Traverse City is in a large resort and recreational area. The city features numerous shops, a mall, and restaurants. Local attractions include wineries, sand dunes, trophy fishing, rivers, large lakes, great biking and snowmobiling.

Smooth beaches and striking bay views help make lively Traverse City, 242 miles northwest of Detroit, the favorite in-state resort for Michigan natives. The Traverse City area claims to be "Cherry Capital of the World" with thousands of acres of cherry orchards envelop the town, their wispy, pink blossoms bringing a delicate beauty each May. At the National Cherry Festival during the first full week in July, visitors can watch parades, fireworks and concerts and sample every imaginable cherry product (www.cherryfestival.org) 

Thousands visit the area each summer for its watersports, famous festivals and the spectacular scenery of Sleeping Bear Dunes Recreation Area.

This beautiful area has many scenic drives along the shoreline and inland.

In summer, the bay provides good boating and fishing.

The area provides many opportunities for winter sports. The North American VASA Race, a classic cross-country skiing race, is held in February.

Traverse City's neat downtown rests along the bottom of the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, below the Old Mission Peninsula. This slender eighteen-mile strip of land, which divides the bay into two inlets, makes for a pleasant short driving tour. Narrow roads slice through miles of cherry orchards and vineyards, with tremendous simultaneous views of the bay on either side. Five sandy public beaches and a small harbor can be found around the town itself. Various companies offer boat, windsurfer, jet ski and mountain bike rental (the surrounding countryside is excellent for cycling).

There are 36 golf courses, some of them among the most beautiful in the country.

Other places of interest include the Chateau Chantal Winery, Chateau Grand Travers, Clinch Park, and art at the Dennos Museum Center.

Enjoy many other nearby attractions including the National Cherry Festival, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Interlochen National Music Camp, Cherry County Playhouse, Leland Fish Town, Veronica Valley Golf Course, island boat trips, and much more.

The Old Mission Peninsula is a beautifully protected 18 mile stretch of land that divides Grand Traverse Bay. Because of its typography, it is known as the Cherry Capital of the world and is fast becoming known for its wineries.

Traverse City was a major logging center. There are many fine Victorian mansions and a well developed downtown area with many shops, restaurants, and attractions.