Traverse City waterfront hotel kicks off season of great outdoor dining spots

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Nothing says summertime chill in Traverse City more than relaxing outside – and bonus points if you can snag a spot by the water. The team behind the newly-renovated Delamar Traverse City hotel is loving their location along Grand Traverse Bay this time of year, and recently threw a garden party to celebrate the kick-off of their summer patio season.

It reminded us that there are so many good outdoor spots to settle back and enjoy a meal, a snack or just a grown-up beverage in Traverse City or along the nearby Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas. This is the Traverse Wine Coast, after all, and nearly all the tasting rooms have outside space with spectacular views of either the East or West Bay, or the rolling vineyards. Ditto for lots of our favorite craft beer hangouts, too. You can really stretch out at destination beer gardens like Hop Lot at the edge of Suttons Bay, or dial the vacation vibe way up by eating or drinking while going for a bay sail aboard the Tall Ship Manitou, the Nauti-Cat or the Wind Dancer.

Our point: When you’ve got the time, make sure to take your meals with a view. It’s a whole different perspective.

Delamar Traverse City — The Delamar’s patio has expansive views of West Grand Traverse Bay.

Dorin Constantin, manager of Delamar’s Artisan restaurant, knows what people are craving this season. Artisan’s menu and plate presentations are getting attention from locals as well as vacationers, and the culinary team is even supplying some boxed meals to guests aboard some of the bay’s boat tours.

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“It is hard to describe in a few words the feeling of being in Artisan,” Constantin said. “From the moment you come through the glass doors: the flowers, the art, the pewter bar in the Tavern, the fireplaces, the white immaculate tablecloths in the dining room. Then walk outdoors to see the pergola, the outdoor posh lounge, the beautiful outdoor bar, the garden, the lights, the live music. Did I say the water views? … They are the best in Northern Michigan.”

When it comes to finding a Traverse City area spot to dine al fresco, our friends at Traverse City Tourism have a list ready to go for your next visit.

“Whether you’re looking for your morning cup of coffee, your mid-day fuel or a long sit-down dinner, there are plenty of options to sit outdoors for your meals,” tourism staff said. “Find a patio downtown, or in one of the neighboring port towns. Enjoy a meal with a waterfront view, or take your food to go for a picnic. In addition, many of the area’s wine tasting, spirits sampling or beer tours are now being offered outdoors.”