Swing by Traverse City‘s longest-running coffee shop and then take your morning treats to a nearby beach to watch a Northern Michigan winter sunrise on West Grand Traverse Bay.
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GRAB | Breakfast & Coffee at Good Harbor Coffee & Bakery
111 W. Front St., Traverse City | Good Harbor Coffee & Bakery
Traverse City’s longest-running coffee shop, Good Harbor, has been welcoming early risers and downtown commuters for 30 years. The in-house bakery whisks up fresh scones, muffins, cookies and more each day—the team arriving at 2:30 a.m. to have everything ready for the first customers at 7. We especially love Good Harbor’s scones. Apricot almond, walnut coffee cake and blackberry vanilla are just some of the constants on the menu, with seasonal specials such as apple cider and pumpkin to surprise us. The most popular scone, however, is lemon blueberry, a staple on the menu for more than 25 years. What to sip with it? “I think because of their sweetness, the lemon blueberry scone pairs best with a black coffee,” says Owner/Manager Alice Tighe. “My personal favorite is Ethiopian.”The organic coffees are sourced from Michigan roaster Coffee Express in Plymouth.
Related Read: Searcing for more local restaurants, recipes and Grab & Go features? View our Northern Michigan Food & Drink page.
& GO | Watch a Winter Sunrise on West Grand Traverse Bay
Clinch Park | 111 E. Grandview Pkwy., Traverse City
Greilickville Harbor Park |13133 S. W Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City
Goodies in hand, head toward the water to pair them with a snowy sunrise. (Plan to arrive by 8 a.m. to catch the day’s first rays.) There are a few places where you can settle to see the morning glory. Within walking distance: Clinch Park. A five-minute stroll down Union Street (crossing Grandview Parkway at the stoplight) takes you to this classic TC destination offering snow-capped views of Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas. A seven-minute drive (from Union Street, hang a left on Grandview Parkway), lands you at Greilickville Harbor Park. This bayside spot with a sandy beach area and playground (both fun come summer) has an east-facing vantage point to catch the sun coming up. Choose a bench and enjoy the show.
Related Read: Grab & Go: A To-Go Meal in Benzie & The Best Place to Take It.
