Location: Williamsburg
Top Things to do in Williamsburg
The 10 Best Things to Do in Williamsburg, United States
Williamsburg is an unincorporated community in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It is located in central Whitewater Township, which is part of Grand Traverse County. M-72 runs directly through the town.
Restaurants in Williamsburg
1. Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails
Overall Ratings
5 based on 163 reviews
Traverse Area Recreation & Transportation (TART) Trails is system of paved and dirt trails for walkers, hikers, bikers, skaters and skiers in Northern Michigan. Trails are open year-round and available for many users and uses. Many of the paved trails offer access to local breweries, wineries, coffeehouses, restaurants and other area attractions such as lakes, river and beaches. Many of the dirt trails offer world class mountain biking and hiking opportunities for users of various skill levels. Numerous area bike shops offer rentals for any type of technical or recreational riders. Dogs are also welcomed on the trails and must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Reviewed By nursekathyi - Virginia Beach, VA
My husband and I rode the Leelanau Bike Trail from Traverse City to Sutton Bay. We missed the turnoff from Traverse Bay up to the trail and ended up riding along the busy roadway until we figured it out (Thank You Google!). There is only 1 sign to direct you (from what we could tell) so be on the lookout for it. The rental bike company at Clinch Park offered little instruction. The trail travels through mostly farmland including vineyards, hops, and forests.The only water view is in Traverse City. Be aware that there aren't any places to buy water or snacks along the way so plan accordingly, especially if you plan to ride the whole 18 miles. Also, we planned to ride to Sutton Bay and take the bus back to Traverse City......unfortunately the website for pick up times was not up to date and we almost missed the bus.Thankfully my husband was able to flag the bus down and the driver let us on (otherwise we would have been forced to stay in Sutton Bay for another hour and a half.......or ride the 18 miles back to Traverse City!). Hopefully they have corrected the website but you may want to call to verify the correct times before venturing out. All in all it is a pleasant ride in the country.
2. Music House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
The Music House Museum is located on US31 just north of Traverse City, Michigan. Now in their 30th year, the museum presents one of the most unique music museums in America. Ninety-minute tours demonstrate fully-restored mechanical instruments dating from 1870 to 1930.Guest will also see Models of buildings from Traverse City 1930’s era. Music boxes of all sizes, a mechanical street organ, one of largest dance organs built in Belgium in 1922 , Weber Duo-Art reproducing grand piano,1924 Wurlitzer theater organ used to accompany silent films.
Reviewed By teralex7 - West Hempstead, NY
this is a little known gem. Stopped there on our Tauck tour of Michigan and was pleasantly surprised.it was filled with antique instruments, music boxes and other music items. It was interactive, the tour was interesting and thoroughly delightful and the player pianos, old organ and other instruments was very enjoyable.
Don't miss it, you won't be sorry.
3. GT Butterfly House and Bug Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Open daily from May-October. (MAY 7th, 2016 is OPENING DAY!!) The GT Butterfly House & Bug Zoo strives to educate, engage and entertain guests! The garden features a tranquil waterfall and hundreds of exotic butterflies dancing from flower to flower. The Bug Zoo features a large, fascinating Honeybee Observation hive...See honey being made up close! The Tarantula Tree houses colorful and creepy tarantulas, while Beetle Boulder allows families to explore beetles, roaches, mantids and more! Before your tour ends, you'll meet amphibians of all shapes and sizes, including dart frogs, axolotls and "Squishy," our Iberian Rib Newt. Get up close to the Bug World with "Duke Elsner's Crawl Space"--A rotating collection of native bug species aimed at conservation and identification. We offer a small gift shop to take home a gift or special momento. Come early for Butterflies emerging, and inquire about holding a tarantula!
Reviewed By Susan B - Chicago
We found out about the Butterfly House from a flier in our hotel. Our 21 month old loves butterflies so we decided to check it out. The butterfly house is very clean and there are tons of butterflies to look at. The employees are also very helpful and accommodating. There is also a small bug exhibit to look at if that is your thing (honey bees, spiders, cockroaches!). Admission was a bit pricey but there was a coupon on the flier that we could use. Would definitely check it out again if we were in the area.
4. LochenHeath Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Golf, invented in Scotland, Perfected in Traverse City. Even in northern Michigan - the Midwest's golf capital - LochenHeath Golf Club stands out. Rated by Golf Digest for 2015 as #12 Best Course in Michigan and has been listed in both Golf Magazine and Golfweek as a Top Course You Can Play, the challenging 7,239-yard course, only minutes from downtown Traverse City, is a shot-maker's dream. The Scottish links-style design is one of very few in northern Michigan and features rolling terrain, wide open fairways and deep, well-placed bunkers. Many holes offer sweeping views of Grand Traverse Bay. Beyond golf, LochenHeath has an outstanding restaurant, a well-stocked pro shop, and an attentive staff that's eager to please. We are transitioning to a fully private club but invite outside play during this transition. For the perfect golf experience, please call to reserve your tee time.
Reviewed By Gerald B - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Had been meaning to visit the restaurant for a long time and been told it was very good. Finally had the opportunity and while not disappointed, it was not anywhere near what others had said.
Menu changes frequently which is always good. We started with drinks. Their choices of bourbons were limited to two which is surprising since the Grand
Traverse Distillery has one of the best of I've ever had, and obviously is a local. We shared a wedge salad with traditional blue cheese dressing and it was very good, especially the dressing. My main course was the kurobuta pork chop with mashed potatoes, broccoli and onions. The pork chop was an excellent twin bone cut but was tough to chew. The mashed potatoes were dry and may have been a prepackaged serving. They tasted better if you stirred in the sautéed onions. My companion had the strip steak with the same accompaniments. We each had a glass of Meiomi Pinot Noir which I'm familiar with. However the wine list is somewhat limited and only a handful available by the glass.
The ambience is nice with nice views of the bay, but the four tables in the area we were in are each under hot/cold air vents directly over the table. Consequently you get an uncomfortable and unwanted direct blast from them. It's also a little on the noisy side. The servers were very friendly and attentive once they began serving the table. We waited almost ten minutes before anyone appeared at the table.
I have to admit that I'm a foodie and also travel extensively for business, so my reviews are often being compared with restaurants throughout the U.S. within the same price range.
I'm not sure LochenHeath is one my "return soon" list.
5. Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
We are a boutique winery located in Northern Michigan on picturesque Old Mission Peninsula. Our cool-climate viticulture experience coupled with our hard work proves to produce superior quality Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and our signature meritage blend the 2896, Langley Vineyard. A visit to our quaint tasting room will afford you the opportunity to taste our sparkling wines, red wines, white wines, and view the quiet loveliness of Bowers Harbor. Wine tasting is comfortable and inviting at Bowers Harbor Vineyards; no need to be intimidated! The Tasting Room Join us in the Bower’s Harbor Tasting Room to try the latest Award-Winning wines! - Wine Tasting - Wine by the Glass - Local Cheeses & Spreads - Coroporate & Private Event Rentals - Dining in the Vines - Summer and Fall Vineyard Tours by Reservation - Parties of 8 or More, Please Call for Reservations
Reviewed By Angela M - Rockford, Illinois
Beautiful grounds, cool outdoor tasting areas, love dogs so I really love the theme. Our wine pourer Kevin was so personable and outgoing and really knew his stuff. He even added a wine to our tasting that he thought I would like based on our...MoreSo happy you had a great time visiting us and hope you are continuing to enjoy the wine at home. I will pass on your kind words to Kevin. We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to give us this positive review! Cheers!
6. Spa Grand Traverse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By mixaconsulting - Oldsmar, Florida
After multiple days of driving from Florida to northern Michigan, starting our visit at the Grand Travers Resort & Spa with Signature Massages was perfect. Just sitting in our warm robes in the waiting area on comfy chaise lounge chairs began our wind down and relaxation. The signature massage, a gentle massage (not intense) easily relaxed the tired achy muscles. Under the strong hands of my masseuse, Kate, I completely relaxed almost dozing. While we chatted some, it was good just to give in and totally relax. The Signature Massage finishes with a mild facial massage and misting of the face. AHHHH! Blissful. After the massage, I spent time in the sauna and joined my husband in the pool/hot tub area. The pools were crowded with family and children so we opted to relax after our massages in the outdoor hot tub which further relaxed our car weary bodies. Then we each went back to the sauna and rejoined in the relaxing waiting area to lounge on the comfy chaise lounges, nibble on the hearty snacks, sip the cucumber water, cool off with a eucalyptus cold cloth and just rest. We both thoroughly enjoyed our massages and the Spa at Grand Traverse.
7. Sand Lakes Quiet Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Jet skis, snowmobiles and other noisy vehicles are prohibited in the 2,775-acre area, part of the Pere Marquette State Forest.
Reviewed By drsm - Michigan
We have been to the Sand Lakes Quiet Area many times over the past several years for snowshoeing. The trails are well marked, and once you get 1-2 miles from the trail head, you have very little company. Miles of trails, rolling hills, frozen lakes, no snowmobiles...what's not to like?
8. Grand Traverse Resort Golf Courses
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
One of the Midwest's premier golf destinations, Grand Traverse's lush location has three distinct championship courses: the original Spruce Run, the Gary Player-designed Wolverine and The Bear, named for its illustrious architect, Jack Nicklaus.
Reviewed By mixaconsulting - Oldsmar, Florida
This Gary Player designed course is excellent. It truly offers challenges to golfers of all levels. We played on an overcast day and thoroughly enjoyed the course, the variety of challenges it continued to offer. The front nine winds through lowland terrain with water and wetlands to attempt to avoid. On the back nine the course moves to higher terrain with hardwoods, rolling hills and even views of East Grand Traverse Bay. For two senior golfers, we are both thrilled to find our zone today on this challenging course with both scoring under 90. Drats, a couple of holes on the back nine “zapped our zone” preventing even better scores for the day. It is a great course and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We have played The Bear in the past which will question if you want to continue playing golf. The Wolverine has us wanting to come back for more.
9. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
Welcome to Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. Spanning 91 acres, Brys Estate is one of the largest contiguous winery estates on Old Mission Peninsula. Opened in 2005, we're a family-run business that crafts wines from our 58,000 vines planted less than a mile from Lake Michigan. The Brys experience includes an old-world tasting room, unique Upper Deck with Bridge Above the Vines, and a barn-turned-guest house that offers panoramic views of the bay and Old Mission Peninsula.
Reviewed By Timothy D - Holland, Michigan, United States
Brys focuses on the wine and their grounds. It was a great location for tasting because they also involve some education of their processes in the midst of tasting. When done tasting, you can order platters and sit on their porch overlooking the winery. There are also lawn games available. Also, in a different location, they have a small shop. It’s quaint and it also is in a beautiful location.
This winery focuses on relaxation and enjoyment of the grounds.
10. Rennie Orchards
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Matt S - Brighton, Michigan
We've been here two years now to pick our own cherries. The concept of going to pick your own cherries is a great concept...not to mention you end up with some of the freshest fruit you can possibly have!!
The grounds are great, and in great weather (which we were fortunate to have both times) this is a great location to be at. Pails and ladders provided!
The staff has been friendly, and are readily available to answer any questions.
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