Ahoy there, adventurers! Captain Mike here from Ambitious Charters, your trusty guide to all things West Grand Traverse Bay. Whether you’re cruising the waves, fishing for a trophy catch, or just soaking up the sunshine, one thing’s for sure—you’ve gotta eat! And let me tell ya, the wrong lunch can sink your spirits faster than a rogue wave. So, I’ve rounded up 15 of the best lunches to make your day on the bay unforgettable (and delicious!).
1. The Classic Sub
Thick deli meats, cheese, crisp lettuce, and a splash of Italian dressing. Wrap it up tight and you’re good to go! Just watch the mayo—it’s not a fan of hot decks. Local Tip: Pick up an amazing sub from Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop in Traverse City—their Italian subs are legendary.
2. Caprese Skewers
Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle—all on a stick! It’s classy, mess-free, and tastes like summer. Local Tip: Find fresh mozzarella and basil at the Traverse City Farmer’s Market or Burritt’s Fresh Market.
3. Chicken Caesar Wraps
Grilled chicken, romaine, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing all snug in a tortilla. Easy to hold and tough to beat. Local Tip: Grab ready-made wraps from Oryana Community Co-op for a quick and healthy option.
4. Fresh Fruit and Nut Butter
Apples, bananas, or pears paired with your favorite nut butter. Bonus points for single-serve packs to keep it tidy. Local Tip: Stop by Gallagher’s Farm Market for fresh, locally grown fruit.
5. Smoked Salmon Bagels
Cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and a squeeze of lemon on a bagel. A little fancy, but hey, you’re on the bay! Local Tip: The Cheese Lady or Common Good Bakery for fresh bagels and smoked salmon options offers fresh bagels and smoked salmon ready for your adventure.
6. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Pasta, olives, feta, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s hearty, tasty, and doesn’t need reheating—perfect for a boating day. Local Tip: Check out Burritt’s Fresh Market for their pre-made Mediterranean pasta salads.
7. DIY Charcuterie Box
Pack some cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and dried fruit. Bonus: pair it with a Traverse City wine once you dock. Local Tip: Folgarelli’s also has a stellar selection of charcuterie items and cheeses.
8. Veggie and Hummus Wraps
Crunchy veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers with a generous spread of hummus. Healthy, fresh, and super satisfying. Local Tip: Oryana Community Co-op stocks locally made hummus and fresh veggies.
9. Cold Fried Chicken
Trust me on this one—fried chicken tastes even better cold. Bring a few napkins for this finger-lickin’ good choice. Local Tip: Get crispy fried chicken from Tom’s Food Market or Burritt’s Fresh Market for deli items and prepared foods before you set sail.
10. Mason Jar Salads
Layer your greens, veggies, protein, and dressing in a mason jar. Shake it up when it’s lunchtime for a no-mess, no-stress meal. Local Tip: Oryana has pre-packed salads in jars that are boat-ready.
11. Peanut Butter & Jelly
Simple? Sure. But there’s a reason it’s a classic—it’s reliable, portable, and downright tasty. Local Tip: Grab fresh-baked bread from 9 Bean Rows Bakery for an elevated PB&J experience.
12. Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Use a sturdy bread to keep it from getting soggy. Add some lettuce for crunch, and you’re set. Local Tip: Maxbauer’s Market offers fresh tuna salad that’s ready to spread.
13. Cold Pizza Slices
Grab last night’s leftovers and toss them in the cooler. Pro tip: they’re just as good (if not better) cold! Local Tip: Pop into The Filling Station Microbrewery for their artisan pizzas—any leftovers make a perfect boating snack.
14. Shrimp Cocktail Cups
Pre-portion some shrimp and cocktail sauce into small cups for an elegant snack. Fancy? A little. Delicious? Absolutely. Local Tip: Find fresh, cooked shrimp at Burritt’s Fresh Market.
15. Trail Mix and Granola Bars
Not a full lunch, but they’ll keep your energy up when the fish are biting, and you don’t want to pause for a full meal. Local Tip: Moomers Homemade Ice Cream carries locally made granola bars—and yes, you’ll want to grab some ice cream, too.
Captain Mike’s Pro Tips for Packing Lunch on the Bay:
- Coolers Are Your Best Friend: Invest in a good cooler with plenty of ice packs. No one wants warm shrimp cocktail (trust me).
- Skip the Messy Stuff: Avoid meals that require utensils or are likely to spill. You’re on a boat, not a banquet hall.
- Keep It Simple: The goal is fun, not a five-course meal. Save the fancy stuff for when you’re back on land.
So there you have it, folks—15 lunches that’ll make your day on West Grand Traverse Bay smooth sailing. Now pack up, hop aboard, and let’s make some waves (and memories) together. See you on the water!