5-Day Road Trip and Exploration: From Bristol to Traverse City and Frankenmuth, Michigan

Day 1: Travel to Traverse City

Bristol, VA to Traverse City, MI on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Bristol

Begin your approximately 9-hour drive north via I-75 N and US-23 N towards Traverse City.
0, 9h0m

11:30am

Lunch stop at The Pine Club, Dayton, OH

Savor a classic steakhouse lunch open from 11am to 10pm, ideal for a midway stop and refreshment.
USD25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Rest break in Ann Arbor, MI

Stretch your legs and enjoy refreshments before heading to Traverse City.
0, 30m

7:30pm

Check-in at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City

Settle in and relax at the indoor waterpark resort after your journey.
USD250, Evening

8:00pm

Dinner at Loose Marbles

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring pizzas and American classics at the lodge’s restaurant, open until 9pm.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 2: Traverse City Exploration

Traverse City, MI on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe

Indulge in hearty omelets at this popular spot open 7am-2pm.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Indoor Waterpark Adventures

Spend the morning enjoying rides and pools at Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor waterpark, open 10am-8pm.
Included with lodging, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Jolly Pumpkin

Savor craft beers and farm-fresh dishes in a cozy atmosphere open from 11:30am to 9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Dennos Museum Center

Explore diverse Native American and contemporary art exhibits open 10am-5pm.
USD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Clinch Park Waterfront Walk

Relax with scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay at this popular park.
0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Stella

Enjoy delicious Italian fare made with local ingredients until 9pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel and Frankenmuth Introduction

Traverse City to Frankenmuth, MI on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Great Wolf Lodge

Have a hearty breakfast onsite before your journey, open 7am-10am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Frankenmuth

Embark on your 1.5-hour drive south to the Bavarian-themed town of Frankenmuth.
0, 1h30m

10:30am

Check-in and settle in Frankenmuth

Get comfortable at your lodging in Frankenmuth and rest briefly.
USD150, Short rest

11:30am

Explore Downtown Frankenmuth

Discover artisan shops, visit the iconic Glockenspiel, and admire Bavarian architecture.
0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth

Enjoy their famous chicken dinner buffet, open 11am-2pm.
USD30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Bavarian Belle Riverboat Cruise

Take a scenic 50-minute cruise on the Cass River with departures starting at 3pm.
USD17, 1h0m

4:15pm

Relax and freshen up

Unwind back at the hotel before dinner.
0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Dine on authentic German specialties like schnitzel and sausages until 9pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Full Day in Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth, MI on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Sugar High Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee from 7am to 3pm at this popular bakery.
USD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Frankenmuth Historical Museum

Delve into the town’s history and Bavarian culture in exhibits open 10am-5pm.
USD6, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

Explore the world’s largest year-round Christmas store, open 9am-9pm.
0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The River Place Shops

Relax and dine alongside quaint shops offering casual fare.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Horse-drawn Carriage Tour

Take a 45-minute carriage ride for a charming overview of the town.
USD15, 45m

3:00pm

St. Lorenz Lutheran Church visit

Admire the beautiful Bavarian architecture and stained glass windows.
0, 30m

4:00pm

Free time for shopping or relaxation

Explore more shops, bakeries, or unwind by the river at your leisure.
Variable, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Rooster's Downtown

Enjoy American comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere, open until 9pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Morning in Frankenmuth & Return

Frankenmuth, MI to Bristol, VA on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Frankenmuth Coffee Company

Start your day with quality coffee and light breakfast options before departure, open 7am-3pm.
USD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Leisurely morning walk or last-minute shopping

Take a calm walk through town or pick up any final souvenirs.
0, 1h0m

10:30am

Check out and start drive back to Bristol, VA

Begin the approximately 9-hour journey back home via I-75 S.
0, 9h0m

2:00pm

Lunch stop in Toledo, OH

Break for lunch at Tony Packo's Cafe, known for its Hungarian hot dogs and open from 11am-9pm.
USD15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner and rest stops as needed

Make dinner stops as preferred during your return; plan to arrive back in Bristol in the late evening.
Variable, Variable
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