Guidebook for Empire
Food Scene
Art's Tavern
6487 W Western AvePopular restaurant in downtown Glen Arbor with outdoor patio.
Joe's Friendly Tavern
11015 W Front StQuiet restaurant in Empire with excellent chocolate cake.
Taco stand roadside in Cedar. Less known... Awesome tacos with a beautiful backdrop.
13 locals recommend
Cedar Sol Hydro Farm
9452 S Cedar RdTaco stand roadside in Cedar. Less known... Awesome tacos with a beautiful backdrop.
Village Cheese Shanty
199 W River StShanty in Fishtown with great sandwiches.
Excellent coffee, latte's, and breakfast sandwiches in downtown Glen Arbor.
12 locals recommend
Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company
6443 W Western AveExcellent coffee, latte's, and breakfast sandwiches in downtown Glen Arbor.
Sightseeing
Hike to a breathtaking view... If you've never been, it's a must.
20 locals recommend
Pyramid Point Trail
Pyramid Point TrailHike to a breathtaking view... If you've never been, it's a must.
Another beautiful hike with outstanding views of the lake and the bluffs towering over.
40 locals recommend
Empire Bluff Trail
Empire Bluff TrailAnother beautiful hike with outstanding views of the lake and the bluffs towering over.
Popular tourist attraction in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Very close to the cottage. Kids love it. Climb up the dune and run down or hike the entire way to Lake Michigan (challenging).
46 locals recommend
Dune Climb Lot station
Popular tourist attraction in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Very close to the cottage. Kids love it. Climb up the dune and run down or hike the entire way to Lake Michigan (challenging).
Parks & Nature
Empire
Empire Beach. Nice beach with playground. Walkable to town.
North Bar Lake Access
A long time favorite spot.
Essentials
Grocery store. More expensive than the stores in Traverse City, but much more convenient.
20 locals recommend
Anderson's Glen Arbor Market
6545 Western AveGrocery store. More expensive than the stores in Traverse City, but much more convenient.
Deering's Market
10233 West Front StreetGrocery in Empire. Similar prices to Andersons in Glen Arbor.
Entertainment & Activities
Bike or Kayak rental. You can bike down the BEAUTIFUL Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail or kayak down the Crystal River. They even rent bike trailers for kids to ride in and the trail is new and smooth.
43 locals recommend
Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District
6249 River RdBike or Kayak rental. You can bike down the BEAUTIFUL Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail or kayak down the Crystal River. They even rent bike trailers for kids to ride in and the trail is new and smooth.