Suttons Bay
Suttons Bay
HARBOR TOWNS
Suttons Bay Twelve miles north of Traverse City is Suttons Bay, a quaint waterfront village bursting with local charm and idyllic scenery. Several beaches, warm bay waters, and acres of surrounding orchards make this place a true paradise from spring until fall. The downtown is full of local boutiques, restaurants, and even a vintage movie theater the community saved from closure. Whether meandering along the main drag — St. Joseph Street — exploring the shops and art galleries, dining at a local eatery, or paddleboarding on the calm azure bay is your ideal way to spend a day, you’re certain to enjoy the relaxed pace of life in this bucolic town. STAY To really immerse yourself in the rustic up north, lifestyle Century Farm Cottages offers a stay on an old farm in adorable refurbished log cabin or stone cottage. Rates are $195/night during peak season.centuryfarmcottages.com
Wild Cherry RV Resort is a dreamy getaway for all RV owners, with acres of land and surrounding forests, proximity to several local wineries, and even a small lake on-premises. Prices range from $65+ nightly during the summer months. www.wildcherryresort.com For an upscale experience in Northern Michigan wine country, the Black Star Inn allows visitors to stay nestled beneath a hillside of vines and boasts stunning pastoral views. Your stay here includes gourmet breakfast and a bottle of wine, as well as a nightly hospitality hour. Rates range from $450+ per night. www. blackstarfarms.com/inn MUSTS FOR YOUR MOUTH While there is no shortage of restaurants in Suttons Bay, there are a few iconic places that dish out memorable meals and experiences. Wren, located in the old fire station, offers an intimate but never stuffy fine dining experience with a rotating menu based on locally sourced ingredients and chef Adam McMarlin’s superhero ingenuity. www.wrensuttonsbay.com
A Massive Mary on the rooftop deck of Boone’s Primetime Pub is a must-try, especially after a long day of boating or beaching. It’ll cost $17, but it’s basically a full meal and a drink — and it comes with a beer chaser. boonesprimetimepub.com Sitting on the blooming, sun-dappled garden patio at Martha’s Leelanau Table feels (and tastes) like a getaway to an everythingfrom-scratch European bistro and, accordingly, the wine menu is wonderfully expansive. marthasleelanautable.com DON’T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT … Bellying up to the bonfires with a beer and Smores kit at Hop Lot Brewing Co., where you’ll feel like you’re glamping in the woods while your kids toss a football or play with any number of yard games within sight but slightly out of earshot. hoplotbrewing. com Renting a bike and rolling a paved, flat 22 miles from Suttons Bay to Traverse City is a splendid way to spend a morning. Too pooped to pedal back? You and your bike can catch a ride on the BATA bus. Search
Leelanau Trail at www.traversetrails.org and check out the Bike-n-Ride stops on Route 10: www.bata.net Strolling through Bayside Gallery, a whimsical and endearing local shop bursting to the sidewalk with garden décor and more. www.baysidegallery.net Taking in the spectacular forest and bay views while sipping hard cider on the deck of Suttons Bay Ciders (just south of town). www.suttonsbayciders.com Opening wide for a generous scoop of Grandma Lin’s Ice Cream, located next to Roman Wheel Pizza. You’ll feel like you’re back in the olden days, and Grandma herself will probably be there serving you. DOCKING The Suttons Bay Public Marina features 40 transient slips, as well as a shower facilities, WiFi, super close access to the best beach in town with a playground and picnic areas, gasoline, pump-out services, water, electricity, a dog run, and walking distance to the entirety of downtown. Search “Suttons Bay Harbor” at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Northern Express Weekly • july 05, 2021 • 19
