We're planning on spending two nights in Traverse City and doing a day trip to Mackinac Island with the kiddos. We've been to TC with them before and stayed at the Bayshore. We are planning on staying at Grand Traverse Resort this time around. Any sightseeing/dining/general recommendations? It will be my (and the kids) first visit to Mackinac. Been to TC both with and without the kids before.
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This is my home! You really can't go wrong in TC. I recommend the food trucks at Little Fleet. Go to the old state hospital if you've never been...a great piece of history. Go to Moomers, voted best ice cream in the nation. If you have time, head out to the end of Old Mission Peninsula, the lighthouse is cool and tons of rocks to collect. You could also take a day trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes or Fishtown.
The resort has fantastic pools and a mini splash pad area. They also have a Melissa and Doug store and there is a fun waterfall for toddlers and babies to stare at
if you can spare an hour for yourself, the spa at the resort is on the pricier side but AMAZING.Happy to give you any other suggestions, just let me know! I have tons of restaurant suggestions, depending on what you are looking for. Sorry, I know you were mostly looking for Mackinac suggestions..I've been there twice but am no expert!
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@Sweetcaroline - Thank you! Moomers is amazing! We took the kids there last time. Any kid friendly restaurant recommendations? Last summer we went to Spanglish, The Franklin and North Peak Brewing Co. We went to the lighthouse at Old Mission Peninsula last year as well. So beautiful!
I will definitely go to the Sleeping Bear Dunes...they will be 2 and 4 when we go this summer.
What did you do when you went to Mackinac? Just toured the Grand Hotel and walked around the island? -
Love TC and Mackinac! If you can rent bikes with seats/trailers for them, bike around the island. It's about 9ish miles I think??
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Yep you can bike around the island. They have horse drawn carriages which the kids might enjoy and lots of fudge! You can watch them make it and we always got a kick out of that
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@imadreamer: I've never actually been to Grand Hotel. We usually bike around the island (one time I ran...), It's 8 miles. You can rent bikes and a Burley type trailer for the kids. Lots of good spots to stop and rest/picnic/explore along the way.
There is a butterfly exhibit the kids might like. They'll love the ferry ride to the island for sure. Honestly, it's just so much fun to explore the parks on the island at your leisure.
I'll post more about TC restaurants tomorrow when I'm at my computer!
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Mackinac Island: Kids might like a horse drawn carriage and definitely the Butterfly House. I think the fort on the island is too much for little ones but worth it for adults.
TC: I say you try the Children's Museum or State Theater if the weather's bad. And I love Horizon Books!
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@imadreamer: In addition to what others have mentioned, you all might have fun going up to the fort on Mackinac Island. I'm jealous of your trip!
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I agree with @Finfan: for rainy day activities. I also recommend E.L.F. in the state hospital grounds if it's raining. Even if it's not raining, they have good kids snacks/lunch and a fairy trail outside.
For other food, try Blue Tractor (mac 'n cheese, pulled pork), McGee's on 72 (right out by the resort...we love this restaurant!), Mama Lu's downtown (tacos), The Dish or Greenhouse Café for lunch, Jolly Pumpkin on Old Mission Peninsula, and like I said: don't miss the food trucks on the east end of downtown.
Also, I'm not sure if you know, but there is a brand-new Meijer by the Resort. It's super nice and great to go grab picnic supplies.
if you can spare an hour for yourself, the spa at the resort is on the pricier side but AMAZING.Reply
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