Explore Traverse City, MI — Yarn Shops, Bookstores, Cafés & Gardens

 

Introduction

Traverse City, MI, is a charming town with walkable streets, historic or suburban charm, and vibrant local shops. Perfect for visitors who love the water and  crafting, cycling, reading, and coffee culture. Traverse City is located on Grand Traverse Bay, which moderates year-round temperatures and makes it perfect for growing fruits like cherries and grapes. 

My husband and I visited Traverse City earlier this year.  

Yarn Shops

For fiber arts enthusiasts, Lost Art Yarn offers a curated selection of yarns, patterns, and tools, welcoming both beginners and experienced crafters.

Bike Shops

Explore the town with the help of City Bike Shop or Einstein Cycles, which offer options for casual riders and cycling enthusiasts alike. The town’s walkable streets or nearby bike trails make it easy to get around.  There was a bike path, the TART trail,  just behind our hotel, which connect to the Leelaunau trail. Our hotel was the Avid, a euro-style hotel (meaning clean lines and minimum furnishings, I guess!)  We rented e-bikes at Einstein Cycles.  They were friendly and told us they would not hold us to being a few minutes late on the return of the cycles if we went further than we intended.  We did not ride as long as we rented the bikes for, since it had been a while since my husband had been on a bike. 

We rode along Grand Traverse Bay through the city parks, which seemed like a very popular option.  

Independent Bookstores

Book lovers will enjoy Horizon Books, featuring local authors, unique finds, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for browsing or picking up a new favorite read.  Ed and I did not visit this store, that will be another trip!

Cafés with Outdoor Seating

Relax at  any of the several cafés with outdoor seating along Front St / Bay view, enjoying a freshly brewed coffee or tea on a patio while soaking in the town’s charm.  We had dinner at a lovely restaurant along the bay.  I should have ordered fish like my husband did, since it is locally plentiful due to the bay, but I had roast beef, which was beautifully presented and tasted wonderful. 

Nearby Gardens / Parks / Trails

Nearby green spaces offer beautiful landscaping, walking paths, and a peaceful escape for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Here are some examples: 

Public Gardens / Arboretums / Nature Centers

1. The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park

   • Located right in Traverse City (1490 Red Dr). traversecity.com+2thebotanicgarden.org+2

   • About 25–26 acres, with nine themed gardens, walking trails, a labyrinth, and a historic site. traversecity.com+1

   • Emphasis on native plant species for northwest Michigan. thebotanicgarden.org

   • Free admission, with docent-led walking tours available. traversecity.com

2. Boardman River Nature Center

   • Located in Traverse City, managed by the Grand Traverse Conservation District. Wikipedia

   • The center sits within a ~505-acre natural reserve with wetlands, woodlands, and education trails. Wikipedia

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🧪 Agricultural / Horticultural Research Facilities

1. Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center

   • Address: 6686 S. Center Hwy, Traverse City. Agri College

   • Operated jointly by Michigan State University and a local foundation. nwmihort.org+2Agri College+2

   • Research focuses heavily on the region’s fruit industry, especially tart cherries, but also apples, wine grapes, chestnuts, etc. nwmihort.org

   • They also do extension work and educational outreach for local growers. Agri College

Notable Local Festivals in Traverse City

1. National Cherry Festival

   • The biggest one — a week-long celebration in early July. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

   • Features parades, air shows, live music, carnival rides, cherry-themed food, contests, and more. Traverse City+2Travel Mi+2

   • Most events are free. Traverse City

2. Traverse City Food & Wine Festival

   • Newer festival first held in August 2025. Traverse City+2The Ticker | Traverse City News & Events+2

   • Over 70 food, wine, and culinary events across the city and nearby wineries. Traverse City

   • Includes Grand Tasting (food + wine), cooking demos, winery dinners, 5K run through vineyards, and lake cruises. The Pernat Team

   • Features well-known chefs — for example, Tyler Florence is a headliner. The Ticker | Traverse City News & Events+1

   • One of the more interactive events is “You Be the Judge” — attendees taste food + wines and vote. Michigan

3. International Fireworks Championship

   • A two-night fireworks competition held in early September (at Turtle Creek Stadium). Traverse City

   • Teams from around the world (e.g., Poland, China, U.S.) compete with choreographed firework displays. WMTA+1

   • Spectators vote, and there’s also a judges’ choice award. WMTA

4. Northwestern Michigan Fair

   • An agricultural and community fair, held in August. Traverse City

   • Includes rides, exhibits, livestock, contests, and typical fair-style entertainment. Traverse City

5. Cherry Blossom Season (“Blessing of the Blossoms”)

   • While not exactly a large festival, the blooming of the cherry trees in mid-May is a celebrated seasonal event. Traverse City

   • Many locals do driving tours to see the blossoms. Traverse City

6. New Year’s Eve CherryT Ball Drop

   • On December 31, downtown Traverse City hosts a ball drop shaped like a cherry (“CherryT”). Traverse City+1

Conclusion / Why Visit

With its walkable streets, local shops, cafés, local festivals, and nearby gardens, Traverse City, MI, offers a perfect small-town getaway. Whether you’re crafting, biking, reading, or enjoying a coffee outdoors, Traverse City combines charm, convenience, and local flavor in every corner.