Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City has been home to Emma and her family for many years, and we're so excited to share it with all of you! Whether you're visiting just for the wedding weekend or staying a little longer, we've put together some of our favorite places to stay, eat, drink, explore, and relax while you're here.

WHERE TO STAY

The Park Place Hotel

300 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49684

We've reserved a room block at the historic Park Place Hotel, where we'll also be celebrating our reception! Located in the heart of downtown Traverse City, it's the perfect home base for exploring the city and enjoying the wedding weekend.

We recommend booking rooms at least six months in advance. Traverse City is a very popular tourist destination in the summer and rooms will book up quickly.

Rate per Night (including taxes & fees): $511.00

Phone Reservations: 231-946-5000 ext. 2022 ~ be sure to mention “Bixby-Annen Wedding” for rate above.

Online Booking Code: BAW913

Reserve Your Room

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK

Our favorite restaurants, wineries and bars in Traverse City.

Breakfast + Coffee

  • The Towne Plaza

    The Towne Plaza

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.2 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Contemporary eatery with a leafy outdoor seating area, featuring brunch and lunch.

    Website
  • Good Harbor Coffee & Bakery

    Good Harbor Coffee & Bakery

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.4 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Tiny venue with limited seating known for elevated coffee, grab & go breakfast and housemade baked goods.

    Website
  • The Omelette Shoppe

    The Omelette Shoppe

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.2 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Folksy local breakfast chain serving omelets, quiches, pancakes & sandwiches, plus baked goods.

    Website
  • Archie's Social House

    Archie's Social House

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.4 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    A locally owned breakfast and brunch restaurant serving breakfast classics alongside specialty coffee, brunch cocktails, and lunch options!

    Website

Lunch + Dinner

  • Poppycocks

    Poppycocks

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.3 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Lunch, dinner & drinks destination for New American fare paired with a large martini menu.

    Website
  • Amical

    Amical

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.2 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Acclaimed space for European fare offers seasonal & themed menus amid bright, bistro-style decor.

    Website
  • Firefly Restaurant

    Firefly Restaurant

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.3 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Open for lunch and dinner featuring small, shareable plates including creative sushi & fondue plus happy hour.

    Website
  • Apache Trout Grill

    Apache Trout Grill

    WATERFRONT TRAVERSE CITY - 2 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Known for seafood & ribs, this cozy spot offers a chic hunting lodge feel & bayside patio dining.

    Website
  • The Little Fleet

    The Little Fleet

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.3 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Fixed collection of food trucks offering an eclectic array of bites, plus a bar & outdoor seating.

    Website
  • Boathouse Restaurant

    Boathouse Restaurant

    OLD MISSION PENINSULA - 11 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Window-lined locale with cottage decor & bay views serves eclectic fare & produce from owner's farm. A fancier option.

    Website
  • Sorellina

    Sorellina

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.1 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Petite, trendy eatery offering typical Italian fare such as pasta, seafood & meat dishes, plus wine and happy hour.

    Website
  • Red Ginger

    Red Ginger

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.2 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Upscale, chef-owned spot offers small plates of light Pan-Asian cuisine & signature cocktails.

    Website
  • The Flying Noodle - Italian Pasta House

    The Flying Noodle - Italian Pasta House

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.3 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Relaxed restaurant doling out pasta, pizza & salads in a contemporary, brick-lined space.

    Website
  • Barrio

    Barrio

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.5 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Local chain serving signature & build-your-own tacos, plus cocktails, in a hip, casual space.

    Website
  • Taproot Cider House

    Taproot Cider House

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.1 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Local hard ciders & cocktails are served alongside farm-to-table fare at this chill, rustic tavern.

    Website
  • West End Tavern

    West End Tavern

    WATERFRONT TRAVERSE CITY - 1.5 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Comfort food such as burgers, pizza, and seafood served in a relaxed space with scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay.

    Website

Wineries

  • Mari Vineyards

    Mari Vineyards

    OLD MISSION PENINSULA - 5 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Tours of winemaking facilities, including underground ageing caves, plus tastings with bay views.

    Website
  • Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn

    Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn

    OLD MISSION PENINSULA - 14 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    There is nothing better than wine with a view!  Enjoy your libations on the expansive East Terrace, overlooking the vineyard and East Grand Traverse Bay.

    Website
  • Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

    Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

    OLD MISSION PENINSULA - 12 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Family-run winery with a tasting room, a lawn bar & lavender gardens on a restored 1890s homestead.

    Website
  • Bonobo Winery

    Bonobo Winery

    OLD MISSION PENINSULA - 9 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Our goal of Bonobo Winery is for it to be a social gathering place where people can kick back and relax, enjoy some amazing wine, and see the spectacular scenery in the heart of Old Mission Peninsula.

    Website
  • Chateau Grand Traverse

    Chateau Grand Traverse

    OLD MISSION PENINSULA - 10 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Wine estate offering cellar tastings & charcuterie plates on a patio overlooking the vineyard.

    Website

Bars + Breweries

  • H&L Social Rooftop Bar and Eatery - Hotel Indigo

    H&L Social Rooftop Bar and Eatery - Hotel Indigo

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.5 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Whether you're sipping on expertly crafted cocktails or enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, the view of Grand Traverse Bay from H&L Social Rooftop is unlike anywhere else in Traverse City.

    Website
  • The Parlor TC

    The Parlor TC

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.3 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Hip bar offering craft cocktails & American small plates in a warehouse space with exposed beams.

    Website
  • U & I Lounge

    U & I Lounge

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.1 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Greek & American pub grub from a neighborhood hangout with TVs playing sports & happy hours.

    Website
  • Kilkenny's

    Kilkenny's

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.7 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Lively, cozy Irish bar offering draft ales & pub grub, plus pool & live music.

    Website
  • Rare Bird Brewpub

    Rare Bird Brewpub

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.4 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Industrial spot in a restored building with house & regional beers, plus seasonal grub.

    Website
  • Brady's Bar

    Brady's Bar

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.4 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Classic neighborhood bar for American chow from breakfast to pizza, burgers & wings served late.

    Website
  • Blush: Rooftop Terrace

    Blush: Rooftop Terrace

    EAST BAY TRAVERSE CITY - 5 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Blush Rooftop Terrace sits atop the fifth floor of Alexandra Inn in Traverse City, Michigan. The rooftop terrace is located beachfront and offers unobstructed views of East Grand Traverse. Blush offers seasonal events, live music, local wines, beers, ciders, cocktails, and shareable plates.

    Website
  • 7 Monks Taproom

    7 Monks Taproom

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.3 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Cozy, woodsy tavern with refined American pub grub, 46 beers on tap & kegs of wine.

    Website
  • Patio at The Delamar Hotel

    Patio at The Delamar Hotel

    DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.2 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

    Experience expertly crafted cocktails and breathtaking waterfront views at The Patio at Delamar, nestled in our chef's garden, and don’t miss our live music evenings.

    Website

THINGS TO DO

Beyond the wedding festivities, here are a few of our favorite ways to experience Traverse City.

Outdoor Activities

Pyramid Point - Scenic Lookout Hike

GLEN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - 30 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

The hike to the Pyramid Point overlook in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a 1.2-mile round trip taking about 30 to 45 minutes.

Website

Nauti Cat Cruises - Boat Ride

DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.7 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

Casual 2-hour sailing excursions on the waters of West Grand Traverse Bay, with a bar.

Website 
EMPIRE, MICHIGAN - 28 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes

The famous Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan is a massive 284-foot sand ridge located on M-109, about 5 miles north of Empire

Website

Beaches

Clinch Park Beach

DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY - 0.4 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

Beach on West Grand Traverse Bay featuring picnic tables, restrooms, rentals, & a snack shop.

Website

Suttons Bay Beach

SUTTONS BAY, MICHIGAN - 17 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

Clean beach featuring a playground and a grassy area, plus a marina located in a cute beach town.

Website 
EMPIRE, MICHIGAN - 25 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

Empire Beach

Located a block from downtown Empire, the Empire beach is a section of beach National Geographic named one of the top 21 beaches in the world, “pure fresh water and 450-foot bluffs mean eyes-open swimming and vast views over Lake Michigan.”

Website

HOW TO GET THERE

Driving from Chicago

Approximately 5 hours • 320 miles

Traverse City is an easy drive from Chicago and a great option if you'd like to have a car for exploring during the weekend.

Get Directions

Flying to Traverse City

Cherry Capital Airport – Traverse City Airport TVC

Cherry Capital Airport is the closest airport to downtown Traverse City and the Park Place Hotel. Rental cars and rideshare services are available at the airport.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - 4.5 MILES FROM PARK PLACE

Website

GETTING AROUND TRAVERSE CITY

Downtown Traverse City

The Park Place Hotel is right in the heart of downtown Traverse City, with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and the waterfront within walking distance.

Beyond Downtown

If you plan to visit the wineries, Sleeping Bear Dunes, or other spots outside of downtown, we recommend having a car or using a private driver service.

Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are available, but can be more limited outside of the downtown area.