Neighborhood Guide
Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Farm-to-Table Dining, Craft Beverages & Local Boutiques
Originally built in 1885 as the Northern Michigan Asylum, this 480-acre campus has been transformed into one of Traverse City's most unique destinations. The beautifully restored Victorian buildings now house farm-to-table restaurants, wine bars, boutiques, and residences. Book a guided historic tour to explore the original tunnels, browse the farmers market, or simply wander the trails and discover why "Beauty is Therapy" was the asylum's founding philosophy.
Stay nearby: Historic Hearth, Spiral Sanctuary
🍽️ Eat
Sugar2Salt
$$1371 Gray Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
This restaurant boasts a seasonal menu, and is the go-to brunch spot in Traverse City. Their risotto is a favorite, especially when paired with a fresh pastry and locally-sourced coffee.
Pleasanton Bakery
$811 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
A classic smalltown bakery serving up wood-fired pizzas, bread, and more. Plan to order a pizza to enjoy on the lawn one evening, or take it with you to the beach for a sunset meal.
Trattoria Stella
$$$1200 W 11th St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Located in the cellar of the former state hospital, featuring an Italian-based menu with a farm-to-table philosophy. Their menu rotates seasonally with an extensive wine list.
Red Spire Brunch House
$$800 Cottageview Dr #30, Traverse City, MI 49684
A great brunch spot in the basement of one of the main buildings. All the classic breakfast items plus a breakfast cocktail menu for a festive feel.
Spanglish
$$1333 Yellow Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
Tacos, tamales & other Mexican eats with a northern Michigan twist. They usually sell out of their meats daily, so order early. Call ahead recommended.
🍷 Drink
Left Foot Charley
$$806 Red Dr Suite #100, Traverse City, MI 49684
This tasting room offers indoor and outdoor seating with a great selection of reds, whites, and ciders. Right next to Higher Grounds Coffee.
Earthen Ales
$1371 Gray Dr #200, Traverse City, MI 49684
Created out of a love of making beer and a desire to share it. Their brews celebrate places they love, especially northern Michigan.
☕ Coffee
Higher Grounds
$806 Red Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
The original Traverse City coffee roaster with a commitment to direct trade coffee. Perfect spot to fuel up before hiking the trails or hitting the shops.
Cuppa Joe
$1200 W Eleventh St # 101, Traverse City, MI 49684
Locally-owned since 1999, the perfect cozy location to settle in with a book. Great selection of tea, smoothies, baked goods, and more.
🛍️ Shop
The Refillery
800 Cottageview Dr Suite 10, Traverse City, MI 49684
Everything you need to move your home towards a low-waste model. Featuring refillable and eco-minded products.
Sanctuary Goods
800 Cottageview Dr Suite 50, Traverse City, MI 49684
Handcrafted goods including jewelry, candles, and wall art. Unique selections make great gifts for kids and adults alike.
B50 The Village Store
630 Cottageview Dr #64, Traverse City, MI 49684
Learn more about the local lore and pick up souvenirs from The Commons.
🛒 Groceries
Oryana West
3587 Marketplace Cir, Traverse City, MI 49684
Local co-op featuring bulk food items, organic and local produce, and hot bar. Sells beer and wine.
Tom's Food Market
1201 S Division St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Supermarket with a deli, beer, wine, and liquor.
Stocked Grocery Delivery
Prefer not to grocery shop while traveling? We work with an amazing local delivery service who can deliver groceries to your unit prior to arrival. When you checkout, select 'Vacation' as the Delivery Type, 'Roost North' as the company, and enter your rental name as the property code.
🎭 Things to Do
Historic Building Tours
Guided tours of the original asylum buildings and tunnel system. Book through The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
Hiking & Biking Trails
Miles of trails wind through the 480-acre grounds and connect to the TART Trail.
Farmers Market
Saturday mornings (winter) / Monday afternoons (summer) in the Piazza.
Bocce Ball
Free bocce courts in the Piazza—grab a drink and play a few rounds.
Public Art
Sculptures and murals throughout the grounds.
Stay at Grand Traverse Commons
Book a stay at Historic Hearth or Spiral Sanctuary and spend a weekend wandering the grounds.