Emily’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Small beach town with a slight bohemian vibe. Grab a sandwich at Shipwreck or rent a surf board from Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak. The playground at the beach is awesome for the little ones.
43 locals recommend
Empire
Small beach town with a slight bohemian vibe. Grab a sandwich at Shipwreck or rent a surf board from Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak. The playground at the beach is awesome for the little ones.
It's busy here in the summer but worth the stop. Take in the view as you drive through the "narrows" (between Big & Little Glen Lake) into town. Walk between shops looking for the perfect gift or grab a coffee from Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company and relax for a minute.
83 locals recommend
Glen Arbor
It's busy here in the summer but worth the stop. Take in the view as you drive through the "narrows" (between Big & Little Glen Lake) into town. Walk between shops looking for the perfect gift or grab a coffee from Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company and relax for a minute.
Leland (aka "Fishtown") is a must-see when visiting the county. Don't miss the shopping in the old shanty town and definitely grab a sandwich or some gourmet cheese from the Village Cheese Shanty!
145 locals recommend
Leland
Leland (aka "Fishtown") is a must-see when visiting the county. Don't miss the shopping in the old shanty town and definitely grab a sandwich or some gourmet cheese from the Village Cheese Shanty!
Quaint little village with a playground, coffee shop, brewery, pizza place, and the most amazing hardware/general store ever!
17 locals recommend
Lake Ann
Quaint little village with a playground, coffee shop, brewery, pizza place, and the most amazing hardware/general store ever!
Unassuming place with some hidden gems. Don't miss spirit tasting at Northern Latitudes Distillery or grab-and-go Indian food from NJ's Grocery.
18 locals recommend
Lake Leelanau
Unassuming place with some hidden gems. Don't miss spirit tasting at Northern Latitudes Distillery or grab-and-go Indian food from NJ's Grocery.
Northport is worth the drive for the quaint shops and small-town vibe. Kids/families will love bowling at Tuckers on rainy days.
39 locals recommend
Northport
Northport is worth the drive for the quaint shops and small-town vibe. Kids/families will love bowling at Tuckers on rainy days.
Food scene
This is a great place for kids and families. Taste wines or sodas and sample the goods in the store. If you're hungry, the Public House has good options for meals and dessert and a fun drink selection.
55 locals recommend
Cherry Republic | Glen Arbor
South Lake StreetThis is a great place for kids and families. Taste wines or sodas and sample the goods in the store. If you're hungry, the Public House has good options for meals and dessert and a fun drink selection.
This is a classic restaurant/bar with pretty good food and a good selection of drinks. It's cash only though so be prepared!
72 locals recommend
Art's Tavern
6487 W Western AveThis is a classic restaurant/bar with pretty good food and a good selection of drinks. It's cash only though so be prepared!
Breakfast here can't be beat. Food is good and fresh and there are some pretty good vegetarian options if desired. Dinners are good here too!
11 locals recommend
Good Harbor Grill
6584 Western AveBreakfast here can't be beat. Food is good and fresh and there are some pretty good vegetarian options if desired. Dinners are good here too!
This place has great sandwiches on homemade bread (including a delicious pretzel bread). They also serve frozen custard and make some great cookies. It's a great place for grabbing a sandwich on-the-go.
18 locals recommend
Shipwreck Cafe
11691 S Lacore RdThis place has great sandwiches on homemade bread (including a delicious pretzel bread). They also serve frozen custard and make some great cookies. It's a great place for grabbing a sandwich on-the-go.
Old school tavern enroute from Leland to Northport. Like taking a step back in time!
43 locals recommend
Fischer's Happy Hour Tavern
7100 N Manitou TrailOld school tavern enroute from Leland to Northport. Like taking a step back in time!
You can't visit Fishtown without grabbing a sandwich from the Village Cheese Shanty. Call ahead and order if you can because lines can get crazy in the summer. Cash only.
58 locals recommend
Village Cheese Shanty
199 W River StYou can't visit Fishtown without grabbing a sandwich from the Village Cheese Shanty. Call ahead and order if you can because lines can get crazy in the summer. Cash only.
This place is great anytime of day. Don't miss their Detroit-style pizza or weekend Bloody Mary bar!
33 locals recommend
Market 22
497 E Harbor HwyThis place is great anytime of day. Don't miss their Detroit-style pizza or weekend Bloody Mary bar!
Coffee
There are lots of good options here for coffee lovers and the vibe is unpretentious and relaxed. They serve some pastries too if you're hungry.
12 locals recommend
Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company
6443 W Western AveThere are lots of good options here for coffee lovers and the vibe is unpretentious and relaxed. They serve some pastries too if you're hungry.
Outdoor activities
Head to this section of Glen Arbor for fun clothes/gifts, wine tasting, bike and kayak rentals. A float down the Crystal River is fun and beautiful. In the fall, you can sometimes catch the salmon swimming upstream.
43 locals recommend
Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District
6249 River RdHead to this section of Glen Arbor for fun clothes/gifts, wine tasting, bike and kayak rentals. A float down the Crystal River is fun and beautiful. In the fall, you can sometimes catch the salmon swimming upstream.
Gifts
There's a hardware store (near the park) and also a home & gift store (near Leelanau Coffee Roasters). The home & gift store is worth a visit if you're looking for something special. They also carry some Fustini olive oil and Stonewall Kitchen dressings, marinades, and jams.
Northwoods Hardware Home & Garden
6053 S Glen Lake RdThere's a hardware store (near the park) and also a home & gift store (near Leelanau Coffee Roasters). The home & gift store is worth a visit if you're looking for something special. They also carry some Fustini olive oil and Stonewall Kitchen dressings, marinades, and jams.
Desserts/Chocolate
This place has a great sitting area and the best chocolate around! It's a must-visit for any chocolate lover.
32 locals recommend
Grocer's Daughter Chocolate
11590 S Lacore StThis place has a great sitting area and the best chocolate around! It's a must-visit for any chocolate lover.
Tiffanys Cafe
10213 W Front StGreat place for ice cream!