Traverse City Travel Blog

Shortly after setting sail the young lady serving as “Water Protector” passed around a ceremonial copper pail with cool, clear water. Passengers and crew dipped their hands into the water and that simple act forever changed the makeup of the liquid. Eventually, that water would be poured back into Grand Traverse Bay and symbolically altered the makeup of the Bay. The water became a part of everyone onboard the ship. 

Here is one heck of a way to celebrate the unofficial end of summer with a concert that will rock your world. 

As you drive along the roads of northern Michigan, you’re taken back in time to when the first orchards were planted in 1852. The Grand Traverse Region is the world's largest producer of tart cherries. Every year white blossoms paint the countryside and leave us wishing they lasted longer. When visiting Traverse City, you are immersed in our vibrant cherry culture! 

In Traverse City, it’s easy to support sustainable food options. From local and ethical sourcing of ingredients to environmentally conscious farming practices, to commitments to livable wages and just hiring practices, food businesses throughout the region are working hard to make our food community a long-lasting success. How can you take part? Head to events and workshops in the area that allow proud local food makers, farmers, and environmentalists to explain why they do what they do! 

This could be the year for full travel recovery in Traverse City following the pandemic according to the President of Traverse City Tourism, Trevor Tkach. Tkach made his pronouncement recently during the inaugural airing of the program “The Road Best Traveled” on radio station WTCM AM.

The new

A Norway-based television production company came to Traverse City last year in search to find the most beautiful wine regions of the world. The program named Wine First on PBS attempts to find local ingredients that can be matched with local wines to create a food combination prepared by a local chef. Ultimately the program puts the primary emphasis on wine.

The morning rains drifted away. On this spring day, it left behind the soft fragrance of blossoms and the sweet smell that follows a northern Michigan rain shower. The clouds gave way to sunshine and a gentle breeze. It was necessary to close your eyes and let other senses take over. I listened to the sound of the birds who embarked on a frantic frenzy while flying between tree limbs. In the distance, you could hear the faint sound of traffic that rushed along US-31 near Grawn.

Perched above Lake Michigan at 460 feet (140 meters), just one-word escapes from your lips — “Wow!” This can’t be a lake; it must be an ocean. Under the clear summer sky, the sparkling deep blue hue stretches as far as the eye can see. But this is Lake Michigan, one of five majestic Great Lakes that house 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. This inspiring view is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which was voted by ABC Good Morning America viewers as “The Most Beautiful Place in America.” When you stand along the scenic overlook, you will fully appreciate the majestic beauty of this lake.

If the arrival of spectacular summer weather wasn’t enticing enough to visit the Traverse City area, Up North Pride is organizing some special events in June that you won’t want to miss.

Quick, name a part of the world known for its wine. For many of us, the answer might be Napa Valley in California or Bordeaux in France. Well, get ready to add Traverse City, Michigan to that elite list.