Traverse City is a popular vacation destination and a great place to spend a first date. Located in Michigan’s lower peninsula, it is nestled between two of the state’s great lakes, Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. With its picturesque scenery, vibrant culture, and many fun activities, there are plenty of fun things to do to make your first date memorable.
1. Traverse City Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
Traverse City has a wide variety of beautiful parks and trails to explore on a first date. Open Space Park is located downtown and offers stunning views of the bay and walking trails along the shoreline. Filling Station Park is a great place for a picnic, with its peaceful water lily pond and views of the bay. Or for something different, the Old Mission Peninsula offers hiking trails with beautiful views of the bay and forests.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Traverse City
For a more relaxed first date, try one of the many coffee shops in Traverse City. Brew is a great place to go for a cappuccino or latte while chatting and getting to know each other. For something a bit more unique, The Little Fleet serves up delicious flavored lattes in a vintage airstream trailer. You can also grab a cup of coffee and head to one of the city’s many parks for a peaceful stroll.
3. Traverse City Galleries, Museums, and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
If you’re looking for something a little more educational, why not explore some of the excellent galleries, museums and exhibitions that Traverse City has to offer? The Dennos Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area and explore the area’s art. At the Grand Traverse Bay History Center, you can learn about the local history and culture, with many interactive exhibits. Or, head over to the Tyler Art Gallery to explore the works of local, regional and international artists.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date to in Traverse City
Traverse City is a city that loves to entertain and there are plenty of great live music options. At the State Theatre there’s usually a great live show on almost every night of the week. The Little Fleet has outdoor concerts with local and national acts. Or why not check out the Music House Museum, which offers performances with antique instruments for an extra special date.
5. Traverse City Pubs, Bars, or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
There are plenty of great places to go for a drink or bite to eat in Traverse City. The Jolly Pumpkin Brewpub is perfect for a light beer or cider and a delicious pizza. The Rare Bird Brew Pub is a great place to go for a craft beer and a bite to eat. The Grand Traverse Resort has several great restaurants and bars to choose from, perfect for a romantic evening.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Traverse City
For something a bit different, why not rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and spend an afternoon exploring the shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay? Or check out the Great Lakes Children’s Museum where you can have some friendly competition in the arcade. You could also take a tour of one of the local breweries or grab a bite to eat at one of the many excellent restaurants. There really is something for everyone in Traverse City!
