My Michigan Roots

Pier Fun brings waterfront hospitality to Benzie County with accommodations that put Lake Michigan practically at your doorstep. The property gives guests direct access to sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters without the crowds you'll find closer to downtown Traverse City. Clean, comfortable rooms come with practical amenities like mini-fridges and microwaves - perfect for storing fresh cherries from local orchards or keeping beverages cold after beach days. The real draw here is location: you can watch sunrise over the lake from your window and walk to the water in under two minutes.

Rennie Orchards brings authentic farm-to-table hospitality to Grand Traverse County with their unique agritourism accommodations. Stay right on the working orchard property and wake up to cherry trees stretching toward Grand Traverse Bay. The farm-style lodging puts you minutes from downtown Traverse City while giving you direct access to seasonal fruit picking, fresh cider, and that peaceful rural atmosphere Northern Michigan does best. Guests can explore the orchards at sunrise, then head into town for dining and shopping. Perfect for couples seeking a genuine Michigan farm experience.

Tucked away on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula, Case-Daniels & Rae Jewelry showcases handcrafted pieces that capture the essence of Northern Michigan's natural beauty. The gallery's carefully curated collection ranges from delicate silver work inspired by Lake Michigan's shoreline to bold statement pieces reflecting the region's dramatic landscapes. Local artisans create jewelry using materials like Petoskey stones and Leland blue stones, turning Michigan's geological treasures into wearable art. The intimate space invites you to examine each piece closely, discovering intricate details that tell stories of the Great Lakes region.

Edson Farms Natural Foods combines farm-fresh shopping with scenic walking trails that wind through working agricultural land in Grand Traverse County. The family-owned operation grows organic produce and raises grass-fed livestock, while maintaining several miles of trails that meander past vegetable fields, orchards, and pastures. Visitors can pick up fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables, and locally-sourced meats at the farm store, then explore the property on foot. The trails provide close-up views of sustainable farming practices and connect to longer hiking routes that extend into the surrounding countryside near Traverse City.

I'm Planty AF brings an unexpected twist to Traverse City's dining scene, proving that plant-based cuisine can satisfy even the most devoted carnivores. This innovative restaurant transforms traditional steak and seafood dishes into creative vegan masterpieces that actually taste incredible. The chefs here don't just substitute ingredients—they reimagine classic comfort foods entirely. Think smoky portobello 'steaks' with chimichurri, jackfruit 'crab' cakes that fool your taste buds, and cashew-based 'scallops' that rival the real thing. The atmosphere strikes the right balance between casual and elevated, making it an ideal spot for curious omnivores and committed vegans alike.

Surfaces takes hiking gear seriously in Traverse City. This isn't your typical outdoor store - they understand the unique demands of Northern Michigan's terrain. Sand dunes, rocky shorelines, and dense hardwood forests require different approaches, and the staff here gets it. You'll find carefully curated trail gear that actually works in local conditions. The shop connects hikers with Lesser-known paths through the Sleeping Bear Dunes backcountry and hidden routes along the Boardman River. Their local trail knowledge runs deep, making them invaluable for discovering Traverse City's best-kept hiking secrets beyond the crowded tourist spots.