Traverse City is considered the “Cherry Capital of the World” and is the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States. The National Cherry Festival was created to celebrate and promote cherries, community involvement, and the Grand Traverse Region.
History of the Festival
The first cherry trees in the region were planted on the Old Mission Peninsula in 1852. In the early 1900s, cherry growers began holding “Blessing of the Blossoms” ceremonies each year during blossom time in May. In1925, local businesses partnered with the cherry farmers to promote the growing cherry industry by making the “Blessing of the Blossoms” an official festival. This event was later moved to July and renamed the “National Cherry Festival.”
In 2020, for the first time since World War II, the festival was canceled. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But it’s back again this summer with multiple events for locals and visitors. At Delamar Traverse City, we will also be celebrating this great Northern Michigan event with our local community.
What Can You Expect to See at the 2021 National Cherry Festival?
This year, the festival will feature over 150 virtual and in-person events, 85% of which are free to participate in. If you have attended the festival in previous years, you will find that NCF staff and volunteers are working on relocating some events in order to facilitate social distancing.
Here are some of the many events and activities to expect this year:
The Porch Parade will be making a comeback this year! Walk, bike, or drive around participating neighborhoods to see porches, windows, and yards decked out in celebration of National Cherry Festival Week.
Arts & Crafts Fair will feature more than 100 artists from across the Midwest. Purchase unique, local, hand-crafted items and art from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on July 4th.
Cherries Got Talent Show is also returning. The auditions will be held virtually, while the finale will be at the Beer Tent on July 9th.
Beer Tent will be open throughout the festival. Offerings include beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Festivalgoers must be 21 or older to enter the tent and have a commemorative pin.
Old Town Classic Car Show has been relocated to Grand Traverse Commons this year. This wholesome, local classic show will feature hundreds of show-condition collector vehicles, including cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles, from throughout the Midwest
Great American Duck Race is also making a comeback this year. This unique free family-fun event features Mallard Ducks. Sixteen children are chosen to release ducks on the racetrack. The winner is awarded special prices.
Additionally, the main festival grounds will be located at Open Space Park. Come try a slice of the Grand Traverse Cherry Pie, grab lunch or dinner from one of the many booths of local restaurants in the food court, shop at the Cherry Farmer’s Market and so much more! Click here to learn more and explore the full list of events.
Experience the Best of National Cherry Festival at Delamar Traverse City
As the newest addition to the Delamar family, Delamar Traverse City offers exquisite views of Grand Traverse Bay, a waterfront Restaurant, and the perfect home base from which to participate in the National Cherry Festival. Book your stay with us today and enjoy this annual Michigan tradition.
Comments Off on Plan Your Visit to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Home to 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and picturesque freshwater beaches, forested wilderness islands, and miles of hiking trails, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Northern Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes became part of the national park system in 1970 and is one of the only places in the world where you can see perched dunes, which are formed when high waves from the lake “perch” grasslands on top of the bluff. Whatever your interests, this stunning lakeshore has something for everyone to enjoy.
Located north of Empire on M-109, the Dune Climb offers pure unadulterated fun for the entire family. Climb to the top of the dunes for a beautiful view of Glen Lake and then roll down to the picnic area for a break and refreshments.
While doing the Dune Climb, be sure to check in with the visitor center, as well as a park store, restrooms, and picnic area. You can also take a 3.5-mile hike on the Dunes Trail to Lake Michigan.
The Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum is located just west of the historic village of Glen Haven. The museum features exhibits that cover the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and Great Lakes shipping. During the summer months at 3:00 PM every day, there is a re-enactment of the breeches buoy rescue drill using Raggedy Ann & Andy as our shipwreck victims.
After your visit, stop and walk around the village of Glen Haven, which is lined with shops and stores, and has been restored to its appearance in the 1920s.
The paved 27-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail runs from the northern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the Leelanau/Benzie County line. While most of the trail is asphalt, a 3-mile section that goes through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District north of Glen Arbor is crushed stone. Don’t forget to stop along the way and take in the beautiful views of Lake Michigan, lush green forests, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
This 7.4-mile drive circuits through the Beech-Maple Forest and dunes, providing visitors with views of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Lake Michigan.
Be sure to stop on the way at the Lake Michigan Overlook. This observation deck is 450 feet above sea level and is the perfect place to sit, relax and enjoy the sunset over Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers plenty of opportunities to paddle a canoe or kayak. There are two rivers for easy paddling; the Platte River, located in the southern part of the park, and the Crystal River that flows from Glen Lake to Lake Michigan. You can bring your own boat, raft, or tube, or rent one in the area. Head over to Lake Michigan to kayak along the sandy beaches and take in views of the mountains and dunes.
Experience the Best of Sleeping Bear Dunes at DELAMAR Traverse City
As the newest addition to the Delamar family, Delamar Traverse City offers exquisite views of Grand Traverse Bay, a waterfront Restaurant, and activities for everyone to enjoy. It is just a quick drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Enjoy this national treasure when you stay with us this summer at Delamar Traverse City!
Comments Off on Experience Traverse City on a Bike
With scenic paved and dirt trails all over the region, biking is quickly becoming one of the most popular outdoor activities in Traverse City. And with May being National Bike Month, there’s no better time to grab a cruiser, road, or mountain bike, and take in all that Traverse City has to offer.
Probably the most popular route for cyclists, joggers, and walkers alike is this 10.5-mile-long, paved, non-motorized trail that runs along Grand Traverse Bay. Bicycle and in-line skate rentals are available at several area bicycle shops. The trail offers picturesque views along the lakeshore and plenty of spots for a selfie moment.
The paved, multi-use 27-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail runs from the northern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the Leelanau/Benzie County line. While most of the trail is asphalt, a 3-mile section that goes through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District north of Glen Arbor is crushed stone. Don’t forget to stop along the way and take in the gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, the lush green forests, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Located just a few minutes west of downtown Traverse City, is one of the largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse redevelopments in the country. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a unique collection of historic buildings, wooded grounds, and 140-acres of unpaved trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Stop by to rest and refuel at the cafes, bakeries, and other shops in the Village after your ride.
This 3-mile, all-season, recreational trail located on the scenic property of 45 North Vineyard. The trail is free to use and explore, on foot or by bike, during business hours. Starting near the tasting room, it wanders through the vines and ends at the top vineyard with views of the entire property and surrounding hills. The trail winds down through a wooded portion of the vineyard before returning to the tasting room, where you can toast with the latest vintage.
Located Northeast of Traverse City in Bellaire, the 814 acres that make up the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area are home to 31.5 miles of hiking and mountain biking dirt trails. With a mix of hills, flat and fast sections, you’re sure to find something that meets your skill level, or even a bit of a challenge.
Experience the Best of Northern Michigan at Delamar Traverse City
As the newest addition to the Delamar family, Delamar Traverse City offers exquisite views of Grand Traverse Bay, a waterfront Restaurant, and activities for everyone to enjoy. The resort is just minutes from some of the nation’s most scenic biking and hiking trails. The vistas will certainly give you a new point of view on the traditional family retreat!
Comments Off on 5 Things to Do this Summer in Traverse City, Michigan
Located on the banks of Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, Traverse City is home to beautiful freshwater beaches, an extensive network of trails for hiking and biking, fishing areas, vineyards, a National Lakeshore park, and numerous forests that draw in nearly half a million visitors every year. It is also the home of our newest Delamar location, Delamar Traverse City.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Michigan, or have vacationed in the state before, Traverse City has something to offer for everyone. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Traverse City this summer.
Traverse City is considered the “Cherry Capital of the World” and is the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States. The National Cherry Festival was created to celebrate and promote cherries, and the Grand Traverse region. The 2021 event will feature the familiar Porch Parade, as well as events like the Arts & Crafts Fair, the Old Town Car Show, and the Great American Duck Race.
Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Part of the national park system since 1970, Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 35 mi. stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline. The park is home to miles of picturesque freshwater beaches, forested wilderness areas, and miles of hiking trails, including the multi-use, paved pathway Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
There are about 40 different wineries located throughout the Traverse City region. Lake Michigan provides the perfect natural insulation and fertile soil for the most succulent grapes. Here are a few wineries located near our Traverse City Delamar location:
Bowers Harbor Winery – Located on the Old Mission Peninsula, Bowers Harbor offers wine tasting and wine dinners in a beautiful tasting room that overlooks the Grand Traverse Bay.
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery– This family-owned vineyard and winery is located in an 1890s homestead overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay.
Left Foot Charley – Located in Traverse City, in what used to be the Northern Michigan Asylum, Leg Foot Charley offers visitors a uniquely urban winery experience.
Experience Traverse City from the water by booking a boat tour. Delamar Traverse City is located on the waterfront and has private charters, sunset cruises & watercraft rentals right here at the resort. Here are a few of our partners for fun on the lake:
Nauticat Boat Tour – Nauticat offers four different daytime cruises that are sure to be fun for the entire family.
Aussie Watersports – If you’re looking to rent a jet-ski, kayak, or paddleboard, look no further than Aussie Watersports. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve in advance!
Wind Dancer – Wind Dancer provides Sailboat and Sunset Sail cruises, as well as Pontoon charters. The luxury Regency 6-passenger Pontoon can be rented by the day (in two-hour increments) or by evening (a 3-hour sunset charter).
Explore Downtown Traverse City
Downtown Traverse City serves as the cultural hub for the Grand Traverse Region and is a shopper paradise. Over 200 specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, and galleries line the streets of the tree-shaded, pedestrian-friendly downtown. At night, shopping gives way to a vibrant nightlife.
While you’re strolling down Front Street, be sure to check out the historic City Opera House and the art deco movie theatre in the heart of downtown.
Enjoy the Best of Summer at Delamar Traverse City
As the newest addition to the Delamar family, Delamar Traverse City offers exquisite views of Grand Traverse Bay, a waterfront Restaurant, and boat charters and cruise excursions. Book your summer stay with us today. It will be a memorable getaway for the entire family.
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Home to 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and picturesque freshwater beaches, forested wilderness islands, and miles of hiking trails, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Northern Michigan.
There are about 40 different wineries located throughout the Traverse City region. Lake Michigan provides the perfect natural insulation and fertile soil for the most succulent grapes. Here are a few wineries located near our Traverse City Delamar location:
Enjoy Boat Tours on Grand Traverse Bay