Molly & Briar
Molly & Briar
In addition to sharing our special day with you, we are very excited to share Northern Michigan with our visiting friends and family. We both grew up in the area – Briar grew up in Gaylord about an hour north of where Molly grew up in Traverse City. We both love visiting home and are excited for you to enjoy it as well.
TC Shopping...a little something for everyone!
See why Traverse City and the surrounding area are so special with a trip to the heart of TC, Front Street. Shopping includes items for foodies, wine lovers, artists, hikers, fashion gurus, tourists, and so much more. Check out the ever-popular Cherry Republic, Spice Merchants, Backcountry North, Fustini's Oils & Vinegars, among others. Be sure to check out the bride's favorite spot...Good Harbor Coffee & Bakery...their coffee, lattes, mochas are only surpassed by the delicious scones. Hit this favorite spot for an early morning coffee and check out the Saturday morning Sara Hardy Farmers Market, located a block away. Tell Alice at Good Harbor that Molly Friend sent you!
The Beach District
The Beach District, just outside of Traverse City in East Bay Township, is a thriving sector boasting beautiful parks and lakefront beach access, vibrant hotels & restaurants, bustling retail & service locations and multiple recreational opportunities. Hike or bike the TART trail extending east into Acme, or west into Traverse City. Grab some sandwiches from the Bayside Market for a beach day, then dine on locally smoked bites at Smoke & Porter. If you’re planning a trip from out of town there are an incredible array of hotel options featuring gorgeous beaches and comfortable accommodations. Add thrills to your stay with jet ski or boat rentals, or fly high on a parasailing adventure! Explore East Bay Beach District, where the sun meets the shore. The putt putt golf is the best anywhere and enjoyed by all ages!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan coastline in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, known for its massive sand dunes, forests, beaches, and cultural features like historic farmsteads and a lighthouse. There is no picture that do the Dunes justice - it is spectacular! The park is administered by the National Park Service and is about a 45-minute drive from Traverse City.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Visit the site of our first date - the Village at Grand Traverse Commons! There 480 acres worth of shopping, dining, and recreation trails. This site is one of the largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse sites in the country. We find it historic because we fell in love here!
Old Mission Wineries
Ten wineries in the beautiful northern Michigan region are located on Old Mission Peninsula, adjacent and north of Traverse City. The views and the wine are spectacular and will not disappoint. Visit one or visit them all! If you want to visit them all, check out the many wine tour vans and buses available in the area.
If Breweries, Distilleries, and Taprooms are more your style...
Discover why Traverse City and the surrounding area has been repeatedly ranked as one of the "Top 10 Small Town Beer Scenes" by USA Today. Local agriculture is at the heart of the breweries who embrace the microclimate created by Lake Michigan. You may find a few of these local brews, ciders, whiskeys, and vodkas at the reception!