fishtown

I've been visiting Fishtown for at least twenty years. It's one of my favorite places to take my friends when we're visiting the area together. There are little stores all along a dock area, and it is fun to walk along, shop, and just enjoy the day. In addition to the stores on the water, there are little shops up and down the main street, as well as the side streets, so it is well worth the time to plan for an afternoon of shopping. Keep in mind, especially in the busiest days of summer, parking may be a problem. I've had to park and walk quite a distance, so if you have trouble walking, you may want to plan to get there early in the day before it gets quite crowded. By lunchtime, parking is an issue. There are restaurants in the area, and there are also public restrooms near the shopping area.

Leland is a cute little town right on the water. I really like the pottery shop (Benjamin Maier) and the Cheese Shanty has amazing sandwiches. They are closed this time of year though. Most places are closed up after Christmas. There are some cute gift and clothing shops and a neat candy shop.

Great place to walk around, visit shops and get some amazing food! I don't usually spend a lot of time here but I really enjoying waking around and taking in the view of Lake Michigan, walking along the river and looking at the fishing boats! Don't forget to stop in the stores since there are always some unique finds in them! I always come here hungry because food is the highlight here for me! Stop at Carson's to get some amazing smoked fish (we also love the jerky) to take home for later and then stop into the Cheese Shanty for some amazing sandwiches!

This historical, quaint area is full of cute shops, a great fish store/market, a cheese shop (the best cheese!), and a river. Watch the fish try to jump up the river to spawn. Always a big attraction, occurring in Fall. The wonderful new improvements to the parking area really helps traffic and tourists. Large parking spots, curbing, new lighting, docks, signage, seating, bathrooms, even a small play area for kids. Wander around and look at the beautiful shoreline, historical buildings, and imagine history 100 years ago. To note, there are still legitimate fishing boats departing from Fishtown every morning in season!

This village is historic, quaint and adorable . There are many different shops offering unique local crafts and goods . The town is wonderfully refreshing when you first get there , and when you spend a little time , you notice the natural beauty of the area . The river adds a touch of interest as well. We loved visiting the shops, picked up a few choice goodies , walked around town and just enjoyed the time there . It's just a fun little place to spend a couple of hours or more . We watched the fishing boats coming in with their catches and that was pretty cool as well .

This place is a fun quick attraction if you're looking for a snack or some historic sights. Carlson's Fisheries is a must do for all you seafood lovers. I honestly love Leland. It should go on your bucket list...

Taking a color tour on M-22 north we decided to stop at Fishtown in Leland. We had never been before. So unique and historic. All the little shops. It was a windy day so the water was really swift in the Leland River between Lake Leland and Lake Michigan. There are a variety of shops for clothing, souvenirs, during the summer you can take ferry boat rides out to the Manitou Islands, We bought smoked white fish at Carlson's Fishery and took it to the Village Cheese Shanty and they made us each great sandwiches. They were delicious. A very unique place to visit. You could spend around an hour walking around Fishtown or at least a couple of hours walking around Fishtown and Leland. We plan to go again next Spring. There are a lot of other things to do in the area galleries, wineries and distilleries, Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Light House, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes and Traverse City. So many great restaurants. A must place to visit in north western Michgian.

There are not as many shops as I remembered from my prior visit. However, the shop owners were friendly and encouraged browsing. Many of the shops had a nice unique selection of jewelry.

Stopped here after visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes... Had seen a picture in a magazine but it was so much cuter than we expected! They have maintained the old Fishtown look on all the buildings and the village is full of neat little shops! The fudge shop is too cute and the fudge is excellent..had lunch at the Blueberry Cafe...if you are in the area dont' miss stopping here...

The shops were quaint, the history was interesting. The Lake is always amazing! Food at The Cove or Bluebird Cafe is recommended

For anyone that loves history and Americana culture this place is a small gem worth visiting if you are in the area. Not far from the bustling town of Traverse city. Relax and enjoy!

While doing the Lake Michigan Circle Tour with my sister & doing the Leelanau Penninsula wine trail, we stopped at Fishtown to pick up some fish sausage for friends of mine. Having done no research on this place & not knowing what to expect, we were quite surprised at how unique & pleasant this area is. Most of the fish shanties have been turned into shops but retaining their historical aspects. It is still a working fish dock with plenty of fish on the restaurant menus & at Carleson's Fishery. We spent way more time there than I thought we would.

I didnt even know this existed until our winery tour. What a great little shanty town to visit! During our visit we watched the salmon attempting to jump up the dam. There are a few shops to find local treasures.

I had seen a picture of this place in a travel book but didn't know where it was located. I was thrilled to stumble across it in Leland. A fun place to take pictures, of some unique and authentic buildings. A great cheese sandwich place, an allegedly great smoked/fresh fish place add a nice feel to Fishtown. There are also the few requisite junk shops, some candy places, and some galleries nearby. You can see most of this place quickly, but if you are the type to enjoy quaint old buildings, to take pictures, and enjoy the atmosphere, this place is for you. Let's hope Leland keeps this gem safe from too much commercial development. So happy I stopped on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

You can buy fish here, smoked or fresh off the boat. Mostly, though, the fisherman's shacks have been taken over by merchants selling assorted foodstuffs--locally made vodka, cheeses, baked goods--and tourist staples like art and clothing. The whole thing is tasteful and picturesque, and in an attractive setting. Worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood, but don't plan a trip around it.