Attractions
The Traverse Area is full of Unusual Ideas® – unique attractions, activities and day trips which provide an authentic glimpse into the local lifestyle. Interested in exploring the waters, checking out a lighthouse or museum, or perhaps a day of shopping and family fun?
You’ll find it all here. Whether you’ve come to the area for business or pleasure, with family or friends, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable experience when you visit one of our Unusual Ideas®.
Sponsored by Century 21 Sleeping Bear Realty
Click on an image to find out more information on these attractions. To advertise your business with Meal Tickets & Unusual Ideas, click here.
Cherry Bowl Drive-In TheatreAlways a Double-Feature and Always Family Friendly
First Run Movies every Friday & Saturday, May & September Nightly all summer Rain or shine dusk is the time!
Cherry Bowl Gifts and Goodies
The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre18 miles southwest of Traverse City, on US 31 in Honor |
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Cherry StopBringing you premium fruit & cherry products since 1995.
Now featuring a Northern Michigan Wine Bar Hard Pit Cafe Fresh Cherry Pie & Baked Goods
Visit our retail store or shop our on-line catalog at www.cherrystop.com. For mail order call: 800.286.7209 Cherries are good tasting and good for you. For a healthy snack or ingredient, try our dried fruit. We accept the following forms of payment: American Express, VISA, Mastercard & Discover. Open year round International Shipping The Cherry Stop211 E. Front Street Traverse City MI 49684 (231) 929-3990 (800) 286-7290 for Mail Order www.cherrystop.com |
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Downtown Traverse City
Ask the locals. They’ll tell you that downtown Traverse City is vibrant, unique, and beautiful, and home to more than 150 stores, businesses, and services waiting to help you! For Gift Certificates accepted year-round at over 150 Downtown businesses, please call our office at (231) 922-2050, or visit our website at www.downtowntc.com. Gift Certificates are also available at the Hardy Parking Deck, TC State Bank and the TC Convention & Visitors Bureau. RestaurantsEateries include Mexican, Italian, French Country, Greek, Cornish Pasties, BBQ, Steak, Vegetarian, Pizza, Soup & Sandwiches, Fresh Fish and Coffee Houses Live EntertainmentNightclubs, Brewpubs & Pubs • State Theatre, Old Town Playhouse, City Opera House Specialty StoresLocal Food Items • Clothing • Jewelry • Home Furnishings • Crafts, Toys & Hobbies • Sporting Goods • Music • Books, Cards & Stationary • Antiques & Art Galleries • Shoes and More! ServicesTraverse City Visitor’s Center • Chamber of Commerce • Downtown Development Authority/Downtown Traverse City Association • Hardy Parking Deck • BATA Transit Center • Public Parking • Banks/ATM • Pharmacies • Media • Legal Services • Florists • Printers • Travel Agents • Cleaners • Lodging • Churches AttractionsHistoric Neighborhoods • Great Lakes Children’s Museum • Grand Traverse Heritage Center • Clinch Park Zoo & Marina • Traverse Film Festival • Traverse Area Recreation Trail • Traverse Area Arts Council • National Cherry Festival Special EventsEach season, Downtown features special events including Friday Night Live, Farmers Market, Chili Cook-off, Bridal Show, Arts & Crafts fairs, Downtown Art Walk, holiday festivals and more. Call our office or visit the website for a listing. Downtown Traverse City Association(231) 922-2050 |
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Gwen Frostic PrintsPresscraft Papers5140 River Rd. : Benzonia MI
Surrounded by over one hundred acres of wilderness and nature, Gwen Frostic designed the stone building that became the permanent location for Presscraft Papers in 1964. Gwen’s hand-carved linoleum block prints have been printed on-site on over 15 Heidelberg presses. Her detailed designs capture the joyousness of the woods and open fields to express that indefinable something that lies deep in the hearts of all. The legacy of her artwork is available on stationery, paper tableware, tote bags, glassware and much, much more. Open year roundSummer: Everyday — 9:00am – 5:30pm Winter: Mon – Sat — 9:00am – 4:30pm
(231) 882-5505
While you’re in the area stop by the Brookside Inn for meals, bakery goods and giftshop items. (231) 882-9688
For more information, here is an interesting Article about Gwen Frostic by Tobi Karch Here is another article about Gwen from the March 2005 Issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine |
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InterlochenInterlochen Presents : 2008-09 Performing Arts Series
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Learn Great Foods
Ever wonder exactly where your food comes from? Do you enjoy breath-taking vistas, the smell of clean air and hands-on learning? Then join us for an agri-culinary tour & dinner with Learn Great Foods! Enjoy an epicurean day trip to local organic farms, talk with food artisans, and prepare a feast of just-picked foods for an alfresco dinner with new friends. “The tour was a unique combination of learning and fun…an awesome experience for all ages…a must day trip for everyone.” – Joe Z., Warrenville, IL
Day Trip Includes
Leelanau Tour SchedulesWednesdays, 12 noon – 6pm
Reservations Requiredcall: 231.758.3407 online: www.learngreatfoods.com
Leelanau Tour Destinations
Learn Great Foods also offers tours and retreats in Petoskey, and Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. |
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Leelanau Sands CasinoLeelanau Sands Casino is located a scenic 20 miles north of Traverse City on M-22 in Peshawbestown, Michigan. This is the kind of place where you can check your cares, share a laugh with friends, and maybe even fill your pockets. Featuring:
If that’s not enough, there is a Lounge with LIVE Entertainment and Bingo Hall that always have something going on. So come as you are. We’re sure you’ll have a great time!
Double Eagle RestaurantOffering fine dining as well as award-winning buffets. A full lunch and dinner menu featuring Cedar Plank Salmon, Beef Tenderloin and Chocolate Raspberry Mousse. We’ve added an All-You-Can-Eat Soup & Salad Bar, Sugar-free dessert choices and a scrumptious Sunday Brunch Buffet. Located inside the Leelanau Sands Casino. HoursOpen 7 days a week from 8am - 10pm Leelanau Sands Casino
Owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
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LighthousesClick HERE for a more detailed description, with directions and a photo of each lighthouse. Lighthouse Information sponsored by
Old Mission Point Light 1870Located on 45th parallel this light is no longer in operation, nor is it open for tours. Grand Traverse Light 1851Also known as “Cat’s Head” this light is also an historic museum open to the public. South Manitou Island Light 1872Tour this historic light, and watch out for ghosts, this one’s considered “haunted” by some. Robert H. Manning Light 1991This little known light is only the second memorial light in Michigan. Point Betsie Light 1858Point Betsie Light celebrates 150 Year Anniversary Frankfort North Breakwater Light 1932Walk along the pier and you’ll find this light guiding boats safely into the Betsie |
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Mistwood Golf CourseMistwood is undoubtedly the best place to satisfy your golf passion. Since opening in 1993, Mistwood has established a reputation as one of the finest public golf courses in Northern Michigan. Mistwood Features
Mistwood Golf Course7568 Ole White Drive
phone: 231.275.5500 web: www.mistwoodgolf.com
Mistwood, named for it’s characteristic misty mornings, is consistently rated "4 stars" by Golf Digest Magazine
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Music House MuseumA stroll through the Music House Museum is like a walk back in time. Join us for a revolving guided musical tour as we explain and demonstrate our one-of-a-kind collection of rare antique musical instruments and music-making machines, dating from 1870 – 1930.
The Music House Museum Hours: Open daily from May – October Consider the Music House Museum for your next special event. It’s a unique atmosphere for anniversaries, reunions, parties, weddings, receptions and more. Ask about our concerts, dances and theater parties. Music House Museum7377 US 31 North PO Box 297 Acme, Michigan 49610
Phone: 231.938.9300 web: www.musichouse.org email: info@musichouse.org |
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Right Brain Brewery221 Garland St Welcome to Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City’s only micro-brewery. We only serve our own beers because that’s what we do well. We usually have 12 beers on tap, but it depends on the day and the thirst of the people. Right Brain Brewery Hours
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Turtle Creek Casino |
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Wilderness CrossingFamily Entertainment Center
Open Daily 10:00 am - 2:00 am Bowling Laser Blast Billiards Cosmic Golf Wild Pony Saloon
Wilderness Crossing Adventure & Entertainment CenterLocated on US 31 just 1 1/2 mile West of Chums Corners in Traverse City, MI. 231.943.9200 www.wildernesscrossing.com |
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Michigan Area Lighthouses














































