5 Delightful Things to Do in Suttons Bay, Michigan

Looking for a charming town to explore on your way through the Leelanau Peninsula? Learn everything you need to know about a visit to Suttons Bay, Michigan!

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Looking for things to do
​in Suttons Bay, Michigan?

There's nothing better to do in the summer than explore Northern Michigan's M-22. From Traverse City, stopping in Northport, Leland, Glen Arbor (our home base), and of course, Suttons Bay, M-22 takes you through Michigan's quaintest summer colonies.

It had been *many* years since I'd visited Sutton's Bay when we stopped by during our most recent trip to Leelanau County. We popped over from Glen Arbor for a day trip, a quick tour, and, of course, to find a local tipple! We certainly were not disappointed. So let's walk through 5 delightful things to do on our your trip to Suttons Bay, Michigan!

How do you get to Suttons Bay?

The only effective way to get to Suttons Bay is by car or boat.

Assuming you've selected the former, Suttons Bay is about 4 hours from Detroit, Michigan. It's a quick 25-minute, 17-mile drive from Traverse City, the unofficial capital of Northern Michigan, directly up the charming M-22. If you're already touring the Leelanau Peninsula, Suttons Bay is a similar distance from Glen Arbor and Leland, on the other side of "the pinkie."

Wondering what to wear in Northern Michigan? Check out my Northern Michigan packing list!

1. Lunch at VI Grill, Suttons Bay

V.I. Grill, Suttons Bay

Though our recent visit to Suttons Bay fell on the first of several rainy days, we were fortunate to discover the delights of V.I. Grill (Village Inn Grill) to shelter us from the storm. The V.I. Grill holds the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in continuous operation in Leelanau County, and it carries its age very well. Belly up to the bar for a delicious bloody Mary, or enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, taking in the charm of the bustling restaurant.

For a family that's enjoyed probably more than its fair share of white fish in Leelanau County, I'm proud to say that the V.I. Grill's was the best! Yet I'm always happy to continue the search...

2. Shopping in Suttons Bay

In any M-22 town, shopping and dining are the name of the day, in that order for me, at least, and Suttons Bay is no exception! And it's not all t-shirts (though there are plenty of them to be had).
Suttons Bay has the perfect mix of family-friendly shops and shops selling higher-end items that might warrant a splurge.

Not a green screen...I promise

For a full list of shops in Suttons Bay, check out the chamber of commerce's list!

Laughing Fish Gallery, Suttons Bay

Local art is all the rage both in Sutton's Bay and all along M-22. Be sure to stop by Laughing Fish Gallery.

3. See a movie in Suttons Bay

The Bay Theatre, Suttons Bay

There aren't too many movie theaters in this part of the world, and there are no movies theaters as cute as The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay, which was established in 1946. Screenings are limited, but mainstream movies are on the docket.

4. Grab a yard ornament in Suttons Bay

Bayside Gallery, Suttons Bay

One of the most crowded spots in Suttons Bay is Bayside Gallery, for 20 years home to a stunning number of yard adornments, arranged into an impressive  display outside of the shop. Even if your yard isn't in the market for a "glow up," it's certainly worth stopping by to take in the spectacle.

5. Discover Suttons Bay Ciders

A sampler from Suttons Bay Ciders

Can't resist a photo with a canoe lintel

An incredibly quick (yet surprisingly steep) drive from downtown Suttons Bay is Suttons Bay Ciders. With stunning water views, refreshing ciders, and endless buses of vineyard tourists to keep us entertained, our time at Suttons Bay Ciders was a highlight of our time in Suttons Bay.

Thanks for stopping by!!

I hope you have an amazing trip to Suttons Bay. Don't forget to take some time to discover everything the Leelanau Peninsula has to offer!

Explore M-22

• Glen Arbor, Michigan
• The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor
• Leland, Michigan
• Northern Michigan, Up North Vacation Destinations
• What to Wear in Northern Michigan

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