Summer in Traverse City, Michigan: Cherries, Lakeshore, and Americana

By Amanda Paa – Updated December 3, 2021

Pure.

It’s the word used to describe by many to describe Michigan, but having never been to this state, I wasn’t sure what this broad term depicted. I knew a few things from history class – situated on Lake Michigan, miles upon miles of shoreline with trees and wildlife, the brash city of Detroit, and cold winters similar to those I stick out here in Minnesota.

But little did I know how vibrant and diverse the agricultural landscape was, despite its northern climate. The perfect amount of sun, lake wind, rolling hills, and position on the 45th parallel make it just right for growing cherries – the all American fruit, and wine.

Tart Cherry Picking ~ Traverse City, Michigan

Which was how my visit to Traverse City, Michigan the Cherry Capital of the World, came about. Producing more than 75 percent of the world’s tart cherries, and a hefty amount of dark sweets, the National Cherry Festival takes place here each July to celebrate the bounty.

I spent four days of summer in Traverse City, making myself at home in this quaint community – full of life and energy, yet quiet and humble. With a food scene that could go to toe to toe with Minneapolis (I ate one of the top 5 meals of my life at Alliance, which I’ll share pictures from below), charismatic folk with light Scandinavian accents, and old houses with character..….. small town America. The picturesque main street stretches along the shore, so each morning I’d take a walk and stare out into the Great Lake, which seemed never ending like an ocean. And at night, the sunsets were magical.

on the beach. traverse city, michigan

Here are the things I loved most, split up into different categories to help you when planning your own trip. I’m already carving out a date to go back and explore the things I didn’t get to experience, like Sleeping Bear Dunes, the light houses, golf, farms, hiking trails, and more wineries.

Tart Cherry Tree {michigan}
The National Cherry Festival:

 

To completely immerse yourself in all things cherries, a visit to the National Cherry Festival is a must. I know sometimes events like this can seem overbearing and kitchy, but there is a reason this one is always named one of the top festivals in the country.

Our trip to the cherry farm reminded me of the apple orchards here in Minnesota. Rows and rows of plump trees, with thousands of little red buttons dancing with the breeze. This particular farm is part of the University of Michigan horticultural department, where much of the research is done and a lot of harvesting. Modern day cherry production began in Traverse City, which sits upon Old Mission Peninsula during the 1800’s. The French settlers found that the trees flourished because Lake Michigan tempers Arctic winds in winter and cools the orchards in summer. The Montmorency is the primary variety, and not only are they delicious, but they have tremendous anti-inflammatory properties and rich in melatonin, making them a natural sleep aid.

And I quickly learned that tart cherries are the ones that win pie contests, juicy and tart off the vine, baked until sweet and jammy. As you can see, Grand Traverse Pie Company does it best (and they ship anywhere in the US). Plus they make gluten-free pies available, which made my heart sing.

Tart Cherry Pie {photo by Heartbeet Kitchen}

Wineries:

Black Star Farm and Winery: Simply put, this place is my dream experience. Nestled in the hills of the Old Mission Peninsula is Black Star Farm, complete with lots of animals, vegetables, and a plentiful vineyard producing some of the best wine in the region. You can eat at their restaurant, where they use the yield of their farm to cook with seasons, and feature wood fired pizza, including a gluten-free crust. We were able to taste with Lee, their winemaker, who is one brilliant man. Early on, he discovered that classic cool climate grape varieties could be successfully grown here and would produce world class wines.

Black Star Farm & Winery {lambs and wine}

Shady Lane Cellars: Seriously charming…. this small production winery is out in the country, adorned with the original barn, and beautiful outdoor sitting area with bar and fireplace. And they transformed the 100-year-old fieldstone chicken coop into an elegant tasting room trimmed in copper, Douglas Fir, Italian tile, and granite. Soooo lovely. My favorite wines? The Gruner Veltliner and dry, sparkling Riesling.

Shady Lane Cellars - Michigan

Where to Eat and Drink:

BLK Market: Portland, you better watch out. This coffee shop has to be one of my favorites I’ve ever stumbled upon. The modern vintage feel is so classy, and the drinks are as pure as it gets. You can sit halfway in, or halfway out, as the front of it has a huge open window. Love. The shop is located in the Warehouse Building, which is also home to Alliance and several other local businesses.

BLK Market Coffee ~ Michigan {vintage coffee vibe}

Alliance: This place. You have to go. I say with confidence that the meal we had was one of the top five of my life. Younger than myself, Chef James Bloomfield is brilliant. With a menu that changes EVERY single day, his creativity astounds me. Vegetables are the focus, driven by the flourishing farm scene in Michigan. But he puts worldly twists on each dish, that surprise your every bite without being fussy. Everything is meant to be shared, which is my perfect meal experience. The cocktails I top notch as well, and the space is gorgeous. We were fortunate to eat with owner Pete Peterson, one of the kindest people I met on the trip, and former James Beard-nominated chef himself.
Vietnamese Salad
Panna Cotta with Wild Blueberries & Sweet Cornbread Crumble

Boathouse: I’m always a little hesitant about fine dining establishments that focus on typical fare of steak and seafood because I feel they sometimes lack in creativity, but I was won over by Boathouse. Nestled on the shores of Bowers Harbor, the view is incredible, making for the best sunset on the peninsula, and the dining cottage is cozy and comfortable. I was impressed with the locally sourced foods, including fruits and vegetables grown on their own Boathouse Farm, and meats, cheeses, and accompaniments coming from farmers, foragers, and artisans in the area. This lobster was just one example of what we had that night that blew us all away, but I liked the Vegetarian Socca with Wild Rice, Butternut Squash, and Kale Pilaf just as much.

lobster at The Boathouse: Traverse City

The Parlor: The atmosphere feels like a prohibition era bar, a sense of nostalgia with great craft cocktails. You can sit on couches in the main lounge, where it feels warm and cozy, and listen to live music just about any night of the week.

The Little Feet Food Truck Park: Talk about a hip and fun gathering. In the middle of the downtown area sits the “hub” of the vibrant food truck scene with a fleet of farm to table food trucks. Totally family-friendly, yet outdoor bars with beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Out of the nine rotating trucks, I happily grabbed tacos in fresh tortillas from Happy Taco, and a quinoa avocado salad from the Daily Blend.

the little fleet - traverse city

Transportation and Lodging:
I was happily surprised to find out I could fly direct from Minneapolis to Traverse City. In fact, Newark, LaGuardia, Atlanta, Denver, Detroit, and Chicago all have direct flights to TVC airport, making the commute a breeze. From the minute I got off the plane, I got a sense of how hospitable the entire community was. The airport is small so things move fast, security lines are short, and is kept very clean. Definitely not the norm, but very much welcomed. It’s also just minutes from downtown, so getting to and from is a breeze compared to doing so in a big city, as well as less expensive.

We stayed at the brand new Indigo Hotel, and I couldn’t have asked for better accomodations. The location is perfect, right across from the water on the front side, and behind is the hip warehouse building with many of the places I listed above. They have the only rootop bar (which overlooks the water) in the whole city, making for the perfect nightcap. The rooms are super modern and cozy, a huge shower, and really made me feel at home.

girls weekend michigan

Without a doubt, I’ll be back to Michigan. I have a clear picture in my mind of why it’s described as pure, from the beauty of the water to the quaint communities, to the eclectic balance of city and farmland. The warmth of the sun trumps the cold coming off the water. A little sunburn, fresh tomatoes and corn, a game of lawn bowling, smiles all along the cherry festival parade route…. there’s something unique here, something you don’t want to miss.

THANK YOU to the National Cherry Festival and Cherry Capital Airport for hosting our group: Becky, Erin, Rachel, myself, and Lauren. It meant so much to spend four beautiful days days with these women, who I’m lucky enough to call friends.

Did you make this?

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July 29, 2016

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28 comments

  1. Joyce Nelson

    I am so fortunate as to live in Traverse City, and couldn’t agree more with your lovely article. The food and wine scene here is first rate. And the beauty of the area is evident in every season.

    • Amanda Paa

      can’t wait to visit again!

  2. Julia Stearns @ Healthirony

    These pictures are so Instagrammable and adorable! Thx, Amanda for sharing post!

    • amandapaa

      thanks for reading, Julia!

  3. Jill Roberts

    Amazing photos, what a beautiful trip!! I wanna visit these gorgeous places! I found your post from Pinterest! Thanks for sharing, Amanda!

    • amandapaa

      You should definitely go, one of my favorite places in the United States!

  4. Abby Cousineau

    Hi Amanda! I absolutely loved reading this blog post! I am a student who works for Eastern Michigan University as a graphic designer for EMU Dining services. We are collaborating with Cultivate Michigan on Valentine’s Day by participating in the Michigan Cherry Slurp. I love the photos you have included in this post and I was wondering if I may use the 2nd photo from the top to promote this wonderful event on our social media pages. It is a really beautiful photo and I believe it truly captures the beauty of Michigan Cherries! I would love to use it to promote this celebratory event. If you have any questions you can email me!

    Thank you!

  5. Yolanda

    I love hearing from people that come to my home state and fall in love with it!
    I’m so excited o came across your blog and beyond thrilled to hear of your trip to T.C
    Its about 4 hours from me
    just hit up the local market and purchased Cherry’s myself for snacking on
    My small town is known for its Blueberries
    we have an annual Blueberry Festival each year
    and have an amazing restaurant that’s farm to table that I did my culinary exterenship at
    Gateway to the Thumb
    Imlay City Mi. ?

  6. Sara @ Cake Over Steak

    What a fun trip!!! The cherry festival sounds great and it seems like you ate verrrrrry well. Nerd question: Are these photos from your DSLR or iPhone or both? I LOVE THEM!

    • amandapaa

      You need to make the trek north and get to Michigan! I feel like you and Robert would love it! And the food, the lake… so good.
      And the answer to your question, all of these pictures were taken with my iPhone.
      xo!

  7. Christina | Christina's Cucina

    I love TC! It’s very close to my husband’s family cottage in Northern Michigan. Traverse City is sort of a well-kept secret and I’m afraid the secret’s getting out! We have to get back there soon!!

  8. Tessa | Salted Plains

    I am already mentally planning a trip up there for next summer! You’ve sold me. Growing up, I spent many summers in Michigan on the lake with family and it really is such a beautiful state to be in to fully take in summer. You recorded your time there so beautifully! xoxo.

  9. Cassie

    Such pretty photos! Michigan looks like a beautiful state!

  10. Jennifer

    First you had me at the cherries. I love cherry season! Then the wineries came. Ah, pretty much my heaven. That delicious looking lobster just cinched the deal.

  11. Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain

    Such an incredible weekend!! Can’t wait to go back and visit!

    • amandapaa

      more wineries next time. :) xo!

  12. renee (will frolic for food)

    what a great post! i love reading about michigan & your adventure. & i especially love all the shots w you in them!

    • amandapaa

      aw, thanks girl! it would make for one great girls trip. have you ever seen a Great Lake? it’s pretty amazing. xo

  13. christine desroches

    Amanda! I am finally just catching up on some of your posts and I feel like I’ve missed so much. I now have a craving for a magenta smoothie (!! so pretty) and that ice cream you posted a little while back. The craziness of the world right now has me thinking of trips that are a bit closer to home, and there are so many American cities that I think would be fun to explore. You’ve got me thinking that Michigan is another to add to my list. I hope you are having the most wonderful summer! xoxo

  14. Rachel @ Rachel Cooks

    Ahhhhh I want to go back! Your photos all capture the serenity of the area perfectly. Calms my soul just looking at them. So happy to have spent this time with you….hope to do it again soon! xo

  15. Erin@WellPlated

    GORGEOUS!!! You captured the trip so well. Miss you! Can we please go back???

  16. Mindy

    You must go back and visit Sleeping Bear Dunes! We spent a week in Traverse when our kids were 4, 8 and 10. So far, it’s the best family vacation we’ve been on. Love that area!

    • amandapaa

      Yes! I’ve heard so much about Sleeping Bear Dunes. Must plan that trip! I’ve heard there is nothing like it. I’d also like to get to Mackinac Island. Thanks for stopping by!

  17. Abby @ Heart of a Baker

    Your words just made what looks like a gorgeous place, even prettier!I’m a sucker for cherry pie and small town Midwest character, so I’m all in on visiting now! xo

  18. Lauren

    What a beautiful trip! This town sounds absolutely perfect, adding it to my “have to visit” list now.

    • amandapaa

      I totally think you’d love it. And really a nice couples getaway, girlfriend, for the family, it really matches everything. All the love!

  19. Lois Palmquist

    Amanda, what a beautifully written “diary”. I felt like I was there eating and drinking with you.

    • amandapaa

      So good to hear from you Lois! I feel like you and grandma would have absolutely loved everything about this place. Especially the Cherry Festival. xo