Buchan's West Bay

You can't miss the bright blue building that houses Bardon's Wonder Freeze - it's been a Grand Traverse County landmark since 1969. This old-school ice cream stand serves up generous scoops of homemade flavors alongside classic comfort food like burgers and fries. The outdoor picnic tables fill up fast on summer evenings with families enjoying everything from hot fudge sundaes to their famous twist cones. Kids love the casual atmosphere where they can run around while parents savor that nostalgic soft-serve experience that never gets old.

Jomo's Ice Cream Shop brings artisanal scoops to Benzie County with flavors that capture the essence of Northern Michigan summers. This local favorite crafts small-batch ice cream using regional ingredients, creating unique combinations you won't find at chain shops. Their rotating seasonal menu highlights local berries, Michigan maple syrup, and other regional specialties. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy to linger over your cone while chatting with locals about the best swimming spots nearby. Each visit feels like discovering a sweet secret tucked away in this charming corner of the region.

The aroma hits you before you even walk through the door at Jojo's Cookies – warm butter, vanilla, and brown sugar mixing in the air like a sweet invitation. This local Traverse City bakery turns out cookies that crumble just right between your fingers, with that homemade texture you can't fake. Their chocolate chip cookies arrive warm from the oven throughout the day, edges golden and centers still soft. The display case showcases rotating seasonal favorites alongside classics, while the friendly staff wraps your selections in cheerful packaging. Can't make it in? Their delivery service brings these sweet treats straight to your door.

You'll find some of the Leelanau Peninsula's best Jewish deli fare at L'Chayim in Glen Arbor, where fresh bagels and house-made pastries draw locals and visitors alike. The breakfast menu hits all the right notes with everything from classic lox and cream cheese to hearty egg dishes. Weekend brunch gets busy, but the outdoor patio makes the wait worthwhile. Grab a seat outside and watch Glen Arbor wake up over your morning coffee, or swing by for takeout if you're beach-bound. This family-friendly spot proves that great deli food has found a home up north.

The warm, yeasty aroma hits you before you even step inside Petoskey Pretzel Co., where hand-twisted pretzels emerge golden and glistening from the oven throughout the day. This Traverse City bakery transforms simple dough into chewy, salt-crusted masterpieces that pair beautifully with their house-made mustards and cheese dips. Families gather around picnic tables on the sunny patio, sharing everything from classic salted twists to cinnamon sugar creations. Vegan options ensure everyone can enjoy these authentic Bavarian-style treats, made fresh using traditional techniques that create that signature crispy exterior and pillowy interior.

What started as a single coffee cart downtown has grown into Traverse City's beloved neighborhood gathering spot. Cuppa Joe's owners, longtime locals with roots in the restaurant industry, transformed a former print shop into this warm, bustling café. Their house-roasted beans fuel early morning conversations between fishermen and late-rising tourists alike. The weekend brunch draws families who pile into mismatched chairs around reclaimed wood tables, while the spacious patio becomes summer headquarters for book clubs and business meetings. Their creative vegan breakfast bowls surprise even the most dedicated carnivores.