So there’s a little rain in the forecast. Don’t panic just yet! You can still have a great day exploring all that Glen Arbor has to offer. Head out for a romantic day filled with wine tastings, shop the local stores, visit a museum, and cozy up at our quaint B&B. Here is your ultimate Glen Arbor rainy day guide.
But know that much is compromised by safeguards and protocols in 2020. So grab your mask, pocket your hand-sanitizer and wear your patience. There’s still plenty to do, but it will take time and patience since there is limited capacity at most locations due to safe distancing requirements.
Grab a Bite:
When the skies turn grey, there is one place in town where you’ll find a collection of colorful people and soul warming food in a cozy downtown tavern. Art’s Tavern is a place that will make you feel right at home from the second you walk in. Use the rainy day as an excuse to try some of the best food on the Leelanau Peninsula and see what all the craze is about. If you’re out in the country touring around wineries, coming in from a drenched hike on the sand dunes, or driving along the shoreline call ahead for an order, then make a pickup stop at Market 22 on M22 halfway to Leland for some of the best Detroit-style pizza outside of the city. You can also pick up a mouthwatering pastrami sandwich that will visit you in your dreams for months to come.
Shop til’ You Drop:
Spend the day wandering in and out of Glen Arbor’s quaint shops. The Totem Shop is a must-visit when coming to Glen Arbor. You’ll find an incredible collection of outdoor clothing and accessories. Pick up your summer accessories, toys for the kids, a new swimsuit, and a classic Glen Arbor T-shirt to bring home with you. Across the street from the Totem Shop is Momentum Outfitters, which is known for their resort wear and collections of Michigan and Great Lakes items that are more than reasonably priced. Find 3D topographical maps of the region, unique clocks, specialty made cribbage boards, tote bags, or printed pillows to bring a slice of Glen Arbor home with you.
No matter what you do in Glen Arbor, you absolutely must go to the Cottage Book Shop, a log cabin style bookstore with a book for everyone inside. It is worth the wait for your turn to come into the shop. Beware: side effects of entering may include lost track of time and sore arms from carrying out all your new finds.
Browse the Local Art Galleries:
With beauty around every corner, it’s no surprise that there is a thriving art scene. Embark on a Glen Arbor gallery tour around the town to view some of the awe-inspiring pieces made by local artists. Synchronicity Art Gallery is an 8-room gallery showcasing over 90 artists and is for everyone, from the casual art lover to the serious collector. Next door, the Ruth Conklin Gallery brings the beauty and nature of the region together in a colorful gallery. If you are looking for that little piece of Northern Michigan to bring home with you, head into Glen Arbor Artisans where you will find a wide variety of local made art depicting the region. Find clothing, calendar, watercolors, photography, topographical maps, and more all inspired by your home away from home.
Sip Wines & Relax:
Luckily, you are in the heart of Michigan’s wine region and can spend a rainy day driving through picturesque vineyards. In 2020, this means wine flights and patios rather than tastings at the bar. But still special, and made for you to find that preferred wine. Take one of our complimentary golf umbrellas and head out for a walking Glen Arbor Village Wine Trail.
Start in downtown at Glen Arbor Wines and sip their wide selection of locally made wines from Riesling to Merlot. Walk over to Cherry Republic Public House where you will find complimentary tasting and cherry-inspired lunch and dinner selections – plus freshly baked pie. Mosey on over to M22 Winery just a couple blocks west of Cherry Republic to taste the 16 different wines and 2 ciders produced by the renowned winemakers at Black Star Farms.
Learn About the Region:
What better time to hop into a museum than on a rainy day? If you are reading this in 2021, time to explore the Empire Area Museum Complex in the neighboring town of Empire to learn all about the rich history of the town. But in 2020, the doors have been closed. Be sure to put this on your list for next year. The museum is set in the old saloon from the ghost town of Norway Town and boasts an impressive collection of artifacts and displays that offer a rare glimpse into the past. Check out Beeman Barn which is filled with old horse-drawn equipment, learn about the blacksmith shop by Henry Verno, or take a lesson in The School House. If you’re toting a couple young buckaroos with you, plan a trip to the Great Lakes Children’s Museum in Traverse City where you’ll find a myriad of interactive exhibits that make learning fun.
Catch a Show:
What can we say? For 2020, this is not to be. We’ll keep this recommendation posted, and hope you are able to return to the theatre in 2021. In the meantime, keep binging on Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus favorites. And tell us what you love the best.
A romantic sunset picnic may not be in store, but that doesn’t mean that your night is ruined! Head into Traverse City for a classic dinner and a movie date at the Bijou by the Bay or State Theaters. These historic buildings give you a feeling of grandeur and luxury as you watch the latest releases, nostalgic classics, or independent films. If you want a show that exists a little more in the 3rd dimension, you can find a play or musical at one of the performing arts centers downtown. City Opera House is a favorite for bringing incredible musical acts to the town and delighting concert goers. They also host the National Writers Series which brings authors to share passages from their books and the inspiration behind them. To find shows all across Northern Michigan, go to My North Tickets and you’ll find the perfect drama, comedy, musical, or live music for a night of entertainment.
Stay Cozy at the Glen Arbor B&B:
If you are in town for a week or two, a rainy day may just be the perfect break from hiking, kayaking, and exploring. Sit back and read your latest find from the Cottage Book Stop while watching the rain drizzle on the windows. Drink a glass of wine from your favorite Northern Michigan Vineyard and browse through our blog to find our insider tips, tricks, and guides to exploring the region. The inn and cottages all have cable TV and high speed Wi-Fi so you can watch Youth in Revolt or A Year in Mooring to see if you can spot any of the local filming spots around the region. With your comfortable suites and cottages, you won’t even want to leave!
Don’t let a little rain scare you away. There are a million things to do on a rainy day here in Glen Arbor from shopping to wine tastings so you won’t be bored for even a single second. Simply follow our rainy day guide and you’ll find that there is even more to Glen Arbor than meets the eye.
Ready to explore the Leelanau Peninsula? Book a stay at Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast and Cottages in downtown Glen Arbor and experience Northern Michigan from our comfortable accommodations.
