On the map, you'll see our wedding venue, welcome party, and post-wedding celebration locations, along with some of our favorite places for you to enjoy when you are in town:

Grand Traverse Lighthouse (Leelanau Peninsula)

-Historic lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula

-Explore original keeper quarters + climb the tower

-Beautiful shoreline and sunset views

Personal ties: Brittany volunteers here every summer as a lighthouse keeper. Her business logo and name are inspired by this.

Dune Bird Winery (Leelanau Peninsula)

-A winery and coffee shop - a great stop on your way to/from the Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Personal ties: During Scott's first visit to Brittany for a cold wintry weekend in February, he was all in for the adventure to snowshoe around the vineyard with all of her friends for her birthday. Brittany knew he was a keeper to go along with her crazy ideas and meet her friends.

Cherry Republic (Glen Arbor)

- The Willy Wonka of cherries - learn about Michigan's tart cherry capital of the world and try every cherry product you can imagine (sweet and savory treats, spa products, wine, and beer, even whitefish chowder!)

-A great place for free samples and souvenirs to bring home.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Leelanau)

-Iconic Lake Michigan dunes and scenic overlooks

-Optional dune climb for a challenge

-Scenic drive available for easier access

-One of the most beautiful landscapes in the Midwest

Personal ties: Brittany and Scott went on their first winter hike together here - at night in snowshoes! Both have gone on many hikes with their families and friends here over the years.

Farm Club (Leelanau)

-A Grand Traverse area favorite - a farm-to-table restaurant, brewery, and market that will be blooming with sunflowers during our wedding.

-A must-see for foodies curious about our local cuisine!

Sleders Family Tavern (Slabtown)

- Michigan's oldest standing restaurant

- Kiss the moose while you're there

- Try the amazing olive burgers, perch, and a boot of beer

- Make sure to stop at Slabtown Cookies and Dairy Lodge while you're in the neighborhood!

Personal ties: Brittany lived in Slabtown for five years - the neighborhood will always be special to her!

Chateau Chantal (Old Mission Peninsula)

-Stunning vineyard views of both West Bay and East Bay

-Often hosting fun tasting and live music events - check the schedule during your visit

Personal ties: Brittany credits Chateau Chantal with starting her love of the Michigan wine experience. This has been one of her favorite business clients over the years as well.

TART Trail (from East Bay to West Bay up Leelanau Peninsula to Northport!)

-Winding along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, these well-maintained trails are perfect for biking, walking, or a casual morning stroll.

-Take in waterfront views, stop by local wineries, beaches, and cafes, and soak up the fresh Up North air.

-Bike rentals and tours are available at Brick Wheels in Downtown Traverse City and Suttons Bay Bikes on Leelanau Peninsula.

Personal ties: Brittany and Scott have run many miles on these trails over the years. Brittany has enjoyed bikes rides between wineries.

Timber Ridge Recreation Area (Traverse City)

-Extensive trails for hiking, biking, and trail running

-Peaceful, wooded terrain with some elevation

Personal ties: Scott grew up camping here and Brittany has participated in multiple community events here from the Traverse City Trail Fest to Winter Trails Days.

In-Town Events

Downtown Street Sale (August 7, 8am-9pm)

-Longstanding Traverse City tradition (since 1958)

-Front Street closes to traffic; shops extend into the street

-All-day shopping, perfect to experience before the Welcome Party starts at 6:30pm

Friday Night Live (August 7, 6–9pm)

-Free downtown block party with live music, performers, and food vendors

-Walkable, lively, and very “Traverse City summer”

-Enjoy live music around the Welcome Party!

Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Fundraiser Swim (August 8 – Morning)

-Community swim supporting clean water initiatives

-Active and meaningful way to engage with the region - get your fitness in before the wedding or support the swim by watching and donating from the Open Space!

Personal ties: Brittany used to serve on the board and volunteer for this event. She'd be there if she wasn't getting married!

Favorite Beaches

Bryant Park Beach (Downtown Traverse City)

→ A beautiful, slightly quieter beach with shade trees and picnic areas—perfect for relaxing or families.

Haserot Beach (Old Mission Peninsula)

→ A peaceful hidden gem with soft sand and crystal-clear water.

Mission Point Lighthouse Beach (Old Mission Peninsula)

→ A picturesque spot by the iconic lighthouse—great for photos and exploring.

Van's Beach (Leelanau Peninsula)

→ A laid-back favorite near Fishtown with beautiful turquoise water.

Good Harbor Bay Beach (Leelanau Peninsula)

→ Wide sandy shoreline with stunning views of the Manitou Islands—perfect for a full beach day.

Esch Road Beach (Leelanau Peninsula)

→ Where a creek meets Lake Michigan—ideal for wading, floating, and sunsets.

North Bar Lake (Leelanau Peninsula)

→ A unique, shallow lake connected to Lake Michigan—great for a calm, warm swim.

Experiences

Kayak, Bike & Brew Tour

-Guided combo experience: paddle, bike, and brewery stops with gear included

-Social, active, and uniquely Traverse City

-Calm, beginner-friendly water

Personal ties: Brittany and Scott recommend this for our adventure-seeking and beer-loving friends!

Traverse City Wine & Beer Tours

-For a fun and easy way to explore the best of Traverse City wine country and breweries, we recommend booking with Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours. Enjoy a relaxed, guided tour to some of our favorite places across the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas.

Personal ties: Fun fact - Brittany has a chauffeur's license and was a driver/tour guide for this company one summer when she lived in Traverse City!

Discovery Cruise

-Relaxed sightseeing cruise on Grand Traverse Bay

-Great for sunset or group outings

-Indoor options if it rains.

Personal ties: Brittany knows and admires the owner and has been on many community sails with Discovery Cruise.

Nauticat Cruise

-Intimate sailing experience on a classic yacht

-Ideal for a romantic or double-date evening or a night of dancing on the water

Personal ties: Brittany has gone on many sails including yoga and sunset dance cruises - try the Cat Nip drink!

Pirate’s Cove

-Classic, themed mini golf

-Perfect for families, or a date and conveniently located near many of the wedding hotels

Personal ties: Scott grew up playing here and Brittany enjoys going when her nieces and nephews are in town!

Restaurants

Lil Bo’s (Downtown Traverse City)

→ Known for olive burgers

Little Fleet (Downtown Traverse City)

→ Outdoor food truck park + drinks + social vibe

The Cheese Shanty (Leland)

→ Iconic, simple, must-try sandwiches. Brittany's favorite is the "North Shore!"

Sisters (Downtown Traverse City)

→ Great brunch and the best mimosa and Bloody Mary flights

Apache Trout Grill (Leelanau)

→ Waterfront dining staple with amazing local fish dishes

Sweets Stops

Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate (Empire)

→ Artisan, ethically sourced chocolate

Moomers Ice Cream (West Traverse City)

→ Nationally recognized ice cream. Try the Cherries Moo-bilee!

Dairy Lodge (Slabtown)

→ Classic roadside soft serve. Perfect finish to your dinner at Sleder's.

Bardon’s Wonder Freeze (East Traverse City)

→ Nostalgic summer stop

Breweries

Lake Ann Brewing

→ The best live music and classic beers in the countryside

Jolly Pumpkin

→ Great sours + views from Old Mission Peninsula

Stone Hound

→ Great patio on East Bay + food

Hop Lot

→ Rated 2nd best brewery in the country, fun ambiance near the woods with firepits

Loco Boys

→ Delicious tacos and beer variety

Workshop Brewing

→ Industrial vibe, close to the Downtown Traverse City beach)

Silver Spruce

→ The best "pure" German style beers, a repurposed old Family Video store!)

Wineries & Cider

Mawby

→ Amazing sparkling wines and cheese dips

Suttons Bay Ciders

→ Try the cider flights (especially cherry salsa) and enjoy the best views of West Bay

Bowers Harbor

→ Charming classic winery - Brittany bought her infamous barrel here!

Bonobo

→ Trendy + social, convenient to Downtown Traverse City, owned by Carter Oosterhouse and Amy Smart!

Mari Vineyards

→ Italian-style + stunning setting, known for great red wines