Any interesting stops or things to do between Grand Rapids, MI and Traverse City, MI

[tschwa2]

I wanted to try a week somewhere new this summer so I have a late August week at Traverse City. The best airport/ car rental combo is Grand Rapids, MI. Any suggestions for stops or things to do in Grand Rapids or anywhere in between or not more than an hour or so out of the way between GRR and TVC?

 

[louisianab]

LOTS of little breweries and wineries along the way.
Ludington State Park and Big Sable Lighthouse
Giant Sequoia at Lake Bluff Arboretum
Cadillac, MI has a cute little downtown and lake.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Little River Casino
USS Silversides Museum in Muskegon
Meijer Gardens in GR
For a more serious item, the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University.

 

[Bxian]

We did a 6 and a half week non timeshare trip through the Midwest this spring. We loved the Traverse City area. There are wineries and craft beer places within the 2 peninsulas that abut Traverse City. Some of them have wonderful lake views. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of the wines. Had great meals at Trattoria Stella in TC and Wren in Suttons Bay. Cherry Republic downtown is a fun store. Moomers ice cream is great. Sleeping Bear Dunes NP has nice hikes which will help you walk off the ice cream. We also spent a couple of nights in Bay Harbor in between Charlevoix and Petoskey which might be good for a day trip-good for a browse. I loved the Grandpa Shorters store in Petoskey and Palette Bistro’s happy hour there.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

I wanted to try a week somewhere new this summer so I have a late August week at Traverse City. The best airport/ car rental combo is Grand Rapids, MI. Any suggestions for stops or things to do in Grand Rapids or anywhere in between or not more than an hour or so out of the way between GRR and TVC?

I went to Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids and still visit that area frequently, I've listed my favorite things to do in that area.

In Grand Rapids:
Gerald R. Ford Museum
Grand Rapids Public Museum
I'm not a museum person but I love visiting these two whenever I'm in GR.
Frederik Meijer Gardens
John Ball Zoo
Yesterdog (they have the best hot dogs ever)
Real Food Cafe (wonderful breakfast place)

On the Drive Up to TC:
Newaygo Brewing Company (really good food)
The Blind Squirrel Tavern (also really good food, it's like a hometown bar & grill)
William Mitchell State Park (I like to go an hang out for a bit and just look at the water and wildlife...They also have kayaks you can rent and that is so much fun)
Right Brain Brewery (this is in TC but just an awesome and unique brewery)