Traverse City

The cherries history in Traverse City began backing 1852 when Peter Dougherty, a Presbyterian missionary, first planted a cherry orchard in the Grand Traverse area. The local Indians asked Dougherty not to plant them, but he did not listen. His first cherry orchard was planted on the Old Mission Peninsula. To everyone's surprise, the orchards flourished and soon there after, cherry orchards were planted all over Northern Michigan.

Today, Traverse City is the self proclaimed "Cherry Capital of the World." Traverse City and the five counties that surround it produce 40 percent of the annual tart cherry crop in the United States. Tart cherries are loaded with antioxidants and also have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Cherry Orchards line the Lake Michigan coast from the Grand Traverse Area all the way down to Benton Harbor.

A good time of year to visit Traverse City to engross your self with the cherry culture is in July for the week long National Cherry Festival. At the festival there is something to do all day. The festival features a volleyball tournament, cherry pie eating contest, music, food, air shows and so much more.

Traverse City is located on the 45th parallel and is home to vinters who grow grapes and bottle wines on the scenic Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. These wines are quickly gaining national and international attention.

The ideal climate and the protection of the winter snow on the vineyards have provided a perfect environment for making wine. The area is particularly well known for their Rieslings, Chardonnays, and cherry wines.

Other wines that are gaining fame from the area are their red wines including Pinot Noir, ice wines and other varieties.

Here are a couple of photos we took of wineries on Old Mission Peninsula.

Fall is a favorite time of year in Traverse City as the colors in the trees are breathtaking. From late September to mid-October the Traverse City area are ablaze with autumn colors. This time of year is great for hot air balloon rides, a sail across Grand Traverse Bay, wine tours up the peninsulas or just leisurely walk.

A great guide for some fall color tours are provided for free by Usaring.com.
For more ideas on Traverse City Fall color Tours you can visit Michigans Official Fall Tour Guide.

Traverse City is also a wonderful place to visit in the winter. Things slow down, and snow covers the Earth. Some favorite activities in the winter months include both downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. There are also many outdoor skating rinks.

For a list of some of the finest skiing resorts and cross country ski areas visit TC Web Guide