Leelanau Sip, Shop & Stroll Tour
Gather your favorite people and get ready for a fresh-air-filled, flavor-packed, and fun-loving day in Leelanau County!
The Leelanau Sip, Shop & Stroll Tour is the ultimate five-hour adventure for anyone who enjoys exploring charming towns, sampling local wines, and savoring sweet treats. This relaxed route winds through the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula, highlighting unique shops, tasting rooms, and small-town gems, perfect for a mini escape with your crew.
Stop 1 Verterra Winery Kick Off with Local Wine
Begin your day at Verterra Winery’s tasting room in the heart of Leland. Sip award-winning Pinot Grigio, try a flight of crisp whites, and settle into the friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Starting here sets the tone for a slow-paced, flavor-forward day filled with conversation and connection.
Stop 2Leland & Fishtown Shops, Galleries & Lakeside CharmAfter your tasting, stroll through the nearby village of Leland and its iconic Fishtown district. Explore boutique shops, locally made goods, and art galleries. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, nautical-inspired décor, or a lakeside moment by the docks, Leland offers a perfect blend of history and charm.
It is particularly fun to visit the Art Shanty because it hosts a new local artist each week. You never know what you will find!
Stop 3Gilchrist Farm to Table WineryNext, head southeast to Gilchrist Winery in Suttons Bay, where farm-to-table dining meets beautifully crafted wines. Enjoy an elevated meal, a curated tasting experience, or both. The farmhouse-inspired setting creates a warm, stylish atmosphere. It is ideal for savoring the flavors of Northern Michigan.
Stop 4Sutton Bay Boutique Shopping to Round Out the DayAfter your meal, wander through the vibrant village of Suttons Bay. This walkable downtown is filled with clothing boutiques, home décor shops, specialty markets, bookstores, and artisan treasures. It’s the perfect way to unwind, browse, and enjoy the bayfront setting before heading back toward Traverse City.
BONUS STOP 5Buchan’s West BayHomemade Ice Cream HeavenOn the drive back toward Traverse City, make one final optional stop at Buchan’s Ice Cream Shop along M-22. This family-run gem crafts their own ice cream. Try the zesty Lemon Poppyseed or the legendary Old Mission Apple Pie flavor, which includes real chunks of homemade pie swirled right into the mix. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a ladies’ day well spent.
Estimated Time of Tour: 5 Hours
Assuming 1 hour per stop + in/out drive time.
Whether you’re planning a birthday outing, a reunion, a celebration, or a spontaneous getaway with friends, the Leelanau Sip, Shop & Stroll Tour offers a perfect mix of charm, wine, shopping, and small-town exploration. This itinerary invites you to savor Northern Michigan at a leisurely pace—creating moments that feel refreshing, joyful, and effortlessly memorable.
Let’s Make it Happen!
We’ll Explore Leelanau County Together.
First, secure your tour date. Next, we’ll collaborate to fine-tune the details of your personalized tour, including your start time & pick-up location, tour duration, and the specific stops or activities you’d like to enjoy.
4-HOUR TOUR: Autumn is the perfect season to explore Leelanau County, when the crisp air, colorful foliage, and abundant orchards make hard cider tasting an experience to remember. This fall, set out on a cider lover’s journey through three standout stops.
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6-Hour Tour: This journey winds through the northern reaches of the Leelanau Peninsula, where you’ll find yourself driving along the sparkling blue shores of Grand Traverse Bay on Iconic M22. With each turn, this tour brings something new to explore.
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5 Hour Tour: Tucked away in the winding county roads of East Leland—an area I lovingly call The Squirrel’s Nest—lies a perfect afternoon wine tour for anyone looking to sip and savor the best of Northern Michigan’s wine and cider scene.
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