Okay, I did my research and found surprisingly little information in previous threads.

Mrs. Beach Dweller and I are heading up north to Michigan for the first time for a long weekend this Thursday.

We're staying at a little B&B outside of town, Whispering Pines. I'd love suggestions about where to eat in Traverse City. We're semi-vegetarians, but still eat seafood & dairy.

Also, any suggestions about particularly good wineries in the area? We just spent a week in Sonoma and got spoiled, but we'd love to sample some good dry white wines, and I'm thinking maybe pinot noir with the cooler climate?

Thanks in advance!

If you get the chance check out Torch Lake/Elk Rapids. The surrounding area and scenery are beautiful.

As for places to eat it can be a hit or miss in TC. Since it's so touristy during the summer I think most places just get overwhelmed and can't handle the crowds which make for not so great food and service. I hope I don't get pounded for that statement. I have to say I go there every year for a charity event and it's hard to get a good meal.

I am going to try and send you some info at your hotmail.

Got it. Thanks Mamaw.

Any other restuarant/winery suggestions?

I've heard good things about Trattoria Stella and Amical; I took a wine tasting class with the owner of TS. As for wineries, you might try Chateau Chantal - they make a pinot noir. They have terrific views and very good wine. L. Mawby makes some great sparkling wines, but you'll have to check on tours.

Maybe someone knows about dining options at The Homestead...

dsgmi, thanks!

I concur with dsgmi about Le Amical and tratorria stella...both wonderful. My personal favorite in downtown TC is Poppycocks (close to Le Amical, which is also downtown). They have excellent food and jazz on the weekends. I used to chauffeur for a company in TC as a part time job, and we did several wine tours up the Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas. My favorite for a winery stop would be Black Star Farms on the Leelanau Peninsula. It is a beautiful drive up to Suttons Bay and they have a gorgeous place. Suttons Bay also has a cute downtown with a few good restaurants. The Mission peninsula will have more wineries, and Bowers harbor Inn is a favorite place to eat. Madonna's father also has a winery up there on the Mission. I have recently relocated back downstate, so I am not sure if the cherry trees will be in blossom this weekend or not, but if they are, you will have extra-gorgeous scenery! If you have the time, head to Elk Rapids and onto CHarlevoix, and my hometown of Petoskey-Harbor Springs. All on the Lake Michigan coast and all with great restaurants and shops. I miss "up north" myself! ENJOY!

I would check out Chateau Chantal because it is a beautiful winery and B & B too, but if you want to do a tour, By the Bay Shuttle and Celtic Shuttle both do winery tours.

bookmarking

I second the Amical suggestion; also good for vegetarian dining is Good Harbor Grill in Glen Arbor.

A drive up the Old Mission Peninsula will make you feel like you are back in Sonoma.

I love Chateau Grand Traverse.

http://www.cgtwines.com/

I'm going to post a separate trip report, but I just wanted to thank everyone for your great suggestions! It ended up that there were many more great-looking restaurants than we had time to experience.

And this part of the country is just wonderful: Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas, TC itself, and Sleeping Bear Dunes NP. The scenery was stunning, the people very friendly and engaging. What a great place!

Sorry to be coming late to the party, but for future visitors, I just had to mention this restaurant. http://www.tapawingo.net/

I first ate there about 10 years ago, and it was fantastic. Going back to the TC area this summer for a wedding and plan to go there again.

Cheers,

Julie