Traverse City is a farm-to-table dining destination, due to its abundance of local farms and orchards.
While youโll find some lovely high-end restaurants, there are plenty of low-key options the kids will enjoy. Here are some family-friendly places to grab a meal or treat.ย ย
Read more:ย Snowy Adventures Await in Traverse City with Our Family Winter Travel Guide
Family-friendly dining in Traverse City
If you ask my kids, their favorite food group is ice cream and Moomerโs Homemade Ice Cream in Traverse City hits the spot. This family-owned business, founded on a dairy farm in 1998, offers 150 flavors, with over 20 available daily. Canโt choose? Try a flight of five! Their original location even features dairy cows grazing outside, making it a must-visit spot in Northern Michigan.
For classic 1950โs diner vibes, visit Donโs Drive-In. Sit in a red booth and order a shake, burger and fries. The real cherry and strawberry milkshakes were our favorites. You can also order a Rueben sandwich, Coney dog, malt or veggie burger too.ย
Pie works for any mealโbreakfast, lunch or dinner. Grand Traverse Pie Company offers savory options like quiche and pot pie, alongside dessert pies like Michigan ABC (apple, blueberry and cherry), Grand Traverse Cherry Crumb, and chocolate peanut butter cream. Founded in Traverse City in 1996, this Michigan staple now has 11 locations serving pies, soups, salads and more. Donโt miss their flaky creations!
Sweet treats and farm-to-table eats
When visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes, be sure to stop at Grocerโs Daughter Chocolates. You can scoop up heavenly truffles, creamy caramels, and tasty hot chocolates. Try the dark chocolate hot cocoa with lavender and you can thank us later.
When in nearby Frankfort, fork up fresh from scratch modern dishes like chicken & waffles topped with bourbon maple toffee sauce at Birch & Maple.
If youโre headed to Crystal Mountain, treat yourselves to dinner at The Thistle. The Scottish salmon topped with colorful berries on a bed of creamy risotto is quite delicious. The kidsโ menu offers mac n cheese, chicken tenders, and burgers along with fresh fruits and vegetables.ย
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