Traverse City is one of the best vacation destinations in the great state of Michigan.

Great downtown situated on the deep blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay (32 miles long, 10miles wide, 620ft deep at deepest point), the East and West arms of which bisect two peninsulas that are dotted with wineries (it’s the hilly grape growing region of Michigan) and cherry orchards (it’s the cherry capital of the USA).

Nearby are sand dunes and Lake Michigan and beautiful Torch Lake. The lovely Boardman River snakes through the city.

And Traverse City has the USA’s highest percentage of millionaire millennials.

One of the coolest things to do here is hop aboard Discovery Cruises and check out the beautiful waters of Grand Traverse Bay.

This 150-passenger vessel is run by Tammy and Harley Hoy. It’s 65-feet long and 22-feet wide.

They offer two main cruises:

Bay Sightseeing Cruise is a two-hour long narrated cruise that runs daily.

Happy Hour on the Bay Cruise runs Thursday-Saturday.

The cruises run past downtown Traverse City, head north along the Old Mission Peninsula (OMP) shore toward Power Island, then return along the Leelanau Peninsula shore to Discovery Pier.

JobbieCrew’s Top Recommendations of Traverse City:

Mari Vineyard (8175 Center Rd) Possibly the best winery in the Traverse City area, an area which has over 40 wineries. Spectacular view of the bay, winery designed like an Italian villa, water fountain centerpiece surrounded by multi-colored flowers. Try the delicious Stuckfass Riesling (citrus resin-y),

7 Monks Taproom (128 S. Union St) Get the bacon jam burger. It comes with a cup of aioli, dip your burger in it. 7 Monks is primarily a beer bar. However,  hidden deep underneath 7 Monks Taproom, is a speakeasy called the Low Bar. They have great cocktails and it’s a neat use of the space.

JS Hamburg (302 W. Front St) this circa 1938 diner has the best breakfast downtown. Try the Pine Street.

Filling Station Microbrewery (642 Railroad Place) cool old train depot turned into microbrewery. The platform is now a covered patio.

Mammoth Distillery (221 Garland Street) Live music, awesome servers, try the Bee’s Knees cocktail.

Brady’s Bar (401 S. Union) neighborhood bar that has been around since 1875! Try the awesome Mexican style hot wings (12 for $20). Oh hell yeah.

Rove Estate Winery (7007 E. Traverse Hwy) Sip wine from the beautiful vantage of the highest point on the Leelanau Peninsula at this 5th generation family-owned operation.

H&L Social (263 W. Grandview Pkwy) cool rooftop bar @ Hotel Indigo with great views of the bay.

Charles & Reid Pizza (113 E. State St) whimsical interior with good pizza pies.

Peegeo’s (525 High Lake St) about 15 mins SE of downtown is this little slice of outta the way Heaven. Try the Charbroiled Wings with a side of Mexican sauce, fuhgetaboutit, amazing. Nice and crispy and delicious. And the Jill’s Sicilian pizza, omfg, what a surprise.

What:          Discovery Cruises

When:         May 16-October 20, 2024

Where:        Discovery Center (13170 S.W. Bayshore Dr, Traverse City, MI)

Homepage

https://www.discoverycruisestc.com/cruises/

Book a cruise here

https://discoverycruisestc.starboardsuite.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/discoverycruisesTC/

Get to Know the Ship

• 65’ x 22’ beautifully remodeled, two deck, touring vessel
• Cruises 10 Knots
• Main (first) deck is a fully enclosed, climate controlled interior deck with large panoramic windows
• The upper deck is enclosed with panoramic windows that open and offer 360 degree scenic views of the bay and city. Upper deck also has partial outside observation decks at the stearn and bow of the vessel.
• One full service beverage bar and one snack bar are located on the main deck
• Tables and chairs available for main and upper deck seating
• Versatile seating arrangements for various group events
• Restrooms available on main deck
• U.S. Coast Guard Inspected and Certified for 149 passengers
• Sound and PA systems on both decks
• The Discovery vessel is 100% Coast Guard certified with personal flotation devices (PFD) and all required lifesaving equipment, including child PFDs.