Treat your valentine to a day (or weekend!) of celebration in Traverse City. From good eats to invigorating activities, here’s how to unwind this Valentine’s Day with your partner, Galentines or closest friends.

This is a web original article from the team at MyNorth Media and Traverse Northern Michigan. Want to read recent print stories? View our print subscription and digital subscription options and have Traverse delivered to your door or inbox each month.

Breakfast at Towne Plaza

Start your day out right, with delicious mimosas or bloody mary’s and hot-off-the-griddle pancakes. We love these berry pancakes for their crispy edges and warm maple syrup. If pancakes aren’t your thing, bring on the protein (pork is their specialty)! Try their eggs benedict, surf and turf or smoked salmon style…. Not full yet? Split the fruit salad—a thick slice of banana bread smothered with fresh fruit and yogurt. Scrumptious! Read the full menu here.

Get your hands dirty at the Terrarium Bar at Darling Botanical Co.

Head over to Warehouse Market and let your creativity run wild in the inspiring space of Darling Botanical where you can construct your own terrarium. Bring your own container or choose one there. The friendly staff is on hand to show you the ropes of terrarium building. By the end of your time you’ll have a fresh new terrarium to enliven your home.

Explore Downtown

Get out for some fresh air and explore downtown. Stop by Morsels on Front Street to select a fun pack of bite-sized chocolates to enjoy during an afternoon snowshoe or hike. Choose from their daily specials or classics like the Milk’s Companion and Brownie Points.

Sample Spanglish

After cruising the streets of downtown, head over to the Grand Traverse Commons for an authentic meal at the irresistible Spanglish. Find them in the small yellow brick building next to Left Foot Charley. Split the “Big Daddy” burrito, nibble some tamales and whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the fresh salsa and guacamole!

Tacos from Spanglish in Traverse City.

Photo by Spanglish

Snowshoe Grand Traverse Commons

If you’re looking for some adventure, transition from your tasty meal to an outdoor excursion and choose from several trails that are used year-round for hiking and leisurely strolls at Grand Traverse Commons. Find a trail that suits you and strap on your snowshoes!

Wine & Cider Tasting

You don’t need to venture far to warm up after your snowshoe adventure. Step into the welcoming atmosphere of Left Foot Charley where you can try the Cinnamon Girl cider or a flight. Not a wine or cider drinker? Head next door to Higher Grounds for a delicious cup of coffee.

Dinner at Poppycock’s

Make your reservations ahead of time, because Poppycock’s will be bumping on Valentine’s Day. Known for their divine desserts, creative cocktail menu and eclectic entrees, Poppycock’s is the ideal place for a stellar dinner. Looking for something a little different? View our Traverse City dining guide for some more inspiration.

Get a Room

If you’re from out of town or you’re planning on going all out, book a room downtown. For breathtaking views of the bay, check out the Park Place Hotel and Delamar Traverse City. Not looking to stay in the heart of downtown? Looking for something more low key? View more stay options.

Couches and fire at Delamar Traverse City.

Photo by Delamar Traverse City

Photo(s) by Dave Weidner