Northern Michigan Gems
Mission Point Lighthouse
A Long Overdue Escape to Traverse City (with Stops You'll Want to Make)
After two years of living in Southwest Michigan, I finally made the scenic drive up the coast to Traverse City. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit how long this gem has been sitting on my “live list” (because doesn’t that sound so much better than “bucket list”?!), but I’m happy to report—it absolutely lived up to the hype. Traverse City delivers.
It’s about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from New Buffalo, which is well worth a stop if you’re coming from Chicago. Think: lake views, great food, cute shops—perfect for a little leg-stretch or lunch break. Who wants my top recommendations for this charming little beach town I’ve called home for the past two and a half years?!
A Detour Worth Taking: Holland, Michigan
I took my time heading north, and as luck would have it, my trip coincided with Tulip Time Festival in Holland—another “live list” item checked (check out the photo and my pro tip below).
This stop was stunning. I skipped the major tourist crowds and instead took a scenic drive down Tulip Lane, a residential stretch just outside downtown that’s bursting with color. Then I wandered through Centennial Park, which was naturally beautiful in full bloom and a bit like a scene you’d expect to see in your favorite rom com.
And, if you’ve got a little extra time, Holland has no shortage of charming boutiques and cozy cafés. I stumbled upon Culture: part cheese shop, part wine shop, and part grilled cheese bistro (yes, you read that right). The wine selection was thoughtful and well-curated, and the little eatery in the back was perfect for a casual lunch. Stay for a bite, snag a couple of bottles (and slices), then hit the road again fully fueled for the journey ahead.
Pro Tip
Before your trip, create a custom Google Map and drop pins for restaurants, wineries, shops, and scenic stops you want to check out. This saved me so much time, filled in unexpected gaps, and helped avoid that “ugh, I forgot about that place!” moment once I got home.
Traverse City: The Destination
While the coastal drive was my main goal, I had originally planned to make a stop in Muskegon. But truth be told? I’d skip it. Instead, detour to Grand Rapids—a vibrant city that really deserves a proper visit on its own. I only had time for a quick stop at Good Good Good (a natural wine shop focused on regeneratively farmed wines) and Ritual (a small independent wine shop focused on discovery and low intervention wines), but it was enough to whet my appetite — not only for a future return, but for my wine-centric trip ahead.
Pro Tip: I traveled Sunday through Wednesday in early May. The weather was decent, the spring blooms were out, and best of all—no crowds. That said, some places had limited hours or weren’t open yet for the season. If you’re someone who values space and quiet over buzz and bustle, off-season travel is totally worth it!
Where I Stayed: A Firehouse with Character
I booked a charming Airbnb in downtown Traverse City, which had been renovated from an old firehouse—right up my alley. The space was stylish, comfortable, and packed with character. Best of all? The location was unbeatable. I was just steps from:
The heart of downtown’s shops and restaurants
The iconic turquoise waters of Grand Traverse Bay
Clinch Park and the lakefront trails
After a full day of wine tasting and exploring, it felt so good to ditch the car and wander on foot. Walkability (with a view) is one of Traverse City's underrated gifts. This is how I stumbled upon Little Fleet — an adorable little food truck park complete with libations.
The Backyard at Farm Club
Dinner at Farm Club
For months, I had been dreaming about visiting Farm Club—a farm, brewery, restaurant, bakery, and market all rolled into one. So after checking into my Airbnb, I made a beeline for it.
I kicked things off with a glass of Pinot Gris from Boathouse Winery (highly recommend) and ordered the bok choy tempura. If you’ve never tried it (and I hadn’t) please do yourself a favor and change that. It might be one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten. Speaking of which, I love that Farm Club grows its own produce and partners with other local producers, highlighting the bounty of northern Michigan in the most intentional, unfussy way.
My server was warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the menu and concept. The space was rustic and stylish in all the right ways with a casual buzz that made you want to linger. And the food, wine, and atmosphere? Chef’s kiss.
And because I was determined to make the most of my time (and thanks to that handy Google Map I mentioned earlier), I noticed that one of the wineries on my list was still open.
Sunset Sipping: Brengman Family Wines
Just a short drive from Farm Club is Brengman Family Wines, which—bless them—stays open later than most wineries. I arrived just in time to grab a glass of Pet-Nat and catch the sunset from their patio.
It was a moment.
The vibe here is unpretentious but rooted in serious craft. Estate-grown fruit, a strong farming philosophy, and a commitment to soil health, terroir expression, and native yeast fermentations—a.k.a. natural wine done right. This stop checked all the boxes for me. And that Pet-Nat? Two enthusiastic thumbs up.
For a first wine stop, Brengman knocked it out of the park. I’ll definitely be back.
Old Mission Peninsula Vineyards
Day 2: Old Mission Peninsula
After a good night’s rest, I was ready to explore Old Mission Peninsula—a place so many people said would be my jam. Spoiler: they were right.
Old Mission has this old-world charm that’s hard to describe but easy to feel—rolling vineyards, fruit orchards, panoramic water views, and a laid-back energy that makes you want to pause and soak it all in.
I started my morning at Mission Proper, a cozy little café offering locally roasted coffee, light bites, and even locally distilled spirits. From there, I drove straight to the Mission Point Lighthouse at the northern tip of the peninsula. The views are gorgeous, and there’s something humbling about standing on the 45th Parallel—literally halfway between the North Pole and the Equator.
On the way back down, I stopped at the Old Mission General Store, which is a delightful little time warp. It’s quirky, full of character, and the kind of place where you half expect to find penny candy and handwritten notes on the bulletin board. From there I recommend selecting a few wineries to stop at on your way back to town (see my picks below).
Pro Tip: When traveling alone (and you have to be your own designated driver) enjoy exploring multiple wineries and vineyards, but hand-select a couple to actually taste at (hint hint: use my guide). Trust me, the properties are so delightful and pretty you won’t miss the extra pours… AND, you’ll probably catch details you’d otherwise miss!
Wineries Worth the Pour…
(Old Mission Peninsula Edition)
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Set on a beautifully restored 1890s homestead, Brys Estate is a place where history, charm, and winemaking intersect. Although I arrived too early to taste (still kicking myself), this will be top of my list on the next visit where I’ll be booking the Wine Wagon Tour & Tasting—a 2-hour, open-air shuttle tour that includes tastings at five unique stops and ends with a picnic in their Secret Garden (home to over 6,000 lavender plants and an herb garden that smells like heaven).
Mark my words: this one’s worth going back for.
Mari Vineyards
Even if you don’t drink wine, Mari Vineyards is worth visiting for their epic view alone. It was one of my favorite scenic overlooks of the entire trip—photo below for proof. But it wasn’t just the view. The wines were a surprise in all the best ways. Given their northern location, I wasn’t expecting to love so many reds—but love them I did. If you're a red wine drinker, do not skip this stop.
Mari focuses on estate-grown Italian varietals like Nebbiolo and Sangiovese alongside familiar favorites like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Their approach is steeped in sustainability, from composting and renewable energy to supporting a bee and butterfly sanctuary. Oh—and did I mention the wine caves? Yep, Mari built underground wine caves that align with the summer solstice sun (which is incredibly timely). Because... why not make it a little magical, too?
Wrapping Up (For Now)
This trip was the perfect reminder of why Michigan’s wine country deserves a spot on your live list. But this was just the beginning...
Up next: Part Two—more wine, more food, and a deep dive into the stunning Leelanau Peninsula. Trust me, you’re going to want to sip your way through this one too.
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xoxo, Kristy