This article was featured in the 2023 Traverse Northern Michigan Winter Vacation Guide. Order a digital or print copy, or find a complimentary guide on newsstands across Northern Michigan.
1. Tuck into a generous breakfast at Platte River Inn. The homey Honor restaurant is even more comforting on snowy mornings—and the coffee is fantastic.
2. Shop The Port in Ludington. The collection of boutiques and eateries includes House & Harbor, Britter’s Twisted Whisk, Cluck Bucket (pictured below) and HumaniTea.
Photo by Dave Weidner
3. Order mama’s meatballs and burrata at Vita Bella Italian Kitchen & Market in Frankfort. Chef Ed Carrella keeps his mom’s cookbook in the kitchen.
4. Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend is one of the North’s most magical winter traditions. Save the date: Dec. 2, 2023.
5. Trivia at Lake Ann Brewing draws a crowd. Pro tip: Pay attention to the songs playing between questions … they may offer a clue.
6. Thursday is rib night at Geno’s Sports Bar and Grill in Thompsonville. We’ll see ya there.
Photo by Allison Jarrell