Samantha Brown’s Places to Love just put Traverse City in the spotlight—and for good reason! From breathtaking wineries to farm-fresh dining, this lakeside gem is full of unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a visit or dreaming of a getaway, we’re diving into some of the best spots featured on the show—plus a few hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
I just watched Samantha Brown’s Places to Love Traverse City episode on PBS, and wow—she is amazing! Traverse City is definitely a place to love.
Her episode highlighted some incredible gems of the region, but there are so many more waiting to be discovered!
Traverse City’s Wine Coast
Wineries abound in this region, known as the Traverse Wine Coast. Samantha Brown’s Places to Love featured Bonobo Winery, but did you know there are over 40 more wineries in the area? Some are just minutes from the airport!
For the full experience—and a perfect base camp to explore the region—consider staying at a winery estate on the Leelanau Peninsula, on your way to Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Inn at Black Star Farms sits on a stunning 160-acre family-owned estate, just 12 miles up the West Bay from downtown Traverse City. This charming 10-room boutique inn offers hospitality at its finest, paired with estate-grown wines and farm-fresh vegetables.
Want to take your visit to the next level? Stay at The Inn at Black Star Farms and add a sailing package! Imagine gliding across Grand Traverse Bay on a 34’ Catalina sailboat, just you, your loved one, Captain Tom, and his First Mate. You might just feel like you're in your very own episode of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love!
Farm-to-Table Dining
If you love farm-fresh dining, you don’t even need to leave the estate. Bistro Polaris, located on the Black Star Farms Winery estate, serves food straight from the farm, with vegetables grown just steps from the kitchen. But if you're looking to explore further, Farm Club—just down the road and also featured on Samantha Brown’s Places to Love—is another must-visit spot that grows its own produce for its restaurant.
Aged Wine, Melted Cheese, and Local Collaborations
One of the coolest stories in the episode was about Leelanau Cheese. Fun fact: this award-winning cheese company actually started inside Black Star Farms Winery in Suttons Bay! They were incubated there until they “grew up” and needed more space—like teenagers leaving the nest. Today, Leelanau Cheese is located just around the corner from the winery estate.
The cheese caves they once used at Black Star Farms? Those have since been repurposed for aging red wines, but the partnership remains strong. Bistro Polaris still hosts Raclette Dinners with Nick from Leelanau Cheese, where he melts the cheese right onto your plate while sharing stories about his craft. It’s a perfect example of the incredible collaborations that sustain the agriculture, community, and charm of this region.
Experience Traverse City’s Small-Town Hospitality
One thing Samantha Brown’s Places to Love captured so well is Traverse City’s small town, big hospitality vibe. If you're planning a visit, start by booking a stay at The Inn at Black Star Farms. Guests enjoy:
🍷 A complimentary bottle of wine in their room
🍷 Nightly hospitality hours
🍷 A chef-prepared breakfast
🍷 Complimentary wine tastings
🍷 Discounts at Bistro Polaris
It’s the best and most unique winery inn in the region, with over three miles of scenic hiking trails through forests, cherry orchards, raspberry patches, and vineyards. And if you happen to visit in early July? You just might be able to sneak a cherry or two off the trees along the Red Trail—but don’t tell them I told you that!
