The holidays are a great time to get together with family and friends! Part of the fun of the holiday season is enjoying great food. Thankfully, we may be living in the best foodie town in the world! Here are some local favorites that are sure to make any party even better!

Folgarelli’s Gourment Market and Wine Shop - Let Darric and his extremely knowledgeable and helpful team create the perfect meat and cheese tray for you. If you like Italian meats, don’t forget the Soppresata! Can’t decide between Sweet or Hot? Do both! They are outstanding!!!

Higher Grounds Trading Co. - Whether you are looking for a great way to start your day or an after meal treat, Higher Grounds Revel is the perfect coffee for the holiday season! Described as a celebratory blend of chocolate-covered cherries and sangria. Now, how can this not be awesome!?!

Harvey’s Donuts – Pick up a dozen of these locally-made delicious donuts for any holiday occasion. Shane has created some delicious limited-time only flavors that are sure to sell out quickly. Stop in to grab some gingersnap, egg nog and peppermint donuts before they are gone!!!

Maxbauer Specialty Meat Market - The Beef Jerky Dip will be the hit of any party! The only bad thing is that when people ask you for the recipe you have to tell them you got it from Mark at Maxbauers. If you haven’t had this dip, try it, you are going to wish you had known about it sooner!!!

Big Dipper Dough Co. – Their edible cookie dough is awesome!!! Don’t bother pre-heating the oven, this egg-free, ready to eat dough is so good it won’t ever make it to your baking sheet. We can’t get enough of the Domination Monster Cookie Dough! Wow is it good!!!

The Cheese Lady – You really can’t go wrong with anything Tina our TC Cheese Lady and her awesome team recommend. We love the Peppedew Dip! This house-made dip is the perfect combination of sweet and heat! Yum!!!

Kilwins – Brian and Mary at Kilwins TC are your connection for everything sweet this holiday season. The Egg Nog Fudge is creamy egg nog and fudge rolled into one delicious treat! They’ve nailed it!!!

Rare Bird Brewpub – Can you really go wrong with anything Tina brews? We don’t think so either! If you are looking for  something that will stand out at any party, the Joe Black IPA is your beer! Take a growler or two to enjoy with friends and family. They will thank you for it!!!

Pleasanton Bakery – You can make any holiday party better with pizza a Pleasanton Brick Oven pizza! Chef Jonathon’s take on this party favorite is nothing short of incredible. The Flank Steak is true pizza perfection!!!

Three Fires Wine – Enjoy the excellence in red wine that can be achieved by using 100% Michigan grown grapes. Take a drive out to see these “Michigan Red Wine Specialists” at their tasting room located on a beautiful stretch of M-22 south of Suttons Bay. A red that is a must try is their Pinot Noir 2012. Excellent!!!

Left Foot Charley – If you like cider, we think you are going to love Cinnamon Girl!  The best thing about this recommendation is it can be enjoyed at the holidays and throughout the year! Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, it really doesn’t matter. This cider fits any Michigan weather! Delicious!!!

Osorio Tacos y Salsas – If you want fresh salsa, this is the place to get it! Miguel and Karla have created some of the most outstanding salsas you will find, anywhere. No preservatives, means Fresh! Get two, they will be gone before you know it!!!

Shelter Dairy - If you like Egg Nog, you are going to love this one! It is truly perfection in a bottle! Just the right amounts of creamy, sweetness and nutmeg. Don’t be surprised by the involuntary “Ahhh!” often experienced after the first sip!

Ham Bonz – There is ham for the holidays and then there is a delicious smoked ham from Ham Bonz! If you have ever had anything they make, you know what we are talking about. If you haven’t, put it on your list of to-do’s very soon!!!

Grand Traverse Pie Co. - Taking a dessert? Leave the baking to the experts. These perfectly crafted pies are a treat whether you have enjoyed them once or one hundred times! Our favorite this time of year is the Up North Chocolate Pecan! It is amazing!!!

Great Lakes Potato Chip Co. – Their locally made Tortilla Chips are the perfect combination of corn, salt and crunch! Great for dips, salsas and nachos. Find these great chips in most large grocery stores as well your favorite local markets. It’s no coincidence that these great chips are so easy to find. Enjoy!

Grand Traverse Distillery – If you are going to be mixing drinks, then a stop by Grand Traverse Distillery is certainly in order. Grab a bottle of Ole George 100% Rye. After tasting it, don’t be surprised if you change the plan and leave the mixing part out!

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