In the Traverse City fruit scene, cherries may be king, but apples are a close second! And right now, they're in season and can be enjoyed every day of the week.

Check out our suggestions for taking a bite of northern Michigan flavor:

1. Local Farmstands

Of course, the easiest and one of our favorite ways to experience apple season is to visit your local farmstand! From Ida Red to Ginger Gold, apple varieties span the range of sweet to tart, and you can try them all with area farmers. We love the variety found at Gallagher’s Farm Market, Bakker’s Acres, VerSnyder Orchards, Warren Orchards Between the Bays, and Bardenhagen Farms. 

2. U-Pick Apple Experiences 

Want to get in on the action of apple season? Try a U-Pick, which allows you to head into the orchard to hand-select apples and take part in the harvest season (literally). This is a great way for families to connect to their local food source! Buchan’s Blueberry Hill and Third Coast Fruit Co. on the Old Mission Peninsula both offer a memorable experience.

Child reaching for apple

3. Apple Desserts

While at Buchan’s for U-Pick apples, don’t leave without some homemade ice cream! Double down on all things apple with the Old Mission Apple Pie flavor. Not enough pie in each scoop? Grand Traverse Pie Company has partnered with Pure Michigan for Maple-Glazed Apple Pie straight from Traverse City orchards!

4. Chocolate-Covered Apples

Still in the mood for something sweet? Grocer’s Daughter of Empire has you covered. Try their seasonal chocolate-covered apples for a variation on the traditional caramel, with a local twist! 

5. Apple Grilled Cheese

For something savory, plan to dine at Taproot Cider House in downtown Traverse City, which features this seasonal treat in a few different menu selections. We recommend the ooey-gooey grilled cheese, which includes apples for a sweet-tart addition.

Group drinking cider at Taproot

6. Apple Vinegar

Walk a couple of blocks down the street and stop in at Fustini’s for their unique Michigan apple balsamic vinegar. Not only is it a perfect souvenir to bring the flavor of apple season back home, it’s also a blast to try several vinegar selections while in store!

7. Locally-Crafted Cider 

Finally, it’s time to raise a glass and cheer for apple season, and what better way than with local cider? Left Foot Charley is a longstanding local choice for hard cider and wine, with a tasting room in the Grand Traverse Commons. The mainstay ‘Cinnamon Girl’ is a great way to enjoy warm flavor on a crisp Fall day!

From local farms to cideries, it's easy to fall in love with apple season here in Northern Michigan.