This Lesser-known Fall Foliage Vacation spot Is the ‘Cherry Capital of the World’ — How one can Plan Your Go to

Traverse Metropolis, Michigan, has already made its mark as an distinctive summer season vacation spot, with sandy seashores, rolling vineyards, and lakefront views. Plus, it’s lengthy been thought-about the “Cherry Capital of the World,” with roadside stands promoting the summer season harvest and blossoming cherry bushes asserting the arrival of spring.

However come autumn, Traverse Metropolis tends to fall off vacationers’ radar, which is a disgrace since summer season is admittedly solely the beginning of the enjoyable. 

When the climate begins to chill, the orchards, vineyards, and forest surrounding the town start their colourful shift and the autumn apple harvest begins. Bushels of apples exchange cherries at native farm stands and the world’s U-Decide orchards put together for apple pickers. (Plus, the arrival of apples means cider donuts, apple cider, and exhausting cider aren’t far behind.)

Right here’s the best way to plan an idyllic fall go to to Traverse Metropolis, the land of cherries and apples:

What to Do (and Eat)

Taking a scenic drive from your own home base in Traverse Metropolis will get you oriented and set the tone for the whole journey. The tourism board has put collectively 5 fall drives that each one begin and finish in Traverse Metropolis and are recognized for his or her fall colours.

We suggest beginning your journey driving alongside the Previous Mission Peninsula, which juts into Grand Traverse Bay north of the town. Alongside the best way, you’ll cross a number of orchards and wineries, which are usually totally decked out in fall foliage by mid-October. 

You’ll spot a number of orchards, farms, and wineries should you determine to discover the area by automobile, however a number of are to not be missed. At Rennie Orchards you’ll discover 19 forms of apples you could choose your self, whereas the neighboring Myrtle & Maudes expands the autumn celebration to incorporate a pumpkin patch, apple cider slushies, and particular occasions like bonfires and soccer video games displayed on an outside massive display screen. 

To the west of Traverse Metropolis sprawls the family-owned Jacob’s Farm, which is understood for its elaborate corn maze, together with U-Decide orchards and an on-site restaurant. In the meantime, should you’re in search of fall baked items and recent cider, head to Gallagher’s Farms, one other family-owned farm that has a market and bakery.

What to Drink

Fall is cider season in Traverse Metropolis, so do because the locals do and embrace it. Along with fresh-pressed apple cider on the space’s farms and orchards, you’ll discover a number of cideries that flip native apples into scrumptious exhausting cider. 

Townline Ciderworks between Elk Rapids and Traverse Metropolis is a longtime favourite. They’ve been rising apples for 60 years and making exhausting ciders for a strong 20. Throughout the bay, you’ll discover Souls Squeeze Cellars and Suttons Bay Ciders, the latter of which has lakefront views from its tasting room. 

Should you’re not a cider fan, you’ll discover a hearty handful of breweries scattered all through downtown Traverse Metropolis and there’s the Traverse Metropolis Beer Week working from Nov. 8–16.

The place to Keep

There are many quaint, boutique properties scattered all through the Traverse Metropolis space. Favorites embody the brand new Alexandra Inn, which has a rooftop terrace overlooking the bay and 32 luxurious visitor rooms — every with a view over the water. 

If you wish to keep within the coronary heart of Traverse Metropolis take a look at The Flats at Entrance + Union. The fantastically designed and embellished 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom flats present ample house and an apartment-like really feel that can have you ever dreaming of a transfer to Traverse Metropolis. 

For a extra standard-style lodge room in downtown Traverse Metropolis, e-book a room on the Lodge Indigo.