Suttons Bay Guide
Suttons Bay is a small, unhurried village on the Leelanau Peninsula, about 20 minutes north of Traverse City. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and the sparkling waters of Grand Traverse Bay, it's the kind of place where a perfect day means a morning coffee on the waterfront, a long lunch on a sunny patio, and an afternoon exploring the wine trail at your own pace.
The village is compact and walkable, with a charming main street, a beautiful marina, and some of the best restaurants and wineries in Northern Michigan. For outdoor lovers, kayak and paddleboard rentals are steps from the beach, and the TART Trail connects the village directly to Traverse City by bike.
Suttons Bay has a way of slowing you down — in the best possible way.
Eat
Martha's Leelanau Table
413 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
A charming European-style cafe and bistro serving scratch-made regional specialties using the finest ingredients from Leelanau County and surrounding farms. Think fresh-baked pastries, seasonal soups, and beautiful bistro plates in a warm, unhurried setting.
Wren
303 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
The most buzzed-about restaurant on the Leelanau Peninsula right now, and for good reason. Wren is a farm-to-table gem with a deeply seasonal menu built around local farms and purveyors. Chef-driven, thoughtful, and excellent — even Traverse City locals make the drive out for dinner here. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Drink
Black Star Farms
10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
One of Michigan's most acclaimed wineries and estates, set on 160 stunning acres just outside the village. Black Star Farms produces award-winning wines and spirits with more than 50 products in their lineup. The property also features a luxury inn, a bistro cafe, and scenic hiking trails.
Hop Lot Brewing Co.
658 S W Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
One of the most fun and atmospheric spots on the Leelanau Peninsula. Hop Lot's sprawling outdoor beer garden is legendary in the summer — fire pits, lawn games, and beautiful views. In winter, cozy igloos keep the party going. Named USA Today's #2 Beer Garden in the US for 2024 & 2025.
Suttons Bay Ciders
10530 E Hilltop Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
A celebration of the Leelanau Peninsula's rich apple and cherry heritage. Suttons Bay Ciders crafts small-batch hard ciders using locally grown fruit. The relaxed tasting room is a great spot to sample something a little different from the usual wine trail experience.
Coffee
Hive Coffee Co.
206 N St Joseph St Ste B, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Suttons Bay's beloved coffee destination. Hive serves expertly crafted espresso drinks with house-made syrups and a thoughtful breakfast and lunch menu. Plenty of seating, a warm atmosphere, and the kind of quality that makes you want to linger all morning.
Cafe VI
201 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Attached to the historic VI Grill, Cafe VI is the quintessential Suttons Bay morning stop. Signature breakfast dishes, handcrafted specialty drinks, and a cozy atmosphere that feels perfectly in step with the pace of small-town life on the Leelanau Peninsula.
Things to do
Bahle Park
Bahle Park, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
A peaceful local park with woodland trails perfect for an easy hike or a quiet afternoon in nature. The trails wind through second-growth forest with lovely seasonal wildflowers in spring and stunning color in fall. A great escape when you want to slow down and breathe in the Leelanau air.
Suttons Bay Bikes
318 St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Your one-stop shop for getting out on the water or the trail. Suttons Bay Bikes rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles, with the beautiful public Suttons Bay Beach right behind their building. An easy way to make the most of a gorgeous Northern Michigan day.
Suttons Bay Farmers Market
Downtown Suttons Bay, St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
One of the gems of the Leelanau Peninsula, running every Saturday morning (May–October) with vendors selling produce, baked goods, flowers, honey, and artisan products — all grown or made within 60 miles of town. A wonderful way to start a Saturday.
Suttons Bay Marina & Beach
200 W Broadway St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
The heart of Suttons Bay village life. Marina Park offers a sandy beach, gorgeous bay views, picnic areas, and a front-row seat to the boats coming and going all season long. The Inland Seas Education Association's tall ship schooner is often docked on the south side.
TART Trail (Leelanau Trail)
4th St Trailhead, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
A paved 17-mile trail connecting Traverse City to Suttons Bay, winding through forests, orchards, and farmland with stunning bay views. Ideal for biking, walking, or a long morning run. One of the best paved recreational trails in Michigan.
Shop
MI Market Suttons Bay
321 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
A beautifully curated shop dedicated entirely to Michigan-made goods — food, art, clothing, and gifts from local farmers, makers, and artists across the state. If you want to take a piece of Michigan home with you, this is where to start.
Bayside Gallery
204 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
A beloved Suttons Bay destination since 1999, showcasing the work of over 150 artists from across North America. Stunning glass garden sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, and distinctive home decor. A genuinely special place whether you're shopping or just browsing.
Grocery
Hansen Foods
91 W Fourth St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Suttons Bay's anchor grocery store, independently owned and deeply rooted in the community. Known for a standout deli and bakery, a strong selection of local Michigan products, and the kind of personal service you just don't find at a chain. They'll even carry your groceries to your car.