all so much for the suggestions. We had a fantastic time.
posted by Nickel Pickle at 7:17 PM on October 22, 2010
posted by Nickel Pickle at 7:17 PM on October 22, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 6:09 PM on October 10, 2010