Cherry Blossoms, Wine Trails & Whitefish

As summer dawns, Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula burst into life, offering endless sunny days and relaxing evenings ideal for both adventure and rest.

This Northern Michigan haven beckons with its vivid cherry blossoms, inviting beaches, and clear waters, perfect for swimming and boating. The region’s diverse landscape, from serene inland lakes to picturesque vineyards, promises delights for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and wine connoisseurs alike. Traverse City complements this natural splendor with a lively culinary scene, fed by fresh local produce and celebrated through summer festivals, highlighting the area’s rich agricultural roots and thriving arts community. Join us in experiencing summertime’s unique charm and beauty in this vibrant locale.

WONDROUS DUNES

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the crown jewel of the Leelanau Peninsula, is a breathtaking natural area renowned for its vast dunes, some towering over 400 feet above lake Michigan. This unique national park offers a blend of forests, beaches, dune formations, and inland lakes. The Dune Climb is a thrilling attraction, offering both kids and adults the exhilaration of running down the sandy slopes challenge of ascending back to the top. The 1.5-mile Empire Bluff Trail and 2.7-mile Pyramid Point Trail are popular hikes, providing panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the dunes, and the Manitou Islands. If a leisurely afternoon with nothing but turquoise blue waters is more your style, North Bar Lake is the perfect spot. This hidden gem, with beach access to both North Bar Lake and Lake Michigan, offers two distinct water experiences and is a haven for families with children due to the warm, shallow waters of the inland lake.

HISTORIC HARBOR

For a scenic drive along the lakeshore, roll the windows down and head North along the iconic M-22 Highway toward Fishtown in Leland. At the mouth of the Leland River, this historic fishing village, with its weathered shanties, smokehouses, and docks, is one of the few remaining working waterfronts in the state, a testament to Michigan’s vibrant commercial fishing heritage. The river is lined with a fleet of historic fishing boats, some of which are still in use today, with The Joy and Janice Sue being two of the most iconic. For a taste of fresh, local catch, visit Carlson’s Fishery, a Fishtown staple where you can find some of the best smoked whitefish on the Great Lakes. After exploring the boutiques and shops, be sure to visit the Village Cheese Shop for an unforgettable pretzel-bread sandwich or enjoy the views while sipping a Chubby Mary on the patio at the Cove restaurant.

CHERRY CAPITAL AND GRAPE ESCAPES

It’s fitting that cherries are the unofficial mascot of Traverse City. Sure, they’re grown in abundance in this part of Michigan, earning this town the nickname “Cherry Capital of the World.” But they’re also undoubtedly emblematic of summertime, and few places do summer better than Traverse City. The tree-shaded, pedestrian-friendly downtown is a destination in itself, with plenty of boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and galleries. Hunt for souvenirs in one-of-a-kind shops or browse the bookstores for a relaxing read along the lakeshore. The town is a hub of activity during the first week of July as thousands gather to celebrate the National Cherry Festival. From the window-rattling roar of the jets of the airshow to the last float in the Cherry Royale parade, the festival offers a week of family fun.

Should the diverse wine varietals of Northern Michigan pique your interest, embark on a journey through the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, where each glass poured tells the story of a region rich in taste and tradition. Traverse City may be best known for cherries, but the same water-cradled slopes that make this a perfect place for fruit orchards also produce some of the best wines in the country. The wine trail is divided into three sections: the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Loop, and the Grand Traverse Bay Loop. Each tasting room along the trail offers a unique experience, from unparalleled views to cozy nooks loaded with charm. As you sip wines and chat with the laid-back, hardworking winemakers, you’re sure to find many reasons to take a bottle or two home.

Visiting the Leelanau Peninsula and Traverse City offers an escape to a land where the clear waters of Lake Michigan meet miles of sandy shores, perfect for exhilarating water sports and beachside relaxation. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, gourmet experiences, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere under the golden summer sun.

TOP PHOTO: What A Grand View Across Lake Michigan. Public grouping on a steep sand dune overlook on shore of Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park on a sunny summer day with a blue sky and a vast view in Michigan, USA in August. (ID 190447459 © Schneidersimages | Dreamstime.com)