A trip to Traverse City this summer presents visitors with a vibrant city surrounded by lush nature and Lake Michigan views.
Nestled in the northwestern Lower Peninsula, the city sits along the Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, one of the region’s Great Lakes, featuring sandy beaches, local and state parks, a nearby national lakeshore and historic lighthouses.
Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” the area features a significant cherry-growing industry, soon to be celebrated at this summer’s 99th annual National Cherry Festival. Meanwhile, the downtown features shopping, entertainment and dining and a trip to the surrounding countryside offers lush vineyards and chic wineries.
“(T)raverse City is where long summer days turn into unforgettable nights. Explore scenic hiking trails, sip your way through wineries and breweries, or unwind on sun-soaked patios with local flavors in hand,” Pure Michigan says. “Whether you’re chasing adventure or kicking back with friends, every moment here feels like pure northern Michigan magic.”
Here’s what to know.
Where is Traverse City?
Traverse City is a northwest Michigan city along the Lake Michigan coast, bordering the east and west arms of the Grand Traverse Bay. The town of about 15,000 residents is a popular summer destination, bringing in thousands of visitors per year.
Visit historic lighthouses
The Traverse City area is home to several historic lighthouses. Here are some you can check out this summer:
Savor sips at local wineries
A top attraction is the area’s 50 wineries, offering a variety of samplings from locally-grown grapes among verdant vineyards near Lake Michigan.
Visitors can enjoy sipping wines with pairings, tour vineyards and wineries and stay the night, with several local wineries featuring comfortable accommodations.
Explore the region’s cherry industry
Michigan and Traverse City are home to a vital cherry-growing industry, the state produces the largest crop of tart cherries in the U.S., and among the largest worldwide and a significant sweet cherry crop. Much of that production is centered around Traverse City.
Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival — set to run June 28 to July 5 — recognizes the key industry. The 99th annual event will feature the National Cherry Queen program, art competitions, marching bands and a parade, cherry-themed food and beverage products, and air show and more.
Unwind at sandy beaches
Its place along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay and near a national lakeshore positions the city and its surroundings for prime beachfronts. Local options include West End Beach, Gilbert Park, Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park, Taylor Park, East Bay Park, Haserot Beach Park, Clinch Park, Bryant Park, Old Mission State Park, Arbutus Lake No. 5 State Park and Power Island.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features expansive sand dunes and sandy beaches, former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard stations, inland Manitou islands, a historic farm district and coastal village, inland lakes, 1871 lighthouse, forests and campgrounds, according to the National Park Service.
Experience downtown museums, shopping
Traverse City’s downtown district includes more than 200 restaurants, galleries, museums and specialty stores.
Visitors can explore restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, Grand Traverse Pie Company shops, State Theater, City Opera House, Old Town Playhouse and more.
Local shops sell products ranging from apparel, home furnishings, books, cards and stationary, shoes and accessories, flowers, antiques, crafts, jewelry, gifts and more.
The Detroit Free Press contributed.
This article originally appeared on Farmers Advance: More than just a cherry festival. 5 things to know about Traverse City this summer
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi / Farmers Advance
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
