Healthy Waterfront Dining in Southwest Michigan
Pure Michigan is arguably one of my favorite places to visit in the summer. The sunshine, the peaceful breeze, the lake vibes and of course…the food.
I usually am with my children when I go here – so I am not eating at 5 star restaurants (and I am on a small business owner dietitian’s budget too), but I wanted to share with you some places we have gone that we all enjoy.
Pictures below show a few of the meals I am going to highlight. I want to also preface what I am going to say: I LIVE while traveling but I also try to have fiber and protein at most meals to avoid the dreaded vacation constipation. That is my main criteria when eating away from home: where is the fiber, where is the protein, and most importantly where is safe, ultra filtered water– or I bring it!
Pictures below in order are explained, where we were exactly, and menus or websites linked too:
If you are looking for a party, the rooftop here is top notch! It overlooks the lake, serves various fun drinks and is nice & clean (the opposite of a “dive bar.”) While with kids, we dined in the regular restaurant seating area, but still had a good time in the entertaining atmosphere. Most items or fresh, and we had delightful from scratch hummus. I also had a delectable salad, and a sangria as I am a sucker for those on occasion.
If you are looking for Asian inspired, check out this kitchen and bar. I had salmon with a glaze, stir fried veggies and rice. Very tasty! We also had their homemade hummus and pita for an appetizer (show in picture above). My husband had sushi. This happening place is water facing in downtown Traverse city. Bonus: lots of places for ice cream after dinner. You can also stroll around downtown and take in the sunset over the lake.
If you ever visit the Leelanau peninsula, you must check out the iconic Cove. The Cove is centered in the fishermen’s area of Leland, which has a lot of history. At the cove I had one of the best caesar salads with homemade croutons. For dessert after a long day of swimming and hiking, I indulged in a piece of homemade cherry pie. I will say I worked in a bakery all of college, and their crust is to die for! I asked the waittress and she said the secret is almond extract is used. For those with food allergies we learned that this place doesn’t have options (peanut oil is used, fish is rolled in egg, and many dish either have dairy or cross contact issue. We have a son with multiple food allergies so he was able to eat fruit and we got him another meal later).
I adore the Glen Arbor area! I could highlight many quaint establishments, but I want to focus on the Good Harbor Grill, as it had by far the most unique and fresh menu. I had homemade, from scratch cheesy broccoli soup with garden fresh salad (with veggies from a local garden). I ate some of my husband’s thai dish that is noteworthy as well. We shared (more) cherry pie a la mode. (If you don’t know Michigan is known for growin cherries, and also blueberries). We hardcore took advantage of this. I wanted to try this place for breakfast, but we didn’t make it there (but they are known for breakfast).
The Homestead Resort has a lakeside restaurant with gorgeous views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. If you have never seen with your eyes it will take your breath away and pictures do not do it justice. I have stayed at this resort twice, and honestly just lounging by the pool is my favorite thing to do. Given this, we like to order from the Cafe Manitou which has a poolside menu (cheese plate below), but also a fine dining option for dinner. I had Cafe Manitou for lunch every day by the pool and beach, and I highly recommend their juicy burgers! Need some substantial food to fuel all the activities we like to do at the resort and in the area. The best kept secret is Crystal Rivers Kayaking; I feel like I am floating through an enchanted forest on crystal clear flowing water with wildlife surrounding you. Probably the closest to nature I have ever felt.
If you ever visit the area, check out these restaurants! Dietitian stamp of approval!
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