Traverse City is a beautiful, vibrant city in the state of Michigan, United States, located more exactly in Grand Traverse County and being its county seat at the same time. The history of Traverse City goes back to 1851, when the area was settled. Later on, Traverse City became incorporated in 1891 as a village and in 1895 as a city. Sine then, Traverse City developed hugely, especially due to the cherry industry, the city becoming the largest producer of tart cherries in the country. Traverse City has a total population of 14,674 residents according to the 2010 census, making it an important cultural and commercial hub.
Top Attractions within Traverse City
The National Cherry Festival is the most popular event in Traverse City, attracting about 500,000 visitors every year in July. In 1987, the participants entered the Guinness Book of World Records, after baking the largest cherry pie in the world. The festival provides numerous other activities, including cherry pie spitting and pie eating contests.
The Old Mission Peninsula AVA is the place near Traverse City where you will get to visit a wide array of cherry orchards and vineyards, such as Bowers Harbor Vineyard, 2 Lads Winery, Left Foot Charley Winery, and many more.
The Music House Museum is a very interesting museum to see, since it features numerous music related items and worldwide collected instruments. The knowledgeable tour guides will answer any question you might have.
Light of Day Organic Farm and Tea Shop is a beautiful farm in Traverse City, surrounded by well maintained gardens, where you get to taste a wide selection of teas and to find out some useful tips regarding the nutritional benefits of the different kinds of tea.
Grand Traverse Mall is the main shopping facility serving Traverse City. The mall features anchors such as Macy's and JCPenney, as well as 110 stores, a theater complex, and numerous dining options.
Boathouse Restaurant is the best dining venue in Traverse City, since its diverse menu features something that will satisfy every taste bud. Delight yourself here with a wonderful dining experience when in Traverse City.
Traverse City, Michigan bills itself as the “Tart Cherry Capital” for good reason—the trees produce some of the best cherries around. But there's plenty to do on the shores of Lake Michigan besides eat!
1. Taste some wine. Wineries abound around Traverse City, and some like Chateau Chantal offer a bed and breakfast on the premises. Cellar tours, wine tasting, seminars and jazz concerts are offered at various times of the year.
2. Climb a dune. Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore tackle the Dune Climb. At the top you'll be rewarded with a vista that stretches for miles and encompasses Glen Lake. If you're not quite up for climbing a dune, there are three walking/hiking trails, including one accessible trail, for you to enjoy.
3. Sail a tall ship. The 114-foot Schooner 'Manitou' is based in Traverse City and sails on 2-hour cruises every day. Choose a wine-tasting cruise, or sample life aboard ship by staying overnight in one of the twelve staterooms.
4. Recreate outdoors. Ranch Rudolph offers year-round activities on 195 acres. In the summer you can enjoy horseback riding, canoeing, and horse-drawn hay rides. In winter, those same horses can pull you in a sleigh, or you can ski, tube or snowmobile to your heart's content.
5. Visit the Great Lakes Children's Museum. Hands-on exhibits everywhere let you explore the natural world around you. Get wet at the Water Table, participate in a science activity, or get everyone together for Family Fun Night. Everyone goes home happy!
