Traverse City, Michigan: Visiting on a Budget!

January 2020, Weekday-weekend

Traverse City is not always an expensive place to visit, if you pick an off-peak date and watch for deals. We made most of our choices this trip based on discounts we found from places such as, the Visitors Center, WHATSUP, and the Michigan Brewvine Passport that we had purchased before our trip. The passport cost is $31 with tax and shipping, and there is often a passport BOGO purchase special around the holidays. The AAA rate at Hotel Indigo where we stayed, was less than $150 before taxes.

Pulled pork sandwich from Dickey's BBQ Pit in Traverse City

Dining

We had lunch one day at Dickey's Barbecue Pit because we had a coupon for BOGO pulled pork sandwich. We got the no-cost coupon from the local deals section on the AARP rewards site, and you do not need to be a member to join this site. This was probably not one of our better dining choices in Traverse City, although it was acceptable and inexpensive.

Breakfast at Green House Cafe in Traverse City

We were very pleased with our accidental breakfast choice at Green House Cafe. We had planned to have breakfast at Blue Heron with a coupon from the Visitor Center; however, this restaurant has closed. None of the restaurants we passed in town as we walked by looking for another breakfast place had menus posted, and we chose Green House Cafe totally by chance. We had been hoping to find a place that would not cost $10+ per person, and as luck would have it, Green House Cafe fit the bill! The food was delicious, and the cost for both meals was less than $10 total before tip.

Wolverine Flatbread at The Filling Station

We enjoyed a beer and a half-priced flatbread at The Filling Station--the discount came from the Michigan Brewvine Passport. The beer, service, and food were all excellent!

Beverages: breweries, wineries, distilleries, Happy Hour...

On Mission Peninsula, we visited Peninsula Cellars, Chateau Grand Traverse Winery, Bowers Harbor, and Jolly Pumpkin. The Brewvine Passport contains coupons for all of these locations. There was no charge for the tastings at any of the wineries we visited, and the Jolly Pumpkin coupons we used were for half off.

Jolly Pumpkin in Traverse City; Brewvine Passports on counter

We were fortunate that we had been able to visit Jolly Pumpkin, as they do not open until 4:00 PM on weekdays during the off-season. An employee happened to be walking through the parking lot when we arrived in the afternoon, and stopped to talk with us about the open time. When he learned we just wanted to fill our growler, he said he could do that. Before he was able to let us in, another vehicle arrived with three patrons who had hoped to have lunch. He told us all that he could serve beers only. When the newcomers decided to go in to have beers, we decided to have a beer too, before filling the growler. The passport discounts are good for only one discount per visit. Since my husband and I each have a Brewvine Passport, we were able to use two coupons. We loved and appreciated the excellent service at this location! 😃

Two fabulous and affordable wines from
Chateau Grand Traverse Winery

Our best winery experience this trip was at Chateau Grand Traverse. Actually, we have always enjoyed our visits to this location! Great wine, great service, great prices.

Downtown Traverse City, we visited Grand Traverse Distillery, Monkey Fist/MiddleCoast Brewing, 123 Speakeasy, Workhorse Brewing, and The Filling Station (mentioned above in the dining section). All of these locations are within easy walking distance of Hotel Indigo. The Filling Station is a bit farther away, although still not too far for us, since we like to walk. This time, we drove there before we left town, and then walked on Boardman Lake Trail before having lunch and a beer.

Cocktails at Grand Traverse Distillery

The Brewvine Passport discount at Grand Traverse Distillery is good for one free cocktail!

Sampler at MiddleCoast Brewing Company
The holder says Monkey Fist Brewing Co. 

We were not sure what would happen at The Market Bar/MiddleCoast Brewing Company, because this location used to be called Monkey Fist Brewing, and the discount in our Brewvine Passport was listed with that name. They happily honored the discount. If you do not have the Michigan Brewvine Passport, you can get your first draft beer at this location for only $3 with the WHATSUP promotion. They also have Happy Hour pricing between 3:00 and 6:00 PM. A fabulous female musician was playing in The Market during our visit.

Monthly cocktail at 123 Speakeasy

We ordered the half-priced mystery cocktail at 123 Speakeasy with the WHATSUP promotion; however, we did not receive the mystery cocktail. We realized this when the bartender presented the bill. Fortunately, I had printed the WHATSUP blurb about this, because the bartender was confused when we questioned the amount of the bill (apparently, she did not understand our request when we ordered). She then had to go ask the manager, and we all learned that the mystery cocktail is something the bartender comes up with after learning what the customer likes. My husband and I both probably would have ended up with a beverage we enjoyed more, if this had been what happened.

Our last stop was Workhorse Brewing Company, located next to Hotel Indigo to redeem the Happy Hour pricing discount in the Michigan Brewvine Passport. There was a guitar player playing here during our visit.

Hints and misc.

Before we visit an area, I usually search for info and promotions for the area online. When we arrive, we stop in the local Visitor Center, and we check hotel kiosks. Some places I recommend researching online are: WHATSUP Michigan, Michigan Brewvine Passport, Hop Passport, and specific locations you are interested in.

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