Freedom to Roam Guidebook
Food scene
Great food, atmosphere, and craft beer in the quaint town of Bellaire, MI
https://www.shortsbrewing.com/
https://www.shortsbrewing.com/menu.pdf
207 locals recommend
Short's Brewing Company Bellaire Pub
121 N Bridge StGreat food, atmosphere, and craft beer in the quaint town of Bellaire, MI
https://www.shortsbrewing.com/
https://www.shortsbrewing.com/menu.pdf
Endless spices and kitchen oddities for your pantry or summer BBQs. This is truly one of our favorites. Miracle Blend is a must have!
15 locals recommend
Alden's Mill House
10480 SE Torch Lake DrEndless spices and kitchen oddities for your pantry or summer BBQs. This is truly one of our favorites. Miracle Blend is a must have!
Great food, spirits, and atmosphere on the shores of Torch Lake and Clam River. Watch the boats or sunset as you dine.
http://www.docksidetorchlake.com/
84 locals recommend
Dockside Torch Lake
6340 Old Torch Lake DrGreat food, spirits, and atmosphere on the shores of Torch Lake and Clam River. Watch the boats or sunset as you dine.
http://www.docksidetorchlake.com/
TC is a foodie town and this is one of our favorites. Be sure to check out their dessert case on the way to your table to decide how much of your dinner to eat.
86 locals recommend
amical
229 E Front StTC is a foodie town and this is one of our favorites. Be sure to check out their dessert case on the way to your table to decide how much of your dinner to eat.
Amazing food and worth the stop if you are on the west side of TC
59 locals recommend
Apache Trout Grill
13671 S W Bay Shore DrAmazing food and worth the stop if you are on the west side of TC
Firefly Restaurant
310 N Cass StGreat stop is you are in the mood for sushi
Cajun in northern Michigan? It’s the best we’ve got to offer north of the South.
66 locals recommend
Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen
617 Ames StCajun in northern Michigan? It’s the best we’ve got to offer north of the South.
Trout Town Tavern & Eatery
306 Elm StFriday fish fry? This is the place to go.
Indo-China Garden
537 S Cedar StDine in or order to-go. They offer great chinese food.
G's Pizzeria & Deli
502 N Cedar StIn the mood for pizza? They have the best around!
The Lakeside Dip
9043 Antrim StA local stop serving world famous Moomer’s Ice Cream (made locally in TC).
Alden Muffin Tin
9110 Helena RdMuffins for breakfast? Yes, please!
Little G's Fusion Cuisine
531 W Front StAsian and Latin fusion... yep it’s delicious!
Sorellina
250 E Front StCraving great Italian food? This is the place to go.
This is just down the street and you can place a pick up order.
13 locals recommend
Bluewater Bistro & Pizzeria - Torch Lake Pizza
11921 SE Torch Lake DrThis is just down the street and you can place a pick up order.
Torch Riviera
12899 Cherry AveSlabtown Burgers
826 W Front StAmazing burgers!
The Good Bowl
328 E Front StDelicious Vietnamese inspired food.
Fustini's Oils & Vinegars
141 E Front StCherry Republic | Traverse City
154 E Front StPotter's Bakery
908 E Eighth StRuthann's Gourmet Bakery
105 N Bridge StTorch Lake Beer Co.
9149 Helena RdLucky's Steakhouse
2525 Snowdrift DrSightseeing
A great local dog-friendly trail about a mile long with beautiful hills, woods, and a view of Torch Lake.
Coy Mountain Natural Area
9011 Valley StA great local dog-friendly trail about a mile long with beautiful hills, woods, and a view of Torch Lake.
One of the most beautiful spring fed lakes, with a huge sand bar, and gorgeous colors. Lake St access near the Torch River Bridge leads directly to the famous sand bar.
52 locals recommend
Torch Lake
One of the most beautiful spring fed lakes, with a huge sand bar, and gorgeous colors. Lake St access near the Torch River Bridge leads directly to the famous sand bar.
Quaint town on Torch Lake with lots of charm and local shops. Alden Mill House (a must see) is one our favorites! You can also enjoy beautiful sunsets from the Alden Depot or Alden Harbor and Boat Launch.
25 locals recommend
Alden
Quaint town on Torch Lake with lots of charm and local shops. Alden Mill House (a must see) is one our favorites! You can also enjoy beautiful sunsets from the Alden Depot or Alden Harbor and Boat Launch.
A dog-friendly hiking trail with streams and access to Skegemog Lake
https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/skegemog-lake-wildlife-area/
Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area North Shore Pathway Trail Head
Round Lake Road NorthwestA dog-friendly hiking trail with streams and access to Skegemog Lake
https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/preserve/skegemog-lake-wildlife-area/
Nice hiking trails with access to Grass River and some dog-friendly trails. With a monthly calendar of educational programs and events.
https://www.grassriver.org
58 locals recommend
Grass River Natural Area
6500 Alden HwyNice hiking trails with access to Grass River and some dog-friendly trails. With a monthly calendar of educational programs and events.
https://www.grassriver.org
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is well worth the hour and a half drive for a day trip. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive will not disappoint with the covered bridge and spectacular views. #9 is a must stop for the steep bluffs, views of Lake Michigan, and of course the famous dune climb. Yes, on a clear day the views really are that amazing.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/psvirtualtour0.htm
39 locals recommend
Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is well worth the hour and a half drive for a day trip. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive will not disappoint with the covered bridge and spectacular views. #9 is a must stop for the steep bluffs, views of Lake Michigan, and of course the famous dune climb. Yes, on a clear day the views really are that amazing.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/psvirtualtour0.htm
Contained in over 9,000 acres of state land is a 49-acre forest of old growth pines, trails, and a logging museum. Educational and beautiful with pines towering over 150 feet tall.
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=453&type=SPRK
48 locals recommend
Hartwick Pines State Park
3612 State Park DrContained in over 9,000 acres of state land is a 49-acre forest of old growth pines, trails, and a logging museum. Educational and beautiful with pines towering over 150 feet tall.
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=453&type=SPRK
Mackinaw City and Mackinaw Bridge are about an hour and half away from us. Definitely worth a day trip. Be sure to look up ferry rates and times in advance to get to the island. You can also depart from the U.P. side in St. Ignace.
https://www.mackinacisland.org/stay/
276 locals recommend
Mackinac Island
Mackinaw City and Mackinaw Bridge are about an hour and half away from us. Definitely worth a day trip. Be sure to look up ferry rates and times in advance to get to the island. You can also depart from the U.P. side in St. Ignace.
https://www.mackinacisland.org/stay/
Deadman's Hill Trail Head Jordan River Pathway
8250 Deadmans Hill RdThis is one of Kristi’s favorite places and she’s frequented it regularly all her life. It’s a beautiful short trail system with many bridges and views crossing Rapid River.
11 locals recommend
Seven Bridges Nature Area
Valley RoadThis is one of Kristi’s favorite places and she’s frequented it regularly all her life. It’s a beautiful short trail system with many bridges and views crossing Rapid River.
Apparel
Natural Farm Store / Lodi Trading Company
4842 M-66Butch's Tackle & Marine
6235 Crystal Springs RoadLargest selection of Torch Lake apparel
Lavoie Designs
9076 Helena RdWomen’s clothing store
Raven's Child
220 E Front StBackcountry North
227 E Front StHaystacks
138 River StSpirits
A local distillery worth tasting at any of their locations in Bellaire, Central Lake, or TC.
At local distillery worth a tasting at any of their locations in Bellaire, Central Lake, or TC
43 locals recommend
Mammoth Distilling
109 N Bridge StAt local distillery worth a tasting at any of their locations in Bellaire, Central Lake, or TC
Love cider and can’t decide? They have a huge selection available.
35 locals recommend
Taproot Cider House
300 E Front StLove cider and can’t decide? They have a huge selection available.
St. Ambrose Cellars
841 S Pioneer RdLove cider or mead? Their XR Cyser is our family’s favorite!
Beautiful views of East Bay and West Bay, located on Old Mission Peninsula.
79 locals recommend
Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn
15900 Rue DevinBeautiful views of East Bay and West Bay, located on Old Mission Peninsula.
Short's Brewing Company Bellaire Pub
121 N Bridge StGrand Traverse Distillery Tasting Room
215 E Front StLow Bar
128 S Union StBowers Harbor Vineyards
2896 Bowers Harbor RdVista Ridge Vineyards
9104 Helena RdRentals
Located on Torch River with easy access to Torch Lake. Boat and Kayak rentals available, as well as a boat launch (but you must pay to use this launch).
Luhrs Landing Marina
13707 W Torch River RdLocated on Torch River with easy access to Torch Lake. Boat and Kayak rentals available, as well as a boat launch (but you must pay to use this launch).
Torch Riviera
12899 Cherry AveAlden Outfitters
10520 Coy StDewitt Marine
6509 Crystal Springs RdAlden Marine & Sport
11988 SE Torch Lake DrBoat Launch
Public Boat Launch, Alden Mi.
9170 Helena RdJust down the road from us!
Boat Ramp
6926 Aarwood Trail NWAarwood Trail boat launch - Just a few miles away with easy parking.
Clam Lake Boat Launch (Bellaire, MI)
7989 Hoy Dewey DrTorch River Bridge Torch Lake Access site