If relaxation is your love language, set aside a day at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. From hot stone wraps to organic facials, the spa’s treatment menu is seriously dreamy. Choose an all-in-one indulgence like the Pure Serenity Package, and be sure to arrive early to enjoy the saunas, steam rooms, and serene indoor pools.

Hidden just outside of town, this museum is a delightfully quirky spot packed with self-playing instruments, antique music boxes, and a stunningly intricate dance organ. The 90-minute guided tour is equal parts educational and magical.

Take a budget-savvy cellar tour at Mari Vineyards, where you’ll descend into underground wine caves and learn about Old-World winemaking techniques. The best part? You’ll get to taste rare varietals you won’t find anywhere else.

Sometimes the best things in life really are free. Spend the day swimming, lounging, or people-watching at Clinch Park, Traverse City’s most beloved beach. There’s volleyball, a splash pad for kids, and a boardwalk perfect for sunset strolls. Parking can be tricky, so arrive early if you can.

What was once a 19th-century asylum is now one of the city’s coolest hangout spots. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons buzzes with coffee shops, boutiques, and art galleries—plus trails, gardens, and live music on the Piazza. It’s a dreamy blend of nature and history.

Set right on the water, Boathouse Restaurant delivers views for days and flavors to match. Watch the sunset over Bowers Harbor while feasting on dishes like Great Lakes walleye and melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu carpaccio.

Dinner at Artisan is a multisensory experience. Think open kitchen, bold local flavors, and gorgeously plated dishes like glazed salmon and dry-aged Wagyu steak. It’s fine dining with a creative twist—and definitely worth the splurge.

Named after Traverse City’s historic lumbertown district, Slabtown Burgers dishes out juicy, loaded burgers in every style imaginable. Keep it simple with the Slabtown Special or go bold with the jalapeño-and-cream-cheese-stuffed Pungi’s Pepper Patty.

Nestled in the heart of wine country, this elegant retreat offers vineyard views, private tours, and complimentary tastings. Black Star Farms is pure countryside bliss with luxe touches—from farm-fresh breakfasts to horseback rides through the vines.

Surrounded by forest and wildlife, this cozy B&B is just a 15-minute drive from downtown but feels worlds away. Enjoy homemade breakfasts, private hiking trails, and a calm so deep, even the deer stop by to say hello.