Your Plan for a Perfect Summer Day in Downtown Traverse City
One of the best things about staying at The Flats (besides the charming flats and free parking) is being in the heart of downtown and everything within blocks. Because a well-planned vacation includes days when there’s not so much planned and no particular place to be at a specific time. Here’s what your walkable day downtown could look like; you’ll find that anything you could want for a perfect day is within blocks.
But First, Coffee
If you’re the first one up or the slow morning type, you’ll find locally roasted Higher Grounds coffee in your kitchen so you can start the day with no rush to get anywhere. If you’re looking for a cute cafe experience, something of the latte variety, or savory fresh baked bread and pastries, head downstairs to Outpost. Another option for juices, smoothies, and breakfast is to wander over to the Warehouse Market and pay a visit to Rough Pony. This purple cafe is a must-visit for a colorful photo op.
Farmer’s Market
Is there anything that says leisure Saturday morning more than a stroll through the local farmer’s market, coffee in hand, to fill your tote with peaches and dahlias? The Sara Hardy Farmer’s Market is one block from The Flats in parking lot “B” at the southwest corner of Cass and Grandview Parkway and is open Saturday and Wednesday mornings from May through October. You’ll find an array of fresh produce, artisan cheeses and hot sauce, and handmade bath products made from locally grown ingredients. Hot tip: Make your first stop at the market 9 Bean Rows for an apricot croissant or sea salt fennel loaf.
Walk or Bike the TART
Once you’ve stocked your kitchen and had your morning fuel, you’ll be ready to hit the TART in Town for a walk, run, or bike ride around Traverse City. The Flats has onsite bike storage; just bring your bikes and locks. For those looking to extend their ride, the TART trail systems span Grand Traverse and Leelanau County. The in-town trails provide routes for your morning exercise or a stroll by the bay.
Lunch for a Picnic or Sit-Down
It’s time to pack your beach bag with ready-to-go lunches and picnic items for your beach day or meet up with friends and family docked at Clinch Marina, one block away. (Transient slips are available for rent; reserve early during peak seasons and events, as they fill fast.) If your ideal lunch is a restaurant atmosphere, try one of the locals’ favorites, Poppycock’s, for Amercian cuisine, including a daily vegetarian Green Plate special. Head across the street to Mama Lu’s taco shop for authentic tacos and a cucumber-habanero margarita.
Beach Time
Being on the water is one of Traverse City’s most well-known attributes and means that you’re only–you guessed it–one block from beaches. The most popular in-town beach is Clinch Park, adjacent to the marina, and has a snack bar, restrooms, and splash pad. West End Beach begins with public volleyball courts on the other side of the marina. You’ll also find shady areas with trees perfectly placed for slinging up a hammock. Want to be on the water? SUP and Kayak rentals are within two blocks and can be used on the bay or the Boardman River
Happy Hour and Dinner
It’ll be easy to have a little downtime and freshen up at The Flats before heading out for an evening on the town. Keep it casual with a walk or bike down to another local favorite, Little Fleet, named for its summer-long lineup of some of the best food trucks you’ve ever tried. Happy’s Tacos takes residence inside all year long. Order a beverage from the bar and let everyone on your crew choose from an array of menus, including BBQ, tacos, Mediterranean, Chinese, and pizza. (Check their website for current trucks and menus.)
For a full dining experience, you can stay on Front Street for the award-winning Red Ginger. The food and atmosphere are elevated but not pretentious; think business casual, aka no flip flops and cutoffs. Another great option for fine dining is Artisan where you can dine on the water and then hop on the Nauti-Cat for a sunset cruise around West Bay. If you’d prefer a sunset drink on dry land, make a stop at the Rare Bird Brewpub, and you’ll be a short walk from your private flat and plush bed.
