Traverse City, Michigan: The Cherry Capital Awaits
Welcome to Traverse City, Michigan, famously known as the cherry capital of the world, where you arrive at Cherry Capital Airport. This charming destination shines with exceptional wineries, top-tier restaurants, and the celebrated Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, running from August 20 to 24, 2025.
A Culinary Celebration with Star Chefs
The Traverse City Food & Wine Festival brings culinary excellence to life with celebrity chef Tyler Florence, a former intern at Grand Traverse Resort, leading events like a live-fire cooking demo and a wine-pairing dinner. He’s joined by Top Chef winner Mei Lin, Celina Tio of Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef America fame, and Sarah Welch, a James Beard nominee from Detroit’s Marrow and Mink, who will open Umbo in Traverse City in 2026.
- Food tastings showcasing local flavors
- Winery tours and tastings at top estates
- Sailing outings on Grand Traverse Bay with wine pairings
- Unique experiences like goat yoga
Events unfold across Traverse City, from urban venues to farms and wineries. Black Star Farms, a leading winery, hosts a wine-pairing dinner with James Beard Award-winning Chef Debbie Gold and Bistro Polaris’ John Korycki. Stay at their 10-room inn on a 160-acre estate for an unforgettable festival or vacation experience.
Scenic Wineries and Memorable Stays
Chateau Chantal, nestled on Old Mission Peninsula, offers stunning views of vineyards and Grand Traverse Bay, rivaling top wine regions worldwide. Enjoy their wine-pairing dinner, Jazz at Sunset concert, or Tapas Tour with curated bites and wines. Their cozy rooms and suites with vineyard and water views make it a perfect retreat.
The festival culminates with two standout events. The Grand Tasting at Open Space Park, overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay, features over 100 local wines, ciders, beers, and chef demos. Actress Amy Smart and TV personality Carter Oosterhouse of Bonobo Winery host engaging stage interviews with Tyler Florence and others. The Grand Finale Dinner pairs chefs Mei Lin and Brian Fleuter at NOBO Riverside, highlighting northern Michigan’s finest produce.
Beyond the Festival: Traverse City’s Charm
Traverse City Michigan captivates year-round with its dining, breweries, distilleries, and natural beauty, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Savor gourmet Italian at Trattoria Stella, set in the redeveloped Grand Traverse Commons with shops and galleries. Modern Bird, run by chefs Andy Elliot and Emily Stewart, offers inventive dishes. Artisan provides fine dining with water views. Right Brain Brewery pairs craft beers with pinball and games, while Rare Bird Brewery serves tacos and burgers. The Stillhouse crafts cocktails from Traverse City Whiskey Co. No visit is complete without Cherry Republic’s cherry jams, ciders, or a slice of cherry pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company.
Make your trip seamless by booking hotels through TRAVEL ADVANTAGE, leveraging MWR benefits for a rewarding experience. Claim a $100 guest coupon, valid for one month, to enhance your Traverse City adventure.
