How to Spend a Summer Weekend in Leland, Michigan

I escaped from the hermit life to experience Leland, Michigan for a few days last week and experienced all the best food, lodging and activities while on the Leelanau Peninsula up in Northern Michigan. I’ve visited Leland a handful of times when staying in Traverse City, but a day trip has never been enough to truly explore.

Where to Stay

I’ve always made the drive to Leland in a rush, never staying over night to experience the Gilmore Girls vibe it has when you wake up in the morning and walk to the local coffee shop and make small talk with tourists and locals. What a delightful experience.

During a blogger retreat, eight bloggers (including me!) stayed at Leland Lodge, a couple blocks away from the quaint downtown filled with shops, restaurants and the historic Fishtown. I loved my time here. The lodge is just a beautiful place with its oak paneling and natural light with a laidback atmosphere. And free freshly baked cookies await guests at the front desk. I returned each day for my free cookie.

Where to Grab Your Morning Coffee

Blue Boat Coffee has been a favorite spot of mine for the last two summers and the group of us grabbed coffee and pastries there after yoga. It’s next to a small courtyard with bistro tables where you can sit and sip your coffee or wander the shops next door.

If you’re touring other parts of the peninsula and in search of good coffee, you must check out Mundos Roasting in Sutton’s Bay too.

Top Shops

Leland Gal was an instant favorite of mine with its bright pops of color and fun items for everyone in the family. I scooped up a pair of green leaf earrings made from acrylic and can’t wait to rock them this summer.

Leelanau Bookstore is another great stop. I love local bookstores and I can’t wait to visit this area again and bring Matt. He’d just love this shop.

For cute gifts, check out Two Fish Gallery. They have adorable planters and coffee mugs, a perfect souvenir to take home.

The Dam Candy store is another adorable shop to check out right by the fish ladder, especially if you love candy!

Where to Eat Lunch, Brunch + Dinner

For a sandwich on the go, the Village Cheese Shanty is the place to go. I’ve heard nothing but raving reviews over the sandwiches, especially the pretzel bun and finally got to eat one after a hike. I eat like a toddler, so I ordered a pretty basic, plain sandwich, but the bread was delicious and the sandwich was huge, definitely shareable!

For dinner, lunch or brunch, I highly recommend the Cove. The Cove sits above of the fish ladder and has outdoor seating too, perfect for a summer lunch outside. They’re known for their intense bloody mary’s complete with an entire smoked fish. They specialize in fish dishes, but have steaks, burgers and other non-seafood options on the menu to appeal to everyone.

Bogey’s 19th Hole is a great option that’s just a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of Leland’s historic Fishtown located inside Leland Lodge. I ordered the brisket sandwich for one of our dinners and it was the most delicious hearty meal. I also tried the brussels sprouts as an appetizer and those were some of the best I’ve had.

Activities to Add to Your Itinerary

There’s everything from day drinking to yoga up in these parts and might I suggest you do it all.

For fitness enthusiasts, you have options like borrowing the bikes at Leland Lodge if you’re staying there and taking a leisurely stroll through town. You can also take a class at Yoga 4. They have everything from beginner level to dance yoga, great for all levels.

If Sweetwater Floral is in town or nearby, register ASAP for a floral workshop. The owner Kalin is one of the most charismatic people I’ve ever met and I thought to myself “this woman deserves a stage or her own television show” and I found out that she was previously a news reporter before changing careers to floral design studio + farm owning entrepreneur. She was an entertaining teacher during this workshop and I would love to participate in more of her classes.

If you’re up during the public tour dates, I recommend visiting Idyll Farms, a goat farm and creamery located just a few miles away in Northport. The farm will host a tour and cheese tasting on July 6 and August 31. This was some of the best cheese I tasted and I was lucky enough to feed one of the babies. What a dream!

For a quick hike and amazing views, drive over to Pyramid Point Trail, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes. It’s a short uphill walk to a lookout point over Lake Michigan. Stunning.

Take a short drive to other towns around the area like Northport, Sutton’s Bay, Empire or Glen Arbor. I’ve finally now visited each of these towns and they’re all beautiful towns with local shops and restaurants to explore.

Historic Fishtown in Leland Sweetwater Floral workshop at Leland Lodge Idyll Farm visit Pyramid Point LookoutThis post is sponsored by Leland Lodge